Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Amritsar, India

1. Gold Souk Scam

Be wary of overpriced gold jewelry in Gold Souk. Always ask for a receipt and check purity.

Pricing Verification: Check prices with multiple vendors before making a purchase.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for an invoice or receipt after purchase.
Check Purity: Verify the purity of gold jewelry using a reliable testing kit or jeweler's trust.

Always negotiate the fare before taking an auto-rickshaw. Use prepaid counters for fixed rates.

Prepaid Counter: Use prepaid auto-rickshaws for a fair price.
Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before getting into an auto-rickshaw.
Know Fare Rates: Familiarize yourself with standard fare rates to avoid overcharging.

At temples, do not accept unsolicited offerings or services. Donate only at designated donation boxes.

Designated Boxes: Donate only in designated donation boxes.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Do not accept unsolicited offerings or services from strangers at temples.
Respectful Donation: Respect the customs and traditions of each temple when donating.

Avoid unlicensed casinos in Amritsar. Stick to government-regulated gambling locations.

Government Regulation: Only visit government-regulated casinos for safe and fair gaming.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about reputable casinos in the area.
Check License: Always confirm the casino's license before gambling.

Avoid unofficial tour guides. Book licensed and reputable tour services.

Licensed Guide: Only hire licensed tour guides for a legitimate experience.
Ask Recommendations: Ask hotel or local recommendations for reliable tour services.
Check Reviews: Research and check reviews of tour guides before hiring.

Avoid restaurants near tourist spots for overpriced food. Try local eateries instead.

Local Eateries: Try authentic and affordable local eateries for delicious meals.
Avoid Tourist Spots: Stay away from restaurants near tourist attractions to avoid overpricing.
Check Prices: Always check the prices before ordering at restaurants.

Shop in established markets and stores. Be wary of street vendors selling counterfeit goods.

Established Markets: Shop at reputable and established markets for quality items.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling counterfeit or low-quality goods.
Check Quality: Always check the quality of items before purchasing.

Avoid taxis without a meter. Use prepaid or app-based taxi services for fixed rates.

Prepaid Service: Use prepaid taxi services for a fair price.
App-Based Taxis: Book app-based taxis for reliable and safe transportation.
Ask Driver to Turn on Meter: Always ask the driver to turn on the meter when using a taxi without one.

Avoid tuk-tuks that do not have meters. Negotiate the fare before boarding.

Avoid Tuk-tuks Without Meters: Stay away from tuk-tuks without meters to avoid overcharging.
Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before getting into a tuk-tuk.
Know Fare Rates: Familiarize yourself with standard fare rates to avoid overcharging.

Book hotels through reputable sources. Inspect the hotel room before checking in.

Reputable Sources: Book hotels through established and reputable booking platforms.
Inspection: Always inspect the hotel room before checking in to ensure cleanliness and safety.
Check Reviews: Research and check reviews of hotels before booking.

Do not share personal information with anyone claiming to be a police officer. Contact your embassy if needed.

Embassy Contact: Know the contact details of your embassy in case of emergency.
No Personal Info Sharing: Do not share personal information with anyone who claims to be a police officer.
Verify Credentials: Ask for identification and verify the officer's credentials if in doubt.

Buy sim cards only from authorized retailers. Avoid street vendors or unlicensed stores.

Authorized Retailer: Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers for safe and reliable service.
Avoid Unlicensed Stores: Stay away from unlicensed stores to avoid issues with the sim card.
Check SIM Card Functionality: Always check the functionality of your sim card before leaving the store.

Avoid buying souvenirs during festivals from unauthorized vendors. Shop at designated marketplaces instead.

Designated Marketplaces: Shop at authorized marketplaces for authentic festival souvenirs.
Avoid Unauthorized Vendors: Stay away from unauthorized vendors selling counterfeit goods during festivals.
Check Quality: Always check the quality of festival souvenirs before purchasing.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors. Book massages at reputable and licensed spas.

Licensed Spa: Book massages at licensed and reputable spas for a safe and relaxing experience.
Ask for License: Always ask the massage parlor to show their license before booking an appointment.
Check Reviews: Research and check reviews of spas before booking a massage.

Exchange money only at authorized banks or exchange kiosks. Avoid street vendors or unlicensed shops.

Authorized Bank or Kiosk: Always exchange currency at authorized banks or kiosks for a fair rate.
Avoid Unlicensed Shops: Stay away from unlicensed shops and street vendors to avoid being ripped off.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates before exchanging money for the best deal.