Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dehra Dūn, Uttarākhand, India

All Topics about Dehra Dūn All Cities in India

1. Taxi Scam at Dehradun Bus Stand

Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxis at the bus stand. Always negotiate price beforehand.

Price Negotiation: Negotiating the price before starting the journey helps to avoid overcharging.
Metered Taxis: Insist on metered taxis to ensure fair pricing.
Shared Taxis: Consider sharing a taxi with fellow travelers for cost savings.

Avoid unofficial guides offering services at tourist spots. Only hire licensed guides from Tourist Information Centers.

Licensed Guides: Always check for a valid license before hiring a guide.
Tourist Information Centers: Hire guides from approved Tourist Information Centers.
Research Ahead: Research and plan your itinerary in advance to avoid getting scammed by unscrupulous guides.

Be wary of overpriced or low-quality souvenirs at local markets. Visit government-approved shops for authentic items.

Government-Approved Shops: Look for government approval stickers on shops before buying souvenirs.
Negotiation Skills: Haggle prices at local markets to avoid overpaying.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from locals or fellow travelers before purchasing souvenirs.

Avoid unlicensed money exchange shops and use established banks or airport exchange kiosks for currency exchange.

Established Banks: Use banks with a good reputation for currency exchange.
Airport Exchange Kiosks: Exchange money at the airport before leaving or upon arrival to avoid scams.
Online Research: Research exchange rates and read reviews of exchange services before using them.

Be cautious when booking accommodation online. Check for verified reviews and book through reputable platforms.

Reputable Platforms: Book through well-known travel platforms with good customer service.
Verified Reviews: Look for verified reviews from previous guests to ensure a positive experience.
Location and Amenities: Check the location and amenities of accommodations before booking.

Avoid unnecessary water charges by declining bottled water and asking for tap water in restaurants.

Tap Water Request: Requesting tap water can help avoid unwanted charges.
Restaurant Reputation: Choose reputable restaurants with good customer service.
Water Purification: Check if the restaurant uses purified water and has good hygiene practices.

Avoid rickshaws without meters and negotiate fares before starting the journey.

Metered Rickshaws: Insist on using metered rickshaws for fair pricing.
Negotiation Skills: Haggle prices before starting the journey to avoid overpaying.
Shared Rickshaws: Consider sharing a rickshaw with fellow travelers for cost savings.

Avoid buying SIM cards from unauthorized vendors. Buy only from official retail stores or authorized resellers.

Official Retail Stores: Buy SIM cards from authorized retail stores.
Authorized Resellers: Check for authorization from the network provider before buying a SIM card.
Data Packages: Ensure you purchase a data package that suits your needs to avoid overcharging.

Be wary of individuals asking for donations on the street. Support legitimate charities through trusted channels.

Trusted Channels: Donate to reputable and registered charities.
Research Charities: Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
Avoid Street Donations: Avoid giving money to individuals asking for donations on the street.

Avoid eating at restaurants near tourist spots as they often overcharge. Explore local eateries for authentic and affordable meals.

Local Eateries: Find local, hole-in-the-wall eateries for authentic and reasonably priced meals.
Street Food Stalls: Try street food stalls for affordable and delicious local cuisine.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for their favorite eating spots to avoid tourist traps.

Avoid buying gold jewelry from unlicensed vendors. Only purchase from trusted jewelry stores with a hallmark.

Trusted Jewelry Stores: Buy gold jewelry from established and reputable jewelers.
Hallmark Verification: Check for a hallmark to ensure the purity of gold jewelry.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other stores and online research before making a purchase.

Avoid spas and massage parlors without proper certifications. Research reputable spas before booking treatments.

Certified Spas: Choose spas with proper certifications and licenses.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from locals or fellow travelers before booking a treatment.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other spas and online research before making a booking.

Be wary of counterfeit items being sold at local bazaars. Look for high-quality and authentic goods.

High-Quality Goods: Inspect the quality of the goods before making a purchase.
Brand Authenticity: Check for official brand logos and holograms on items to ensure authenticity.
Ask the Seller: Ask the seller about the origin of the item to confirm its authenticity.

Avoid booking tours with unlicensed operators. Research and book through reputable tour companies.

Reputable Tour Companies: Choose a tour company with good reviews and a proven track record.
Licensed Operators: Ensure the tour operator is licensed and certified by the relevant authorities.
Itinerary Customization: Customize your itinerary according to your interests and requirements.

Avoid using ATMs that look tampered or unofficial. Use only ATMs located at banks or well-lit areas.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks for security.
Well-lit Areas: Choose well-lit areas to use ATMs, especially during nighttime.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.