Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kalyān, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Scam

Fraudulent auto-rickshaw drivers overcharge tourists. They may claim the meter is broken or use a faulty one.

Know the Right Price: Ask locals for a fair price before getting into an auto-rickshaw
Insist on Meter Usage: Ensure the driver uses the meter and do not agree to fixed prices without checking
Negotiate Beforehand: Negotiate the price before starting your journey to avoid disputes during the ride

Unscrupulous guides may charge exorbitant fees or lead you to unauthorized shops for commission.

Check Credentials: Verify the guide's registration with local tourism authorities before hiring
Avoid Street Solicitation: Book a guide through reputable travel agencies or hotels to avoid street solicitations
Research Ahead: Research attractions and activities beforehand to ensure they are legitimate and popular among locals

Fraudsters may provide counterfeit or short-changed Indian currency during exchange.

Use Authorized Outlets: Exchange money only at authorized banks, hotels, orForex outlets
Check Bills Carefully: Inspect the currency carefully to ensure its authenticity and correct denomination
Count the Money Received: Always count your change to make sure you have received the correct amount

Unscrupulous individuals may claim that temple donations must be made through them for blessings.

Donate Directly: Directly place your offering in the designated donation box or at the deity's feet
Avoid Offering Collections: Decline any unsolicited help to make offerings and do not engage with aggressive collectors
Research Temple Customs: Learn about local customs regarding temple donations before visiting

Unscrupulous shop owners may sell SIM cards with pre-installed international calls or internet packages.

Choose Reputable Shops: Purchase SIM cards only from authorized retailers like Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio
Check Your SIM Card: Verify the activated services before leaving the shop to ensure they are as agreed upon
Decline Unsolicited Assistance: Reject help from strangers offering SIM cards or services and instead, approach authorized shops

Fraudsters may offer assistance with transport from the train station, charging inflated fees or leading you to overpriced options.

Ask for Help at Information Counter: Seek help at the information counter or authorized representatives instead of relying on strangers
Negotiate Beforehand: Negotiate the price before getting into any transport and agree only on a fair price
Research Transport Options: Understand available transportation options and their respective fares before arriving at the train station

Restaurants may charge tourists inflated prices for food or serve low-quality meals.

Choose Recommended Restaurants: Ask locals for recommendations on popular and affordable restaurants
Check the Menu Carefully: Inspect the menu prices before ordering to avoid unexpectedly high charges
Decline Unsolicited Invitations: Refuse invitations to eat at unfamiliar restaurants from strangers and instead, stick to popular eateries

Hotels may charge tourists inflated prices or provide substandard services.

Research Hotels Ahead: Book a hotel room in advance through reputable travel websites or agencies
Check Room Rates: Compare room rates with other hotels and ask for discounts when booking
Inspect the Room: Thoroughly inspect the room before settling in to ensure it matches the advertised description

Tuk-tuk drivers may take a longer route or overcharge tourists.

Know the Right Price: Ask locals for a fair price before getting into a tuk-tuk
Insist on Meter Usage: Ensure the driver uses the meter and do not agree to fixed prices without checking
Negotiate Beforehand: Negotiate the price before starting your journey to avoid disputes during the ride

Unscrupulous jewelers may sell fake or low-quality jewelry at inflated prices.

Research Local Jewelers: Ask locals for recommendations on reputable and affordable jewelers
Check Quality Carefully: Inspect the jewelry thoroughly before purchasing to ensure its authenticity and quality
Haggle Over Prices: Negotiate the price of the jewelry to get a fair deal

Performers may ask for payments or force unwanted items on tourists.

Ignore Unwanted Attention: Ignore unsolicited attention and avoid eye contact with street performers
Decline Offerings Graciously: Politely decline any unwanted offerings from street performers
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid secluded areas where such scams are more likely to occur

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may charge inflated prices or take longer routes.

Know the Right Price: Ask locals for a fair price before getting into a taxi
Insist on Meter Usage: Ensure the driver uses the meter and do not agree to fixed prices without checking
Negotiate Beforehand: Negotiate the price before starting your journey to avoid disputes during the ride

Individuals posing as tourist guides may take tourists to unauthorized shops or overcharge for services.

Check Credentials: Verify the guide's registration with local tourism authorities before hiring
Avoid Street Solicitation: Book a guide through reputable travel agencies or hotels to avoid street solicitations
Research Ahead: Research attractions and activities beforehand to ensure they are legitimate and popular among locals

Strangers may offer to take your photo in return for a tip or lead you to a photo studio charging exorbitant fees.

Take Your Own Photos: Take your own photos using a selfie stick or hire a professional photographer from a reputable agency
Be Wary of Unsolicited Assistance: Decline unsolicited help with photography and be cautious when approached by strangers offering to take your photo
Research Local Customs: Learn about local customs regarding photography before visiting

Unscrupulous shopkeepers may sell counterfeit goods or overcharge tourists.

Choose Reputable Shops: Purchase items only from authorized retailers or well-established shops
Check Quality Carefully: Inspect the goods thoroughly before purchasing to ensure their authenticity and quality
Negotiate Over Prices: Haggle over prices to get a fair deal