Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bihtā, Bihār, India
1. Auto-rickshaw overcharging
Watch out for inflated prices in auto-rickshaws, especially during late nights or when leaving popular tourist spots. Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
- Time of Day: Prices tend to be higher at night.
- Tourist Spot: Fares can be inflated around popular tourist attractions.
- Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
2. Fake tour guides
Be wary of unofficial tour guides who approach you at tourist spots offering their services. Only use registered guides or those recommended by your hotel.
- Registration: Make sure the guide is officially registered.
- Hotel Recommendation: Consider guides recommended by your hotel.
- Caution: Stay cautious when approached by strangers offering tours.
3. Counterfeit goods
Avoid buying street-vended items such as branded clothes and electronics. They may be counterfeit or low quality.
- Quality: Street-vended goods are often of lower quality.
- Counterfeit: Many street-vended items may be counterfeit.
- Authorized Shops: Purchase goods from authorized shops whenever possible.
4. Overpriced accommodations
Some hotels or guest houses may try to overcharge tourists. Always research the average price for accommodation in Bihtā before your trip.
- Research: Always research the average price of accommodations.
- Location: Prices can vary greatly depending on the location.
- Avoid Scams: Be aware of overpriced accommodations and negotiate.
5. Dining & drink scams
Some restaurants may add hidden charges or serve less food than what's ordered. Always check the bill before paying and avoid eating at empty restaurants.
- Check Bill: Always check the bill before paying.
- Food Quality: Avoid restaurants that serve less food than what's ordered.
- Avoid Empty Restaurants: Don't eat at empty restaurants.
6. Fraudulent money exchange
Be careful when exchanging money in Bihtā. Only use reputable exchange offices or banks and always count the money carefully before leaving.
- Reputation: Use reputable exchange offices or banks.
- Count Carefully: Always count the money carefully before leaving.
- Security: Keep your money secure at all times.
7. Ticket scams at attractions
Some ticket sellers may try to sell you fake or overpriced tickets for tourist attractions. Always buy tickets from the official box office.
- Official Box Office: Always buy tickets from the official box office.
- Fake Tickets: Be aware of sellers offering fake or overpriced tickets.
- Avoid Scams: Stay vigilant and avoid any suspicious activity.
8. Fake taxi drivers
Some taxis may try to take a longer route or overcharge you. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey and use pre-paid taxis when available.
- Pre-Paid Taxi: Use pre-paid taxis where available.
- Agreement on Fare: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Shorter Route: Be aware that some taxis may take a longer route to charge more.
9. Fraudulent SIM card vendors
Some SIM card vendors may sell you a faulty or inactive card. Always buy from reputable stores or authorized retailers.
- Reputation: Buy from reputable stores or authorized retailers.
- Activation: Check the SIM card is activated before leaving the store.
- Coverage: Ensure the SIM card provides good coverage in the areas you'll be visiting.
10. Rickshaw Puller Begging Scams
Some rickshaw pullers may feign injury or ask for money for a friend. Ignore these requests and report any incidents to your hotel or local police.
- Report Incidents: Always report any suspicious incidents.
- Ignorance: Ignore requests for money or assistance.
- Local Police: Contact local police if you encounter any problems.
11. Unwanted attention from locals
Some locals may approach tourists with friendly intentions but expect payment for their help or friendship. Be polite but firm and avoid giving money.
- Politeness: Be polite when refusing requests.
- Avoid Giving Money: Don't give money unless you are certain it is for a legitimate purpose.
- Local Customs: Respect local customs, but be aware of potential scams.
12. Gold & Jewelry Scams
Some shops may offer to weigh gold or jewelry and then present a bill with inflated prices. Always confirm the weight and price before purchasing.
- Confirm Weight: Always confirm the weight of items before purchasing.
- Avoid Inflated Prices: Be aware of shops trying to inflate prices.
- Negotiation: Negotiate the price before purchasing.
13. Beware of street food
Some street vendors may use contaminated ingredients or fail to follow proper food handling procedures. Avoid eating from unhygienic stalls and opt for reputable restaurants instead.
- Hygiene: Always prioritize hygiene when choosing where to eat.
- Reputation: Opt for reputable restaurants instead of street vendors.
- Avoid Contaminated Ingredients: Be aware of the risk of contamination from unhygienic street food vendors.
14. Beware of pickpockets
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas and on public transport. Keep your belongings secure at all times and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Security: Keep your belongings secure at all times.
- Crowded Areas: Be extra careful in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Valuables Display: Avoid displaying valuable items to minimize the risk of theft.
15. Beware of ATM scams
Some ATMs may have skimming devices installed. Use only ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments and avoid using ATMs with signs of tampering.
- Location: Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments.
- No Signs of Tampering: Avoid ATMs with signs of tampering.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity.