Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Rangapukur, Bangladesh

1. Rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid being charged excessively for rickshaw rides by negotiating prices before starting the journey.

Negotiation: Knowing the reasonable price range for rickshaw rides can help in effective negotiation.
Awareness: Be aware of common overcharging areas and times to avoid falling victim to scams.
Friendly but Firm: Maintain a friendly demeanor while being firm about the price you're willing to pay.

Avoid unofficial tour guides who may lead you to overpriced or fraudulent attractions.

Research: Researching official tour guide organizations can help identify trustworthy guides.
Official Licenses: Ensure your tour guide has an official license from the Bangladesh Tourism Board.
Word of Mouth: Listen to recommendations from other travelers or locals for reputable tour guides.

Always inspect currency carefully before accepting it and use banks to exchange money.

Knowledge of Real Notes: Familiarize yourself with the features of authentic Bangladeshi currency.
Exchange at Banks: Exchanging money at banks minimizes the risk of receiving counterfeit bills.
Check Change: Always check change given for purchases to ensure it is genuine.

Haggle prices at souvenir shops and avoid purchasing items from street vendors without fixed prices.

Haggling Skills: Develop haggling skills to get a better price on souvenirs.
Shopping Strategies: Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors without fixed prices, and shop at established stores instead.
Patience: Be patient during the negotiation process to get the best price on souvenirs.

Use secure networks or a VPN when accessing sensitive information on public computers.

Secure Networks: Choose cyber cafes with secure networks or use a VPN for added security.
Password Protection: Always log out and protect your password when using public computers.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid performing sensitive transactions, such as banking or shopping, on public computers.

Register a local SIM card with a reputable service provider and monitor your usage to avoid unexpected charges.

Reputable Service Provider: Choose a reputable telecom service provider for your SIM card.
Regular Usage Monitoring: Monitor your phone usage regularly to identify and address any unusual activity.
Data Protection: Protect your data by setting strong passwords and not sharing personal information.

Book accommodations from reliable sources like online travel agencies or hotel chains to avoid hidden fees and overpriced rooms.

Reliable Booking Sources: Use reliable booking sources, such as online travel agencies or reputable hotel chains.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality and honesty of an accommodation.
Avoid Street Bookings: Avoid booking accommodations directly from street vendors, as they may not disclose hidden fees.

Negotiate prices for tuk-tuk rides and ensure the driver uses a meter to avoid being overcharged.

Meter Usage: Insist that the tuk-tuk driver uses a meter for the ride.
Negotiation: Negotiate prices before starting the journey to ensure a fair price.
Avoid isolated areas: Avoid taking tuk-tuks to isolated or poorly lit areas at night to reduce the risk of scams.

Visit spas with valid licenses and good reviews to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

License Check: Ensure the spa has a valid license from the Bangladesh Spa Association.
Good Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of the spa's services.
Avoid Street Massages: Avoid receiving massages from unlicensed street vendors to reduce the risk of scams and poor service.

Exchange money at authorized exchange booths or banks to avoid being ripped off.

Authorized Exchange Booths: Use authorized exchange booths or banks for your currency exchanges.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between different booths to ensure a fair rate.
Secure Transactions: Always check that your transaction is secure and private before exchanging money.

Donate to established charities with a proven track record to ensure your donations are used effectively.

Established Charities: Donate to well-established, reputable charities in Rangapukur.
Proven Track Record: Research the charity's history and impact on the community to ensure your donations are effective.
Official Documentation: Request official documentation, such as tax exemptions or charitable status, from the organization before making a donation.

Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and negotiate prices at local eateries to save money.

Local Eateries: Choose local eateries over touristy restaurants for cheaper, authentic food.
Negotiation: Negotiate prices for meals at local eateries to save money.
Avoiding Tourist Traps: Avoid restaurants near major tourist attractions, as they often overprice their food.

Book trips through registered travel agencies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Registration Check: Ensure the travel agency is registered with the Bangladesh Tourism Board.
Good Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of the travel agency's services.
Avoid Street Bookings: Avoid booking trips directly from street vendors or unregistered agencies to reduce the risk of scams.

Purchase tickets for attractions from authorized vendors or online sources to avoid fake tickets.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets for attractions at official ticket booths or authorized vendors.
Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online from the attraction's official website if available.
Check for Authenticity: Always check the authenticity of tickets before using them to enter attractions.

Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services and negotiate prices to avoid being overcharged.

Licensed Taxis: Choose licensed taxis or ride-sharing services for your transportation needs.
Negotiation: Always negotiate the price of a taxi ride before starting the journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid taking taxis to isolated or poorly lit areas at night to reduce the risk of scams.