Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bahār, Hamadān, Iran

All Topics about Bahār All Cities in Iran

1. Bahār Bazaar Counterfeit Goods

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors in the bustling Bahār Bazaar. Genuine products have quality assurance labels.

Quality Assurance Labels: Genuine products come with quality assurance labels, while counterfeits do not.
Street Vendors vs. Authorized Shops: Counterfeit goods are commonly sold by street vendors, while authorized shops sell genuine products.
Prices Significantly Lower Than Market Rates: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be cautious when exchanging money at unofficial exchange booths in the city. Always use authorized exchange centers.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Official exchange centers have better exchange rates and are regulated.
Unofficial Exchange Booths: Unofficial booths may offer seemingly attractive exchange rates but provide far less value.
Check Exchange Rates Online: Regularly check the current exchange rate online to verify offers from exchange centers.

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by using ride-hailing apps or negotiating fair prices beforehand.

Ride-Hailing Apps: Ride-hailing apps offer fixed rates and can be a more reliable option.
Negotiate Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Taxi Stands Near Tourist Attractions: Taxis near popular attractions may charge higher rates.

Avoid unlicensed guides at tourist sites. Always book licensed guides or use self-guided apps.

Licensed Guides: Licensed guides have the knowledge and credentials to provide quality tours.
Self-Guided Apps: Self-guided apps offer a convenient way to explore on your own terms.
Ask for Licenses: Request to see guides' licenses and verify their credentials before starting a tour.

Avoid overpriced meals at restaurants near tourist attractions. Look for local eateries instead.

Local Eateries: Local eateries offer authentic food at lower prices.
Avoid Restaurants Near Tourist Attractions: Restaurants near tourist attractions may overcharge visitors.
Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews and ask locals for recommendations to find good restaurants.

Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or unofficial ticket sellers. Buy tickets directly at the attraction's box office.

Attraction Box Office: The attraction's official box office is the only authorized place to buy tickets.
Street Vendors: Tickets sold by street vendors may be counterfeit or overpriced.
Check Opening Hours and Dates: Verify the attraction's opening hours and dates before purchasing tickets.

Avoid sim card scams by buying from official retailers or your hotel. Never share personal information with strangers.

Official Retailers: Official retailers provide genuine SIM cards and services.
Hotel: Your hotel can also help you purchase a SIM card.
Never Share Personal Information: Be wary of anyone asking for personal information, especially in public places.

Avoid friendly scams by being cautious around overly helpful strangers offering assistance or gifts. Stick to your travel plans.

Be Skeptical of Overly Helpful Strangers: Trust your instincts when approached by strangers.
Stick to Your Travel Plans: Follow your pre-planned itinerary and avoid deviating from it unnecessarily.
Say No Politely but Firmly: If you're uncomfortable, politely decline any offers or assistance.

Avoid overpriced ferry rides by booking tickets in advance or negotiating prices before boarding.

Book Tickets in Advance: Booking tickets in advance can help secure lower rates.
Negotiate Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Ferries Near Tourist Attractions: Ferries near popular attractions may charge higher rates.

Avoid car rental scams by dealing with reputable agencies and reading the contract carefully.

Reputable Agencies: Rent from well-known, reputable car rental agencies.
Read Contract Carefully: Make sure to read and understand the contract terms before signing.
Inspect Vehicle Before Driving Away: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for damages before driving away.

Avoid overpriced accommodations by booking through trusted platforms or negotiating prices.

Book Through Trusted Platforms: Use well-known, trusted accommodation booking platforms.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices before finalizing your booking.
Check Reviews: Read online reviews and check ratings before making a booking decision.

Avoid overpriced WiFi access at cafes or hotels. Use your mobile data or look for free WiFi hotspots.

Mobile Data: Use your mobile data plan to stay connected.
Free WiFi Hotspots: Look for public hotspots, usually available at tourist attractions or city centers.
Avoid Overpriced Cafes or Hotels: Some cafes and hotels may charge higher rates for WiFi access.

Avoid donating to fraudulent charity collectors. Research local charities and donate directly.

Research Local Charities: Take time to research legitimate local charities before donating.
Donate Directly: If possible, donate directly to the charity's official website or office.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt for your donation as proof of support.

Avoid overpriced carpet sales at souvenir shops. Bargain and compare prices before purchasing.

Bargain: Always bargain for a better price.
Compare Prices: Visit multiple shops and compare prices before making a purchase.
Avoid Rush Sales Tactics: Don't be pressured into buying immediately. Take your time to make an informed decision.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit souvenirs from street vendors. Look for authorized souvenir shops instead.

Authorized Souvenir Shops: Authorized souvenir shops sell genuine, high-quality items.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality souvenirs.
Check for Quality Assurance Labels: Look for quality assurance labels on souvenir items to ensure they are genuine.