Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Adelaide, Australia

1. Rundle Mall Busker Scam

Buskers asking for donations can become aggressive and demanding. Avoid giving money to unsolicited buskers.

Unsolicited Donation Requests: Be wary of individuals who demand donations without first providing entertainment.
Aggressive Behavior: Beware of aggressive or pushy buskers that can make you uncomfortable or feel obligated to give.
Scattered Crowds: If a large crowd is gathered around the busker, it may signal an attempt to extract more money.

Some vendors at Adelaide Central Market sell overpriced or fake items. Always check prices and authenticity before purchasing.

Overpriced Items: Be cautious of items priced significantly higher than average market rates.
Counterfeit Goods: Look for signs of poor craftsmanship or logos that seem off on potential counterfeits.
Reputable Vendors: Shop from well-established and reputable vendors to reduce the risk of receiving a scam product.

Tour operators may ask for upfront payment for 'free' tours and provide poor service. Verify tour operators before participating.

Upfront Payment Requests: Be wary of any requests for payment before the tour begins.
Check Tour Operators: Research tour operators and read reviews to ensure they are reputable.
Tour Quality: Look for positive feedback from previous customers regarding the quality of the tours provided.

Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs in well-lit areas and monitor your account activity.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, public places to reduce the risk of skimming.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing or keylogging.

Some taxi drivers may overcharge tourists. Use ride-sharing apps or pre-pay for a fixed rate.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Use popular ride-sharing apps like Uber or Ola to avoid overcharging.
Pre-Pay Fixed Rates: Some taxi companies offer pre-paid, fixed rates for popular tourist destinations.
Registered Taxi Meter: Ensure the taxi has a registered meter and is properly licensed to avoid overcharging.

Some street food vendors may serve undercooked or contaminated food. Only eat from reputable and busy vendors.

Reputable Vendors: Choose street food vendors that have a good reputation and are busy.
Freshly Prepared Food: Look for vendors who prepare the food fresh to minimize the risk of contamination.
Clean Environment: Avoid vendors with unsanitary conditions as they may serve undercooked or contaminated food.

Receiving counterfeit Australian currency can happen. Check your money carefully before accepting it.

Check the Quality: Examine the feel, size, and details of the bills to ensure they are genuine.
Use ATMs for Cash: Withdraw money from ATMs instead of accepting cash from strangers.
Inspect Coins: Check the edges of coins to ensure they are not counterfeit. Genuine Australian coins have milled edges.

Pickpockets often target crowded areas like markets and festivals. Use a money belt or leave unnecessary valuables behind.

Money Belt: Use a money belt to keep your valuables close to your body.
Leave Valuables Behind: Only carry essential items and leave unnecessary valuables in the hotel safe.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting distracted by strangers or pickpockets.

Some accommodation providers may overcharge tourists. Use online booking sites to compare prices and find deals.

Online Booking Sites: Use popular booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda to compare prices.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure the accommodation is reasonably priced.
Negotiate Prices: Attempt to negotiate prices with the accommodation provider if they seem excessively high.

Tour guides without a proper license may provide poor service and charge inflated prices. Verify licenses before hiring a guide.

Check for Licenses: Ask to see the tour guide's license before hiring them.
Compare Prices: Research and compare prices offered by various licensed guides.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to ensure the guide is reputable.

Cybercriminals can set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to steal personal information. Only use secure, trusted Wi-Fi connections.

Secure Connections: Use secure Wi-Fi connections provided by hotels or reputable locations.
Avoid Public Networks: Avoid using public networks for sensitive activities like online banking.
Install a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect yourself from cyber attacks.

Tourists may be sold counterfeit or overpriced tickets for events. Always purchase tickets from reputable sources.

Reputable Sources: Purchase tickets from official event websites, box offices, or authorized ticket sellers.
Check Prices: Compare prices for the same event across various sources to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not purchase tickets from street vendors or unlicensed sellers as they may be counterfeit.

Some individuals collect money for fake charities or causes. Research the charity before donating.

Research the Charity: Verify the legitimacy of the charity by researching them online and checking their official website.
Check for a Permit: Ask to see the collector's permit, if applicable, to ensure they are authorized to collect donations.
Donate Directly: If possible, donate directly to the charity's official website instead of giving money to collectors.

Some photographers may ask for payment for taking pictures in popular tourist spots. Politely decline and move on.

Decline the Offer: Politely decline when someone offers to take your photo, especially if they ask for payment.
Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Ignore anyone who uses high-pressure tactics or insists that you pay for a photograph.
Take Your Own Photos: Use your own camera to capture memories instead of relying on strangers.

Some car rental companies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Read the contract carefully before signing.

Read Contract Carefully: Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the car hire agreement.
Inspect the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damages before accepting it.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to ensure the car hire company is reputable.