Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

All Topics about Stockholm All Cities in Sweden

1. Taxi Scams

Watch out for drivers overcharging or taking longer routes. Use authorized taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Authorized Taxis: Official taxis have a yellow 'T' on the roof and use a meter.
Ride-hailing Apps: Apps like Taxi Stockholm, Uber, and Bolt are safe and reliable in Stockholm.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Unmarked taxis may be unauthorized and potentially dangerous.

Be cautious of ATMs with strange card readers or keypads. Stick to well-lit, indoor ATMs or use credit cards when possible.

Indoor ATMs: ATMs inside banks and shops are safer than standalone machines.
Credit Cards: Using credit cards reduces the risk of losing money due to fraud.
Avoid Strange ATMs: ATMs with strange card readers or keypads may be set up to steal your information.

Keep your belongings close and be aware of crowded areas. Use a money belt or travel pouch to secure valuables.

Money Belt: A money belt keeps your cash and cards hidden under your clothes.
Travel Pouch: A travel pouch with RFID protection can help keep your credit cards safe from scanning.
Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target crowded areas like public transportation or tourist attractions.

Be wary of overly cheap items and shop only in reputable stores. Look for quality and official logos when buying souvenirs.

Reputable Stores: Shop at authorized retailers or markets like the Stockholm flea market.
Quality Items: Counterfeit goods are often lower quality than genuine products.
Official Logos: Genuine items should have official logos or seals of authenticity.

Research tours and guide companies before booking. Only use established tour providers with good reviews.

Established Tour Providers: Companies like Stockholm City Walk, Viking Line, and Stromma are trustworthy.
Good Reviews: Look for positive customer feedback and high ratings on review sites.
Avoid Street Touts: Street touts may offer fraudulent or low-quality tours.

Use authorized exchange centers like banks or official bureaux de change. Be cautious of street vendors offering to exchange currency.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Banks, post offices, and official bureaux de change offer secure exchange services.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer unfavorable rates or try to give you counterfeit money.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates online before exchanging currency to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Donate only to recognized charities. Be cautious of collectors who solicit money on the street or in tourist areas.

Recognized Charities: Look for well-known organizations like the Swedish Red Cross or Save the Children.
Avoid Street Collectors: Street collectors may claim to be affiliated with a charity but are actually scam artists.
Official Charity Websites: Donate through the official website of the charity you wish to support.

Stick to well-known bars and clubs. Avoid venues that demand an entry fee upfront or pressure you to buy drinks.

Well-Known Venues: Research popular bars and clubs in Stockholm before visiting.
Avoid Upfront Fees: Venues that require an entry fee upfront may be scams or cover charges for overpriced drinks.
Pressure to Buy Drinks: Be wary of venues that pressure you to buy more than you want or need.

Buy tickets only from authorized outlets. Be cautious of ticket resellers or street vendors selling tickets for popular events.

Authorized Outlets: Official websites, local tourist information centers, and authorized retailers sell legitimate tickets.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell fake or invalid tickets for popular events.
Check Event Websites: Always verify event details on the official website before buying tickets.

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Only connect to secured networks and avoid logging in to sensitive accounts.

Secured Networks: Use password-protected networks, preferably those that require a username and password.
Avoid Logging in Sensitive Accounts: Never log in to sensitive accounts like banking or email when using public Wi-Fi.
Only Essential Use: Limit your use of public Wi-Fi to browsing and email only, avoiding sensitive transactions.

Avoid massage parlors that offer sexual services. Only visit licensed and reputable massage establishments.

Licensed Establishments: Look for massage parlors with a Swedish Spa Association (SSF) or Svensk Massageförening seal.
Avoid Sexual Services: Massage parlors that offer sexual services may be fronts for prostitution or human trafficking.
Check Online Reviews: Look for positive customer feedback and high ratings on review sites.

Visit only reputable art galleries. Be cautious of galleries that offer overpriced or low-quality artwork.

Reputable Art Galleries: Look for established art galleries like Galleri Magnus Karlsson and Konstakademien.
Avoid Overpriced Artwork: Scam galleries may sell artwork at inflated prices or offer lower-quality pieces than they claim.
Check Artist Reputation: Research the artist and their reputation before purchasing artwork.

Be cautious of musicians or performers who demand payment for their performance. Support local artists by tipping or donating at your discretion.

Support Local Artists: Tipping or donating shows appreciation for the artist's work and helps support the local arts community.
Avoid Demanded Payments: Performers who demand payment may be scam artists attempting to take advantage of tourists.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter suspicious activity, report it to local authorities or tourism information centers.

Book accommodations only through reputable websites like Booking.com or Airbnb. Be cautious of accommodations that seem too good to be true.

Reputable Websites: Book through established accommodation booking sites for secure and reliable transactions.
Avoid Too Good to Be True Offers: Scam accommodations may offer exceptionally low prices or over-the-top amenities to lure in unsuspecting travelers.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and check ratings before booking an accommodation to ensure a positive experience.

Stick to well-known restaurants and cafes. Be cautious of food vendors selling counterfeit or low-quality products.

Well-Known Restaurants: Research popular restaurants in Stockholm before visiting.
Avoid Low-Quality Vendors: Food vendors selling counterfeit or low-quality products may pose a health risk and offer poor culinary experiences.
Check Food Safety Standards: Look for restaurants with good food safety ratings and hygiene certifications.