Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yaroslavl, Yaroslavskaya Oblast’, Russia

All Topics about Yaroslavl All Cities in Russia

1. Taxi Scams in Yaroslavl

Avoid overcharging or being taken to longer routes by taxi drivers. Use registered taxi services for a hassle-free ride.

Registered Services: Ensure the taxi is registered and has a meter.
Avoid Street Hailers: Avoid hailing taxis from the street to avoid unregistered drivers.
Use Mobile Apps: Consider using mobile taxi apps for booking.

Avoid buying low-quality and counterfeit souvenirs. Visit authorized stores or ask locals for recommendations.

Authorized Stores: Visit official shops near tourist attractions.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on where to buy authentic souvenirs.
Price Checking: Compare prices with other shops before buying.

Avoid being scammed during currency exchange. Use banks or authorized exchange offices.

Banks and Authorized Offices: Exchange money at a bank or authorized exchange office.
Avoid Street Exchange: Avoid exchanging money on the street to avoid scams.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates before making a transaction.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides. Use authorized tour agencies for a reliable and informative experience.

Authorized Tour Agencies: Book guided tours through authorized travel agencies.
Ask for Licenses: Check if your guide has a license before starting the tour.
Research Online: Research guides and agencies online before choosing one.

Avoid being overcharged at restaurants. Check the menu prices carefully and avoid hidden charges.

Check Menu Prices: Carefully review the menu and ask for clarification on any unclear items.
Avoid Hidden Charges: Ask about hidden charges such as service fees before ordering.
Consider Recommended Restaurants: Ask locals for recommendations on reputable restaurants to avoid scams.

Avoid being scammed with fake or poor accommodation. Use reputable booking websites and read reviews.

Reputable Booking Websites: Book accommodation through well-known online travel agencies.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the accommodation.
Avoid Street Bookings: Avoid booking accommodations on the street to avoid scams.

Avoid ATMs that seem suspicious or tampered with. Use ATMs located at banks for a secure transaction.

ATMs at Banks: Use ATMs located inside banks or official buildings for security.
Avoid Suspicious Machines: Avoid ATMs that look tampered with or in dimly lit areas.
Monitor Your Transactions: Monitor your transactions to ensure no unauthorized withdrawals.

Avoid pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings close and avoid wearing valuable items.

Keep Belongings Close: Keep your belongings close to you at all times.
Avoid Wearing Valuables: Minimize wearing valuable items such as jewelry and large sums of cash.
Use Secure Bags: Use bags with secure zippers or clutches that can be worn close to the body.

Avoid scams at internet cafes. Use reputable cafes and be careful with your personal information.

Reputable Internet Cafés: Use well-known internet cafes for security.
Protect Your Personal Information: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts and keep your passwords secure.
Use a VPN: Consider using a VPN to protect your online activity.

Avoid being overcharged on ferries. Check the official prices before boarding.

Check Official Prices: Ask for the official fare at the ticket office before boarding.
Avoid Street Ticket Sales: Avoid buying tickets from individuals on the street to avoid scams.
Compare Prices with Others: Check the prices of other passengers and ask locals for verification.

Avoid being overcharged or scammed on public transportation. Check the fare before boarding.

Check Fare Before Boarding: Check the official fare at a ticket machine or with the driver before boarding.
Avoid Street Ticket Sales: Avoid buying tickets from individuals on the street to avoid scams.
Use Registered Services: Ensure you are using registered public transportation services.

Avoid donating to fake street performers. Ensure the performance is genuine before giving any money.

Check the Performance: Observe the performance carefully to ensure it's genuine.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for their opinion on street performers in the area.
Consider Voluntary Donations: Consider making voluntary donations to reputable charities instead.

Avoid fake charity scams. Research charities before donating and verify their legitimacy.

Research Charities: Do research on charities to ensure they are legitimate.
Verify Legitimacy: Verify the charity's registration and legitimacy with local authorities.
Avoid Street Donations: Avoid donating to street collectors to avoid scams.

Avoid car rental scams. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before signing the contract.

Inspect Vehicle Thoroughly: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damages before renting.
Avoid Street Rentals: Avoid street car rental services to avoid scams.
Check Contract Details: Carefully review the contract details before signing.

Avoid scams at hostels. Check for genuine reviews and official registration before booking.

Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the hostel.
Official Registration: Verify the hostel's official registration with local authorities.
Avoid Street Bookings: Avoid booking hostels on the street to avoid scams.