Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Gāzipura, Bangladesh

1. Rickshaw Overcharging

Be wary of inflated prices from unofficial rickshaw pullers. Always agree on a fare before starting the journey.

Fixed Rates: Know the standard rates for rickshaws in Gāzipura
Negotiation Skills: Practice your negotiation skills to secure a fair price.
Avoiding Unofficial Rickshaws: Look for rickshaws with the official badge.

Some tour guides may not be officially registered. Ask for a registration card and double-check their credentials.

Official Registration: Ensure the guide has a valid registration card.
Pre-booking Tours: Book tours through reputable travel agencies to avoid fake guides.
Check Online Reviews: Read reviews of tour guides before hiring one.

Be cautious when accepting or exchanging money, especially in high-traffic areas. Check the authenticity of banknotes.

Know Your Banknote: Familiarize yourself with the appearance of genuine Bangladeshi banknotes.
Exchange at Banks or Authorized Centers: Exchange money only at banks or authorized currency exchange centers.
Check for Holograms and Watermarks: Inspect banknotes for security features such as holograms and watermarks.

Some gold jewelry sold in Gāzipura may be fake or underweight. Purchase only from reputable shops and verify weight with a scale.

Reputable Shops: Buy gold jewelry from established, trustworthy shops.
Use a Scale: Verify the weight of your purchased gold before leaving the store.
Check for Hallmark: Look for a hallmark or purity stamp on gold jewelry pieces.

Avoid purchasing SIM cards from street vendors. Go to an official sales center and provide the necessary documents.

Official Sales Centers: Buy SIM cards only at authorized sales centers.
Provide Necessary Documents: Be prepared to provide identification and fill out registration forms.
Check the SIM Card's Validity: Ensure the SIM card you purchase has a valid expiration date.

Some temples may pressure visitors for excessive donations. Give willingly but not excessively.

Moderate Donations: Make modest donations based on your budget and comfort level.
Respectful Interaction: Treat temple staff with respect while visiting temples.
Avoid High-pressure Situations: Do not feel obligated to donate if you are uncomfortable or pressured.

Some spas and massage centers may offer poor quality services at inflated prices. Research beforehand or ask locals for recommendations.

Research Beforehand: Research spa and massage centers online to ensure they have good reviews.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or fellow travelers about reputable spas and massage centers.
Check Quality Beforehand: Inspect the cleanliness and professionalism of the spa before making a booking.

Some tuk-tuk drivers may take longer routes or overcharge. Negotiate fares before starting the journey and agree on a fixed price.

Fixed Fare Negotiation: Negotiate the fare before starting your tuk-tuk ride.
Stick to Main Roads: Ask your driver to stick to main roads and avoid detours.
Avoid Night Rides: Try to travel during the daytime, as night rides may result in higher prices.

Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or overcharge. Choose popular and busy stalls with good hygiene.

Popular and Busy Stalls: Choose street food stalls that are popular and have a high volume of customers.
Good Hygiene Practices: Look for cleanliness and proper hygiene practices at the street food vendor.
Avoid Eating Alone: Eat with others to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Some rooftop restaurants may overcharge for food and drinks. Compare prices with other establishments before dining.

Price Comparison: Compare the prices of meals at different rooftop restaurants.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of rooftop restaurants to ensure quality and value for money.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about their favorite rooftop restaurants.

Some festival events may be overpriced or fake. Research festivals in advance and attend only verified events.

Research Festivals: Research the festivals happening during your visit to Gāzipura.
Attend Verified Events: Attend only verified and authentic festival events.
Avoid Street Vendors During Festivals: Be cautious when purchasing items from street vendors during festivals.

Some unauthorized taxi services may overcharge or take longer routes. Use only licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Use only licensed and registered taxis.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Consider using ride-sharing apps for added safety and convenience.
Avoid Street Taxis: Avoid hailing taxis from the street to minimize the risk of overcharging.

Some souvenir shops may sell fake or low-quality items. Purchase from reputable shops and compare prices.

Reputable Shops: Buy souvenirs only from established, trustworthy shops.
Compare Prices: Compare prices of similar items at different shops before purchasing.
Check for Quality: Inspect the quality of souvenirs before making a purchase.

Some bus ticket sellers may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Buy tickets only from the bus station or authorized agents.

Buy at the Bus Station: Buy your bus tickets directly at the station.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy bus tickets from street vendors or unauthorized agents.
Compare Prices: Compare the prices of bus tickets with other travelers before buying.

Some motorcycle rental companies may provide poor-quality bikes or charge exorbitant prices. Research and choose a reputable rental company.

Reputable Rental Companies: Choose a reputable and trustworthy motorcycle rental company.
Inspect the Bike Before Renting: Inspect the bike for any damages before renting to avoid charges later.
Compare Prices: Compare prices of motorcycle rentals with other companies before making a decision.