
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Mothīhāri, Bihār, India
1. Rickshaw Fare Scam
Overcharging for rickshaw rides is common. Always agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Knowledge of Rates: Research and know standard rickshaw fares in Mothihari.
- Negotiation Skills: Practice negotiating for rickshaw fares beforehand to avoid overpaying.
- Avoiding Disputes: Set the fare before starting the ride to eliminate disputes.
2. Tour Guide Scam
Some tour guides may provide misleading information or overcharge. Verify their credentials and check reviews.
- Credentials Verification: Ask for licenses or certificates to ensure the guide is legitimate.
- Review Checking: Check online reviews of the tour guides to gauge their reliability.
- Bargaining Skills: Negotiate for a fair price and services provided by the guide.
3. Fake Temple Donations
Some temples may pressure visitors to donate excessively. Research temple customs beforehand.
- Researching Customs: Understand the customary donation amounts for specific temples.
- Avoiding Pressure: Politely decline any excessive pressure to donate.
- Discretion: Donate discreetly and only what you are comfortable with.
4. Food Stall Scam
Some food stalls may serve subpar or overpriced food. Research popular eateries and stick to them.
- Eatery Research: Research popular, locally recommended eateries.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items at different food stalls to avoid overpaying.
- Hygiene and Taste: Choose food stalls with good hygiene practices and tasty food.
5. Fake Autorickshaw Driver Scam
Some autorickshaw drivers may pretend to be unavailable when a meter is needed. Insist on using the meter or negotiate a fare beforehand.
- Meter Usage: Always use the meter in autorickshaws for fair fares.
- Negotiation Skills: Negotiate a fare beforehand when using autorickshaws without a meter.
- Avoiding Disputes: Set the fare before starting the ride to eliminate disputes.
6. Sim Card Scam
Some Sim card vendors may provide subpar services or overcharge. Purchase Sim cards from reputable shops.
- Reputable Shops: Purchase Sim cards from authorized dealers and major telecom companies.
- Data Package Research: Research data package deals to get the best value for your money.
- Customer Support: Ensure the shop provides good customer support and troubleshooting assistance.
7. Taxi Fare Scam
Taxis may refuse to use the meter or overcharge. Always insist on using the meter.
- Meter Usage: Always use the meter in taxis for fair fares.
- Negotiation Skills: Negotiate a fare beforehand when using taxis without a meter.
- Avoiding Disputes: Set the fare before starting the ride to eliminate disputes.
8. Hotel Scam
Some hotels may overcharge or provide subpar services. Research hotels and read reviews.
- Researching Hotels: Research popular, locally recommended hotels.
- Review Checking: Check online reviews of the hotels to gauge their reliability.
- Bargaining Skills: Negotiate for a fair price and services provided by the hotel.
9. Fake Tour Package Scam
Some tour package providers may offer poor quality tours or overcharge. Research packages and compare prices.
- Package Research: Research tour packages to understand what they include.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar tour packages to avoid overpaying.
- Reputation Checking: Check the reputation of the tour package provider online.
10. Fake Shopkeeper Scam
Some shopkeepers may overcharge or sell low-quality goods. Research popular shops and compare prices.
- Shop Research: Research popular, locally recommended shops.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items at different shops to avoid overpaying.
- Quality Checking: Check the quality of goods before purchasing to ensure they meet expectations.
11. Currency Exchange Scam
Some currency exchange outlets may provide unfavorable exchange rates. Research reliable exchanges.
- Researching Exchanges: Research authorized and reputable currency exchange outlets.
- Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates at different outlets to get the best deal.
- Security Measures: Choose outlets with good security measures to protect your money.
12. Transport Ticket Scam
Some transport ticket sellers may provide fake or overpriced tickets. Always purchase from authorized vendors.
- Authorized Vendors: Always purchase transport tickets from authorized vendors.
- Ticket Price Checking: Compare ticket prices to ensure they are reasonable and fair.
- Avoiding Fake Tickets: Look for security features on tickets to avoid purchasing fake ones.
13. Street Performance Scam
Some street performances may expect excessive tips or pressure tourists to donate. Watch performances freely and tip generously but reasonably.
- Watching Performances: Enjoy street performances without feeling pressured to donate.
- Generous but Reasonable Tips: Tip performers generously, but not excessively, if you wish to show appreciation.
- Avoiding Pressure: Politely decline any excessive pressure to donate.
14. Pickpocket Scam
Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Crowded Area Awareness: Avoid keeping valuables in easily accessible pockets in crowded places.
- Valuable Item Hiding: Hide valuable items, such as wallets and smartphones, in secure pockets or bags.
- Safety Measures: Use safety measures like anti-theft bags and keeping a close eye on your belongings in crowded places.
15. Fraudulent Money Changer Scam
Some money changers may provide less than the agreed amount. Research reliable money changing outlets.
- Reliable Outlet Research: Research authorized and reputable money-changing outlets.
- Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates at different outlets to get the best deal.
- Security Measures: Choose outlets with good security measures to protect your money.