Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Patiāla, Punjab, India

All Topics about Patiāla All Cities in India

1. Quila Mubarak Scam

Scammers may offer 'guided tours' or 'inside access' at the Quila Mubarak for a fee. The real entrance is free.

Free Entrance: The actual entry to the monument is always free.
Official Guides: Only official guides can provide paid tours inside the Quila Mubarak.
Report Suspicious Activities: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities or tourist information centers.

Scammers may sell low-quality gold jewelry in the local gold market. Always check with a trusted jeweler or use a reliable store.

Check Hallmark: Authentic gold jewelry will have a hallmark verifying its purity.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt when purchasing gold, and check it thoroughly.
Buy from Reputed Shops: Purchase from reputable shops or jewelry stores in the market.

Some rickshaw drivers may overcharge tourists. Agree on a price before starting your journey.

Know Fare Rates: Familiarize yourself with the standard rates for rickshaws.
Bargain: Always negotiate the fare before hopping in a rickshaw.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for guidance on fair prices and reliable drivers.

Scammers may offer to exchange currency at an attractive rate but provide counterfeit money. Use reputable and registered exchange centers.

Check License: Make sure the currency exchange center is licensed by the government.
Count Money Carefully: Count the exchanged money carefully and verify its authenticity.
Report Fake Currency: Inform authorities if you suspect receiving counterfeit currency.

Some shopkeepers may try to forcefully take tourists inside their stores. Be firm and politely decline unwanted invitations.

Know the Area: Familiarize yourself with the main shopping areas in Patiāla.
Politely Decline: Politely decline invitations to unwanted shops and continue exploring.
Ask for Directions: Ask locals for directions if you're unsure about the route or area.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists. Look for reasonably priced local eateries.

Know Local Prices: Familiarize yourself with typical food prices in Patiāla.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable and tasty restaurants.
Check Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other eateries in the area before dining.

Scammers may offer fake or overpriced transportation services at bus stations. Only use pre-paid services or trusted taxi companies.

Pre-Paid Tickets: Buy pre-paid tickets for buses and other public transportation.
Use Reputed Taxi Companies: Opt for reputable taxi companies or services when traveling by road.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt and check the price before boarding any transportation.

Scammers may pose as tour guides offering inexpensive services. Only use licensed and recommended guides.

Check Credentials: Ask for credentials, licenses, or certifications of the guide.
Check Recommendations: Seek recommendations from local tourism boards or reputable travel websites.
Report Unlicensed Guides: Inform authorities if you encounter unlicensed guides.

Scammers may offer fraudulent hotel bookings. Use reputable booking platforms or contact hotels directly.

Use Reputed Booking Platforms: Book accommodations through well-known and reliable travel websites.
Contact Hotels Directly: Directly contact hotels to confirm the booking and their location.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests before choosing a hotel.

Scammers may offer rides in tuk-tuks and charge inflated prices. Agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Know Fare Rates: Familiarize yourself with the standard rates for tuk-tuks in Patiāla.
Bargain: Always negotiate the fare before hopping in a tuk-tuk.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for guidance on fair prices and reliable drivers.

Scammers may offer to exchange money at an attractive rate but provide counterfeit money. Use reputable and registered exchange centers.

Check License: Make sure the currency exchange center is licensed by the government.
Count Money Carefully: Count the exchanged money carefully and verify its authenticity.
Report Fake Currency: Inform authorities if you suspect receiving counterfeit currency.

Scammers may sell overpriced or fake SIM cards. Purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers.

Find Authorized Retailers: Find official stores of mobile network providers to buy SIM cards.
Check Package Prices: Compare package prices with other retailers in the area before purchasing a SIM card.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt when purchasing a SIM card and check it thoroughly.

Scammers may pose as charitable organizations to collect money. Verify the legitimacy of any charity before donating.

Check Credentials: Ask for credentials, licenses, or certifications of the charity.
Do Research: Research charities online and verify their legitimacy before donating.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt when donating to a charity.

Scammers may offer taxi services with inflated prices or take longer routes. Use pre-paid taxi services or trusted taxi companies.

Pre-Paid Tickets: Buy pre-paid tickets for airport taxis.
Use Reputed Taxi Companies: Opt for reputable taxi companies or services when traveling by road from the airport.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt and check the price before boarding any transportation.

Scammers may sell contaminated or low-quality street food. Be cautious when buying from street vendors.

Check Hygiene Standards: Look for clean surroundings, hygienic practices, and proper food handling.
Avoid Unattended Stalls: Avoid buying from street vendors who are not present to supervise the preparation of your meal.
Stick to Popular Foods: Choose popular and well-known foods from reputable street vendors.