Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jabalpur, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid excessive charges by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Knowledge of Fares: Familiarize yourself with standard auto-rickshaw fares in Jabalpur.
Time and Distance: Understand the distance and time to your destination for a fair price.
Avoid Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid overcharging due to traffic.

Verify the guide's credentials and agree on payment before starting the tour.

Licensed Guide: Ensure your guide is licensed by Jabalpur Tourism Department.
Negotiate the Fee: Negotiate a fair price for the services of the tour guide.
Tour Duration: Be aware of the length of your tour and agree on it beforehand.

Verify the authenticity of any officer claiming to be from the tourist police.

Uniform and ID: Real tourist police officers will have proper uniforms and identification.
Communication: Legitimate officers can provide a phone number to verify their identity.
Escort them to the Police Station: If unsure, accompany any police officer to the nearest police station for verification.

Stay vigilant in crowded areas and keep personal belongings secure.

Valuables Safety: Store valuables safely in a hotel or locker.
Crowd Awareness: Maintain awareness of your surroundings and belongings in crowded areas.
Report Suspicious Behavior: Report any suspicious behavior to local authorities or hotel staff.

Examine currency for authenticity before accepting it.

Check for Security Features: Look for security features such as watermarks, holograms, and raised printing.
Feel the Texture: Counterfeit bills may have a different texture or weight than genuine currency.
Confirm with Vendors: Ask trusted vendors to confirm if the bill is legitimate, especially for large denominations.

Shop at reputable stores or markets and verify the authenticity of goods.

Reputation: Purchase from well-known shops or markets.
Check for Labels: Authentic goods will have proper labels and packaging.
Bargain Wisely: Bargain fairly to avoid being overcharged but be aware of excessive discounts that may indicate counterfeit goods.

Use licensed money changers and confirm exchange rates before transacting.

Check for License: Verify that the money changer is licensed by the Reserve Bank of India.
Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates with other licensed money changers in the area.
Count the Money: Count the exchanged currency to ensure accuracy before leaving the shop.

Keep your belongings secure and avoid flashy items in public.

Secure Belongings: Use a bag that is difficult to open quickly, or wear a hidden money pouch.
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and avoid distractions, especially in crowded places.
Keep Important Items Hidden: Minimize the display of valuable items to reduce your target for pickpockets.

Bargain reasonably and walk away if the price is too high.

Know the Item's Worth: Research the item's worth before bargaining to avoid being overcharged.
Ask for a Lower Price: Begin negotiations by asking for a lower price than your desired final price.
Walk Away If Needed: If the vendor refuses to negotiate or set an unreasonable price, walk away and revisit later.

Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions and ask locals for recommendations.

Location: Restaurants near tourist attractions often overprice their food.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable and delicious eateries.
Street Food: Try street food from reputable vendors for a more authentic and cost-effective dining experience.

Ignore touts offering transportation services and negotiate with drivers directly.

Touts are often commission-based: Touts work for a commission from the driver, which means you pay more.
Direct Communication: Communicate directly with the driver to negotiate a fair price.
Avoid Offers in Public Transportation: Ignore offers made during public transportation, as they are often scams or illegal.

Use metered taxis, negotiate fares in advance for private hire vehicles.

Metered Taxis: Metered taxis provide a fair and transparent fare.
Negotiate in Advance: For private hire vehicles, negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Be wary of unmarked taxis or those without a meter. They may attempt to overcharge you.

Seek help from reputable hospitals and carry travel insurance.

Reputation of the Hospital: Choose a hospital with a good reputation for quality care.
Travel Insurance: Carry travel insurance to cover medical expenses and emergencies.
Ask for Estimates: Request estimates for treatments or procedures before agreeing to them.

Book accommodation in advance and compare prices online.

Book in Advance: Booking accommodation ahead of time can secure a better price.
Online Comparison: Compare prices for accommodations on various online booking platforms.
Location: Accommodation near tourist attractions may be overpriced. Consider staying in a more remote area.

Buy SIM cards from authorized retailers and confirm coverage areas.

Authorized Retailer: Purchase SIM cards only from authorized retailers.
Confirm Coverage: Ensure the SIM card covers your intended travel locations.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell expired or counterfeit SIM cards.