
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dhaka, Bangladesh
1. Tuktuk Fare Overcharge
In Dhaka, tuktuk drivers may charge higher rates, especially to tourists. Always agree on a price before starting your ride to avoid surprises. Use a local fare app to estimate the fair cost.
- Negotiate Fare: Agree on a price beforehand to prevent overcharging.
- Use GPS: Follow your journey on a map app to ensure the driver takes a direct route.
- Language Barrier: Learn basic local phrases to help negotiate fares effectively.
2. Fake Tour Guides
In crowded areas, individuals may pose as official tour guides, offering services for an inflated price. Verify your guide's credentials before hiring. Official guides are usually affiliated with recognized tour companies.
- Credential Check: Ask for identification or affiliation to confirm authenticity.
- Company Recommendations: Rely on tours recommended by trusted sources or hotels.
- Pricing Standards: Compare prices with official brochures or websites.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Street vendors may sell counterfeit products, misrepresenting them as genuine brands. To avoid this, shop only at reputable stores or malls. Familiarize yourself with the brand’s official prices and packaging.
- Shop Location: Prefer reputed stores in malls rather than street vendors.
- Brand Knowledge: Know the distinctive features of the brand to spot fakes.
- Receipt Request: Always ask for a receipt as a purchase proof.
4. Sim Card Scams
Unauthorized sellers may offer fake or overpriced SIM cards at the airport. Purchase SIM cards from licensed outlets of major telecom companies. Ensure the SIM is activated on the spot.
- Authorized Dealers: Buy from official telecom shops to guarantee authenticity.
- Full Activation: Confirm that the SIM is fully activated before leaving the store.
- Price Verification: Check standard rates online before buying.
5. Currency Exchange Scams
Unofficial exchange counters may provide a poor exchange rate or manipulate the transaction. Use only authorized exchange services or banks. Double-check the exchange rate and count the money carefully.
- Authorized Counters: Transact exclusively with licensed money exchangers.
- Rate Comparison: Compare rates online to ensure competitive exchange values.
- Transaction Security: Count your money before leaving the counter.
6. Donation Scams
People may approach foreigners for donations to fake charities. Avoid making donations in public places; instead, donate through registered NGOs. Ask for documents or evidence supporting their cause.
- Identity Verification: Request proper identification and documentation.
- Safe Giving: Prefer donating through verified NGO websites or offices.
- Donation Transparency: Ensure you receive a receipt for any donations.
7. Street Beggars
Some beggars may be part of an organized group aimed at exploiting tourists. If you wish to help, donating to reputable charities is better. Be cautious; giving money may encourage more beggars to approach.
- Organized Networks: Be aware that some beggars may work in groups.
- Alternative Help: Contribute to official charities rather than street beggars.
- Safety Consideration: Keep valuables secure when approached by beggars.
8. Pickpocketing in Crowds
Large crowds mean more opportunities for pickpockets. Keep valuables in front pockets and use a money belt. Stay alert in busy markets and public transport.
- Secure Belongings: Use anti-theft bags and keep zippers towards your body.
- Conscious Positioning: Keep wallets and phones in hard-to-reach places.
- Vigilance in Crowds: Be extra cautious in crowded areas, especially at tourist hubs.
9. Hotel Booking Scams
Scammers may create fake hotel websites or listings for non-existent accommodations. Book through recognized platforms or direct hotel websites. Confirm your reservation by contacting the hotel directly.
- Booking Platforms: Use verified platforms such as Booking.com or Expedia.
- Direct Confirmation: Call the hotel to verify your reservation.
- Secure Payment: Use secure payment methods like credit cards.
10. Overpriced Souvenirs
Vendors might overprice souvenirs, especially for tourists. Bargain politely and get a sense of local pricing from multiple shops before buying. Consider shopping at fixed-price stores for more transparency.
- Price Comparison: Check several shops to gauge fair prices.
- Bargaining Tactics: Approach haggling with politeness and patience.
- Fixed-Price Advantage: Seek stores with printed prices for certainty.
11. Unauthorized Photography Fees
Some places, especially remote areas, may charge unexpected fees for taking photos. Seek permission before taking photos, especially of people and religious sites. Confirm any photography fees in advance if unsure.
- Permission Request: Ask before photographing especially in private or sacred areas.
- Fee Clarification: Inquire about any photography charges beforehand.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities around photography.
12. Rental Car Damage Scams
Some agencies may scam tourists by claiming pre-existing damages on returned vehicles. Always inspect and document the vehicle's condition before and after use. Use well-known rental services with clear policies.
- Thorough Inspection: Document every scratch and dent with photos.
- Trustworthy Agencies: Choose reputable rental firms for peace of mind.
- Damage Policy: Understand the rental's terms on damage claims.
13. Inflated Restaurant Bills
Tourists may receive bills with hidden charges or inflated prices. Review the menu carefully for service charges and other fees. Always verify the bill against the menu prices before settling.
- Bill Verification: Compare items on your bill to menu prices.
- Menu Reading: Ask about additional charges like taxes or service fees.
- Known Establishments: Dine at well-reviewed restaurants with transparent pricing.
14. Fake Police Officers
Scammers may pose as police to demand bribes or fines. Request identification and be wary of immediate payments. Contact the local tourist police or your embassy if you feel unsure.
- Official Identification: Insist on seeing proper police ID if confronted.
- Bribe Awareness: Stay calm and do not hand over money without proof.
- Authority Backup: Contact tourist police or your consulate if necessary.
15. Bus Fare Scams
Conductors might overcharge you for bus rides. Familiarize yourself with estimated fare prices and pay attention during transactions. Always carry small bills to avoid fare disputes.
- Fare Familiarity: Know standard fares for common routes in advance.
- Keep Change: Carry exact change to prevent overcharging.
- Clear Communication: Confirm destination and fare with the conductor.
16. Gold Chain Snatching
Snatch thieves may target travelers wearing visible jewelry. Avoid wearing expensive, flashy items in public. Keep valuable jewelry hidden or secured in your hotel safe.
- Discreet Dressing: Keep valuable items out of sight when exploring.
- Secure Storage: Leave expensive jewelry at your accommodation.
- Vigilant Awareness: Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
17. Tea Stall Scams
Some stall owners may overcharge tourists or short-change them. Confirm the cost before ordering and pay attention when receiving change. Frequent busy stalls that locals use to ensure fair practices.
- Price Confirmation: Ask the price of items before placing an order.
- Busy Patronage: Choose stalls with a local clientele for fairer transactions.
- Change Attention: Count your change carefully before leaving the stall.
18. Tourist Attraction Entry Scams
Ticket sellers might sell fake tickets. Buy tickets from authorized counters or official websites. Look for signs of authenticity on tickets, like holograms or watermarks.
- Official Channels: Purchase entry tickets directly from official counters.
- Ticket Validation: Check for holograms or watermarks on the ticket.
- Online Sales: Consider buying tickets in advance from reputable online sources.
19. Internet Café Scams
Cafe owners might charge exorbitant rates for internet use. Confirm the hourly rate before using the computer. Use well-known cafes with posted pricing.
- Rate Awareness: Ask for the hourly rate before using services.
- Reputation Check: Go to cafes with established pricing and good reviews.
- Usage Monitoring: Regularly track your usage time to avoid surprises.
20. ATM Skimming
Card skimmers might alter ATMs to steal credit card information. Only use ATMs inside banks where there is surveillance. Shield your pin number when entering it and regularly check your statements.
- Safe Locations: Use ATMs inside reputable bank branches.
- Transaction Security: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
- Account Monitoring: Check your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.