Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sūrat, India

1. Auto-Rickshaw Scam

Unscrupulous auto-rickshaw drivers overcharge tourists. They might claim a non-existent fare or inflate the actual price.

Know Fare Rates: Familiarize yourself with the standard auto-rickshaw rates in Sūrat.
Insist on Meter Use: Ask the driver to use the meter. If there is no meter, negotiate the fare before starting the ride.
Travel during Daylight: Try to travel during daylight hours for better visibility and safety.

Some tour guides may offer low prices but provide poor service or lead you to shops where they receive commissions.

Verify Credentials: Check the guide's registration and credentials. Ask for recommendations from reputable sources.
Negotiate Terms Upfront: Clearly discuss the tour details, including sites to visit and payment terms, before agreeing.
Stick with Reputable Companies: Consider joining group tours organized by reputable travel companies or tourist information centers.

Some street markets sell counterfeit goods. These items may look genuine but are often of low quality or unsafe.

Know the Source: Avoid purchasing items from street vendors with no permanent shop or poor-quality displays.
Check Labels and Quality: Inspect labels for misspellings, poor quality, or missing safety regulations.
Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase items from established stores with a good reputation in Sūrat.

Criminals may try to pass fake currency during exchange. Always verify the authenticity of the money received.

Use Reputable Services: Exchange your money at banks, authorized forex dealers or reputable hotels.
Check and Count Money Carefully: Thoroughly check the notes for any irregularities and count the money received carefully.
Report Suspicious Transactions: If you suspect you've been given fake currency, report it to local authorities immediately.

Criminals may use skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. Be careful when using ATMs in Sūrat.

Choose Well-lit, Busy Locations: Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas and avoid ones that appear damaged or tampered with.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers from capturing your information.
Monitor Account Transactions Regularly: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unauthorized activity.

Some temples may request donations excessively or mislead tourists into making unnecessary offerings.

Research Temple Customs: Learn about the customs and appropriate offerings for specific temples in Sūrat.
Donate Reasonably: Make reasonable donations based on your means and understanding of the temple's needs.
Avoid High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Do not feel pressured to make any unnecessary offerings or purchases.

Some accommodation providers may offer non-existent rooms or poor-quality lodging at inflated prices.

Book with Reputable Websites: Use well-known travel websites to book your accommodation in Sūrat.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings from previous guests before booking a place to stay.
Contact the Accommodation Directly: Contact the accommodation provider directly to confirm the availability and quality of their services.

Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or add unnecessary items to increase profits.

Choose Busy Stalls: Opt for busy street food stalls with a good reputation in Sūrat.
Check Food Quality: Look for fresh ingredients, clean cooking areas, and avoid dishes that are not popular.
Follow Local's Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite street food stalls in Sūrat.

Taxis might overcharge tourists or take longer routes to inflate the fare.

Use Metered Taxis: Prefer using metered taxis whenever possible in Sūrat.
Ask for Estimate Beforehand: Always ask for an estimate before starting the journey.
Travel during Daylight: Try to travel during daylight hours for better visibility and safety.

Some shops may sell faulty SIM cards or overcharge for mobile services.

Buy from Official Stores: Purchase SIM cards from official stores of telecom providers in Sūrat.
Check Coverage and Data Speed: Ensure the SIM card provides adequate coverage and data speed for your needs.
Negotiate Prices Carefully: Thoroughly discuss prices, plans, and terms before making a purchase.

Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Be aware of your belongings at all times.

Keep Valuables Safe: Keep your passport, money, and other valuable items hidden and secure.
Stay Alert in Crowded Places: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy markets or tourist attractions.
Use Safety Devices: Consider using safety devices like money belts or travel wallets to protect your valuables.

Some people may approach tourists offering 'help' or shopping assistance but expect payment later.

Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers for help or shopping assistance.
Ignore Pressure to Buy: Do not feel pressured to make purchases, even when offered 'special deals'.
Report Harassment to Authorities: If someone persists in harassing you, report the matter to local authorities.

Public Wi-Fi connections might be unsecure and could expose your personal information.

Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions like online banking while using public Wi-Fi.
Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
Protect Your Devices: Regularly update your device software and install antivirus apps to protect against potential threats.

Some people may pose as police officers and ask for bribes or demand money from tourists.

Know Real Emergency Numbers: Memorize the correct emergency numbers in Sūrat to contact genuine authorities.
Stay Calm and Ask for Identification: Stay calm, ask for identification, and only cooperate with real police officers.
Report Incidents to Authorities: If you encounter such an incident, report it to the local police station or tourist information center.

Some festivals may try to charge inflated prices for entry, food, and souvenirs.

Research Festival Costs: Learn about the typical costs associated with attending local festivals in Sūrat.
Avoid Peak Hours: Try to avoid peak hours when prices tend to be higher.
Shop Around for Best Deals: Compare prices and shop around before making any purchases at the festival.