Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Guwāhāti, India

1. Cab Drivers Scam

Misleading tourists with longer routes or overcharging. Avoid by agreeing on fare before starting the journey.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate a fair price before getting into a cab.
Trusted Cab Services: Use reputable taxi services like Ola or Uber for hassle-free travel.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid taking cabs to isolated areas, especially at night.

Unlicensed guides offering tourist services at inflated prices. Ask for a licensed guide at the Guwahati Tourism Office.

Licensed Guide Verification: Always verify your guide's license issued by Guwahati Tourism.
Guide Fee Negotiation: Negotiate the fee for a licensed guide before hiring them.
Avoid Street Guides: Avoid hiring street guides to avoid scams.

Overpricing of local goods or fake items sold at popular markets. Always bargain and check for quality.

Bargaining Skills: Use your bargaining skills to get the best price.
Authenticity Verification: Check for authenticity of goods before purchasing.
Popular Market Awareness: Know the popular markets for shopping in Guwahati.

Demanding money for religious offerings or misleading tourists about temple rituals. Always research local customs before visiting.

Religious Customs Research: Research local customs and practices before visiting temples.
Offering Money Precautions: Avoid offering money to strangers at temples.
Temple Entry Fees: Be aware of any temple entry fees and don't pay more than necessary.

Rickshaw drivers taking longer routes or overcharging. Agree on fare before starting the journey.

Fare Negotiation: Always negotiate a fair price before getting into a rickshaw.
Reputable Rickshaw Services: Use reputable rickshaw services for hassle-free travel.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid taking rickshaws to isolated areas, especially at night.

Overpricing of food or serving under-portioned meals. Research popular restaurants and compare prices.

Price Comparison: Compare the prices of dishes at different restaurants.
Popular Restaurant Selection: Choose popular, well-reviewed restaurants for a good dining experience.
Avoid Street Food Stalls: Avoid street food stalls to avoid food-related scams.

Overcharging for rooms or providing subpar accommodations. Research hotels and read reviews.

Overcharging for festival events or selling fake tickets. Always buy tickets from authorized sources.

Authorized Ticket Sources: Always purchase festival tickets from authorized sources.
Festival Schedule Verification: Verify the dates and times of festivals before attending.
Avoid Street Sellers: Avoid buying tickets from street sellers to avoid scams.

Selling fake or overpriced transport tickets. Buy tickets from authorized sources.

Authorized Ticket Sources: Always purchase transport tickets from authorized sources.
Transport Schedule Verification: Verify the schedules and prices of different transport services.
Avoid Street Sellers: Avoid buying tickets from street sellers to avoid scams.

Selling fake or overpriced SIM cards. Buy from authorized sources like stores or airports.

Authorized SIM Card Sources: Always purchase SIM cards from authorized sources.
Check for Authenticity: Check the authenticity of the SIM card and service provider.
Avoid Street Sellers: Avoid buying SIM cards from street sellers to avoid scams.

Offering unfavorable exchange rates or charging hidden fees. Research exchange centers and compare rates.

Exchange Rates Comparison: Compare the exchange rates of different money exchange centers.
Authorized Exchange Centers: Choose authorized money exchange centers for safe transactions.
Avoid Street Money Exchangers: Avoid street money exchangers to avoid scams.

Selling fake or overpriced souvenirs. Research popular souvenir shops and compare prices.

Souvenir Shop Comparison: Compare the prices of souvenirs at different shops.
Popular Souvenir Shops Selection: Choose popular, well-reviewed souvenir shops for unique items.
Avoid Street Souvenir Sellers: Avoid street souvenir sellers to avoid scams.

Skimming devices on ATMs or charging hidden fees. Use ATMs at banks and be cautious of your surroundings.

Bank ATMs Selection: Use ATMs located inside banks for secure transactions.
Caution Around ATM: Be cautious of your surroundings while using an ATM.
Check for Skimming Devices: Inspect the ATM for any unusual devices before use.

Installing malware on computers or overcharging. Choose reputable internet cafés and be cautious of your devices.

Reputable Internet Café Selection: Choose reputable internet cafés for a secure browsing experience.
Device Security: Be cautious of your device while using an internet café.
Avoid Unattended Computers: Avoid using unattended computers to avoid scams.

Theft of personal items in crowded areas or on public transportation. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings secure, preferably hidden.
Crowded Area Caution: Be extra cautious in crowded areas and on public transportation.
Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions that may make you vulnerable to pickpocketing.