Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Quetta, Pakistan

1. Bezai Bazaar

A bustling market known for its spices and textiles. Be vigilant against overpricing or counterfeit goods.

Price Comparison: Always compare prices at multiple stalls before purchasing.
Trustworthy Shops: Avoid shops with no visible inventory or poor quality items.
Local Guides: Use local guides for price negotiations and shop recommendations.

A popular shopping center with both local and international brands. Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Secure Storage: Use lockers or keep valuables hidden.
Crowded Areas: Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables when visiting crowded areas.
Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

A scenic attraction with boat rides. Be cautious when hiring boats or renting equipment.

Licensed Services: Ensure that boat operators and equipment renters have valid licenses.
Safety Measures: Inspect the condition of boats and safety equipment before use.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or tour operators for trusted boat services.

Home to various wildlife species. Watch out for ticket scams and overpricing.

Official Ticket Prices: Ask for official ticket prices at the entrance.
Group Discounts: Inquire about group discounts if visiting with a larger party.
Avoid Unofficial Sellers: Only purchase tickets from the official ticket booth.

An ancient fort with rich history and stunning views. Watch out for guide scams or overpricing.

Official Guides: Ask for an official guide at the entrance.
Group Tours: Join a group tour to split costs and get reliable information.
Pre-booked Tickets: Consider pre-booking tickets online for convenience and price assurance.

A border market known for low prices on goods. Be cautious of counterfeit or poor quality items.

Affordable and convenient public transport. Be aware of pickpocketing or overcrowded buses.

Bus Safety Measures: Use the safety measures provided on the bus, such as seatbelts.
Crowded Buses: Avoid placing valuable items in easily accessible pockets or bags.
Trusted Routes: Stick to well-known, trusted routes during travel.

A major transport hub with buses going across the city. Be cautious of ticket scams or overpricing.

Official Ticket Counters: Only purchase tickets from official ticket counters.
Pre-booked Tickets: Consider pre-booking tickets online for convenience and price assurance.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or tour operators for trusted bus services.

Variety of dining options serving local and international cuisine. Be cautious of overpricing or poor hygiene.

Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other restaurants for fair pricing.
Hygiene Standards: Look for cleanliness and proper food handling practices.
Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or travel guides for trusted restaurants.

Widely available transportation option. Be cautious of overpricing or taxi scams.

Metered Taxis: Choose metered taxis for fair pricing.
Pre-arranged Rides: Arrange rides in advance through trusted taxi services or apps.
Price Negotiation: Negotiate prices before starting the journey to avoid overpricing.

Shops offering currency exchange services. Be cautious of poor exchange rates or hidden fees.

Competitive Rates: Compare exchange rates with other shops for best deals.
Licensed Shops: Only use licensed money exchange shops.
Minimal Fees: Ask about fees before exchanging currency to avoid hidden charges.

Accommodation options varying from budget to luxury. Be cautious of overpricing or poor service.

Competitive Rates: Compare room rates with other hotels for best deals.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews and choose a reputable hotel or guest house.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or travel guides for trusted accommodations.

Markets selling fresh produce and local goods. Be cautious of overpricing or counterfeit items.

Price Comparison: Compare prices at multiple stalls before purchasing.
Trustworthy Shops: Avoid shops with no visible inventory or poor quality items.
Local Guides: Use local guides for price negotiations and shop recommendations.

Tours showcasing the city's attractions. Be cautious of overpricing or poor service.

Reputable Tour Operators: Choose reputable tour operators for reliable information and service.
Group Tours: Join a group tour to split costs and get reliable information.
Price Negotiation: Negotiate prices before booking the tour for best deals.

Shops offering mobile phone SIM cards. Be cautious of poor service or hidden fees.

Competitive Rates: Compare SIM card prices with other shops for best deals.
Licensed Shops: Only use licensed mobile phone SIM card shops.
Minimal Fees: Ask about fees before purchasing a SIM card to avoid hidden charges.