Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Vellore, Tamil Nādu, India

All Topics about Vellore All Cities in India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid excessive fares by bargaining or using app-based services. Always confirm the price before starting the ride.

Bargain Ahead: Negotiate the fare before riding to avoid overcharging.
Use App-Based Services: Apps like Ola and Uber can help you get a fixed price.
Confirm Price Before Ride: Avoid misunderstandings by confirming the fare before starting the journey.

Stick with registered guides to ensure authentic cultural experiences and safety. Verify credentials if unsure.

Registered Guides: Guides registered by the local tourism department provide a safer, more educational experience.
Authentic Cultural Experience: Registered guides offer genuine insights into Vellore's rich history and culture.
Verify Credentials: Ensure the guide has proper documentation before proceeding with a tour.

Purchase from reputable stores to avoid fake goods. Be cautious when shopping in crowded areas.

Reputable Stores: Shop at well-known stores or authorized dealers for authentic items.
Avoid Crowded Areas: Be wary when shopping in overly crowded areas where quality control may be lax.
Check Labels: Look for labels and packaging that match the item's claimed origin or manufacturer.

Bargain to find a fair price for souvenirs. Comparison-shop between different vendors.

Comparison Shopping: Visit multiple shops to compare prices and quality.
Bargain: Negotiate the price to find a fair deal for souvenirs.
Quality Over Price: Prioritize purchasing high-quality items even if they cost more.

Buy sim cards from authorized vendors to avoid fraudulent activities. Check the SIM card before using it.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase your SIM card from official store locations or accredited sellers.
Check SIM Card Before Use: Inspect the SIM card for any signs of tampering before activating it.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell fraudulent or malfunctioning SIM cards.

Avoid unknown restaurants with no menu prices. Stick to popular dining spots and check the bill carefully.

Menu Prices Available: Restaurants should display clear, transparent pricing.
Popular Dining Spots: Choose well-known restaurants for better food quality and service.
Check the Bill Carefully: Ensure that the bill matches your consumption and includes no hidden charges.

Exchange money at authorized banks or licensed money exchangers to avoid getting shortchanged.

Authorized Banks: Exchange your currency at the bank for a secure and fair exchange rate.
Licensed Money Exchangers: Choose exchangers licensed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for safe transactions.
Check Exchange Rate: Compare exchange rates between different service providers to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Visit popular religious sites or those recommended by locals. Be cautious of temples asking for excessive donations.

Popular Religious Sites: Choose well-known, historical temples and shrines for an authentic experience.
Locals' Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on religious sites to visit.
Excessive Donation Warnings: Be wary of temples asking for unusually high donations or pressuring you to give more than you are comfortable with.

Buy tickets only from authorized ticket booths. Be cautious of people offering discounted or fake tickets.

Authorized Ticket Booths: Purchase your transportation tickets from official counters.
Avoid Unofficial Sellers: Decline offers from unauthorized ticket sellers.
Check the Ticket Before Use: Inspect your transportation ticket for any signs of tampering before boarding.

Book your accommodation through trusted online platforms or reputable hotels. Check the room rate and amenities before booking.

Trusted Online Platforms: Use reliable websites like Booking.com, Agoda, or Expedia for accommodation bookings.
Reputable Hotels: Stay at well-known hotels with positive reviews and a good reputation.
Check Room Rate and Amenities: Ensure that the room rate is reasonable, and all advertised amenities are available.

Choose busy street food vendors with hygienic conditions. Avoid eating from unattended carts or those with poor cleanliness.

Busy Street Food Vendors: Opt for popular, high-traffic street food vendors.
Hygienic Conditions: Look for cleanliness and proper handling of food when choosing a vendor.
Avoid Unattended Carts: Stay away from carts that are unattended or have no staff present.

Use app-based taxis for a fixed price. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey in traditional taxis.

App-Based Taxis: Choose services like Ola, Uber, or Meru for a fair and transparent pricing system.
Negotiate Fare in Traditional Taxis: Bargain for the fare before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Nighttime Travel: Avoid traveling by taxi at night if possible, as prices may increase during this time.

Call the official emergency number (100 or 112) to receive genuine assistance. Be wary of strangers offering help in emergency situations.

Official Emergency Number: Dial the appropriate emergency number for assistance.
Avoid Strangers Offering Help: Decline help from strangers during an emergency and call the official emergency services instead.
Verification of Assistance Providers: Confirm the identity of any assistance provider before accepting their help.

Book accommodation through trusted websites or hotels. Check for hidden fees and double-check the location of your booking.

Trusted Websites: Use reliable booking platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Expedia.
Check for Hidden Fees: Ensure that the room rate includes all fees and taxes.
Double-check Location: Verify the exact location of your accommodation to avoid being misled.

Donate only to well-known and registered charities. Be cautious of individuals collecting money on the street.

Well-Known Charities: Support charities with a good reputation and a proven track record.
Registered Charities: Donate to charities registered with the Charities Commissioner of India.
Avoid Street Donations: Decline street donation requests and find a legitimate way to support your chosen charity.