
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Barura, Chattogram, Bangladesh
1. Rickshaw Overcharging
Avoid being overcharged for rickshaw rides by negotiating prices before starting the journey.
- Know Fare Rates: Research and know the standard fare rates for rickshaws.
- Bargain Ahead: Always negotiate prices before entering a rickshaw.
- Avoid Late Night Travel: Travel during daylight hours to avoid overcharging, especially at night.
2. False Guide Services
Avoid fake guides by hiring a registered guide or asking for recommendations from reputable sources.
- Check Registration: Make sure the guide has proper registration and licensing.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous clients to gauge the quality of service.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from local authorities or trusted travel agencies.
3. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Avoid restaurants near tourist hotspots as they often overprice meals. Opt for local eateries instead.
- Find Local Eateries: Seek out local, family-run restaurants for authentic and affordable food.
- Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on good places to eat.
- Avoid Overpriced Areas: Stay away from restaurants near popular tourist attractions.
4. Counterfeit Currency Scams
Be cautious when accepting bills and always check their authenticity before handing over genuine money.
- Check the Authenticity: Familiarize yourself with the look, feel, and sound of genuine currency.
- Count Money Carefully: Count your money carefully after each transaction to catch any discrepancies.
- Trust Established Businesses: Transact with established businesses and vendors instead of individuals.
5. ATM Card Skimming
Use ATMs in secure locations like banks to minimize the risk of card skimming.
- Choose Secure ATMs: Always opt for ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent onlookers from seeing it.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.
6. Fraudulent Money Exchange Shops
Exchange money only at authorized exchange shops or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit currency.
- Verify Location: Exchange money in locations like banks, airport exchange counters, or reputable exchange shops.
- Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between multiple locations to find the best deal.
- Count Money Carefully: Count your money carefully after each transaction to catch any discrepancies.
7. Unwanted Taxi Rides
Avoid unlicensed taxi services and opt for reputable companies or apps like Uber or Grab to ensure a safe ride.
- Use Reputable Services: Choose well-known taxi services or use ride-hailing apps.
- Check for Licenses: Ensure the vehicle and driver have a valid license displayed.
- Ask for Receipt: Always request a receipt for your ride to verify the fare charged.
8. Gold Jewelry Scams
Avoid purchasing gold jewelry from street vendors as they may sell counterfeit or low-quality items. Buy from reputable jewelers instead.
- Buy from Reputed Shops: Purchase gold jewelry from established and reputable shops.
- Check Purity: Request a purity certificate for the jewelry to verify its quality.
- Bargain Wisely: Negotiate prices carefully while keeping in mind the real value of gold in the local market.
9. Dubious Bazaar Shops
Avoid shops selling cheap, seemingly high-quality items. These may be counterfeit or of low quality.
- Buy from Trusted Sources: Purchase items from reputable and trusted shops.
- Check Quality: Thoroughly inspect the item before purchasing to verify its quality.
- Bargain Carefully: Negotiate prices carefully while keeping in mind the real value of the item.
10. Overpriced Souvenirs
Avoid shops selling overpriced souvenirs. Instead, explore local markets and bargain for better deals.
- Find Local Markets: Visit local markets to find a wider variety of reasonably priced souvenirs.
- Bargain Aggressively: Negotiate prices aggressively to get the best deal on souvenirs.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices at different shops before making a purchase.
11. Rental Car Scams
Avoid rental cars without proper paperwork and insurance. Opt for established rental companies to ensure a legitimate vehicle.
- Choose Established Rental Companies: Rent vehicles from well-known, reputable rental agencies.
- Check for Proper Documentation: Ensure the car has valid documentation and insurance coverage.
- Inspect Vehicle Thoroughly: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before accepting it to identify any damages.
12. Bus Ticket Scams
Avoid buying bus tickets from unauthorized vendors and opt for official ticket counters to avoid receiving counterfeit or invalid tickets.
- Buy from Official Counters: Purchase bus tickets from the official ticket counter.
- Check Ticket Validity: Inspect the ticket for its validity and any discrepancies.
- Avoid Bus Stops Near Tourist Attractions: Avoid buying tickets from bus stops near tourist attractions as they may sell counterfeit or invalid tickets.
13. Accommodation Overbooking
Book accommodation in advance through reputable websites or travel agencies to avoid the risk of overbooking.
- Book in Advance: Book accommodations well in advance.
- Choose Reputable Websites: Book through reputable travel websites or local travel agencies.
- Check for Confirmation: Request a confirmation of your booking and reconfirm upon arrival.
14. Fraudulent Internet Cafes
Avoid internet cafes near tourist areas as they may install keyloggers or spyware to steal your information. Use reputable establishments instead.
- Choose Secure Internet Cafes: Select internet cafes in secure locations.
- Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions while using public computers.
- Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
15. Unlicensed Spa & Massage Services
Avoid unlicensed spas and massage parlors as they may provide inadequate or unsanitary services. Opt for licensed establishments instead.
- Choose Licensed Spas: Select spas that are registered and licensed.
- Check for Cleanliness: Inspect the cleanliness of the facility before using their services.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or fellow travelers for reputable spas and massage parlors.