Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Aleppo, Ḩalab, Syria

1. Citadel Scam Alert

Avoid overpriced guides or fake artifacts at the ancient Citadel of Aleppo.

Local Guides: Hire registered guides from the tourism office to ensure authenticity.
Official Shopping: Buy souvenirs only from official shops near the entrance of attractions.
Avoid Street Transactions: Decline offers from street vendors within the Citadel for your safety.

Stay vigilant against overpriced or counterfeit goods in Aleppo's bustling souks.

Bargain Wisely: Haggle prices fairly, but be mindful of the local market value.
Avoid Isolated Shops: Shop in busy areas where other buyers are present for added safety.
Check Quality: Examine goods carefully before purchasing to ensure their authenticity and quality.

Avoid bogus guides and donation requests at the Hamidiye Mosque.

Official Guides: Hire official guides from the mosque's administration for accurate information.
Respectful Donations: Make donations directly to the mosque’s management, not to individuals.
Avoid Unsolicited Help: Decline offers of help inside the mosque from unfamiliar individuals.

Guard against fake guides and overpriced services in Kalasa Garden.

Official Guides: Hire an official guide from the garden’s administration for a better experience.
Avoid Unknown Offers: Refuse unsolicited offers from strangers inside the garden.
Check Ticket Prices: Ensure you pay the correct admission fee at the ticket booth.

Be cautious of fake guides and counterfeit items at Aleppo’s museums.

Official Guides: Hire registered guides from the museum's administration for an enriching experience.
Avoid Street Transactions: Refuse offers of souvenirs or services from individuals outside the museum.
Check Museum's Official Website: Gather information about the museum and its offerings from their official website before visiting.

Avoid overcharging or being taken to unwanted destinations in Aleppo's taxis.

Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Set the fare before starting your journey to prevent overcharging.
Use Registered Taxis: Choose taxis from registered companies with visible identification.
Avoid Night Travel: Travel during daytime to minimize the risk of scams or unwanted encounters.

Prevent overpriced meals and bad service in Aleppo's eateries.

Check Prices Beforehand: Inquire about prices before ordering to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Street Eateries: Choose restaurants in tourist areas or recommended by locals for a safer experience.
Check Reviews: Read online reviews before dining at a restaurant to ensure quality and service.

Avoid poor service or overpriced stays in Aleppo's accommodations.

Book with Reputable Websites: Use reliable booking websites to ensure the accommodation's legitimacy.
Check Ratings and Reviews: Read reviews and check ratings before booking an accommodation.
Pay in Advance Wisely: Make advance payments only to reputable websites or through secure methods.

Avoid unfair exchange rates and hidden fees at Aleppo's currency exchanges.

Use Reputable Exchanges: Choose well-established currency exchange offices for fair rates.
Check Rates Beforehand: Compare exchange rates online before visiting a physical office.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Refuse offers of currency exchanges from individuals on the street.

Avoid overpriced or faulty services in Aleppo's local transportation.

Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Set the fare before starting your journey to prevent overcharging.
Use Registered Services: Choose registered buses, minibuses or shared taxis for a safer experience.
Avoid Night Travel: Travel during daytime to minimize the risk of scams or unwanted encounters.

Avoid overpriced goods and hidden fees in Aleppo's shopping malls.

Check Prices Beforehand: Inquire about prices before purchasing to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Unfamiliar Shops: Stay away from unknown or unpopular stores inside the mall.
Check Mall's Reputation: Research the mall’s reputation before visiting to ensure its safety and quality.

Prevent foodborne illnesses or overpriced meals from Aleppo's street food vendors.

Check Hygiene Levels: Choose street food vendors with clean environments and proper hygiene.
Avoid Unfamiliar Vendors: Stay away from unknown or unpopular street food vendors.
Check Prices Beforehand: Inquire about prices before ordering to avoid unexpected charges.

Avoid overpriced tours or poor service in Aleppo's local tours.

Book with Reputable Agencies: Choose well-established tour agencies for a better experience.
Check Prices Beforehand: Inquire about prices before booking a tour to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Street Bookings: Refuse offers of tours from individuals on the street.

Avoid overpriced goods, counterfeit items or pickpocketing during Aleppo's local festivals.

Stay Aware of Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings and stay vigilant in crowded areas.
Bargain Wisely: Haggle prices fairly, but be mindful of the local market value.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-lit and populated areas during the festival for safety.

Avoid overpriced tickets or poor service at Aleppo's local events.

Book with Reputable Agencies: Choose well-established event agencies for a better experience.
Check Prices Beforehand: Inquire about prices before purchasing tickets to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Street Bookings: Refuse offers of event tickets from individuals on the street.