Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Qazvīn, Qazvīn, Iran

Qazvīn, Iran, Qazvīn, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Qazvīn, Qazvīn, Iran

1. Grand Bazaar of Qazvin

A large marketplace with a variety of goods. Be wary of overpriced items and aggressive vendors.
  • Bargaining Culture: Expect to negotiate prices, which can lead to fairer deals.
  • Tourist Traps: Stay aware of shops that target tourists with inflated prices.
  • Local Shops: Support local vendors and discover authentic Qazvin products.

2. Qazvin Carpet Factory

A popular tourist destination for carpet shopping. Be cautious of low-quality carpets or misrepresented prices.
  • Quality Assurance: Request to see certifications or quality guarantees.
  • Pricing Transparency: Ensure pricing is clear and fair, asking for a written invoice if necessary.
  • Reputation: Research the factory's reputation before making any purchases.

3. Qazvin Bus Station

A hub for travelers. Be vigilant of taxi drivers who overcharge or take unauthorized routes.
  • Pre-arranged Transportation: Book official taxis or arrange transportation in advance to avoid scams.
  • Price Awareness: Know the average cost of taxi rides and negotiate fair prices.
  • Avoid Isolated Locations: Stay away from poorly lit or isolated areas when traveling at night.

4. Chehel Sotoun Palace

Historical palace with beautiful architecture. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Valuables Safety: Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.
  • Official Guides: Choose an official guide or tour to ensure accurate information.
  • Crowd Awareness: Stay alert in crowded areas and keep your belongings close.

5. Ali Qapu Palace

An iconic palace with a tall portal. Watch out for pickpockets and overpriced food in the area.
  • Valuable Items Safety: Keep your valuables safe and secure, especially when exploring the palace.
  • Authentic Food: Avoid street food vendors that may overprice or serve low-quality food.
  • Official Restaurants: Find reputable restaurants for a genuine dining experience.

6. Agha Bozorg Mosque

An impressive mosque with beautiful tiles and calligraphy. Be cautious of unofficial guides soliciting services.
  • Official Guides: Use official guidebooks or research the history online before your visit.
  • Ticket Scams: Buy tickets from authorized booths to avoid overpaying.
  • Security Measures: Keep your belongings safe and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

7. Qazvin Restaurants

Taste local cuisine at Qazvin's restaurants. Be wary of overpriced food and establishments that serve low-quality dishes.
  • Price Comparison: Compare prices with other nearby restaurants before dining.
  • Customer Reviews: Read reviews online or ask locals for recommendations.
  • Menu Translation: Ask for menu translations to ensure you're ordering the correct dishes.

8. Qazvin Money Exchange Shops

Exchange currency at local shops. Be cautious of unfavorable exchange rates or hidden fees.
  • Competitive Rates: Compare exchange rates between multiple shops before making a transaction.
  • Official Shops: Choose authorized money exchange shops for a secure and reliable experience.
  • No Commission Fees: Ask about any commission or transaction fees before exchanging your currency.

9. Qazvin Taxi Services

Travel around the city using taxi services. Be cautious of drivers who overcharge or take unauthorized routes.
  • Pre-arranged Transportation: Book official taxis or arrange transportation in advance to avoid scams.
  • Price Awareness: Know the average cost of taxi rides and negotiate fair prices.
  • Avoid Isolated Locations: Stay away from poorly lit or isolated areas when traveling at night.

10. Qazvin Hotels

Find comfortable accommodation in Qazvin. Be wary of overpriced rooms or hidden fees.
  • Price Comparison: Compare prices with other hotels before booking.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews online or ask locals for recommendations.
  • Transparent Fees: Ask about any additional fees, such as taxes or service charges.

11. Qazvin Local Markets

Shop for fresh produce and local goods at the markets. Be cautious of overpriced items and pickpockets.
  • Bargaining Culture: Expect to negotiate prices, which can lead to fairer deals.
  • Freshness of Produce: Check for fresh produce and avoid items that appear spoiled or rotten.
  • Avoid Isolated Locations: Stay away from poorly lit or isolated areas, especially during nighttime.

12. Qazvin Local Transportation

Use local transportation like buses and minibuses. Be cautious of drivers who overcharge or take unauthorized routes.
  • Pre-arranged Transportation: Plan your route ahead of time and know the stops for buses and minibuses.
  • Price Awareness: Know the average cost of local transportation and negotiate fair prices.
  • Avoid Isolated Locations: Stay away from poorly lit or isolated areas when traveling at night.

13. Qazvin Attractions Entrance Fees

Visit historical sites and museums. Be cautious of inflated entrance fees or hidden charges.
  • Entrance Fee Transparency: Ask about the exact cost of admission and any additional fees.
  • Official Booths: Buy tickets from authorized booths to avoid overpaying.
  • Group Discounts: Inquire about group discounts if traveling with a larger party.

14. Qazvin Internet Cafes and Wi-Fi Spots

Stay connected by using internet cafes or public Wi-Fi spots. Be cautious of unsecured networks that may expose personal information.
  • Secure Connections: Use secure connections and avoid accessing sensitive data on public Wi-Fi.
  • Price Comparison: Compare prices between internet cafes or Wi-Fi spots before making a decision.
  • Local Reviews: Read reviews online or ask locals for recommendations.

15. Qazvin Street Food

Taste local street food. Be cautious of undercooked or contaminated dishes.
  • Food Safety: Choose stalls that appear clean and have a high turnover of customers.
  • Price Comparison: Compare prices with other nearby food vendors before making a purchase.
  • Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on the best street food vendors.