Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany

1. Fraudulent Taxi Drivers

Avoid unlicensed taxi services. Stick to official taxis with city-approved decals.

Decal Recognition: Learn to recognize the city-approved taxi decals
App-based Services: Use app-based services like TaxiWirtschaft Nürnberg for official taxis
Awareness: Be aware of common scams such as inflated fares or unnecessary detours

Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors. Visit authorized shops for genuine products.

Authorized Shops: Know where to find official city-authorized souvenir shops
Quality Assurance: Counterfeit items often lack quality assurance stickers or certificates
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other stores to avoid overpriced counterfeits

Avoid restaurants offering 'special deals' without menu. Stick to popular and established eateries.

Menu Availability: Ask for a menu before agreeing to any food or drink offers
Reputation: Choose restaurants with good reviews and a long-standing reputation
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite eateries to avoid tourist traps

Avoid unofficial guides. Use registered and licensed guides provided by the city.

Registration Check: Check for registration badges or licenses on guides
Local Knowledge: Genuine guides have extensive knowledge of the city and its history
Reputation: Choose guides with good reviews from other tourists

Examine bills carefully. Newer German euro banknotes have security features that make them harder to counterfeit.

Security Features: Familiarize yourself with the security features of newer German euro banknotes
ATM Safety: Use ATMs in secure locations and avoid using them at night
Change Validation: Exchange large amounts of money at banks or authorized exchange offices

Avoid booking accommodations through unknown sources. Use reputable online travel agencies.

Online Reputation: Choose websites with good reputation and secure payment options
Location: Consider the location of your accommodation to avoid secluded areas
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other booking platforms and hotels directly

Keep your belongings secure. Avoid carrying excessive cash and valuables.

Valuable Items: Avoid carrying unnecessary valuable items
Secure Bags: Use bags with zippers and carry them in front of you
Crowded Places: Avoid crowded places, especially during peak tourist seasons

Be wary of individuals collecting for charities. Check if they are authorized by the charity.

Authorized Collectors: Ask collectors for authorization from the charity organization
Online Research: Research charities to ensure they are legitimate and in need of donations
Secure Donation: Make secure donations through the charity's official website or authorized collection points

Support licensed street performers. Avoid giving money to unlicensed individuals.

Licensing Check: Check for licenses or permits displayed by performers
Donation Boxes: Look for official donation boxes near licensed performances
Local Regulations: Understand local regulations regarding street performances

Rent from reputable rental agencies. Avoid renting without a written contract.

Written Contract: Always get a written rental agreement before using any services
Reputation: Choose rental agencies with good reviews and reputation
Location: Consider the location of the rental agency to avoid scams

Buy tickets from authorized outlets. Avoid ticket resellers or street vendors.

Authorized Outlets: Find authorized ticket sales outlets for attractions and events
Reseller Warning Signs: Be wary of resellers selling multiple tickets for different events
Event Website: Check the official event website for ticket sales and information

Rent cars from reputable agencies. Be wary of unfamiliar companies offering low prices.

Reputation: Choose rental agencies with good reputation and reviews
Unfamiliar Companies: Avoid renting from unfamiliar or unknown car rental companies
Contract Details: Always read the contract and understand the terms before signing

Use free Wi-Fi at cafes, libraries, or city hotspots. Avoid buying expensive Wi-Fi from street vendors.

Free Wi-Fi Availability: Find places offering free Wi-Fi to avoid overpriced services
Security Risks: Be aware of potential security risks when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks
City Hotspots: Use city-provided hotspots for secure and reliable internet access

Avoid photographers offering to sell you the photos they took. Enjoy the memories for free.

Unwanted Photos: Be aware that unsolicited photographers may charge for their services
Free Memories: Enjoy the memories of your trip without additional costs
Crowded Places: Be cautious in crowded places where photographers may prey on tourists

Use ATMs inside banks or reputable locations. Avoid standalone ATMs in secluded areas.

Location: Choose ATMs located in secure and well-lit locations
Bank ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or affiliated businesses for security
Card Skimming Prevention: Cover the ATM keypad while entering your PIN to prevent card skimming