The Most Infamous Tourist Scams by City and Country

21 January 2025

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. You get to immerse yourself in new cultures, try exotic food, meet locals, and create memories that last a lifetime. But let’s be honest—there’s a darker side to traveling, and I’m not talking about long airport lines or jet lag. Nope, we’re talking about tourist scams.

You know, those sneaky tricks some locals or seasoned scammers pull on unsuspecting tourists. They’re crafty (some might even call them clever), but mostly, they’re just a huge pain when you’re trying to enjoy your vacation. So, to help you avoid falling into these traps, we’re diving into the most infamous tourist scams by city and country.

Let me be your guide as we journey through the world’s top scam hotspots, so you can learn how to dodge these traps like a pro.

1. Paris, France: The "Friendship Bracelet" Trick

Ah, Paris—the City of Love...and apparently, of tourist scams too. One infamous scam here targets tourists with the so-called “Friendship Bracelet” scam.

Here’s how it works: You’re strolling around famous sites like the Sacré-Cœur, minding your own business, when someone approaches you. They’ll either start a friendly conversation or try to tie a bracelet around your wrist before you even know what’s happening. Once it’s on, they’ll demand money for it.

Sounds annoying, right? The best way to avoid this? Politely but firmly say no and keep your hands to yourself. You’re not obligated to buy anything, no matter how much they insist.

Pro Tip: Be wary of overly friendly strangers. Scammers often use kindness to catch you off guard.

2. Rome, Italy: The "Fake Gladiators" Near the Colosseum

Rome isn’t just famous for its ancient ruins—it’s also home to some truly creative scams. One of the most infamous involves fake gladiators hanging around the Colosseum. They’ll offer to take a picture with you, and before you know it, they’ll demand an outrageous fee!

What’s worse is that they’re often aggressive about getting paid, and you’re in the middle of the tourist crowd, feeling all flustered. Here’s the deal: If you want a photo, agree on a price beforehand. Better yet, take your selfie without the gladiator.

Pro Tip: Always confirm costs for any "tourist experiences" in advance.

3. Bangkok, Thailand: The "Tuk-Tuk Scam"

Thailand is known for its picturesque temples, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. But it’s also known for the infamous tuk-tuk scam. In Bangkok, especially near tourist attractions like the Grand Palace, tuk-tuk drivers may approach you with a seemingly amazing offer—an unbelievably cheap ride or a “special” tour for just a few baht.

But here's the catch: Once you’re whisked away, you’re often taken to shops where you’ll be pressured into buying overpriced goods, or you’ll be driven around endlessly to places you never wanted to go. That "cheap ride" suddenly isn’t such a deal.

Pro Tip: Always insist on using a metered taxi or, even better, ride-hailing apps like Grab where prices are transparent.

4. New York City, USA: The "CD Guys in Times Square"

Ahh, Times Square—the epitome of tourist traps. While it’s filled with bright lights and Broadway excitement, it's also buzzing with scammers. One of the most infamous ploys here involves guys offering you a “free” CD.

They’ll approach you, hand you a CD, and then ask for a donation or “payment.” If you refuse, they may become aggressive or guilt-trip you by saying it’s for their music career.

This scam is not only annoying but also a bit awkward. Do yourself a favor: Keep your hands in your pockets and say “no thanks” before they hand you that CD.

Pro Tip: Decline anything offered to you for "free" because it's rarely ever free.

5. Beijing, China: The "Tea House Scam"

In Beijing, especially around famous spots like the Forbidden City, you may be approached by friendly locals who speak English very well. They’ll strike up a conversation, tell you they’re students, and offer to take you to a traditional tea house.

Sounds authentic, right? Well, not exactly. After drinking some tea and enjoying what you think is an authentic experience, you’ll be slapped with an exorbitant bill—often hundreds of dollars. And guess what? The student and tea house are in cahoots.

Pro Tip: Be cautious when locals invite you somewhere out of the blue. If it sounds too spontaneous or good to be true, it probably is.

6. Barcelona, Spain: The "Pickpocket Paradise"

Barcelona, with its stunning architecture and lively streets, is unfortunately also one of the pickpocket capitals of the world. Here, scams are much more subtle, targeting distracted tourists at places like Las Ramblas or the Sagrada Familia.

You might see chaotic street performances where large crowds gather, or feel someone accidentally bump into you. Before you know it, your wallet or phone is missing. The culprits often work in pairs or groups, with one distracting you while another takes your belongings.

Pro Tip: Keep your valuables out of easy reach. Consider using an anti-theft backpack or money belt.

7. Istanbul, Turkey: The "Carpet Seller Scam"

Istanbul is known for its incredible bazaars and craftsmanship, particularly when it comes to Turkish carpets. But not all sellers have your best interests in mind. You might be invited into a shop for some tea and a "free" lesson on carpet weaving, only to find yourself under intense pressure to buy a rug that’s ridiculously overpriced.

Worse yet, some rugs are not even the real deal; they could be cheap knock-offs sold as "authentic Turkish carpets."

Pro Tip: Don’t feel pressured into buying anything. If you want to shop for carpets, do thorough research and perhaps bring along a local guide.

8. Marrakech, Morocco: The "Henna Artist Scam"

Picture this—you’re wandering through the vibrant souks of Marrakech when, out of nowhere, a henna artist grabs your hand and starts applying beautiful, intricate designs before you’ve even agreed. Sounds like a fun surprise, right? But then comes the not-so-fun part: She demands a crazy amount of money for it.

And if you don’t pay up? Things can get uncomfortable fast, with the artist becoming pushy or even angry.

Pro Tip: Don’t allow anyone to start a service you didn’t ask for. Politely decline and keep walking.

9. Cairo, Egypt: The "Camel Ride Scam"

If you’re visiting the Pyramids of Giza, it's hard to resist the charm of a camel ride. But beware—some vendors will quote you a low price to mount the camel, then demand a hefty one to let you back down! Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Once you're in the saddle, you're at their mercy.

To avoid this, always agree on the FULL price beforehand (including the return trip!). Otherwise, you could end up paying through the nose.

Pro Tip: Discuss prices clearly before accepting any service. You don’t want to pay extra just to get off a camel!

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The "Fake ATMs"

Rio is famed for its Carnival and beautiful beaches, but it’s also notorious for ATM scams, specifically involving fake ATMs. Scammers set up ATM machines that look perfectly legitimate, except they won’t give you cash—they’ll just steal your card details.

Once they’ve got your info, they’ll quickly drain your account or make fraudulent charges. These fake ATMs are often located in tourist-heavy areas like Copacabana Beach.

Pro Tip: Always use ATMs inside banks or well-known, secure locations. Avoid standalone machines in tourist areas.

11. Prague, Czech Republic: The "Currency Exchange Scam"

Prague is a city straight out of a fairytale, but don’t let its charm fool you. One of the oldest tricks in the book here is the currency exchange scam. Unscrupulous exchange offices may advertise amazing rates, but once the transaction is done, you’ll quickly realize you received much less than expected.

Some places even give you outdated or unusable currency. The best way to avoid this? Stick to reputable exchange services or withdraw money from banks.

Pro Tip: Always read the fine print before exchanging currency, and avoid flashy, street-corner exchange offices.

Final Thoughts

Scams can happen anywhere, but they shouldn’t ruin your travel experience. The key is knowing what to look out for and staying sharp. Trust your instincts, and when in doubt, follow the age-old advice: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Safe travels!