Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nārāyanganj, Bangladesh
1. Rickshaw Overcharging
A common scam where rickshaw drivers overcharge tourists. Avoid this by negotiating the fare before starting the ride.
- Negotiation: The key to avoiding overcharging is to agree on a fare before the journey begins.
- Awareness: Being aware of the usual rates can help you identify if you're being overcharged.
- Bargaining Skills: Having good bargaining skills can help you get a fair price for your rickshaw ride.
2. Counterfeit Currency
Fake notes are used in transactions to trick unsuspecting tourists. Be vigilant and check the authenticity of currency.
- Visual Inspection: Check for holograms, watermarks, and other security features on the notes.
- Feel and Touch: Authentic currency should feel smooth to the touch. Counterfeit notes may have a rough or sticky texture.
- Light Test: Hold the note up to light to check for any irregularities.
3. Fake Tour Guides
Unlicensed tour guides may offer their services and lead you to overpriced or fraudulent attractions. Stick with reputable companies.
- Reputation: Research the tour company before booking a tour to ensure they have a good reputation.
- Licensing: Ask to see the guide's license and verify its authenticity.
- Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or other travelers for reliable tour guides.
4. Fraudulent Shopping Scams
Some shops may overcharge tourists or sell counterfeit goods. Always research the item's market value before purchasing.
- Research: Research the average price of items you wish to buy.
- Bargaining: Always bargain for a lower price, especially when shopping at markets or street vendors.
- Brand Authenticity: Check for authenticity marks on branded goods to avoid buying counterfeits.
5. ATM Card Skimming
Thieves use card-skimming devices on ATMs to steal your bank information. Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas and be cautious when using your card.
- Location: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas for added security.
- Cover Card Slot: Always cover the card slot and keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
- Monitor Account: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unauthorized activity.
6. Transportation Scams
Tourists may be tricked into paying for non-existent or overpriced transportation services. Always confirm the service and price before agreeing.
- Confirm Service: Always confirm the service you are paying for before boarding any transport.
- Bargain: Bargain for a fair price before agreeing to any transportation service.
- Reputation: Choose reputable transport companies whenever possible.
7. Street Food Poisoning
Unhygienic street food vendors may cause travelers' illnesses. Stick to reputable food stalls and avoid undercooked or unpeeled foods.
- Reputation: Choose well-known street food vendors with good reviews.
- Cooking Practices: Avoid undercooked or unpeeled foods, especially seafood and salads.
- Personal Hygiene: Look for vendors with good personal hygiene and clean cooking areas.
8. Hotel Overbooking Scam
Some hotels may overbook rooms, leaving you without a place to stay. Always book with reputable establishments and confirm your reservation in advance.
- Reputation: Book with well-known and reputable hotels.
- Reservation Confirmation: Confirm your reservation before arrival to avoid any issues.
- Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan, such as another hotel or hostel, in case of overbooking.
9. Friendly Scams
Locals may appear friendly but lead you to ATMs or shops where they receive a commission. Be wary of overly helpful strangers.
- Awareness: Be aware that not everyone is out to help; some may be trying to scam you.
- Independence: Try to navigate the city independently as much as possible.
- Trusted Information Sources: Reliable information sources such as guides, travel books, and online reviews can help you avoid scams.
10. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Some restaurants overprice food for tourists. Research popular eateries and avoid isolated restaurants with few customers.
- Research: Research popular eateries beforehand to find affordable, good-quality options.
- Avoid Isolated Restaurants: Avoid isolated restaurants with few customers as they may be overpriced or serve poor quality food.
- Local Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals for affordable, good-quality restaurants.
11. Golden Temple Scam
Some individuals may offer to clean or polish your shoes at the Golden Temple and demand payment. Politely decline these offers.
- Politeness: Be polite but firm in declining unwanted services.
- Awareness: Be aware that this is a common scam at religious sites.
- Respect for the Site: Respect the sacred nature of the site and avoid participating in scams.
12. Sacred Thread Scam
Some individuals may offer to tie a holy thread around your wrist at religious sites and demand payment. Politely decline these offers.
- Politeness: Be polite but firm in declining unwanted services.
- Awareness: Be aware that this is a common scam at religious sites.
- Respect for the Site: Respect the sacred nature of the site and avoid participating in scams.
13. Sim Card Scam
Some shops may sell fake or non-functional SIM cards. Stick to reputable mobile network providers and retailers.
- Reputation: Choose reputable mobile network providers and retailers.
- Check Service: Test the SIM card's service before leaving the store to ensure it works properly.
- Read Reviews: Read online reviews of mobile network providers and retailers before making a purchase.
14. Beware of Beggars
Some beggars may be part of organized scams or groups. While it's important to help those in need, be cautious and donate only to reputable organizations.
- Caution: Be cautious when giving money to beggars, as some may be part of organized scams.
- Help Those in Need: If you wish to help, consider donating to reputable organizations instead.
- Avoid Alleyways: Avoid giving money in alleyways or secluded areas where scams are more likely to occur.
15. Tuk-tuk Driver Collusion
Some tuk-tuk drivers may collude with shop owners to take tourists to overpriced stores. Agree on the destination before starting the ride.
- Destination Agreement: Always agree on the destination before starting your tuk-tuk ride.
- Negotiation: Negotiate the fare and destination with your driver to avoid overpriced stores.
- Awareness: Be aware that some tuk-tuk drivers may collude with shop owners to take tourists to overpriced stores.