Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Khulna, Bangladesh

1. Rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid overpriced rickshaw rides by negotiating fares before starting the journey. Always agree on a price with the driver.

Bargaining Skills: Having good bargaining skills can help you get a fair price.
Local Knowledge: Knowing the standard rates for rickshaw rides can save money.
Preparation: Researching and asking locals about the typical fare beforehand is useful.

Inspect banknotes carefully for irregularities like watermarks, holograms, and security threads. Don't accept damaged or torn bills.

Caution: Stay vigilant when exchanging money to avoid receiving counterfeit currency.
Knowledge of Bangladeshi Currency: Understanding the characteristics of genuine Bangladeshi banknotes is essential.
Reputable Money Exchange Shops: Exchange money at reputable and regulated money exchange shops in Khulna.

Choose a tour guide registered with the Bangladesh Tourism Board and check reviews before booking. Be wary of aggressive or pushy guides.

Registration Status: Ensure your tour guide is registered and authorized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board.
Online Reviews: Reading reviews from previous customers can help you select a reliable guide.
Personal Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations on tour guides in Khulna.

Haggle for souvenir prices at markets, and consider shopping at local handicraft stores or cooperatives.

Negotiation Skills: Practicing your bargaining skills can lead to better deals.
Local Shops: Shopping at local cooperatives or handicraft stores may offer fairer prices.
Research: Knowing the market price of souvenirs can help you avoid overpaying.

Inspect your hotel room before settling in and ask for receipts when making payments. Be cautious of unexpected charges.

Room Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the condition and facilities in the hotel room.
Receipts: Ask for receipts whenever making payments to ensure accurate charges.
Advance Booking: Book your stay at a reputable hotel in advance through trusted channels to avoid issues.

Choose street food vendors that are clean and busy, and ask for recommendations from locals.

Cleanliness: Look for clean food preparation areas when choosing a vendor.
Busy Vendors: Opt for vendors that are busy, as they are likely popular among locals and serve fresh food.
Local Recommendations: Asking locals for recommendations can help you find trustworthy street food vendors.

Stay alert when crossing the Rupsa Bridge and avoid any offers from strangers. If you need help, ask an official for assistance.

Awareness: Staying vigilant can help you avoid falling victim to scams.
Official Assistance: If you need help while crossing the Rupsa Bridge, ask an official for assistance instead of relying on strangers.
Caution: Declining unsolicited offers from strangers can prevent potential scams.

Purchase tickets for attractions like the Sundarbans from authorized vendors or the official website. Check for holograms and valid seals on tickets.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets from authorized vendors or directly from the attraction's official website.
Ticket Inspection: Check for valid holograms and seals on tickets to ensure their authenticity.
Online Research: Researching the attraction's official ticket policies can help you avoid scams.

Hire a reputable guide and boat operator from a recognized office for a safe and authentic Sundarbans experience.

Reputable Guide: Choose a guide registered with the Forest Department or Bangladesh Tourism Board.
Official Office: Book your Sundarbans tour through an official office to ensure a legitimate experience.
Safety Precautions: Ensure the boat operator follows safety guidelines and has all necessary equipment for your journey.

Avoid giving out your SIM card number to strangers or unverified sources. Monitor your phone usage for any unusual activity.

Caution: Be wary of sharing your SIM card details with unknown individuals.
Security Measures: Use strong and unique passwords to protect your phone and personal information.
Monitoring Activity: Regularly check your call logs, messages, and data usage for any suspicious activity.

Ask for the menu in English or Bengali, inspect your bill carefully before paying, and check online reviews before dining.

Language Skills: Being able to communicate with staff can help avoid any misunderstandings.
Careful Bill Inspection: Thoroughly review your bill before making payments to ensure accuracy.
Online Reviews: Reading reviews from previous customers can help you select a reliable restaurant.

Bargain for prices, shop around for the best deals, and avoid making large purchases without carefully considering the value.

Negotiation Skills: Practicing your bargaining skills can lead to better deals.
Shopping Around: Comparing prices at different stores can help you find the best deal.
Caution: Be cautious when purchasing expensive items to avoid overpaying or getting a counterfeit product.

Avoid sharing rickshaws or taxis with strangers and negotiate fares before starting your journey.

Safety: Sharing transportation with strangers can pose safety risks.
Negotiation Skills: Having good bargaining skills can help you get a fair price for your ride.
Local Knowledge: Knowing the standard rates for transportation in Khulna can save money.

Exchange money at reputable and regulated shops, compare exchange rates before finalizing transactions, and keep your cash secure.

Reputation: Selecting a reputable and registered money exchange shop can help prevent scams.
Comparison of Rates: Comparing exchange rates at multiple shops can help you get the best deal.
Security Measures: Securing your money and personal information while exchanging is crucial to avoiding scams.

Use password-protected devices or bring your own USB drive, and be cautious of any unusual activity on the computer.

Security Measures: Using password-protected devices can help protect your personal information.
USB Drive: Bringing your own USB drive for data storage can help avoid potential malware or viruses.
Observation: Noticing any unusual activity on the computer can help you avoid falling victim to scams.