Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sirājganj, Rājshāhi, Bangladesh

All Topics about Sirājganj All Cities in Bangladesh

1. Rickshaw Fare Scam

Unscrupulous rickshaw drivers may overcharge tourists. Always agree on fare before starting the journey.

Knowledge of Local Rates: Be aware of standard local rates to avoid overcharging.
Negotiation Skills: Bargain for fair prices before hopping onto a rickshaw.
Confirm Fare before Starting: Agree on fare before starting the journey to avoid disputes later.

Some locals may pose as guides to take tourists to unauthorized shops and charge inflated prices. Always verify the guide's credentials.

Official Registration: Ensure your guide has an official registration card from the local tourism authority.
Recommendation or Reputation: Opt for guides recommended by hotels, embassies, or reliable travel agencies.
Research beforehand: Do your research on the authenticity of popular tour guides in Sirajganj.

Some money changers may give a lower exchange rate. Always check multiple sources before exchanging currency.

Multiple Sources: Exchange currency from various sources to get the best rates.
Official Exchange Centers: Prefer official banks or authorized exchange centers for safe and fair transactions.
Avoid Late Night Transactions: Exchange currency during regular business hours to avoid potential scams.

Tourists are often lured into shops selling overpriced items. Research about shops and their products before visiting them.

Shop Reputation: Choose shops with good reviews from other travelers or locals.
Ask for Prices before Purchase: Always ask for prices before making a purchase to avoid any surprises.
Negotiate Prices: Haggle and negotiate prices to get fair deals in shops.

Sometimes, ticket sellers may provide counterfeit tickets for public transportation. Always verify the authenticity of the tickets.

Official Sellers: Buy tickets from authorized vendors or at the station ticket counters.
Check for Holograms or Security Features: Look for security features on the tickets like holograms, watermarks, or serial numbers to ensure their authenticity.
Avoid Buying from Unofficial Sources: Do not buy tickets from street vendors or unauthorized sellers.

Some landlords may rent out substandard accommodations or even non-existent properties. Always verify the accommodation before booking.

Online Reviews: Check online reviews from previous guests to ensure the quality of the accommodation.
Photos and Amenities: Inspect photos and amenities provided by the host or hotel to confirm their accuracy.
Book with Reputable Sources: Book accommodations through reliable sources like hotels, travel agencies, or reputable online booking platforms.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists. Always compare prices with local prices to avoid being cheated.

Local Price Comparison: Compare food prices with those offered at other local eateries.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or fellow travelers for affordable and authentic restaurants.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices with the restaurant owner, especially for large group meals.

Some ATMs may have skimmers installed to steal card information. Only use ATMs inside banks or well-known businesses.

Inside Bank or Business: Use ATMs located within banks or reputable businesses to minimize the risk of skimming.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor account activity for any suspicious transactions.

Some locals may befriend tourists and offer assistance, only to later ask for money. Be cautious of overly helpful strangers.

Caution with Strangers: Be cautious when interacting with overly friendly locals, especially those offering unsolicited help.
Verify their Intentions: Ask about their intentions and clarify any doubts before accepting assistance.
Monitor your Belongings: Keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid theft or loss.

Some religious figures may exploit tourists for money. Be wary of overly eager religious people seeking donations.

Don't Give Money to Strangers: Do not give money to strangers claiming to be religious figures.
Research about Local Customs: Research local customs and practices related to religion before traveling.
Ask for Proof of Authenticity: Request proof of authenticity from religious figures seeking donations.

Some events may be overpriced or non-existent. Research events and their organizers before attending.

Event Organizer Verification: Verify the authenticity of event organizers by checking their credentials and reputation.
Online Research: Research events online to ensure they are legitimate and well-organized.
Compare Prices with Local Prices: Compare event ticket prices with those offered at local outlets to avoid overpricing.

Some gold and jewelry shops may sell fake or low-quality items. Only buy from reputable stores with certifications.

Reputable Store Verification: Verify the reputation of the store by checking online reviews and recommendations.
Ask for Certifications: Request certifications to ensure that the gold or jewelry is authentic.
Check Quality before Purchase: Inspect and test the quality of the gold or jewelry before making a purchase.

Some roadside food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or overcharge tourists. Choose reputable vendors with good reviews.

Reputation and Reviews: Choose vendors with good reviews from other travelers or locals.
Ask for Ingredients: Ask about the ingredients used in the food to ensure they are fresh and of high quality.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices with the vendor, especially for large group meals.

Some car rental companies may offer vehicles in poor condition or charge excessive prices. Research the company before renting a car.

Company Reputation: Research the reputation of the car rental company by checking online reviews and recommendations.
Inspection before Renting: Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before renting to identify any issues or damage.
Compare Prices with Local Prices: Compare car rental prices with those offered by other reputable companies and local providers to avoid overpricing.

Some tour operators may offer poor services or charge excessive prices. Only use registered and licensed tour operators.

Registration Verification: Verify the registration of the tour operator by checking their license and credentials.
Reputation and Reviews: Choose tour operators with good reviews from other travelers or locals.
Price Comparison: Compare prices offered by different tour operators to avoid overpricing.