Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Vijayavāda, India

All Topics about Vijayavāda All Cities in India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid excessive charges for auto-rickshaw rides by negotiating the price before starting your journey.

Knowledgeable Bargainer: Being aware of the standard fare can help you bargain effectively.
Fixed Route: Insist on a fixed route to avoid detours that lead to higher fares.
Shared Ride: Opt for shared rides when available to split the cost with other passengers.

Avoid unlicensed guides by confirming their registration with the Vijayawada Tourism Department.

Registration Confirmation: Ask for proof of registration before hiring a guide.
Legitimate Contact Information: Ensure guides provide legitimate contact details and IDs.
Tourism Department's Helpdesk: Visit the Tourism Department's helpdesk for recommendations on licensed guides.

Verify the authenticity of local currency by checking for security features and comparing bills with genuine ones.

Security Features: Familiarize yourself with the security features on Indian rupee notes.
Genuine Bills Comparison: Compare received bills with genuine ones to verify their authenticity.
Bank or ATM Exchange: Exchange large amounts of money at banks or ATMs for safety and convenience.

Avoid overpriced goods by comparing prices in different shops or asking locals for advice.

Local Knowledge: Talk to local shopkeepers or residents for pricing insights.
Price Comparison: Compare prices across multiple shops before making a purchase.
Negotiation Skills: Bargain for better deals and don't hesitate to walk away if the price isn't right.

Use ATMs located in banks or well-known establishments to reduce the risk of skimming and fraud.

Bank Location: Choose ATMs inside banks or reputable businesses for added security.
No Obligations: Opt for cashback when possible to avoid using suspicious ATMs.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN for added security.

Donate only to officially appointed priests or the temple trust and avoid pushy beggars near temples.

Officially Appointed Priests: Verify that donations are given to officially appointed priests or the temple trust.
Avoid Beggars: Ignore solicitations from beggars near temples and focus on making official donations.
Donation Boxes: Use donation boxes located within the temple for offerings instead of handing cash to strangers.

Book transport services through reputable travel agencies or online platforms to avoid scams.

Reputable Agencies: Choose established and well-regarded travel agencies for your transportation needs.
Online Bookings: Book transport services through trusted online platforms for a safer experience.
Driver Identification: Insist on seeing the driver's identification before boarding any vehicle.

Avoid unexpected charges by checking menus carefully and asking for itemized bills.

Menu Inspection: Thoroughly review the menu before ordering to avoid hidden costs.
Itemized Bill Request: Ask for an itemized bill to ensure all charges are legitimate.
Local Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or online reviews for trusted dining establishments.

Avoid excessive taxi fares by negotiating the price before starting your journey and using the meter.

Price Negotiation: Negotiate a fare before getting into the taxi to avoid surprises.
Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter to calculate the fare accurately.
Shared Ride Option: Opt for shared rides when available to split the cost with other passengers.

Enjoy street food safely by choosing popular and well-established vendors.

Popular Vendors: Select street food vendors that are busy and have a good reputation.
Proper Hygiene: Look for cleanliness and proper hygiene practices when choosing a vendor.
Cooking Techniques: Avoid vendors who use suspicious cooking methods or raw ingredients.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors and opt for reputable establishments or spas.

Licensed Establishment: Choose massage parlors that are registered and licensed.
Good Reputation: Look for positive reviews and recommendations before visiting a parlor.
Professional Service: Expect professional service, including privacy and cleanliness at the parlor.

Avoid getting scammed by street performers by setting a budget and being aware of common tricks.

Budget Awareness: Set a budget for entertainment expenses to avoid overspending.
Trick Awareness: Learn about common street performer tricks and scams beforehand.
Support Genuine Artists: Give to talented artists who truly deserve your support.

Purchase tourist attraction tickets from official outlets or authorized vendors to avoid counterfeits.

Official Outlets: Buy tickets directly from the attraction's official outlets.
Authorized Vendors: Look for authorized vendors selling attraction tickets, often found near entrances.
Security Measures: Check for security measures on the ticket, such as holograms or watermarks.

Avoid overpriced souvenirs by bargaining and visiting multiple shops.

Bargaining Skills: Master the art of bargaining to get a good deal.
Shop Comparison: Visit multiple shops to compare prices and find the best deals.
Local Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or online reviews for trusted souvenir shops.

Exchange currency safely by using reputable exchange offices or banks.

Reputable Exchange Offices: Choose well-established and trusted currency exchange offices.
Bank Exchange Services: Opt for banks for currency exchange services, as they offer competitive rates.
Security Measures: Ensure that the exchange office has proper security measures in place.