How to Not Get Scammed While on Vacation

Vacations are a time to sit back, relax and enjoy a much-needed break from your daily routine. When you arrive at your dream destination, the last thing you want to do is get paranoid about possible scams. Unfortunately, as a tourist in a foreign country, you can become an easy target for scammers. Therefore, if you are planning to go on a foreign vacation, it doesn’t hurt to be a little careful. Here are some tips to avoid common scams while on a vacation: –

Confirm the Prices Before You Board a Taxi

At times taxi drivers can take you on a run-around in a foreign city to jack up the prices. To avoid such situations, always remember to set your price before getting into a taxi or a tour so that there’s no confusion later.

Avoid Eating at Tourist Spots

When visiting a popular tourist area, it might seem convenient to head into the first restaurant you see. However, tourist restaurants can hike prices by more than 50% due to their proximity to popular sites. So if you want to save money on food, walk at least 2 blocks away from the tourist destination to eat at local prices.

Never Give Your Credit Card

Credit card scams are one of the most common misadventures that could happen during a vacation. When dining at a restaurant or shopping at a local store, ask the staff to bring the credit card machine to you instead of handing it to them.

Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

If the price of an item seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid these too good to be true deals by simply saying no, thank you.

Beware of Pickpockets

One of the worst possible travel scams to beware of is pickpocketing. Crowded areas like train stations and tourist sites are the favourite hangouts of pickpockets. Pickpockets often hoodwink unsuspecting tourists by distracting them. Pickpocketing is usually teamwork. One person will distract you by saying something while the accomplice slyly pick things out of your pockets. So avoid keeping your valuables in pockets and stow them in a protected over the neck pouch, in a shoe, or in a hidden zip pocket instead.

Buy Tickets or Goods Directly

If any overtly helpful civilians offer you a discount on admission tickets or goods, it is most likely a scam. They will either sell you fake tickets or overcharge for the goods. It’s best to refuse such offers politely and buy the goods and tickets directly from the source.

Get Travellers Insurance

At times, no matter how careful you are some dangers are unavoidable. With a Travel Insurance policy, you can secure coverage against various risks such as loss/theft of baggage, accidents, medical treatment, trip cancellation/delay to name a few. Travel risks such as theft or loss of baggage, accidental injury or illness can leave you in a precarious situation in a foreign country. However, with a Foreign or Overseas Insurance, you can stay financially protected against such risks. So buy Bajaj Travel Insurance online at Finserv MARKETS and enjoy your vacations with complete peace of mind!

Read about the various benefits of travel insurance to properly use your policy.

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