Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kemerovo, Kemerovskaya Oblast’, Russia

1. Taxi Scams

Watch for drivers offering fixed prices before starting the meter or taking a longer route.

Fixed Prices: Refuse any taxi that offers a fixed price without knowing your destination.
Meter Check: Ensure the taxi meter is turned on at the start of your journey.
Legitimate Taxis: Use licensed taxis from designated ranks or book a ride through reputable apps.

Bargain hard to avoid overpaying for souvenirs in tourist-heavy areas.

Bargaining Skills: Develop your haggling skills to get the best deal.
Local Markets: Visit local markets for more authentic and affordable souvenirs.
Awareness: Be aware that prices in tourist areas are often inflated.

Inspect your money carefully and exchange only at authorized kiosks or banks.

Inspection Techniques: Learn how to identify counterfeit bills.
Authorized Exchanges: Exchange money only at authorized kiosks, banks, or exchange offices.
Credit Cards: Use credit cards whenever possible for large purchases.

Choose well-lit, busy areas and be aware of any suspicious devices attached to the machine.

Busy Locations: Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas or inside banks for safety.
Suspicious Devices: Check the ATM for any unusual devices before using it.
Limited Transactions: Limit your transactions and monitor your account regularly.

Book guides through reputable tour companies or agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Always book guided tours through licensed agencies or companies.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews before choosing a guide to ensure their reliability.
Licensed Guides: Ask for the guide's license and check its validity.

Only eat street food from vendors that are busy and have good hygiene practices.

Busy Vendors: Choose busy street food vendors, as they typically offer fresher food.
Hygiene Practices: Observe the vendor's hygiene practices before buying food.
Cooking Area: Look for a clean, well-maintained cooking area.

Buy tickets directly from venues or authorized ticket booths.

Authorized Booths: Always buy tickets from authorized booths or the venue's official website.
Scalpers: Be wary of individuals offering tickets at higher prices than usual.
Overpriced Tickets: Check the ticket price before purchasing to avoid overpaying.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies.

Reputable Websites: Use well-known booking sites for accommodation reservations.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews to ensure the accommodation is reliable.
Payment Methods: Pay through secure channels like credit cards or reputable payment platforms.

Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices to avoid unfavorable rates.

Authorized Offices: Exchange money only at banks, exchange offices, or reputable kiosks.
Comparison Shopping: Compare exchange rates before making a decision.
Credit Cards: Use credit cards for large purchases when possible to minimize cash usage.

Stay vigilant and only use buses with visible route information.

Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering help or friendship.

Suspicious Behavior: Trust your instincts and be cautious of anyone behaving suspiciously.
Valuables: Keep your valuables hidden and secure to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Local Contacts: Establish local contacts through reputable sources before traveling.

Avoid strangers offering assistance to lost tourists.

Police or Officials: Seek help from police officers or official tourist information centers.
Crowded Areas: Stay in well-populated, safe areas and ask for directions from passersby.
Reputable Sources: Use maps or GPS apps to find your way around the city.

Stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.

Crowded Places: Be extra cautious in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation.
Valuable Items: Keep valuable items hidden and secure at all times.
Zippers and Fasteners: Ensure your bags have zippers and fasteners for added security.

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information to protect your data.
Secure Passwords: Keep passwords strong and unique to prevent unauthorized access.
Public Wi-Fi Limitations: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or shopping transactions.

Donate to reputable charities only and avoid street collectors.

Reputable Charities: Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
Official Collections: Donate through official charity collections or their websites.
Crowdfunding Platforms: Use trusted crowdfunding platforms for online donations.