Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sylhet, Sylhet, Bangladesh

All Topics about Sylhet All Cities in Bangladesh

1. Rickshaw Scam Warning

Avoid overpriced or fraudulent rickshaw rides. Verify the fare before boarding.

Fixed Fare Knowledge: Know the standard rates for rickshaw rides in Sylhet.
Negotiation Skills: Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Avoid Overcrowded Areas: Avoid soliciting rickshaws in overcrowded areas for better rates.

Decline offers from unofficial guides. Only hire licensed tour guides.

Verify License: Ask to see the guide's official license before hiring.
Check Recommendations: Seek recommendations from trusted sources for reliable tour guides.
Research Locally-owned Businesses: Patronize locally-owned businesses for authentic and professional guides.

Inspect banknotes for signs of counterfeit currency. Use ATMs at reputable banks.

Know Authentic Banknote Features: Familiarize yourself with the features of authentic Bangladeshi banknotes.
Inspect Lighting Conditions: Inspect notes in well-lit conditions to detect any irregularities.
Use Bank ATMs: Withdraw money from reputable banks' ATMs to avoid counterfeit bills.

Avoid shops offering overpriced or low-quality items. Research popular shopping destinations.

Shopping Destination Knowledge: Research popular, reputable shopping areas in Sylhet.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of items at different shops to avoid overpricing.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or fellow travellers for trusted shops.

Exchange money at reputable exchange centers. Verify exchange rates beforehand.

Exchange Center Research: Research reliable money exchange centers in Sylhet.
Ask for Multiple Quotes: Request quotes from multiple exchange centers to compare rates.
Verify Exchange Rates Online: Check the current exchange rate online before exchanging your money.

Avoid restaurants offering poor quality food or inflated prices. Seek recommendations for popular dining spots.

Restaurant Research: Research popular, reputable restaurants in Sylhet.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or fellow travellers for good dining spots.
Check Menu Prices: Review the menu and prices before committing to a restaurant.

Avoid street games with unfamiliar rules or high stakes. Don't share personal information.

Game Research: Research common tourist scams and avoid participating in unknown street games.
Don't Share Personal Info: Avoid sharing personal information during street interactions.
Stay Alert: Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings while exploring Sylhet.

Avoid sharing vehicles with strangers. Use official transport services whenever possible.

Official Transport Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the official transport options in Sylhet.
Avoid Strangers: Avoid sharing vehicles with strangers to minimize potential scams.
Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before boarding any vehicle in Sylhet.

Book accommodation at reputable hotels or hostels. Check reviews and ratings online.

Accommodation Research: Research reputable accommodations in Sylhet.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and check ratings of potential accommodations before booking.
Secure Payment Methods: Book through secure payment methods to minimize scams.

Purchase SIM cards from authorized dealers. Be wary of unsolicited offers for cheap SIM cards.

Authorized Dealer Knowledge: Know the authorized dealers for mobile network providers in Sylhet.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline unsolicited offers for SIM cards, especially those offering unusually low prices.
Check SIM Card for Damage: Inspect the SIM card for any visible signs of damage before use.

Exchange currency only at authorized exchange centers. Be wary of unofficial street exchanges.

Authorized Exchange Center Knowledge: Know the authorized exchange centers in Sylhet.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Decline currency exchanges offered by individuals on the street.
Check Exchange Rates Online: Verify the current exchange rate online before exchanging your money.

Use metered taxis or negotiate a fare before starting the journey.

Metered Taxi Usage: Opt for metered taxis whenever possible.
Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before boarding a taxi in Sylhet.
Avoid Overcrowded Areas: Avoid soliciting taxis in overcrowded areas for better rates.

Stay vigilant and avoid walking alone at night. Never leave belongings unattended.

Stay Aware of Surroundings: Remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Never Leave Belongings Unattended: Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid potential scams.
Carry Essential Items Only: Carry only essential items and limit the amount of cash you carry.

Support legitimate charities. Verify organizations before making donations.

Legitimate Charity Knowledge: Research reputable charities in Sylhet.
Verify Organization Legitimacy: Verify the legitimacy of organizations before making donations.
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods to donate to legitimate charities.

Choose reputable internet cafes. Protect your device and personal information.

Reputable Internet Cafe Knowledge: Know the reputable internet cafes in Sylhet.
Protect Devices and Information: Use trusted security software to protect your device and personal information.
Avoid Using Credit Cards: Avoid using credit cards in internet cafes to minimize potential scams.