Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

All Topics about Halifax All Cities in Canada

1. Street Performers

Avoid donating to overzealous performers who may pressure tourists. Always check if they're registered with the City of Halifax.

Pressure Tactics: Performers can be pushy for donations.
Unregistered Performers: Unregistered performers may not be legitimate or might pressure donors.
Registered City Performers: City-registered performers have a badge and follow guidelines to ensure fair interaction.

Be cautious of taxis without a meter. Always use licensed cabs from reliable companies and ensure the fare is calculated correctly.

Unmetered Taxis: Taxis without meters may charge exorbitant rates.
Licensed Cabs: Licensed cabs have a city-issued license and follow regulations.
Fare Calculation: Ensure the fare is calculated accurately based on the distance travelled.

Be wary of unofficial tour guides offering cheap or free tours. Always choose licensed tour guides from reputable companies.

Unofficial Guides: Unofficial guides may not have the necessary knowledge or certification.
Licensed Guides: Licensed guides are certified and knowledgeable about Halifax's attractions.
Reputable Companies: Tour companies with a good reputation ensure quality experiences for visitors.

Avoid purchasing goods from street vendors without proper certification. Only buy souvenirs from reputable shops or official retailers.

Street Vendors: Goods sold by street vendors may be counterfeit.
Reputable Shops: Shops with a good reputation sell authentic souvenirs.
Official Retailers: Official retailers are authorized to sell official merchandise.

Be cautious when purchasing seafood at the fish market. Verify that the seller is licensed and that the quality of the seafood is good.

Unlicensed Sellers: Unlicensed sellers may offer poor-quality or mislabeled seafood.
Licensed Sellers: Licensed sellers are regulated and follow food safety standards.
Quality of Seafood: Ensure the seafood is fresh, properly stored, and of good quality.

Check if buskers are registered with the City of Halifax before donating. Support legitimate performers in designated areas.

Registration Status: Buskers should be registered with the city to ensure they follow guidelines.
Designated Areas: Performers are allowed in specific, designated areas to avoid disturbing visitors.
Support Legitimate Performers: Encourage the growth of Halifax's vibrant arts community by supporting legitimate performers.

Buy ferry tickets only from authorized vendors to avoid overpaying or receiving fake tickets.

Authorized Vendors: Only buy tickets from authorized vendors to ensure authenticity.
Overpaying: Avoid overpaying by buying tickets from authorized vendors.
Fake Tickets: Avoid receiving fake tickets by purchasing from authorized vendors.

Use only official parking meters and pay the correct amount to avoid fines or towed vehicles.

Official Parking Meters: Only use official parking meters to ensure proper payment.
Correct Amount: Pay the correct amount for the time you plan on parking to avoid fines or towed vehicles.
Fines and Towing: Avoid fines or having your vehicle towed by using official parking meters and paying the correct amount.

Use only ATMs located in banks or authorized retailers to avoid card skimming or fraudulent transactions.

Bank ATMs: ATMs located within banks offer increased security and lower risk of skimming.
Authorized Retailers: ATMs located in authorized retailers are monitored and safer to use.
Card Skimming: Card skimmers can be installed on non-bank ATMs, leading to fraudulent transactions.

Avoid dining at restaurants without a clear policy on payment. Ensure you pay your bill promptly to avoid any misunderstandings.

No Payment Policy: Restaurants with no clear payment policy may encourage 'dine and dash' scams.
Prompt Payment: Pay your bill promptly to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
Understanding the Local Culture: Understand local dining etiquette and customs to ensure a positive experience.

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks as they can be insecure. Use a VPN to protect your data.

Sensitive Information: Avoid accessing sensitive information on insecure public Wi-Fi networks.
VPN Protection: Use a VPN to encrypt your data and protect it from potential threats.
Insecure Networks: Public Wi-Fi networks can be easily compromised, putting sensitive information at risk.

Always rent accommodations from reputable agencies or property owners. Verify the rental's legitimacy before providing any payment.

Reputable Agencies: Rent from reputable agencies with a good track record.
Property Owners: Rent from verified property owners to avoid scams.
Legitimacy Verification: Verify the rental's legitimacy by checking reviews, licenses, or other relevant documents.

Book accommodations well in advance to avoid potential overbooking issues. Choose reliable accommodation providers with good reviews.

Advanced Booking: Book accommodations well in advance to secure your stay.
Reliable Providers: Choose reliable accommodation providers with a good reputation.
Potential Overbooking: Avoid potential overbooking issues by booking well in advance.

Choose street food vendors that are licensed and follow food safety regulations to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Licensed Vendors: Street food vendors should be licensed and follow local health regulations.
Food Safety Regulations: Vendors that comply with food safety regulations minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Avoid Illness: Choosing licensed vendors helps prevent foodborne illnesses, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Purchase artwork only from reputable galleries or shops to avoid fake or low-quality pieces.

Reputable Galleries: Choose galleries and shops with a good reputation for authentic artwork.
Fake or Low-Quality Art: Avoid fake or low-quality art by purchasing from reputable sources.
Artist Recognition: Support local artists and their work by purchasing from reputable galleries and shops.