Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bhubaneshwar, India

1. Auto-rickshaw overcharging

Avoid paying excess by negotiating the fare before starting your journey. Always confirm the meter is on.

Verify your guide's registration with Bhubaneswar Tourism Department to ensure authenticity.

Registration Verification: Ensure the guide is officially registered.
Guide Knowledge: Genuine guides have extensive knowledge of local attractions.
Legitimate Contacts: Avoid guides who cannot provide proper contact details.

Purchase from reputable shops or stalls, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

Reputation: Buy from trustworthy vendors.
Price Evaluation: Be cautious of unusually low prices.
Return Policy: Check if the vendor offers a return policy in case of defects.

Use authorized money exchange centers for currency conversion to avoid receiving counterfeit notes.

Authorized Centers: Exchange at banks, hotels, or recognized money changers.
Check for Holograms: Verify the authenticity of Indian rupee notes by checking for holograms and other security features.
Avoid Late-Night Transactions: Exchange during business hours to minimize risk.

Choose vendors with clean surroundings and hygienic practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Insist on using a meter or negotiate a fixed price before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.

Purchase a SIM card at authorized retailers or telecom company stores to ensure authenticity.

Authorized Retailers: Buy from recognized retailers or telecom company stores.
ID Verification: Provide a valid ID for SIM card registration.
Activation Fee: Ensure the correct activation fee is charged.

Offer donations directly at the temple donation box to avoid unwanted attention or excessive requests.

Politely decline help from strangers unless it is clearly needed to avoid potential scams.

Self-Reliance: Trust your ability to navigate and explore.
Suspicion: Be wary of unsolicited assistance.
Ask for Help when Needed: Seek help from trustworthy sources like police or hotel staff.

Appreciate performances but be cautious when handing money to avoid being scammed.

Avoid Distraction: Remain aware of your surroundings during performances.
Gratuity: Offer a fair amount for the performance based on its quality.
Avoid Unusual Payment Methods: Decline when asked to pay in an unusual way like phone top-ups or jewelry.

Use reliable cybercafes with a good reputation to protect personal information from theft.

Reputation: Choose cybercafes known for their reliability.
Secure Internet Connection: Ensure the connection is secure to prevent data theft.
Avoid Unfamiliar Software: Refuse to use unfamiliar software or websites.

Avoid buying items during festivals unless from reputable vendors to avoid purchasing counterfeit goods.

Reputation: Buy from trustworthy vendors during festivals.
Avoid Unusual Offers: Decline unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true.
Know the Local Market: Learn about the local market and the prices of items before purchasing.

Ask for permission to take photos with local guides or pay the official guide fee.

Permission: Ask before taking pictures with locals.
Official Guide Fees: Pay the official guide fees to support the heritage site.
Avoid Unsolicited Advice: Decline unsolicited advice or offers from unofficial guides.

Buy your bus tickets at the counter to avoid being overcharged by street vendors.

Counter Purchase: Purchase your ticket at the counter.
Avoid Unusual Payment Methods: Decline when asked to pay in an unusual way like phone top-ups or jewelry.
Check Schedules and Routes: Ensure the bus you're boarding is the correct one for your destination.

Avoid accepting rides from unofficial tuk-tuk drivers and ensure the meter is on during your ride.

Unofficial Drivers: Decline rides from unofficial tuk-tuk drivers.
Meter Usage: Ensure the meter is running during your ride.
Registered Tuk-Tuks: Use only registered tuk-tuks to avoid unlicensed drivers.