Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shiliguri, West Bengal, India

All Topics about Shiliguri All Cities in India

1. Rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid overpriced rickshaw rides by negotiating fares before starting your journey.

Pre-negotiated Fare: Negotiate the fare before you start your ride to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Peak Hours: Ride during off-peak hours to get better rates and avoid crowds.
Use Local Knowledge: Ask locals about the usual fare for your destination to ensure you're not being overcharged.

Stick with registered tour guides from reputable companies to avoid scams.

Registered Guide: Choose a guide who is officially registered and has a valid license.
Reputable Company: Book your tour through a well-known, reputable travel agency or company.
Check Reviews: Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from locals to find a reliable guide.

Examine your money carefully to avoid receiving fake or counterfeit bills.

Inspect the Bill: Check for any irregularities, such as inconsistent texture, poor printing, and misaligned features.
Use Bank ATMs: Withdraw money from bank ATMs instead of exchanging at street vendors to minimize the risk.
Ask for Change Correctly: Request exact change when making purchases, and always count your change carefully.

Bargain effectively to get fair prices at local markets.

Bargain Aggressively: Start by offering a lower price and work your way up.
Shop Around: Visit multiple stalls to compare prices and find the best deal.
Understand the Base Price: Learn about the typical price of goods in Shiliguri to determine a fair offer.

Avoid unexpected charges by checking the menu prices and restaurant's reputation before dining.

Check Menu Prices: Verify that the listed prices are consistent with what you order.
Avoid Street Food Stalls: Dine at reputable restaurants to minimize the risk of food contamination or overcharging.
Check for Hidden Fees: Inquire about service charges, taxes, and any other hidden fees before dining.

Avoid being overcharged by using prepaid taxis or negotiating the fare in advance.

Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis from airport counters or reputable companies for fixed fares.
Negotiate Fare in Advance: Negotiate the fare before starting your ride to avoid overcharging.
Use Local Knowledge: Ask locals about the usual fare for your destination to ensure you're not being overcharged.

Carry small bills and always check your change to avoid disputes with tuk-tuk drivers.

Small Bills: Carry small denominations to minimize issues with receiving change.
Check Change Carefully: Always count your change carefully and verify it matches the bill you paid.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt to help settle any disputes about the fare or change.

Be cautious of individuals offering services or asking for donations at religious sites.

Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Refuse any unsolicited offers and focus on your religious experience.
Check Reputation: Research the reputation of the site to ensure it is not associated with scams or fraudulent activities.
Donate Carefully: Donate only to officially recognized and reputable organizations at the religious site.

Purchase your SIM card from an authorized store or provider to avoid scams.

Authorized Store: Buy your SIM card from official stores of the telecom providers.
Ask for Valid ID: Make sure the store requires a valid ID to activate the SIM card.
Check Data Usage: Monitor your data usage and avoid packages with unreasonably high prices or limitations.

Book accommodation in advance through reputable websites to find fair deals.

Reputable Website: Use well-known, reputable travel websites for booking accommodation.
Read Reviews: Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from locals to find a reliable hotel or hostel.
Negotiate Rates: Negotiate the rates when booking accommodation in advance to get better deals.

Exchange money at authorized banks or reputable exchange kiosks to avoid scams.

Authorized Bank: Exchange money at authorized banks or branches in Shiliguri.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not exchange money with street vendors to minimize the risk of receiving fake bills.
Check Exchange Rates: Research the current exchange rates beforehand and verify they match the rate offered at the bank or kiosk.

Be cautious when meeting strangers who offer friendship and be wary of requests for money or personal information.

Avoid Giving Personal Information: Do not share sensitive personal information with strangers.
Meet in Public Places: Meet new acquaintances in public places and avoid secluded areas.
Do Not Send Money to Strangers: Never send money to strangers, regardless of the reason they give.

Avoid tourist trap restaurants and explore local eateries for authentic cuisine.

Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on places to eat.
Street Food Safety: Choose street food vendors that have a clean environment, fresh ingredients, and a steady stream of customers.
Avoid Overpriced Menus: Stay away from restaurants with overpriced menus compared to local eateries.

Research and plan your itinerary in advance to avoid being pressured into unnecessary guided tours.

Self-Guided Tour: Research the attractions you want to visit and create a self-guided tour using maps or guides.
Avoid Street Guides: Ignore offers from street guides and instead use reputable travel websites or local tour companies.
Compare Tour Prices: Research the prices of guided tours online and compare them with those offered by street guides.

Purchase transportation tickets from authorized vendors to avoid ticket scams.

Authorized Vendor: Buy your transportation tickets from authorized vendors at the station or designated sales points.
Check for Counterfeit Tickets: Examine your ticket for any signs of tampering, inconsistencies, or poor quality.
Ask for a Receipt: Request a receipt to prove the legitimacy of your ticket in case of disputes or inspections.