Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kyiv, Ukraine
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overpriced taxis by using official taxi services or ride-hailing apps. Never agree to a fixed price upfront unless it's reasonable.
- Fixed Prices: Avoid taxis offering unreasonably high fixed prices.
- Official Services: Choose official taxi services or ride-hailing apps for safety and fair pricing.
- Upfront Pricing: Be wary of drivers who insist on upfront payment before the journey begins.
2. Currency Exchange Scams
Exchange currency only at banks or authorized exchange offices. Be aware of poor exchange rates and hidden fees.
- Authorized Offices: Exchange currency only at banks or authorized exchange offices.
- Hidden Fees: Check for any hidden fees before exchanging your money.
- Poor Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates among different providers to get the best deal.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Avoid buying counterfeit goods in markets or from street vendors. Opt for authorized shops instead.
- Street Vendors: Be cautious when purchasing goods from street vendors.
- Authorized Shops: Purchase items only from authorized shops to ensure authenticity.
- Brand Quality: Counterfeit goods may not meet the quality standards of the original brand.
4. Pickpocketing
Keep your belongings safe by using a concealed money belt or bag with a zipper. Be aware of crowded areas and busy tourist spots.
- Money Belt: Use a concealed money belt to secure your valuables.
- Zippered Bag: Choose a bag with a zipper for added security.
- Crowded Areas: Avoid picking pockets in crowded areas and busy tourist spots.
5. ATM Scams
Use ATMs located at banks or inside shopping centers. Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN.
- Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located at banks or inside shopping centers.
- Keypad Coverage: Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN to prevent skimming.
- Skimmers: Be wary of ATMs with unusual equipment attached that may be used for skimming.
6. Overpriced Accommodation
Book accommodation in advance through reliable websites or travel agencies. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Reliable Websites: Use reputable online booking platforms for accommodation.
- Travel Agencies: Book accommodation through trustworthy travel agencies.
- Too Good to be True: Be cautious of accommodation deals that seem excessively cheap or too good to be true.
7. Friendly Scams
Be cautious when strangers offer unsolicited help or friendship. They may try to manipulate you into giving money or sharing personal information.
- Unsolicited Help: Decline offers of unsolicited help from strangers.
- Friendship Scams: Be wary of people who appear overly friendly or interested in forming a friendship quickly.
- Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information with strangers, especially financial details.
8. Fraudulent Tours
Book tours through reputable agencies. Read reviews and check for licenses before booking.
- Reputable Agencies: Choose a reputable tour agency.
- Licenses: Ensure the tour agency has a valid license and is registered with relevant authorities.
- Reviews: Check online reviews to verify the quality of the tours offered by an agency.
9. Overpriced Food
Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions. opt for locally-recommended eateries instead.
- Tourist Attractions: Avoid restaurants close to popular tourist sites.
- Locally-Recommended: Choose eateries recommended by locals for affordable and authentic food options.
- Overpriced Food: Restaurants near tourist attractions often charge higher prices for food.
10. Bogus Police Officers
Never share personal information or money with anyone claiming to be a police officer. If in doubt, ask for identification and call the local police station.
- Identification: Ask for identification from anyone who claims to be a police officer.
- Local Police Station: Contact the local police station if you are uncertain about someone's identity.
- Personal Information and Money: Never share personal information or money with strangers, especially those posing as police officers.
11. Dating Scams
Be cautious when meeting people online. Never send money or share personal information with someone you have not met in person.
- Online Dating: Meet people online with caution.
- Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information with strangers, especially those you have not met in person.
- Money Transfers: Avoid sending money to people you meet online unless it is a verified transaction.
12. Street Performers
Appreciate street performances but avoid giving excessive amounts of money. Be aware of performers who may use distractions to steal from you.
- Excessive Donations: Avoid giving excessive amounts of money.
- Distraction Theft: Be wary of performers who use distractions to steal from you.
- Appreciation: Enjoy and appreciate street performances, but be cautious with your valuables.
13. Fake Guides
Book guided tours through reputable agencies. If you encounter someone claiming to be a guide, ask for proper credentials and verify their authenticity.
- Reputable Agencies: Choose a reputable tour agency.
- Credentials: Ask for proper credentials and verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to be a guide.
- Authentic Guides: Ensure the guide is registered with relevant authorities and has a valid license.
14. Scam Art Galleries
Visit authorized art galleries or museums. Be cautious when buying artwork from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
- Authorized Galleries: Visit authorized art galleries or museums.
- Street Vendors: Be wary of buying artwork from street vendors.
- Unlicensed Shops: Avoid purchasing art from unlicensed shops to ensure authenticity and quality.
15. Scam Wi-Fi Hotspots
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions. Use a VPN if necessary and be cautious of fake Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
- VPN Usage: Use a VPN for additional security when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Fake Hotspots: Be wary of fake Wi-Fi hotspots that may be used to steal personal information.