Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Samarkand, Samarqand, Uzbekistan

All Topics about Samarkand All Cities in Uzbekistan

1. Bibi-Khanym Mosque Scam

Watch out for overzealous guides who offer 'private' tours at inflated prices; insist on official rates.

Inflated Prices: Guides may try to charge more than the official rate.
Unofficial Tours: Tours not recognized by authorities could provide subpar experiences.
Time Wasting: These guides may waste your valuable travel time.

Be aware of crowded areas and pickpockets at Registan Square; keep personal belongings secure.

Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target crowded tourist spots.
Valuable Belongings: Travelers should be mindful of their belongings, especially in busy areas.
Distraction Techniques: Pickpockets may use distractions to steal from unsuspecting tourists.

Be wary of overpriced or fake merchandise at silk and carpet shops; negotiate prices before purchase.

Overpricing: Items may be priced higher than their actual worth.
Counterfeit Goods: Some shops may sell fake or low-quality items.
Persistent Salespeople: Salespeople can be pushy and persistent, which may lead to unwanted purchases.

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on a fare before departure; use reputable companies.

Overpricing: Taxis may charge more than the standard rate.
Reputation: Some taxi companies have a better reputation for fair pricing and service.
Language Barrier: The language barrier may make it difficult to negotiate a fare.

Stick to official exchange offices for best rates; beware of 'helpful' strangers offering exchange services.

Official Exchanges: Official exchanges provide the best exchange rates.
Strangers Offering Exchange: Unauthorized individuals may offer to exchange money at unfavorable rates or keep some for themselves.
Hidden Fees: Some unofficial exchanges may charge hidden fees.

Avoid overpriced restaurants near tourist attractions; seek out local eateries for authentic and affordable meals.

Location: Restaurants near tourist attractions often charge higher prices.
Authenticity: Local eateries offer a more authentic and affordable dining experience.
Menu Translation: Translation of the menu can help travelers make informed decisions about pricing.

Only hire licensed guides; verify their credentials and research their reputation.

Licensed Guides: Official guides are trained and knowledgeable about the area.
Credentials Verification: Verifying a guide's credentials helps ensure they are licensed and qualified.
Reputation: Researching a guide's reputation can help avoid scams and ensure a quality tour.

Stick to sealed bottles of water or buy from reputable vendors; avoid refilling bottles with tap water.

Sealed Bottles: Ensure the bottle is sealed to prevent tampering.
Reputable Vendors: Purchase water from trusted vendors to avoid contamination.
Tap Water: Avoid refilling bottles with tap water as it may not be safe for consumption.

Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit areas; cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Location: ATMs in banks or well-lit areas are less likely to have skimming devices.
Keypad Coverage: Covering the keypad can prevent others from seeing your PIN.
Frequent Checks: Regularly checking account balances and transactions can help detect skimming quickly.

Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors; verify ticket authenticity before boarding.

Authorized Vendors: Official ticket vendors provide legitimate transportation tickets.
Ticket Authenticity: Verifying the authenticity of a ticket can prevent issues during travel.
Forgery Detection: Be aware of common forgery techniques to spot counterfeit tickets.

Avoid overcrowded or poorly maintained vehicles; only use licensed and reputable transport services.

Overcrowding: Overcrowded vehicles can pose safety risks.
Vehicle Maintenance: Poorly maintained vehicles may be unsafe and uncomfortable.
Licensed Services: Licensed transport services follow safety guidelines and regulations.

Book accommodation through reputable sources; check reviews and ratings before booking.

Reputable Sources: Booking accommodation through trusted sources can help avoid scams.
Reviews and Ratings: Positive reviews and high ratings indicate a good experience for previous guests.
Online Presence: A clear online presence, including website and social media accounts, can boost confidence in an accommodation option.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering assistance; be wary of requests for money or personal belongings.

Overfriendliness: Friendly behavior may disguise ulterior motives.
Requests for Money: Be wary of any requests for money or personal belongings from strangers.
Travel Safety: Safety is a priority, and travelers should be mindful of their actions and belongings at all times.

Appreciate street performers but avoid giving money without checking their performance is genuine.

Genuine Performances: Check the skill level and authenticity of a performance before donating.
Organized Scams: Some performances may be organized scams with multiple participants.
Donation Amount: Consider the value of the performance before deciding on a donation amount.

Ask for identification if approached by law enforcement; never hand over personal belongings or money.

Identification Check: Law enforcement should be able to provide identification upon request.
Personal Belongings and Money: Never give personal belongings or money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement without proper verification.
Legitimate Authorities: Know the appearance and behavior of legitimate authorities in Samarkand to avoid falling victim to scams.