Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Riyadh, Ar Riyāḑ, Saudi Arabia

All Topics about Riyadh All Cities in Saudi Arabia

1. Gold Souq Scam Alert

Avoid overpriced or counterfeit jewelry at the Gold Souq by confirming prices with multiple vendors and checking authenticity before purchase.

Price Verification: Confirming prices with multiple vendors to ensure fairness.
Authenticity Check: Inspecting jewelry for quality and authenticity before purchase.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiating prices to get the best deal in the Gold Souq.

Use ride-hailing apps or negotiate fixed prices with taxi drivers to avoid overpriced rides in Riyadh.

Ride-Hailing Apps: Utilizing services like Uber or Careem for reliable and affordable transportation.
Fixed Prices: Negotiating a fixed price with taxi drivers before starting the journey.
Knowledge of Local Rates: Understanding typical rates for popular destinations in Riyadh to avoid overcharging.

Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of suspicious individuals in crowded areas of shopping malls.

Personal Belongings Security: Keeping wallets, phones, and other valuables secured at all times.
Awareness: Remaining vigilant for any suspicious behavior or activity in crowded areas.
Reporting Incidents: Informing mall security if encountering any unusual or concerning situations.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods by visiting reputable stores and inspecting products for quality.

Reputable Stores: Shopping at well-established, trustworthy retailers.
Product Inspection: Examining products for signs of poor quality or counterfeit items before purchasing.
Brand Authenticity: Ensuring the brand and product are legitimate, especially when buying expensive items.

Use secure ATMs in banks or shopping malls to avoid falling victim to skimming devices on public machines.

Secure ATMs: Using ATMs located inside banks or secure areas of shopping malls.
Card Protection: Covering the keypad when entering your PIN and keeping a close eye on your card during transactions.
Monitor Account Transactions: Regularly checking account balances and transaction history for unauthorized activity.

Examine currency for signs of counterfeit money before making any transactions.

Currency Inspection: Thoroughly checking the appearance, texture, and watermarks of notes.
Trusted Locations: Exchanging money at reputable exchange centers or banks.
Ask for Change: Requesting smaller denominations to verify the authenticity of larger notes.

Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers and avoid offering personal information to strangers.

Authorized Retailers: Buying sim cards only from approved service provider stores.
Personal Information Security: Avoiding sharing personal information with unverified individuals or entities.
Valid ID Verification: Presenting a valid form of identification when purchasing a sim card.

Avoid street food and verify the cleanliness of restaurant kitchens to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Street Food Avoidance: Avoiding consumption of unhygienic street food.
Kitchen Cleanliness: Inspecting the cleanliness and hygiene practices in restaurants.
Cooked Food Only: Avoiding eating food that has been left out for long periods.

Be cautious when meeting strangers online, and never share personal or financial information.

Caution with Strangers: Exercising caution when communicating with individuals met online.
Personal Information Security: Avoiding sharing personal information, such as bank details or home address.
Verify Identities: Verifying the identities of potential dating partners by conducting background checks.

Rent cars only from reputable companies and inspect vehicles for damage before driving.

Reputable Companies: Renting cars from well-established, trustworthy rental companies.
Vehicle Inspection: Thoroughly inspecting the car for pre-existing damage before accepting it.
Insurance Coverage: Ensuring that insurance is included in the rental agreement and understanding coverage limitations.

Use reputable exchange centers or banks to get a fair exchange rate.

Reputable Exchange Centers: Exchanging money at approved service provider centers.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Avoiding street exchanges due to the risk of counterfeit or unfavorable exchange rates.
Rate Verification: Comparing exchange rates offered by different providers before making a decision.

Book licensed tour guides and research prices to avoid overpaying.

Licensed Tour Guides: Booking tours with licensed, certified guides.
Price Research: Comparing prices for the same tour from multiple providers.
Reviews and Recommendations: Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources before choosing a tour guide.

Research hotel room prices in advance to avoid overpaying and check for additional fees before booking.

Price Research: Comparing hotel room prices from various providers online.
Additional Fees Awareness: Understanding the fees associated with booking a hotel room, such as taxes and service charges.
Advance Booking: Booking hotels in advance to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute price increases.

Use trusted internet cafés with secure connections and be cautious when using public computers.

Secure Connections: Choosing internet cafés with secure, password-protected WiFi networks.
Data Protection: Avoiding logging in to sensitive accounts or entering personal information on public computers.
Antivirus Software: Ensuring that internet cafés have antivirus software installed and updated regularly.

Use public transportation smart cards or exact change to avoid overpayment and be aware of pickpocketing.

Smart Cards: Purchasing rechargeable public transportation cards for multiple trips.
Exact Change: Carrying small bills to pay the exact fare and avoid receiving counterfeit change.
Personal Belongings Security: Keeping personal belongings secure, especially in crowded public transportation vehicles.