Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Mykolaiv, Mykolaivska Oblast, Ukraine

1. Currency Exchange Scams

Watch for dishonest rates and forced currency conversions at unofficial exchange booths.

Unregulated Exchange Booths: Exchange only at banks or officially designated kiosks.
Hidden Fees: Check for any hidden charges before exchanging money.
Unfavorable Rates: Verify the exchange rate online or with a reliable source before exchanging currency.

Avoid taxis without meters and negotiate prices for fixed-rate journeys.

No Meter: Only take licensed taxis with functioning meters.
Negotiated Prices: Agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Safety: Always use reputable taxi services for safe travel.

Be cautious when using ATMs, especially those in secluded areas.

Secluded ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, populated areas.
Cover Your PIN: Protect your personal identification number (PIN) from prying eyes.
Check Your Account Regularly: Regularly check your account to detect any unauthorized transactions.

Keep personal belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.

Crowded Places: Be extra cautious in crowded areas, such as markets or tourist spots.
Secure Bags and Wallets: Use bags with zippers and secure wallets, preferably hidden under clothing.
Avoid Distractions: Be vigilant and avoid getting distracted by strangers in the crowd.

Read multiple reviews of accommodations to find genuine feedback.

Multiple Sources: Check reviews from various travel websites, not just one.
Recent Reviews: Prioritize recent reviews for a more accurate understanding of the accommodation.
Photographs: Look at photographs of the accommodations to verify their quality and condition.

Bargain and compare prices with other shops for fair souvenir deals.

Shop Around: Visit multiple shops before purchasing souvenirs to find the best price.
Bargaining Skills: Use your bargaining skills to negotiate a fairer price with vendors.
Avoid Marketed Prices: Ignore displayed prices and aim for the actual selling price.

Research tours from reputable providers and read customer reviews.

Reputable Providers: Choose tours provided by established tour companies.
Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews to ensure a positive experience.
Inclusive Pricing: Ensure the tour price includes all entrance fees and guide costs.

Be cautious when donating to street performers, as some may be scammers.

Real Performances: Only donate to legitimate performances that offer quality entertainment.
Donation Boxes: Don't put money directly into performers' hands, use designated boxes.
Avoid Pressure: Don't feel pressured to donate and walk away if uncomfortable.

Beware of cheap, overly-discounted goods that may be counterfeit.

Check Quality: Inspect the quality and packaging of items to detect counterfeits.
Brand Authenticity: Ensure the item is from a reputable brand, not a knock-off.
Price Checks: Compare prices with other shops to verify if the deal seems too good to be true.

Settle your bill promptly and carefully review it before leaving the restaurant.

Careful Billing: Double-check your bill for accuracy to avoid overcharges.
Payment Methods: Use credit or debit cards instead of cash when possible, making disputes easier.
Busy Restaurants: Avoid restaurants that are understaffed or overcrowded to minimize the risk of a dine-and-dash scam.

Verify rental properties through online reviews and in-person inspections.

Online Reviews: Check reviews on multiple platforms to get an accurate picture of the property.
In-Person Inspection: Visit the rental property before booking and take note of any discrepancies.
Payment Security: Use secure payment methods, such as credit cards, for transactions.

Report lost items to the local authorities rather than strangers offering help.

Authorities Involvement: Contact local police or loss and found departments for reporting lost items.
Suspicious Offers: Be wary of strangers offering to return your lost item in exchange for money or personal information.
Backup Copies: Keep backup copies of important documents, such as passports and visas, in a secure location.

Maintain a level of caution when interacting with friendly locals who seem too eager to help.

Caution with Strangers: Be cautious when interacting with strangers, especially those who offer assistance without being asked.
Personal Information Sharing: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information with unfamiliar people.
Travel in Groups: Travel in groups and stick together to minimize the risk of friendly scams.

Purchase SIM cards from official retailers or authorized vendors.

Official Retailers: Buy your SIM card from a company-owned store or authorized resellers.
Data Protection: Protect your personal information by not sharing it during the SIM purchase process.
Double Check Your Purchase: Confirm that you received a functional SIM card and the correct data package.

Compare prices for internet access at different cafes before making a selection.

Price Comparison: Check the prices of other internet cafes in the area before selecting one.
Internet Speed and Quality: Ensure that the internet connection is fast, stable, and secure.
Avoid Distractions: Choose a quiet and secure location for your online activities.