Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tongjin, Korea, South

All Topics about Tongjin All Cities in Korea, South

1. Tongjin Taxi Scam

Watch for taxis displaying 'special rate' signs. They often overcharge tourists.

Unregulated Rates: Taxis without city markings can charge higher rates.
Confusing Signs: Look out for 'special rate' or 'tourist rate' signs, which are often misleading.
Avoidance Tips: Only use licensed taxis with city markings or book from trusted sources.

Avoid food vendors who forcefully push their stalls or offer 'free samples' containing extra spices that mask poor quality.

Forceful Approach: Be wary of aggressive selling tactics, as it may indicate a scam.
Hidden Ingredients: Be cautious of free samples with added spices that mask poor quality ingredients.
Established Vendors: Choose popular, established food vendors with good reviews and visible hygiene standards.

Be cautious when exchanging money at street vendors. They may give you less than the agreed amount.

Unauthorized Vendors: Avoid unauthorized currency exchange vendors.
Misrepresented Rates: Check the current exchange rate beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Authorized Exchanges: Use authorized currency exchange centers or banks for a reliable and secure exchange.

Beware of sim card vendors offering 'free' data packages. They may charge hidden fees or give out faulty SIMs.

Free Data Offers: Be wary of free data offers as they often come with hidden charges.
Faulty SIMs: Ensure the SIM card works correctly before leaving the store.
Authorized Shops: Purchase sim cards from authorized stores or through your mobile provider.

Beware of unsolicited tour guides offering their services. They may overcharge for poor-quality tours.

Unsolicited Approach: Be wary of unsolicited offers from tour guides.
Overcharging: Research tour prices beforehand and negotiate with licensed guides.
Licensed Guides: Use licensed guides or reputable tour companies for a reliable experience.

Avoid street vendors selling cheap souvenirs as they may be counterfeit or of poor quality.

Counterfeit Goods: Be cautious of fake goods that damage the cultural heritage and economy.
Poor Quality Items: Check for signs of low quality, such as flimsy materials or incorrect symbols.
Authentic Shops: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops or tourist centers.

Avoid participating in any street lotteries. They are often rigged and a waste of money.

Rigged Lotteries: Street lotteries are usually rigged to cheat unsuspecting tourists.
Waste of Money: Participating in street lotteries is a waste of money with no chance of winning.
Legitimate Options: Participate in legal and regulated lottery systems if interested.

Beware of bus conductors asking for an additional payment after you've boarded the bus.

Additional Payments: Bus conductors may request additional payment after you've already paid.
Unauthorized Conductors: Be wary of unauthorized bus conductors.
Official Buses: Travel on authorized buses with clear signs and uniformed staff.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals who might try to befriend you for personal gain.

Personal Gain: Friends offering services or asking for money may not have your best interests in mind.
Scam Tactics: Scammers often use sympathy and kindness to gain trust.
Travel Advisories: Follow travel advisories, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your intuition.

Avoid using ATMs with suspicious features like hidden cameras or card skimmers.

Hidden Cameras: Be wary of ATMs with hidden cameras, usually placed above the keypad.
Card Skimmers: Check for unusual devices attached to card readers or keyboards.
Safe ATMs: Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and inside banks for maximum security.

Be cautious of bars with no price listings. They may overcharge tourists.

No Price Listings: Bars without price listings may overcharge unsuspecting customers.
Overcharging: Drinks in bars can be significantly more expensive for tourists.
Reputable Bars: Choose popular, reputable bars with transparent pricing.

Be cautious of accommodation offers that seem too good to be true or come from unverified sources.

Too Good to Be True: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Unverified Sources: Only book accommodation from verified sources or reputable hotels.
Safety Measures: Ensure the accommodation has safety measures in place, such as security cameras and locks.

Be cautious of rental car companies offering extremely cheap rates or charging hidden fees.

Extremely Cheap Rates: Be wary of incredibly low rental rates, as they may indicate hidden charges.
Hidden Fees: Check the terms and conditions for any hidden fees or charges.
Reputable Rental Companies: Rent from reputable rental companies with good reviews and transparent pricing.

Be cautious of public Wi-Fi hotspots charging excessive fees for access.

Excessive Fees: Public Wi-Fi should not charge a fee for basic usage.
Security Risks: Using unsecured public Wi-Fi can expose your device to security risks.
Alternatives: Consider using a mobile hotspot or finding free, secure public Wi-Fi alternatives.

Be cautious of street performers who pass around collection boxes. They may not be genuine charities.

False Charities: Street performances asking for donations are often fake charities.
Lack of Transparency: Genuine charities should provide transparency about their cause and usage of funds.
Legitimate Charities: Support reputable, registered charities for a positive impact.