Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Guntūr, Andhra Pradesh, India
1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging
Avoid overpriced rickshaw rides by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.
- Knowledge of Local Rates: Be aware of standard auto-rickshaw rates in Guntur.
- Avoiding Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid overcharges.
- Haggling Skills: Develop haggling skills for negotiating fair prices.
2. Falsified Guide Services
Avoid unofficial guides by asking for a badge from authorized tourism departments.
- Official Tourist Department: Verify the guide's affiliation with local tourist departments.
- Online Research: Research guides online before booking a tour.
- Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews and ratings for guide services.
3. Fake ATMs and Card Skimming
Use ATMs located inside banks or well-known hotels to minimize card skimming risks.
- Bank ATMs: Prefer using bank ATMs over standalone machines.
- Cover Your PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it at the ATM.
- Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.
4. Temple Donation Scams
Avoid overpaying at temples by offering a donation that feels appropriate to you.
- Research Temple Customs: Learn about local temple customs and donation practices.
- Donating with Confidence: Decide on your own donation amount based on your budget and beliefs.
- Avoiding Pressure: Politely decline if you feel pressured to give a larger donation.
5. Counterfeit Shopping Markets
Stick to reputable shopping centers or malls to buy genuine items.
- Shopping Center Reputation: Research the reputation of shopping centers before visiting.
- Brand Authenticity: Look for well-known brand labels on products to ensure authenticity.
- Avoiding Street Markets: Stay away from street markets that may sell counterfeit goods.
6. Roadside Food Poisoning
Enjoy local cuisine at reputable restaurants to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Restaurant Hygiene: Inspect the restaurant's cleanliness before dining.
- Cooking Practices: Ask about food preparation methods and ingredients.
- Traveler's Digestive System: Gradually introduce local foods to your diet to prevent digestive issues.
7. Sim Card Scams at Airports
Purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers or official counters at airports.
- Official Retailers: Look for official retailers and counters selling SIM cards.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from unofficial street vendors selling SIM cards.
- Check Package Details: Carefully review package details before purchasing a SIM card.
8. Fraudulent Accommodation Bookings
Book accommodation through reputable channels like hotels' official websites or verified online travel agencies.
- Official Hotel Websites: Reserve rooms directly from the hotel's website.
- Verified Online Travel Agencies: Choose verified online travel agencies for accommodation bookings.
- Avoiding Street Bookings: Avoid booking accommodations from street vendors or private parties.
9. Fake Tuk-Tuk Drivers
Hire tuk-tuks through app-based services or reputable local companies to avoid scams.
- App-Based Services: Use app-based transportation services for tuk-tuk rides.
- Reputable Local Companies: Choose tuk-tuks from reputable local companies with good reviews.
- Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
10. Beware of Overpriced Tours and Activities
Book tours and activities through reputable agencies to avoid overpaying.
- Reputable Agencies: Choose reliable travel agencies for booking tours.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors offering overpriced tours.
- Online Research: Research tour prices online before making a booking.
11. Money Changers Scams
Use authorized money exchange outlets to avoid scams and unfavorable rates.
- Authorized Money Exchange Outlets: Look for officially recognized money exchange outlets.
- Avoid Street Money Changers: Stay away from street money changers and private parties.
- Compare Rates Beforehand: Compare rates with other authorized exchange outlets before finalizing the transaction.
12. Fraudulent Ticket Vendors
Buy tickets for events and attractions from official sources or reputable agencies.
- Official Sources: Purchase tickets directly from event venues or their official websites.
- Reputable Agencies: Choose reliable travel agencies for buying tickets to events and attractions.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling event or attraction tickets.
13. Transportation Taxi Overcharging
Use app-based taxi services or reputable local taxi companies to avoid overpriced rides.
- App-Based Services: Use app-based taxi services for a hassle-free journey.
- Reputable Local Companies: Choose reputable local taxi companies with good reviews.
- Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
14. Bus Station Ticket Scams
Buy bus tickets from authorized stations or reputable travel agencies to avoid scams.
- Authorized Stations: Purchase tickets directly from authorized bus stations.
- Reputable Travel Agencies: Choose reliable travel agencies for buying bus tickets.
- Avoid Unofficial Vendors: Stay away from unofficial ticket vendors at the bus station.
15. Falsified Local Guides
Book guided tours through authorized tourism departments or reputable travel agencies.
- Authorized Tourism Departments: Ensure your guide is affiliated with local tourist departments.
- Reputable Travel Agencies: Choose reliable travel agencies for guided tours.
- Avoid Street Guides: Stay away from unofficial street guides offering tours.