Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chattogram, Bangladesh
1. Beach Road Overcrowding
Street vendors often overcrowd the Beach Road area, creating a scam risk for tourists. Avoid buying goods at unusually low prices or from unauthorized vendors.
- Unusual Low Prices: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Purchase only from authorized vendors to ensure product authenticity and avoid scams.
- Overcrowded Areas: Avoid overcrowded areas where it's difficult to spot scammers.
2. Rickshaw Fare Scams
Taxis and rickshaws may try to overcharge tourists in Chattogram. Agree on a fare before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings.
- Pre-agreed Fare: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Metered Vehicles: Choose metered vehicles for a fair and transparent fare.
- Popular Destinations: Research the average cost of transportation to popular destinations before your trip.
3. Counterfeit Currency Exchange
Avoid exchanging currency on the street as you may receive counterfeit bills. Use a reputable exchange office for safer transactions.
- Reputable Exchange Offices: Exchange currency only at established exchange offices.
- Counterfeit Bills: Be aware of counterfeit bills and verify their authenticity.
- Street Transactions: Avoid exchanging currency on the street to avoid scams.
4. Tour Guides Scams
Some tour guides may offer overpriced or fraudulent services. Research and book guided tours from reputable agencies beforehand.
- Reputable Agencies: Book guided tours only through established, reputable travel agencies.
- Overpriced Services: Avoid tour guides offering overpriced services.
- On-the-spot Booking: Research and book guided tours beforehand to avoid being overcharged or scammed.
5. Fish Market Scams
Unscrupulous fish vendors may weigh items incorrectly or use substandard scales. Check weights and prices carefully before purchasing.
- Check Weights: Always double-check the weight of your purchases.
- Substandard Scales: Avoid using questionable or substandard scales when purchasing items.
- Reputable Vendors: Purchase from reputable vendors for a fair and honest transaction.
6. Fake Tourist Attractions
Some attractions may be fake or overhyped, offering little value to tourists. Research your destinations thoroughly before visiting.
- Thorough Research: Research tourist attractions carefully before visiting.
- Overhyped Attractions: Be wary of attractions that claim to be more exciting than they appear.
- Reputable Sources: Use reputable sources for travel information and recommendations.
7. Sim Card Scams
Some phone shops may sell low-quality SIM cards or overcharge tourists. Purchase SIM cards only from reputable providers.
- Reputable Providers: Purchase SIM cards only from established, reputable phone shops.
- Low-Quality SIM Cards: Be wary of low-quality SIM cards that may have poor coverage or signal strength.
- Overcharging: Avoid overpriced SIM cards by researching the going rates before your trip.
8. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use substandard ingredients or contaminated water. Stick to well-established and popular eateries.
- Well-established Eateries: Choose street food vendors that are well-established and popular among locals.
- Substandard Ingredients: Be wary of vendors using substandard ingredients or contaminated water.
- Contaminated Water: Avoid street food made with contaminated water to avoid foodborne illnesses.
9. Transportation Ticket Scams
Fraudulent ticket sellers may try to overcharge or sell counterfeit tickets for public transportation. Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase transportation tickets only from authorized vendors.
- Overpriced Tickets: Be wary of ticket sellers offering overpriced tickets.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Avoid counterfeit tickets that may lead to fines or other penalties.
10. Gold and Jewelry Scams
Some gold and jewelry vendors in Chattogram may sell counterfeit items or use substandard materials. Research stores thoroughly before shopping.
- Reputable Stores: Purchase gold and jewelry only from reputable, established stores.
- Counterfeit Items: Be wary of vendors selling counterfeit gold or jewelry.
- Substandard Materials: Avoid vendors using substandard materials in their products.
11. Accommodation Scams
Some accommodations may overcharge tourists or offer low-quality services. Research and book your accommodation in advance.
- Research: Thoroughly research your accommodation options before booking.
- Overcharging: Avoid accommodations that overcharge tourists.
- Low-Quality Services: Avoid accommodations offering low-quality services or facilities.
12. Transportation Hitchhiking Scams
Accepting rides from strangers may lead to scams or dangerous situations. Use only licensed and reputable transportation services.
- Licensed Transportation Services: Use only licensed and reputable transportation services.
- Strangers: Avoid accepting rides from strangers to avoid potential scams or dangerous situations.
- Scams and Dangerous Situations: Hitchhiking can expose you to unnecessary risks and scams.
13. Fraudulent Money Exchange Kiosks
Some money exchange kiosks may offer unfavorable exchange rates or charge hidden fees. Use reputable and established money exchange offices.
- Reputable Money Exchange Offices: Exchange currency only at established, reputable money exchange offices.
- Unfavorable Rates: Avoid kiosks offering unfavorable exchange rates or hidden fees.
- Hidden Fees: Be wary of money exchange kiosks that charge hidden fees.
14. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Some massage parlors may offer services that are illegal or potentially dangerous. Visit only licensed and reputable massage establishments.
- Licensed Massage Establishments: Visit only licensed and reputable massage parlors.
- Illegal Services: Avoid massage parlors offering illegal services or potentially dangerous treatments.
- Potentially Dangerous Treatments: Unlicensed massage parlors may use techniques that are harmful or risky to your health.
15. Counterfeit Medicine Scams
Some pharmacies may sell counterfeit or substandard medication. Purchase medicine only from reputable pharmacies or hospitals.
- Reputable Pharmacies and Hospitals: Purchase medicine only from reputable pharmacies or hospitals.
- Counterfeit Medication: Be wary of counterfeit medication that may not be effective or safe.
- Substandard Medication: Avoid substandard medication that may have adverse effects on your health.