Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Hamadān, Hamadān, Iran

All Topics about Hamadān All Cities in Iran

1. Bazaar of Hamadan Scam

Be wary of overpriced goods in the bustling Bazaar of Hamadan. Always agree on a price before purchase.

Know the Price: Always research common prices for items before visiting the bazaar.
Bargain Skillfully: Practice your bargaining skills to get a fair price.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Maintain awareness of your belongings and avoid distractions while haggling.

Avoid getting overcharged by taxi drivers. Agree on a price before starting your journey.

Fix the Price Beforehand: Ask locals for a reasonable fare or use a meter-driven taxi.
Be Aware of Common Routes: Learn common routes and landmarks to check if the driver is taking a longer route.
Use Trusted Services: Consider using reliable taxi services or apps, if available.

Watch out for unofficial guides offering their services. Only hire licensed guides at the tourist information center.

Check License and Credentials: Ask to see the guide's official license and credentials.
Verify Information: Compare information provided by the guide with reliable sources like travel guides or online resources.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Trust your instincts and stay vigilant during your tour.

Avoid getting ripped off at unofficial currency exchange spots. Stick to banks or authorized exchange offices.

Exchange at Authorized Locations: Research authorized currency exchange locations in Hamadan beforehand.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between different locations to find the best deal.
Secure Your Money: Keep your money in a secure location and count it immediately after exchanging.

Avoid overpriced or poor-quality food at touristy restaurants. Try local eateries instead.

Find Local Eateries: Seek recommendations from locals for good, reasonably priced eateries.
Avoid Overpriced Restaurants: Stay away from restaurants located near tourist attractions with high prices.
Check Reviews: Read reviews online to ensure the restaurant offers good food and service.

Avoid booking accommodations from unverified sources. Use trusted travel websites or hostels.

Book with Trusted Sources: Use well-known travel websites, hostels, or hotels for accommodation bookings.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure the accommodation is clean and secure.
Secure Payment Methods: Choose accommodations with secure payment methods, like credit cards or verified payment platforms.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering help or inviting you to their homes. They may trick you into buying expensive items or extort money.

Maintain Distance: Avoid sharing too much personal information with strangers.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Trust your instincts and stay vigilant when meeting new people.
Be Skeptical: Question their intentions and avoid situations that seem too good to be true.

Avoid getting ripped off when buying a SIM card. Only purchase from authorized vendors.

Buy at Authorized Stores: Purchase the SIM card from an official store or designated sales points.
Check Coverage and Prices: Research different network providers' coverage and pricing before buying a SIM card.
Secure the SIM Card: Register your SIM card and keep it in a safe place to prevent theft or unauthorized usage.

Be careful when using ATMs. Avoid ATMs that appear tampered with and use well-lit, secure locations.

Choose Secure Locations: Use ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas such as banks or shopping centers.
Check the ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account transactions to catch any unusual activity.

Avoid being overcharged or scammed at hotels. Compare prices and read reviews before booking.

Compare Prices: Research different hotel prices online and choose a reasonable price.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure the hotel is clean, secure, and offers good service.
Secure Payment Methods: Choose hotels with secure payment methods, like credit cards or verified payment platforms.

Avoid getting overcharged on public transportation. Validate your ticket before boarding and double-check the fare.

Validate Ticket Before Boarding: Always validate your ticket before getting on a bus or train.
Check Fare: Double-check the fare displayed on the vehicle to avoid overpaying.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings and stay alert during your journey.

Be wary of scammers taking advantage of festival crowds. Keep your belongings secure and stay vigilant.

Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure by wearing a money belt or bag with a zipper.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Maintain situational awareness and trust your instincts while in crowded areas.
Verify Information: Only believe information coming from trusted sources or festival organizers.

Avoid getting sick from contaminated street food. Choose clean and reputable vendors.

Choose Reputable Vendors: Find street food vendors with good hygiene practices and positive reviews.
Avoid Contaminated Food: Stay away from undercooked or improperly stored food items.
Check for Allergens: Inform the vendor about any food allergies you may have and ask about ingredients.

Avoid getting ripped off when renting a car. Check the rental conditions carefully before signing any documents.

Read Rental Conditions Carefully: Thoroughly read and understand the rental agreement to avoid hidden fees or penalties.
Inspect the Car Beforehand: Inspect the car for any damages before driving away to prevent being charged later.
Compare Prices: Research different rental prices online and choose a reasonable rate.

Avoid being overcharged or scammed when renting a bicycle. Choose reputable rental shops and check the bike before riding.

Choose Reputable Shops: Find bicycle rental shops with good reviews and fair prices.
Inspect the Bike Before Riding: Check the bike for any damages before riding away to avoid being charged later.
Compare Prices: Research different rental prices online and choose a reasonable rate.