Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Eslāmshahr, Tehrān, Iran

1. Grand Bazaar of Eslāmshahr

Busy marketplace with local goods; beware of overpriced items or switched products.

Bargain Knowledge: Understand the price range of common items before bargaining.
Trustworthy Shops: Ask locals for reliable shops or vendors for a safer shopping experience.
Scam Awareness: Be cautious of overzealous shopkeepers offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or drive an unfamiliar route.

Official Taxis: Only take registered taxis with a meter; ask for receipts.
Fixed Price Agreement: Negotiate the price before starting your journey to avoid unexpected fees.
Station Information: Ask for directions or information at the station's official information desk.

Dishonest money changers may offer unfavorable exchange rates.

Reputable Locations: Exchange money at banks or recognized exchange offices.
Check Rates: Compare rates with online resources before exchanging currency.
Verify Denominations: Inspect the bills you receive for accuracy and authenticity.

Some hotels may overcharge or provide poor service.

Online Reviews: Research hotels online and read reviews from past guests.
Official Registration: Ensure the hotel is officially registered with local authorities.
Room Inspection: Inspect your room before accepting it; check for cleanliness and functionality.

Unscrupulous sellers may offer faulty sim cards or overcharge.

Official Shops: Purchase sim cards from official stores, such as IRIC or Rightel.
Check Coverage: Confirm the coverage area of your chosen service provider before purchasing.
Verify Balance: Check that the sim card has sufficient credit and works immediately after activation.

Unlicensed tour guides may provide incorrect information or overcharge.

Official Guides: Hire a licensed guide through recognized tour agencies.
Research Destinations: Plan your itinerary in advance, researching destinations and attractions.
Negotiate Price: Negotiate the price for tours or guide services before starting your journey.

Fraudulent tour operators may offer non-existent or disappointing attractions.

Online Information: Research attractions online, confirming their existence and quality.
Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews from past visitors to gauge the attraction's value.
Legitimate Tour Operators: Book tours through reliable tour agencies or local authorities.

Some charity collectors may misuse donations.

Official Charities: Donate to recognized and official charities, such as the Red Crescent.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoid donating money to strangers on the street; give only in legitimate collection boxes.
Research Local Needs: Understand local needs and focus your charity efforts on reputable organizations.

Fraudulent roadside helpers may demand payment for services not rendered.

Official Helpers: Call for help from official roadside assistance or the police.
Avoid Unsolicited Help: Be wary of unsolicited help, especially in isolated areas.
Check Payment Receipt: Ask for a receipt for any services rendered and verify its legitimacy.

Criminals posing as police officers may rob or harass travelers.

Legitimate Identification: Ask to see official identification from any law enforcement officer.
Contact Embassy: If in doubt, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.
Stay Calm and Informed: Remain calm, but be aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers.

Unauthorized taxi drivers or porters may overcharge or scam travelers.

Official Taxis: Only take registered taxis with a meter from the airport's official taxi stand.
Pre-Arranged Transportation: Book your transportation ahead of time, through your hotel or a reliable service.
Avoid Strangers Offering Help: Decline offers for help from strangers at the airport; only accept assistance from authorized personnel.

Internet cafés may have malware or attempt to steal personal information.

Secure Devices: Use a VPN and avoid accessing sensitive accounts while using public computers.
Reliable Internet Cafés: Choose reputable internet cafés with good reviews and a secure environment.
Password Security: Use strong, unique passwords and avoid saving them on public computers.

Some restaurants may use poor quality or contaminated ingredients.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose well-reviewed and popular restaurants for meals.
Cooked Food Only: Avoid eating raw or undercooked food, especially seafood.
Street Food Precautions: Be cautious when eating street food; choose vendors with a clean environment and busy service.

Fraudulent individuals may exploit trust for personal gain.

Meet in Public: Always meet potential partners or friends in public places.
Verify Identities: Use video calls and verify the identity of your online contact before meeting in person.
Money Management: Avoid sending or receiving money to people you don't know well.

Fraudulent vendors may offer low-quality gold or carpets at inflated prices.

Knowledgeable Shops: Visit shops specializing in gold and carpets for expert advice.
Check Authenticity: Ask for certificates of authenticity, especially for valuable items.
Bargain Wisely: Research the market prices before bargaining to avoid overpaying.