Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dublin, Ireland

1. Temple Bar Scam

Street performers who overcharge tourists for photos or services, Dublin's Temple Bar district.

Unexpected Charges: Be wary of performers asking for payment before or after performances.
Fake Souvenirs: Avoid purchasing cheap, low-quality souvenirs from unknown vendors in the area.
Group Performances: Performers may attempt to involve you in group performances, aiming for multiple fees.

Tourists being tricked into buying unnecessary or overpriced tickets by scammers posing as Dublin Bus staff.

Legitimate Staff: Official Dublin Bus employees always have official uniforms and identification.
Payment Methods: Only pay with exact change or use a valid travel card for bus fares.
Bus Shelters: Beware of scammers near bus shelters, especially if they approach you directly.

Overcharging or diverting to unwanted destinations by unlicensed taxis.

Legitimate Taxis: Only use licensed taxis from taxi ranks, airports, or pre-booked services.
Fare Meter: Always ensure the fare meter is turned on and set correctly.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other reputable taxi services to avoid overcharging.

Theft of personal belongings, especially in crowded areas like Trinity College.

Awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Secure Belongings: Keep valuables hidden and secure, preferably in a concealed pouch or zipped pocket.
Crowded Spots: Be extra cautious in crowded areas like Trinity College's campus.

Fraudulent ATMs fitted with skimming devices to steal card data.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas or inside banks for safer transactions.
Cover the PIN: Cover your PIN while entering it to prevent potential onlookers from seeing.
Check Your Account: Regularly check your account transactions for any unusual activity.

Overpriced drinks or fake pints served in some Irish pubs.

Check Prices: Ask for price lists and compare with other nearby pubs.
Authentic Pubs: Choose well-established, popular Irish pubs known for their authenticity.
Check the Pint: Ensure the pint served matches the expected level.

Tour operators overselling tickets or providing a subpar experience.

Check Reviews: Research and read reviews of tour operators before booking.
Ask for Guarantees: Request guarantees for the experience, including the route and duration.
Join a Group: Travel with a group or join a tour with a reputable company to avoid scams.

Fraudulent ticket sellers near Dublin Castle.

Official Ticket Counter: Buy tickets only from the official ticket counter or authorized vendors.
Check Opening Hours: Ensure Dublin Castle is open before purchasing tickets from third parties.
Report Scams: Inform local authorities if you encounter scammers near Dublin Castle.

Talented buskers who use distraction techniques to pickpocket tourists.

Stay Alert: Remain aware of your belongings while enjoying the street performances.
Avoid Distractions: Do not let performers distract you from your valuables.
Tip Generously: If satisfied with the performance, tip generously but avoid handing over too much money at once.

Unscrupulous vendors selling low-quality or fake guidebooks in tourist areas.

Reputable Shops: Purchase guidebooks from reputable bookstores or online before your trip.
Check Quality: Inspect the guidebook for quality, including paper thickness and binding.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations if you need to buy a guidebook in Dublin.

Overpriced restaurants with poor quality food targeting tourists.

Check Reviews: Research and read reviews of local restaurants before dining.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for their favorite places to eat in Dublin.
Check Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other nearby restaurants before dining out.

Pedicab drivers overcharging tourists or taking longer routes.

Negotiate Price Upfront: Always negotiate the price before hopping onto a pedicab.
Avoid Alone at Night: Avoid taking pedicabs alone at night, opt for daylight hours instead.
Check Route: Ask the driver to clarify the route before starting the ride.

Fraudulent ticket sellers near Dublin Zoo.

Official Ticket Counter: Buy tickets only from the official ticket counter or authorized vendors.
Check Opening Hours: Ensure Dublin Zoo is open before purchasing tickets from third parties.
Report Scams: Inform local authorities if you encounter scammers near Dublin Zoo.

Vendors selling low-quality or overpriced goods in Dublin's markets.

Check Quality: Inspect the goods for quality before purchasing.
Ask for Prices: Always ask for prices before negotiating or making a purchase.
Shop Around: Shop around at multiple vendors to compare quality and prices.

Tourists being tricked into overpaying for low-quality street art reproductions.

Check Quality: Inspect the quality of the artwork before purchasing.
Negotiate Price: Always negotiate a fair price for street art reproductions.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about reputable artists or studios for high-quality artwork.