Right, so picture this: You’ve just landed. You’re buzzing, sun’s out, your bag made it (miracle), and you’ve got a full itinerary and a belly ready for street food. And then – boom 💥 – some smooth-talking bloke in a too-nice shirt is telling you the “temple’s closed today, but I’ve got a cousin who’ll take you somewhere better.”

That’s not a cousin. That’s a scam, mate.

Here’s how to keep your wits about you without turning into a paranoid hermit on holiday.

1. 🚖 The “Taxi Mafia” Welcome Committee

At many airports or stations, you’ll be greeted by ten lads yelling “Taxi! Taxi!” before you’ve even unzipped your money belt.

Tip: Always use official taxi ranks, or better yet, ride-hailing apps. If someone insists they’ve got the “best deal,” just smile, say no thanks, and keep walking like you’ve done this before – even if you’re very much lost and sweating.

2. 😇 Too Friendly? Be Suspicious.

Look, locals can be lovely. But if someone attaches themselves to you faster than a clingy ex, it’s probably not just because you “look like a kind soul.”

Common cons: fake monks, overly helpful strangers, or people who “just want to practice English.” Spoiler: they want cash, not convo.

3. 🎟️ The “It’s Closed Today” Trick

You rock up to a museum, temple, or tourist spot and someone (not in uniform, obviously) tells you it’s closed. BUT LUCKILY, their “uncle” runs boat tours/camel rides/snake charming workshops.

Solution: Double-check online or at the entrance yourself. Most places don’t close on a whim.

4. 💸 The Classic Overcharge

Menus without prices, taxis without meters, market stalls where nothing is labelled – welcome to the Wild West of pricing.

Tip: Agree on the price before you buy or ride. And don’t be afraid to haggle – it’s part of the culture in many places (and a great way to unleash your inner Del Boy).

5. 📱 Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots

That free “Airport_Free_WiFi_1234” might just be a hacker’s playground. All fun and games until your bank gets rinsed.

Fix: Use your own hotspot or a VPN. Or just wait till you’re somewhere legit — like a café that serves something other than instant noodles.

6. 🪙 The Old “Wrong Change” Shuffle

You hand over a big bill, and magically – the vendor “forgets” the correct change. Or pretends you gave them less than you did.

What you do: Count out loud when handing over cash. And when possible, carry smaller notes so you don’t need change in the first place.

7. 🧑‍⚖️ Fake Cops, Real Trouble

If someone flashes a badge and demands your passport or cash “as a fine,” don’t panic – and don’t pay up.

Do: Ask for ID, stay in public spaces, and say you’d rather handle it at the local police station. Chances are they’ll vanish faster than your holiday budget in Iceland.

Final Thoughts:

You don’t need to be suspicious of everyone – just keep your common sense switched on. If it sounds too good to be true, it definitely is. Unless it’s free tapas. In Spain, that’s legit. 🍷