Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bazal’tove, Rivnenska Oblast, Ukraine

All Topics about Bazal’tove All Cities in Ukraine

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxis by using licensed taxi services or apps. Be aware of drivers offering 'special deals' or taking longer routes.

Licensed Services: Ensure the taxi is officially licensed and has a meter.
Apps: Use mobile apps like Uber or local taxi services to book your ride.
Avoid Long Routes: Ask the driver for the shortest route and be vigilant during the journey.

Bargain hard at flea markets to avoid overpriced items. Be cautious of sellers offering 'exclusive deals' or pushing unwanted items.

Bargain Hard: Start by offering a low price and work up from there.
Exclusive Deals: Be aware of sellers trying to pressure you into buying their items.
Pushy Sellers: Ignore unwanted offers and keep moving from stall to stall.

Exchange money at official banks or authorized exchange offices to avoid counterfeit notes and unfavorable rates.

Official Banks: Exchange money at a bank during regular business hours.
Authorized Offices: Look for exchange offices that have official signage and are busy with customers.
Counterfeit Notes: Check the authenticity of bills by feeling them, looking at their security features, or using a counterfeit pen.

Eat at busy and popular street food stands to avoid contaminated or undercooked food. Avoid stands where the food is left out for long periods.

Busy Stands: Look for stands with a steady stream of customers.
Popular Foods: Choose dishes that are well-known and commonly eaten in Bazal’tove.
Food Preparation: Avoid stands where food is left out for long periods.

Book accommodations through reputable online travel agencies or local hostels to avoid subpar or non-existent rooms.

Reputable Agencies: Use booking websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, or Expedia.
Local Hostels: Stay at well-reviewed hostels with a good reputation.
Avoid Subpar Rooms: Read reviews and check the accommodation's ratings before booking.

Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy areas to avoid skimming and card trapping devices.

Inside Banks: Use ATMs located within a bank building during regular business hours.
Well-lit Areas: Choose well-lit and busy locations for your transactions.
Card Trapping Devices: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN and check your card for any signs of tampering before inserting it.

Choose a tour guide from a reputable agency or ask your accommodation for recommendations to avoid unlicensed guides and low-quality tours.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours through established tour companies.
Accommodation Recommendations: Ask your accommodation for recommendations based on their experiences with local guides.
Unlicensed Guides: Be wary of individuals offering tours without a proper license or ID.

Buy souvenirs from reputable shops or directly from artisans to avoid counterfeit items and overpriced merchandise.

Reputable Shops: Choose shops that are well-established and have good reviews.
Directly from Artisans: Look for opportunities to buy directly from local artisans in markets or workshops.
Counterfeit Items: Be cautious of souvenirs that seem too good to be true or have poor quality.

Avoid restaurants with no menu prices or that require upfront payment. Check the bill carefully for added fees.

Menu Prices: Make sure the restaurant has a visible and understandable menu.
Upfront Payment: Never pay before your meal is served.
Added Fees: Inspect the bill for any unexpected charges or fees.

Use official public transportation services and avoid individuals offering rides. Be cautious of buses or trams with no conductor.

Be cautious of individuals asking for money who appear to be begging but are actually part of organized scams.

Organized Scams: Avoid giving money to groups of beggars or those with stories that seem too good to be true.
Individual Beggars: Give to individuals in need only if you believe they are genuinely struggling.
Suspicious Behavior: Be wary of beggars who seem to be working together or follow you.

Rent cars only from reputable agencies and read the contract carefully to avoid hidden charges.

Reputable Agencies: Choose car rental companies with a good reputation.
Read the Contract: Thoroughly review the contract before signing to understand the terms and conditions.
Hidden Charges: Be aware of additional fees for insurance, fuel, or mileage.

Use reputable internet cafés and be cautious of unattended computers to avoid identity theft or malware.

Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose internet cafés with good reviews.
Unattended Computers: Never use unattended computers for sensitive activities like banking or emailing.
Identity Theft and Malware: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your online privacy and security.

Give to street performers sparingly and be aware of performers who follow you for additional tips.

Sparingly Give: Give small amounts of money only if the performance was entertaining.
Following for Tips: Ignore performers who follow you after the performance for additional tips.
Entertaining Performances: Watch performances that are well-received by other passersby.

Donate only to legitimate charities and avoid street collectors. Research local charities before making a donation.

Legitimate Charities: Give to well-known, reputable charities.
Street Collectors: Avoid donating to individuals collecting money on the street.
Research Local Charities: Learn about local charities in Bazal’tove and their missions before making a donation.