Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bīkaner, Rājasthān, India

All Topics about Bīkaner All Cities in India

1. Rickshaw Overcharging

Beware of overpriced rickshaw rides in Bikaner. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Know Fixed Rates: Ask locals or check tourist information centers for fixed rates to avoid overcharging.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiation is expected in rickshaw riding, so don't hesitate to negotiate before boarding the rickshaw.
Avoid Night Travel: Avoid traveling at night as prices may increase due to reduced visibility and potential lack of competition.

Some unlicensed individuals might offer guide services in Bikaner. Stick to registered guides for authentic experiences.

Check Certification: Ask for registration or certification before hiring a guide.
Research Tourist Spots: Plan your visit to popular tourist spots and learn about their histories in advance.
Avoid Overly Eager Guides: Be wary of overly eager guides approaching you unsolicited, as they might not be licensed or trustworthy.

Some street food vendors in Bikaner may use low-quality ingredients. Stick to reputable restaurants or cooked meals.

Choose Reputed Vendors: Opt for well-known and busy street food vendors with good hygiene practices.
Avoid Uncooked Foods: Stay away from uncooked foods like salads, which may carry a higher risk of contamination.
Carry Hand Sanitizer: Keep hand sanitizer handy to use before eating food.

Many souvenir shops in Bikaner sell counterfeit items. Opt for reputable stores or local artisans.

Ask for Local Artisans: Visit the local markets and ask for authentic artisans to ensure you purchase genuine products.
Check Labels: Look for labels indicating 'GI Tag' or 'Handmade in India', as they certify authenticity.
Bargain Carefully: While bargaining is common, be cautious not to overpay for counterfeit items.

Some ATMs in Bikaner may have skimmers installed. Use only banks' or reliable money exchange kiosks' ATMs.

Check ATM Security: Look for secure ATMs, usually found inside a bank or shopping mall.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly check your account balance and transactions to detect any fraudulent activity.
Use Credit Card with Care: Limit credit card usage, especially for small transactions. Use debit cards instead when possible.

Some currency exchange outlets in Bikaner may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Research before exchanging money.

Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple outlets to find the best deal.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Avoid exchanging money on the street or with unregistered dealers.
Use Reputable Services: Opt for banks, authorized forex dealers, or large hotels for currency exchange.

Scammers might overcharge for transportation services like taxis. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Check Fixed Rates: Ask locals or check tourist information centers for fixed rates to avoid overcharging.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiation is expected in taxi riding, so don't hesitate to negotiate before boarding the taxi.
Avoid Night Travel: Avoid traveling at night as prices may increase due to reduced visibility and potential lack of competition.

Some temples in Bikaner might charge excessive entry fees. Stick to popular and well-known temples for authentic experiences.

Research Religious Sites: Learn about popular religious sites in advance, especially the famous Junmeri Temple.
Avoid Overly Eager Temple Guides: Be wary of overly eager guides approaching you unsolicited, as they might not be trustworthy.
Check for Donation Boxes: Look for donation boxes instead of cash-hungry temple staff.

Some camel ride operators in Bikaner may overcharge or mistreat animals. Choose reputable and humane providers.

Check Operator Credentials: Ask for operator certifications and verify their ethical treatment of camels.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiation is expected in camel riding, so don't hesitate to negotiate before boarding the camel.
Avoid Overcrowded Operators: Choose operators with fewer camels and a more relaxed environment for better animal care.

Some shoe polishers in Bikaner might ask for an unreasonable amount. Politely refuse if they don't offer a reasonable price.

Know Fair Prices: Ask locals or check tourist information centers for fair shoe polishing prices.
Be Aware of Fake Shoe Polishing: Some scammers might offer fake shoe polish. Always inspect the product before accepting their service.
Give a Fair Tip: If the service is satisfactory, tip generously but fairly.

Some restaurants in Bikaner might overcharge for food and drinks. Choose popular and well-reviewed eateries.

Check Restaurant Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before choosing a restaurant.
Avoid Street Food Vendors with No Queue: Choose street food vendors that have a line of customers waiting, as they are likely to offer good food at fair prices.
Stick to the Menu: Avoid ordering exotic dishes not listed on the menu, as they might come with an additional fee.

Some cultural performances in Bikaner might be staged to extract money from tourists. Attend reputable shows only.

Research Cultural Events: Learn about popular cultural events in advance and attend them, such as the Camel Festival.
Avoid Street Performers: Stay away from street performers who are soliciting money without providing any service.
Check Event Organizer Credentials: Always check the event organizer's credentials and verify their authenticity before attending a performance.

Some individuals in Bikaner might approach you with fake tourist information. Ask locals or use reliable sources.

Ask Locals for Information: Ask local residents or shopkeepers about tourist attractions and services.
Use Reputable Tourist Information Centers: Visit the official tourist information center for accurate and reliable information.
Be Wary of Unsolicited Help: Beware of anyone offering unsolicited help, as they might lead you to scams or overpriced services.

Some camel ride operators in Bikaner may mistreat animals or offer poor conditions. Choose reputable and humane providers.

Check Operator Credentials: Ask for operator certifications and verify their ethical treatment of camels.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiation is expected in camel riding, so don't hesitate to negotiate before boarding the camel.
Avoid Overcrowded Operators: Choose operators with fewer camels and a more relaxed environment for better animal care.

Some photographers in Bikaner might charge high fees for taking your picture. Be aware of their pricing before agreeing.

Know Fair Prices: Ask locals or check tourist information centers for fair photography prices.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiation is expected, so don't hesitate to negotiate before agreeing to the photographer's fee.
Be Aware of Fake Photographers: Some photographers might not show you the final product until after you have paid. Always ask to see their work before hiring them.