Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Mecca, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia

All Topics about Mecca All Cities in Saudi Arabia

1. Sacred Haram Scam

Fraudsters might offer to guide you through the Sacred Haram or sell you special access. Always use official guides and follow signs.

Official Guides: Use authorized and uniformed tour guides from the Haramain High Commission.
Sacred Haram Signs: Follow the official signs throughout the Sacred Haram to avoid getting lost or scammed.
Avoid Unauthorized Sellers: Don't buy anything from unofficial vendors inside the Sacred Haram.

Drivers might charge exorbitant prices or offer to take you to unwanted destinations. Always negotiate the price beforehand and use registered taxis.

Registered Taxis: Use licensed taxis from official taxi stands.
Negotiate Price: Always agree on the fare before getting into the vehicle.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Don't take rides from unlicensed taxis that don't have a meter or company logo.

Some hotels might charge for services not included in the room rate. Read the fine print before booking.

Room Rates: Understand what is and isn't included in the room rate.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of hotels from reliable sources to ensure a positive experience.
Book Directly: Book directly with the hotel or through trusted travel agencies.

Unlicensed money exchangers may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Only use authorized exchange offices.

Authorized Exchange Offices: Look for offices that are licensed by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA).
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates offered by various providers before making a transaction.
Avoid Street Transactions: Don't exchange currency on the street to avoid potential scams.

Fraudsters might collect multiple Talbiyahs from pilgrims, so always recite it yourself.

Recite Your Own Talbiyah: Always repeat the Talbiyah by yourself during Hajj or Umrah.
Avoid Collectors: Don't give your Talbiyah to collectors, as it's a personal act of devotion.
Respect the Ritual: Understand that reciting the Talbiyah is a sacred ritual and not meant for others to perform on your behalf.

Scammers might pose as charity collectors or fake charities. Donate only to verified organizations.

Verify Charities: Research and confirm the legitimacy of charities before donating.
Avoid Street Donations: Don't give to charity collectors on the street, as it could be a scam.
Government-approved Charities: Only donate to government-approved or well-known charities.

Some souvenirs might be overpriced or fake. Negotiate prices and buy from reputable shops.

Reputable Shops: Purchase souvenirs from authorized stores, especially those found in malls.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices to get a fair deal.
Avoid Street Vendors: Don't buy souvenirs from street vendors, as they might sell fake or overpriced items.

Unlicensed sim card vendors may provide poor service or charge excessive fees. Only buy from authorized dealers.

Authorized Dealers: Purchase sim cards from authorized shops, usually found in mobile operator stores or airport kiosks.
Check Coverage: Ensure the network coverage is adequate for your travel needs.
Avoid Street Vendors: Don't buy sim cards from street vendors to avoid potential scams.

Counterfeit guidebooks may provide incorrect information. Always verify the authenticity of your guidebook.

Verified Guidebooks: Purchase official guidebooks from reputable publishers or authorized vendors.
Compare Information: Cross-check information in your guidebook with other reliable sources.
Avoid Street Vendors: Don't buy guidebooks from street vendors, as they might sell counterfeit or outdated books.

Skimming devices may be placed on ATMs to steal your card information. Use bank ATMs and cover the keypad.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-known retail stores.
Cover Keypad: Always cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unusual activity.

Counterfeit or overpriced transportation tickets may be offered. Always buy from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase transportation tickets from ticket booths, kiosks or official agents.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other travelers to ensure you're not being overcharged.
Avoid Street Vendors: Don't buy transportation tickets from street vendors, as they might sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Fake accommodation listings may be created to scam travelers. Always book through trusted platforms or directly with the hotel.

Book Directly: Book your accommodation directly through the hotel's website or via a trusted booking platform.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of accommodations from reliable sources to ensure a positive experience.
Avoid Unsolicited Emails: Don't respond to unsolicited accommodation offers, as they might be scams.

Cybercafes may install keyloggers or steal your personal information. Use trusted internet connections.

Trusted Internet Connections: Use hotel Wi-Fi, cellular data, or VPN when accessing sensitive information online.
Avoid Cybercafes: Limit the use of cybercafes and avoid storing personal information on shared computers.
Secure Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.

Unlicensed medical professionals may provide poor service or fake medications. Always verify the qualifications of medical providers.

Licensed Medical Professionals: Only consult licensed doctors, pharmacists, and dentists.
Check Credentials: Ask for proof of qualifications before receiving medical treatment or purchasing medications.
Reputable Pharmacies: Buy medications from well-known pharmacies and avoid street vendors.

Unhygienic or contaminated food may be served. Stick to reputable restaurants for meals.

Reputable Restaurants: Dine at well-known chain restaurants or ones with good reviews.
Avoid Street Vendors: Don't eat from street vendors, as they might serve contaminated food or use poor hygiene practices.
Check Food Safety: Look for restaurants that follow proper food safety standards and have good health ratings.