Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
1. Grand Mosque (Masjid Wakaf Kelantan) Scam Awareness
Stay vigilant against false guides or overpriced offerings around the Grand Mosque. Always verify information with reliable sources.
- Reliable Information Sources: Use hotel staff, travel guides, or online forums to verify information.
- Negotiating Skills: Haggle prices before accepting any service or tour offers.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-populated, safe areas around the mosque.
2. Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah Market Scam Prevention
Guard against pickpocketing and overpriced items in the bustling Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah market. Maintain awareness of your belongings and negotiate prices carefully.
- Stay Aware: Keep an eye on your possessions in crowded areas.
- Negotiate Skills: Haggle prices before purchasing items to get a fair deal.
- Trusted Shopkeepers: Buy from reputable, established shopkeepers.
3. Kota Bharu Night Market Scam Warning
Avoid fake money changers and overpriced food at the Kota Bharu Night Market. Always exchange money in banks or verified exchange centers.
- Money Exchange Safety: Exchange money in banks or verified exchange centers.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of food items before purchasing.
- Stay Alert: Stay alert and avoid isolated areas during nighttime.
4. Goldsmith Scams in Kampung Baru
Be cautious of gold scams at goldsmiths in Kampung Baru. Verify the quality and authenticity of items before making a purchase.
- Quality Verification: Have items checked by a trusted jeweler or appraiser.
- Purchase History: Research the goldsmith's history and reputation before making a purchase.
- Negotiating Skills: Haggle prices for gold items to get a fair deal.
5. Taxi Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid overcharging and unwanted stops by pre-arranging rides or using meter-taxis in Kota Bharu.
- Pre-Arranged Rides: Use apps like Grab or arrange rides through your hotel.
- Meter Usage: Insist on using a meter-taxi and verify it is functioning properly.
- Trusted Sources: Follow recommendations from locals or reliable sources for reputable taxi services.
6. ATM Scams in Kota Bharu
Protect your card and PIN when using ATMs in Kota Bharu. Be cautious of card skimming and suspicious bystanders.
- Card Protection: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
- Choose Safe ATMs: Use well-lit, busy ATMs and avoid those that appear tampered with or isolated.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.
7. Sim Card Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid unwanted charges or stolen phones by purchasing sim cards at authorized dealers in Kota Bharu.
- Authorized Dealers: Buy sim cards from official stores of the telecom companies.
- Check Package Details: Thoroughly review package details before making a purchase.
- Secure Registration: Register your sim card with valid identification to prevent unauthorized use.
8. Tour Guide Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid misleading tour guides by researching and booking tours with reputable companies in Kota Bharu.
- Research Tour Companies: Read reviews and research tour companies before booking.
- Avoid Street Offers: Avoid accepting tour offers from unlicensed guides on the street.
- Check Itinerary: Verify the itinerary of the tour and ensure it meets your expectations.
9. Beachfront Scams in Pasir Panjang Beach
Avoid overpriced food, drinks, and services at Pasir Panjang Beach. Bring your own supplies or negotiate prices carefully.
- Bring Supplies: Pack your own food, drinks, and beach essentials.
- Negotiate Skills: Haggle prices for food, drinks, or services at the beach.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-populated areas of the beach to avoid suspicious activity.
10. Temple Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid unwanted solicitations or fake offerings at temples. Respect local customs and traditions.
- Respect Local Customs: Follow the rules and guidelines provided by the temple.
- Avoid Solicitations: Politely decline unwanted offers or solicitations.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Use guides from reputable sources to learn about the temple's history and significance.
11. Street Food Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid foodborne illnesses or overpriced street food. Choose busy, popular vendors and avoid consuming raw or undercooked items.
- Busy Vendors: Choose vendors with a steady stream of customers.
- Cooked Food: Avoid raw or undercooked items to prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar dishes among different vendors before purchasing.
12. Transport Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid overpriced or unsafe transport by negotiating fares and checking vehicle conditions.
- Negotiate Fares: Haggle prices for transport services.
- Vehicle Conditions: Check the vehicle's condition before entering.
- Trusted Sources: Use apps like Grab or arrange rides through your hotel for trusted transport options.
13. Cultural Event Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid ticket scams or overpriced events by researching and purchasing tickets from authorized sources.
- Research Events: Learn about the cultural events happening in Kota Bharu.
- Authorized Sources: Purchase tickets from authorized event organizers or venues.
- Avoid Street Offers: Avoid accepting ticket offers from unlicensed vendors on the street.
14. Accommodation Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid low-quality or overpriced accommodations by researching and booking through reputable sources.
- Research Accommodations: Read reviews and compare prices of various accommodations.
- Reputable Sources: Book accommodations through reliable sources like booking websites or travel agencies.
- Location Consideration: Choose accommodations that are centrally located for easy access to attractions.
15. Charity Scams in Kota Bharu
Avoid fake charities or scams by researching and verifying the authenticity of organizations.
- Research Charities: Learn about legitimate charities operating in Kota Bharu.
- Verify Authenticity: Check the charity's registration and verify their presence in the community.
- Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted online platforms for donations.