Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Medina, Saudi Arabia

1. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi Scam

Be wary of fake guides offering services inside the mosque. Always use authorized personnel.

Authorized Personnel: Look for uniformed staff or those with official badges
Official Guides: Ask the mosque administration to arrange a guide if needed
Online Research: Read reviews and check ratings of services before using them

Avoid shops selling overpriced items; negotiate prices or buy from established stores.

Negotiation Skills: Bargain for better prices, especially in open-air markets
Established Stores: Look for well-organized stores with a good reputation
Local Prices: Ask locals about typical prices for items before purchasing

Avoid unmarked taxis; use only official taxi services or ride-hailing apps.

Official Taxis: Recognize the yellow and green licensed taxi cabs
Ride-Hailing Apps: Download and use apps like Careem or Uber in Medina
Avoid Unmarked Cars: Be wary of unmarked cars offering rides, especially at night

Check reviews online before booking a hotel; ensure it is legitimate and secure.

Only exchange money at authorized banks or licensed exchange offices.

Authorized Banks: Exchange currency at major banks in Medina
Licensed Exchange Offices: Look for offices with a visible license or approval from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA)
Avoid Street Exchanges: Never exchange currency on the street to avoid scams

Only donate to well-known and trusted charities; be suspicious of solicitations on the street.

Well-Known Charities: Donate to reputable organizations like the Red Crescent or local mosques
Avoid Street Solicitations: Do not respond to solicitations on the street; instead, donate at official charity locations
Research Charities: Look up charities online before donating to ensure they are legitimate

Be aware of restaurants adding hidden charges or serving lower-quality food; check the menu and prices carefully.

Only buy SIM cards from authorized retailers or the telecom provider's official stores.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase SIM cards at electronics stores, kiosks, or supermarkets
Official Stores: Visit the telecom provider's official stores to buy a SIM card
Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy SIM cards from street vendors or unauthorized retailers

Only book tours with reputable and licensed operators; check reviews and compare prices.

Reputable Operators: Book tours through well-known travel agencies or tourism boards
Licensed Operators: Check for licenses and certifications from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH)
Compare Prices: Look at multiple options to compare prices before choosing a tour operator

Buy gold and jewelry from authorized shops; check the purity of the metal.

Authorized Shops: Purchase from well-established jewelers or gold shops
Check Purity: Look for a hallmark indicating the purity of the metal (24K, 18K, etc.)
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt and check it carefully before leaving the store

Use only authorized guides; ensure they have proper identification.

Authorized Guides: Book tours through the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) or reputable travel agencies
Proper Identification: Check if guides have official badges or identification from SCTH
Avoid Street Guides: Do not accept unsolicited offers for guide services on the street

Only rent cars from reputable companies; check conditions and contracts carefully.

Reputable Companies: Rent cars from well-known car rental agencies
Check Contracts: Review the contract thoroughly before signing and ask questions if needed
Avoid Street Rentals: Never rent cars from individuals or unauthorized rental services

Avoid markets selling counterfeit goods; stick to legitimate shops and establishments.

Legitimate Shops: Shop at well-established stores or malls
Avoid Counterfeit Markets: Stay away from markets known for selling counterfeit goods
Check Quality: Inspect items carefully before purchasing and look for poor quality signs

Only book flights through authorized travel agencies or the airline's official website.

Authorized Travel Agencies: Book flights through well-known travel agencies
Official Websites: Visit the airline's official website to book a flight
Avoid Unauthorized Sales: Never buy tickets from unauthorized retailers or individuals

Use only machines in well-lit areas, inside banks, or at reputable locations.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs located in well-lit and safe environments
Inside Banks: Withdraw cash from machines inside banks or bank branches
Reputable Locations: Avoid using ATMs at unattended locations or outside of business hours