Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

All Topics about Peshawar All Cities in Pakistan

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on the price before starting your journey.

Fixed Price Agreement: Avoid surprises with a fixed price agreement before starting your journey.
Registered Taxi: Only take registered taxis for safe and reliable travel.
Avoid Late Night Travel: Late night travel can increase the risk of taxi scams, avoid it if possible.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods that can be found in certain markets. They may pose health risks or not function as expected.

Legal Consequences: Buying counterfeit goods could have legal consequences for travellers.
Health Risks: Counterfeit goods may pose health risks due to poor manufacturing quality.
Supporting Illicit Trade: Buying counterfeit goods supports illicit trade and undermines local businesses.

Avoid tour guides who approach you unexpectedly and offer services at inflated prices. Always book through a reputable agency.

Reputable Agency: Book tours through reputable agencies to ensure quality service.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Don't accept unsolicited offers from tour guides on the street.
Research Tour Options: Research available tours and their providers before your visit to Peshawar.

Be cautious when using ATMs in unprotected areas. Thieves may use skimmers to steal your card information.

Secure Location: Use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas with CCTV surveillance.
Cover PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it at the ATM to prevent snooping thieves.
Check Your Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Avoid overpriced goods by negotiating with vendors and researching fair market prices.

Negotiation Skills: Develop your negotiation skills to get the best possible price.
Research Market Prices: Research market prices before negotiating with vendors.
Patience and Perseverance: Be patient and persevere in your negotiations, but know when to walk away.

Avoid giving money directly to beggars, as it can encourage further begging and exploitation.

Donate to Charities: Consider donating to reputable charities instead of giving money to individual beggars.
Safety First: Prioritize your safety and security when interacting with beggars.
Avoid Distractions: Beware of distractions set up by organized groups, as they may lead to pickpocketing or other scams.

Avoid street food that doesn't look hygienic. It could make you sick or be overpriced.

Hygiene Standards: Choose places with good hygiene standards to eat and drink.
Food Safety: Be aware of common food safety issues and avoid consuming foods that are likely to cause illness.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious places to eat.

Only purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers to avoid fraudulent charges or having your personal information stolen.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase SIM cards only from authorized retailers.
Check Network Coverage: Ensure the network coverage of your chosen provider is suitable for your travel plans.
Secure Your SIM Card: Register your SIM card and keep it secure to prevent theft or fraud.

Avoid overpriced bus tickets by researching fair prices and negotiating if necessary.

Fair Prices Research: Research fair prices for bus tickets before traveling.
Negotiation Skills: Develop your negotiation skills to get a better price for your ticket.
Avoid Late Night Travel: Late night travel can increase the risk of bus scams, avoid it if possible.

Avoid accommodation scams by booking through reputable websites or agencies.

Reputable Websites or Agencies: Book your accommodations through reputable websites or agencies.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from other travellers before booking your accommodation.
Avoid Paying Upfront: Avoid paying for accommodations upfront to reduce the risk of fraud.

Avoid overpriced currency exchange at unofficial booths. Use authorized exchange centers instead.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Use authorized exchange centers for your currency needs.
Check Rates: Compare rates between different exchange centers before making a transaction.
Avoid Late Night Transactions: Avoid currency exchange transactions at night to reduce the risk of scams.

Avoid overpriced rickshaw rides by agreeing on the price before starting your journey.

Fixed Price Agreement: Avoid surprises with a fixed price agreement before starting your journey.
Registered Rickshaw: Only take registered rickshaws for safe and reliable travel.
Avoid Late Night Travel: Late night travel can increase the risk of rickshaw scams, avoid it if possible.

Avoid overpriced souvenirs by negotiating with vendors and researching fair market prices.

Negotiation Skills: Develop your negotiation skills to get the best possible price.
Research Market Prices: Research available souvenirs and their prices before negotiating with vendors.
Patience and Perseverance: Be patient and persevere in your negotiations, but know when to walk away.

Avoid unlicensed tour services as they may not meet safety standards and could lead to accidents or theft.

Licensed Tour Providers: Book tours only with licensed providers to ensure safety and quality.
Safety First: Prioritize your safety and security when choosing tour services.
Research Reviews: Read reviews from other travellers before booking a tour service.

Avoid fake tourist guides who may charge inflated prices and provide misleading information.

Official Tourist Guide Licenses: Ensure your guide has an official tourist guide license.
Check for Recommendations: Ask locals or reputable travel agencies for recommendations on good guides.
Research Tourist Attractions: Research tourist attractions beforehand to avoid being misled by fake guides.