Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Taxi Scam at Airport
Unofficial taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Always use the licensed counter at the airport.
- Overcharging: Drivers may charge exorbitant prices
- Longer Routes: Some drivers take longer routes to increase fares
- Safety Concerns: Unofficial taxis may not have proper insurance or safety measures
2. Counterfeit Currency Scam
Counterfeit Ringgit notes are sometimes passed as genuine. Always check the authenticity of your money.
- Fake Banknotes: Counterfeit banknotes look similar to real ones
- Easy to Miss: Differences can be subtle and hard to spot for the untrained eye
- Potential Loss: Losing money due to counterfeit notes can cause financial problems
3. Fake Tour Operators
Some tour operators may promise attractive deals but provide subpar services. Research and book tours from reputable companies.
- Attractive Deals: Tour operators may offer prices significantly lower than market rates
- Subpar Services: Tours may be poorly organized or lack guides, transportation, or other essentials
- Scams: In some cases, tour operators may not exist at all and the money is taken without providing services
4. Overpriced Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops may charge inflated prices. Research typical costs before shopping.
- Inflated Prices: Souvenirs may be priced significantly higher than in other shops or markets
- Unwanted Items: Buyers may end up with souvenirs they do not want or need
- Loss of Money: Overpaying for souvenirs can lead to unnecessary financial strain
5. Scammy Bars and Restaurants
Some bars and restaurants may serve low-quality food or drink at inflated prices. Choose establishments with good reviews and check menus before dining.
- Low Quality: Food and drinks may not meet the quality promised
- Inflated Prices: Prices may be significantly higher than market rates for similar items
- Negative Experiences: Visitors may have unpleasant dining experiences due to poor service or food quality
6. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use unhygienic practices or serve undercooked food. Stick to well-reviewed and busy food stalls.
- Unhygienic Practices: Food may be handled improperly, increasing the risk of illness
- Undercooked Food: Food may not be cooked thoroughly, posing a health risk
- Disappointing Taste: The food may not taste as expected due to poor preparation or ingredients
7. Sim Card Scams
Some sim card vendors may sell faulty cards or charge for services not provided. Buy sim cards from authorized retailers.
- Faulty Cards: Sim cards may not work as expected, causing connectivity issues
- Charges for Unused Services: Vendors may charge for services that are not provided or unnecessary add-ons
- Data Theft: Some vendors may gain access to personal information through the sim card
8. Shore Excursion Scams
Some shore excursion providers may offer poor services or overcharge for tours. Research and book through trusted sources.
- Poor Services: Tours may be poorly organized or lack essential elements
- Overcharging: Prices for tours may be significantly higher than the market rate
- Scams: In some cases, tour providers may not exist at all and the money is taken without providing services
9. Rental Car Scams
Some car rental companies may charge for damages already present or offer cars in poor condition. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before renting.
- Charges for Damages: Rental companies may charge customers for pre-existing damages
- Poor Condition: Rented cars may have mechanical issues or be in poor overall condition
- Unfair Fees: Rental companies may charge additional fees that are not clearly stated
10. Hotel Overbooking Scam
Some hotels may overbook rooms, leaving guests without a place to stay. Book with reputable hotels and double-check reservations.
- Lack of Accommodation: Guests may be left without a place to stay, potentially causing travel disruptions
- Bad Reputation: Overbooking reflects poorly on the hotel's reliability and customer service
- Additional Costs: Guests may be required to pay additional costs due to overbooking, such as alternate accommodation fees
11. ATM Skimming Scam
Some ATMs may be rigged with skimming devices to steal card information. Use well-lit and busy ATMs, or banks whenever possible.
- Card Information Theft: ATM skimmers capture data from the magnetic stripe on the card
- PIN Number Theft: Skimmers may also record PIN numbers using hidden cameras or keypad overlays
- Financial Loss: Stolen card information can lead to unauthorized withdrawals and financial loss
12. Gold Scam
Some jewelers may sell fake or low-quality gold jewelry. Buy from reputable shops or check for authenticity.
- Fake Gold: Jewelry may be made of materials that are not gold
- Low Quality: Gold jewelry may be of poor quality, tarnishing easily or losing its luster quickly
- Overpricing: Gold jewelry may be priced significantly higher than the market rate for similar items
13. Friendly Scam
Strangers may try to build a rapport and ask for help or money. Be cautious of overly friendly individuals, especially in tourist areas.
- Asking for Money: Individuals may ask for money, claiming various reasons such as medical emergencies or travel expenses
- Time Wasting: Being friendly and engaging with scammers can waste valuable time during your trip
- Danger: In some cases, overly friendly individuals may lead tourists to unsafe areas or situations
14. Tourist Police Scam
Some individuals posing as tourist police officers may ask for bribes or demand money. Familiarize yourself with the local police force and verify their identity.
- Bribery: Individuals may demand bribes for alleged infractions or fines
- Misleading Information: These individuals may provide misinformation to take advantage of tourists
- Danger: In some cases, these scammers may lead tourists to unsafe areas or situations
15. Lost Item Scam
Some individuals may find a lost item and claim they found it in order to ask for a reward. Be cautious when returning lost items.
- Reward Asking: Individuals may demand a reward for returning a lost item, or claim they found it first
- Stolen Items: Lost items may have been stolen and the finder is attempting to pawn them off
- Danger: In some cases, these individuals may lead tourists to unsafe areas or situations