Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Multan, Pakistan

1. Tuk-tuk Scams

Avoid overpaying or being taken to unnecessary shops. Always agree on a fare before starting the journey.

Avoid unlicensed guides who may lead you to overpriced shops. Ask for a license before hiring.

Official License: Always ask for an official guide's license.
Recommendations: Get recommendations from reliable sources before hiring a guide.
Knowledge Test: Test their knowledge about Multan's attractions before hiring.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods. Shop at reputable stores or marketplaces.

Reputable Stores: Shop at well-known and reputable stores in Multan.
Marketplaces: Visit known marketplaces where authentic goods are typically sold.
Bargaining Skills: Practice bargaining to ensure a fair price for the goods you buy.

Avoid using ATMs in isolated areas. Use well-lit and secure ATMs when withdrawing cash.

Well-lit Areas: Always use ATMs located in well-lit and busy areas.
Secure Locations: Choose secure locations with CCTV cameras or guarded by security personnel.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.

Avoid exchanging money with unlicensed or suspicious-looking money changers. Stick to reputable exchange bureaus.

Licensed Exchange Bureaus: Only use licensed and reputable exchange bureaus.
Busy Locations: Choose exchange bureaus located in busy, well-trafficked areas.
Compare Rates: Compare rates offered by different exchange bureaus before making a decision.

Avoid buying sim cards from street vendors. Purchase them from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards only from authorized retailers.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt after purchasing a sim card.
Register the Sim Card: Register your new sim card with the local telecom operator.

Avoid hotels with no online presence or poor reviews. Book through reputable channels.

Online Presence: Look for hotels with a strong online presence.
Reputable Channels: Book your hotel through reputable channels such as booking websites.
Read Reviews: Always read reviews from previous guests before booking a hotel.

Avoid taxis without visible company markings or meter. Use reputable taxi services.

Visible Company Markings: Always look for visible company markings on the taxi.
Metered Taxis: Only use taxis with a working meter.
Company App: Use taxi services that have an app for booking and tracking.

Avoid restaurants near popular tourist spots. Ask locals for recommendations.

Avoid donating money to beggars at religious sites. Instead, give directly to the institution.

Institutional Donations: Give your donation directly to the religious institution.
Avoid Beggars: Do not give money to beggars at religious sites.
Secure Donation Boxes: Use secure donation boxes provided by the institution.

Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.

Awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings in a secure location, such as a zipped bag or pocket.
Limit Valuables: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and unnecessary valuables.

Only fill your water bottle from trusted sources. Avoid accepting water from strangers.

Trusted Sources: Fill your water bottle only from trusted sources such as filtered water stations.
Avoid Strangers: Do not accept water from strangers or questionable locations.
Water Purification Tablets: Carry water purification tablets as a precautionary measure.

Bargain for prices at markets. Know the fair price of goods before shopping.

Fair Prices: Know the fair market prices of goods.
Bargaining Skills: Practice bargaining to get a better price.
Avoid Rush Hours: Avoid crowded markets during peak hours to reduce the risk of overcharging.

Ignore offers for 'help' from strangers. Know where you are going before setting out.

Keep your belongings secure. Be cautious in crowded places.

Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings in a secure location, such as a zipped bag or pocket.
Avoid Crowded Places: Be cautious in crowded places and tourist spots.
Don't Display Valuables: Minimize the display of valuable items, such as cameras or phones.