Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Baghdad, Baghdād, Iraq

All Topics about Baghdad All Cities in Iraq

1. Al-Rasheed Street Scam

Street vendors may overcharge tourists for souvenirs. Avoid buying goods without checking prices first.

Price Checking: Avoid overpricing by comparing the price with other shops in the area.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate for a better price to get a fair deal.
Trusted Shops: Look for reliable shops with good reviews or recommendations from locals.

Pickpockets are active in crowded places like Al-Zawraa Park. Keep personal belongings secure.

Secure Storage: Store valuables in a safe place, not easily accessible.
Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and potential threats.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers theft to protect yourself financially.

Some taxis may use the meter incorrectly or charge extra fees. Insist on using the meter and agree on the fare before starting the ride.

Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi uses the meter to calculate the fare.
Pre-Negotiated Fare: Agree on the fare before starting the ride to avoid unexpected charges.
Registered Taxis: Use registered taxis with visible identification and a working meter.

Watch out for fake Iraqi dinars when exchanging money. Always check the authenticity of notes.

Currency Exchange Centers: Use reputable currency exchange centers or banks for exchanging money.
Authenticity Check: Check the authenticity of notes by feeling the texture, looking for watermarks, and checking the hologram.
Money Exchange Receipt: Request a receipt when exchanging money as evidence of the transaction if needed.

Some gold vendors may sell fake or lower quality gold in Al-Mutanabbi Street. Verify gold authenticity.

Gold Authenticity Testing: Test gold for authenticity using an acid test kit.
Reputable Vendors: Purchase from reputable vendors with good reviews and recommendations.
Price Comparison: Compare gold prices with other shops in the area to avoid overpaying.

Skimmers may be attached to ATMs to steal card information. Be cautious when using ATMs.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas and avoid ones that seem suspicious.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor your account transactions for unauthorized activity.

Unscrupulous mobile operators may overcharge or sell used sim cards. Buy sim cards from official outlets.

Official Outlets: Purchase sim cards from official mobile operator stores.
New Sim Cards: Ensure you receive a new, unopened sim card package.
Registration Requirement: Register the sim card as required by local regulations to avoid problems later.

Fraudulent delivery persons may provide lower quality food or demand extra charges. Order from reputable vendors.

Reputable Vendors: Order from established Talabat restaurants with good reviews.
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods like credit cards or mobile wallets.
Accurate Order Verification: Verify the accuracy of your order before confirming the payment.

Some restaurants may inflate the bill or add unnecessary charges. Check the bill carefully.

Accurate Bills: Check the bill for any unauthorized items or inflated prices.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt as proof of the bill and for your records.
Local Prices: Compare prices with local prices to avoid overpaying.

Unlicensed guides or drivers may offer their services and then overcharge or lead you to scams. Use registered guides or drivers.

Registered Guides: Hire guides from reputable tour agencies.
Licensed Drivers: Use licensed taxi drivers or car rental services with visible identification.
Pre-negotiated Rates: Agree on the rates before starting the tour or journey to avoid unexpected charges.

Vendors may sell fake historical artifacts. Verify the authenticity of any items before purchasing.

Authenticity Verification: Verify the authenticity of the item with experts or museums.
Reputable Dealers: Purchase from reputable dealers with a history of selling authentic items.
Official Documentation: Request official documentation that verifies the item's authenticity and history.

Some people may solicit fake charities or exploit genuine causes. Verify the legitimacy of charities before donating.

Legitimate Charities: Donate to well-known and reputable charities.
Official Documentation: Ask for official documentation proving the charity's legitimacy.
Donation Transparency: Ensure the charity is transparent about how donations are used.

Performers may demand excessive payments or create a scene for more tips. Be cautious when giving money to street performers.

Reasonable Tips: Give reasonable tips based on the performance quality and length.
Avoid Coercion: Do not let performers coerce you into giving more money than you are comfortable with.
Local Customs: Respect local customs and tipping etiquette when interacting with street performers.

Some hotels may charge additional hidden fees or provide low-quality rooms. Read the hotel's terms and conditions carefully.

Transparent Fees: Check the hotel's fee structure before booking to avoid unexpected charges.
Room Inspection: Inspect the room for any damages or issues before settling in.
Reputable Hotels: Choose reputable hotels with good reviews and recommendations.

Some local transport providers may overcharge or provide substandard service. Research the transportation costs before traveling.

Cost Comparison: Compare transportation costs with reliable sources to avoid overpaying.
Registered Services: Use registered local transport services like buses, trains, or shared taxis.
Safety Measures: Ensure the transport service has safety measures like seatbelts and follows traffic rules.