Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Perth, Western Australia, Australia

All Topics about Perth All Cities in Australia

1. Tourist Trap Bars

Some bars in Perth's Northbridge district overcharge tourists for drinks. Watch out for inflated prices and avoid these venues.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with local venues or online resources to ensure fair pricing.
Location Awareness: Avoid bars clustered in tourist areas, as they may be overpriced.
Traveler Advice: Listen to traveler reviews and experiences to avoid overpriced venues.

Some taxi drivers in Perth may try to take a longer route or overcharge. Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Licensed Taxis: Ensure the taxi is registered and has a license plate.
Ride-Sharing Services: Use reputable ride-sharing services like Uber or Ola to avoid scams.
Fare Estimation: Ask for an estimate of the fare before starting your journey.

Criminals may install fake ATMs in tourist areas to skim card details. Use only bank-operated or clearly branded ATMs.

Bank-Operated ATMs: Use ATMs located within banks or in well-lit, secure areas.
Brand Recognition: Recognize the brand of your bank's ATM and avoid unbranded machines.
Card Protection: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect against shoulder-surfing attacks.

Talented artists may approach tourists offering to create personalized artwork, but overcharge. Politely decline or negotiate the price.

Negotiation Skills: Bargain for a fair price and be aware of their opening prices.
Tourist Awareness: Stay alert in tourist areas, where such scams are more common.
Local Prices: Research local prices for similar artwork to avoid overpaying.

Some markets sell counterfeit goods. Stick to authorized retailers or souvenir shops for genuine items.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase from authorized retailers, such as tourist information centers.
Souvenir Shops: Visit reputable souvenir shops for genuine items.
Quality Assurance: Inspect the product's quality and look for missing or poor-quality details.

Some ferry operators may try to charge tourists more than locals. Ask for the local rate before boarding.

Local Rates: Enquire about local rates and show identification if asked.
Operator Reputation: Choose reputable ferry operators with good reviews.
Fare Comparison: Compare the fare with other ferry services or local transportation options.

Some buskers may ask for donations aggressively or claim to be collecting for a charity that doesn't exist. Evaluate the situation before donating.

Charity Verification: Confirm the charity's legitimacy by asking for their name and contact details.
Aggressive Behavior: Be cautious if the performer is aggressive or pushy when requesting donations.
Local Knowledge: Research common scams in Perth and educate yourself on how to avoid them.

Some accommodation providers may overcharge tourists for subpar services. Research and compare prices before booking.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with other accommodations in the same area.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings from previous guests on booking platforms.
Location Awareness: Consider the accommodation's location and proximity to tourist attractions.

Some cruise ship passengers may target tourists for scams in port areas. Be cautious and stick to known tourist spots.

Stay in Groups: Travel with a group or stay near other tourists for safety.
Tourist Information: Visit the tourist information center for advice on safe areas to explore.
Cautious Behavior: Avoid isolated areas and stay aware of your surroundings.

Some car rental companies may overcharge tourists for older or damaged vehicles. Compare prices and read reviews before renting.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with other car rental companies.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings from previous customers on booking platforms.
Vehicle Condition: Inspect the vehicle before accepting it, noting any damages or issues.

Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or overcharge tourists. Choose reputable vendors and follow your gut instinct.

Reputable Vendors: Choose street food vendors with long lines of customers.
Inspect Food Quality: Look for cleanliness and good hygiene practices when choosing a vendor.
Local Prices: Compare prices with other food vendors in the area.

Some tour operators may offer subpar tours or charge exorbitant prices. Research and book with reputable companies.

Reputable Companies: Choose tour operators with good reviews and long-standing reputations.
Tour Comparison: Compare the itinerary, price, and reviews of different tours.
Local Knowledge: Educate yourself on common scams in Perth to avoid being tricked.

Some unlicensed guides may offer tours without the necessary qualifications or knowledge. Verify their credentials before booking a tour.

Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide is licensed and registered with relevant authorities.
Tour Comparison: Compare the itinerary, price, and reviews of different tours.
Local Knowledge: Educate yourself on common scams in Perth to avoid being tricked.

Petty theft such as pickpocketing is a concern in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious.

Secure Belongings: Keep your wallet and phone in zippered pockets or bags with anti-theft features.
Crowd Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large sums of money in visible areas.
Valuable Items Security: Secure valuable items like cameras or jewelry in hotel safes when not in use.

Criminals may set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to steal your personal data. Use only secure, password-protected networks.

Secure Networks: Connect to secured, password-protected networks when possible.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Limit the sharing of sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data and protect yourself online.