
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Patna, India
1. Gandhi Maidan Scam
Be wary of overpriced goods or services near the bustling Gandhi Maidan. Avoid solicitors offering 'guided tours' without proper accreditation.
- Unaccredited Guides: Avoid individuals offering unofficial tours as they may lead to scams or overpriced attractions.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods in and around Gandhi Maidan to avoid being overcharged.
- Fake Currency Exchange: Use authorized currency exchange booths or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit money.
2. Patna Junction Rickshaw Scam
At Patna Junction, be cautious of rickshaw drivers offering inflated fares or taking circuitous routes. Insist on using the meter if available.
- Inflated Fares: Always negotiate a fare before starting your journey to avoid paying excessively.
- Circuitous Routes: Insist on a direct route if the driver suggests an unusual or roundabout path.
- Meter Usage: Request the usage of the rickshaw meter for a fair and transparent fare.
3. Buddha Smriti Park Scam
Watch out for overpriced food and souvenirs at Buddha Smriti Park. Ensure you're purchasing from authorized vendors.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods inside the park to avoid being overcharged.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Only buy from authorized vendors with visible permits or badges within the park.
- Counterfeit Souvenirs: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops outside the park to ensure authenticity.
4. Patna Museum Gold Scam
Be aware of con artists posing as museum employees offering to show hidden or valuable artifacts for a fee. Stick to the officially guided tours.
- Hidden Artifact Offers: Refuse any offers from unauthorized individuals regarding hidden artifacts within the museum.
- Impersonation of Museum Employees: Verify the identity of museum staff by asking for credentials or uniforms.
- Officially Guided Tours: Only participate in officially guided tours to ensure a safe and authentic museum experience.
5. Mauryan Capital Scam
Avoid purchasing overpriced or low-quality artifacts at the Mauryan Capital site. Stick to authorized souvenir shops.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods near the Mauryan Capital site to avoid being overcharged.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Only buy from authorized vendors with visible permits or badges within the archaeological park.
- Low-Quality Artifacts: Check the quality of artifacts before purchasing to ensure they are authentic and well-made.
6. Sher Shah Suri Tomb Scam
Be cautious when approached by solicitors offering 'guided tours' or services without proper accreditation at the Sher Shah Suri Tomb.
- Unaccredited Guides: Avoid individuals offering unofficial tours as they may lead to scams or overpriced attractions.
- Inflated Fares: Always negotiate a fare before starting your journey to avoid paying excessively.
- Circuitous Routes: Insist on a direct route if the driver suggests an unusual or roundabout path.
7. Patna Local Markets Scam
Stay vigilant when shopping in local markets like Mahendru Market and Khan Bazaar for overpriced or counterfeit goods.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods in local markets to avoid being overcharged.
- Counterfeit Goods: Purchase from well-established shops or vendors with good reputations to ensure authenticity.
- Aggressive Vendors: Politely decline aggressive sales pitches and move on if a vendor is too pushy.
8. Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan Scam
Avoid overpriced food and souvenirs at Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan. Ensure you're purchasing from authorized vendors.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods inside the park to avoid being overcharged.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Only buy from authorized vendors with visible permits or badges within the park.
- Counterfeit Souvenirs: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops outside the park to ensure authenticity.
9. Patna Zoo Scam
Avoid overpriced food and drinks at Patna Zoo. Ensure you're purchasing from authorized vendors.
- Overpricing of Food and Drinks: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing food and drinks within the zoo to avoid being overcharged.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Only buy from authorized vendors with visible permits or badges within the zoo.
- Counterfeit Food Items: Avoid purchasing food items that appear suspicious, and choose established vendors for a safe dining experience.
10. Riverbank Ruins Scam
Be cautious of overpriced boat rides or guides without proper accreditation at the Riverbank Ruins.
- Inflated Fares: Negotiate a fare before starting your journey to avoid paying excessively.
- Unaccredited Guides: Avoid individuals offering unofficial tours as they may lead to scams or overpriced attractions.
- Safety Measures: Ensure that the boat has life jackets and a safety kit before embarking on your journey.
11. Taiwanese Market Scam
Stay vigilant when shopping in Taiwanese Market for overpriced or counterfeit goods.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods in the Taiwanese market to avoid being overcharged.
- Counterfeit Goods: Purchase from well-established shops or vendors with good reputations to ensure authenticity.
- Aggressive Vendors: Politely decline aggressive sales pitches and move on if a vendor is too pushy.
12. Mahavir Mandir Scam
Avoid overpriced food and souvenirs at Mahavir Mandir. Ensure you're purchasing from authorized vendors.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods inside the temple to avoid being overcharged.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Only buy from authorized vendors with visible permits or badges within the temple complex.
- Counterfeit Souvenirs: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops outside the temple to ensure authenticity.
13. Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library Scam
Be cautious when approached by solicitors offering 'guided tours' or services without proper accreditation at the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library.
- Unaccredited Guides: Avoid individuals offering unofficial tours as they may lead to scams or overpriced attractions.
- Inflated Fares: Always negotiate a fare before starting your journey to avoid paying excessively.
- Circuitous Routes: Insist on a direct route if the driver suggests an unusual or roundabout path.
14. Raja Bhoj Temple Scam
Avoid overpriced food and souvenirs at Raja Bhoj Temple. Ensure you're purchasing from authorized vendors.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods inside the temple to avoid being overcharged.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Only buy from authorized vendors with visible permits or badges within the temple complex.
- Counterfeit Souvenirs: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops outside the temple to ensure authenticity.
15. Golghar Scam
Be cautious of overpriced food and souvenirs at Golghar. Ensure you're purchasing from authorized vendors.
- Overpricing of Goods: Bargain for fair prices when purchasing goods inside the monument to avoid being overcharged.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Only buy from authorized vendors with visible permits or badges within the monument complex.
- Counterfeit Souvenirs: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops outside Golghar to ensure authenticity.