Travel tips · Safety

Avoiding Tourist Scams in Asia

The five tricks you'll meet in almost every Asian destination — and the polite ways to avoid them.

Most people travel through Asia without any problems, but tourist scams exist in every major destination. The good news is that they're usually easy to spot once you know what to look for.

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Before you begin

Stay calm, stay curious

Tourist scams across Asia are usually designed to pressure visitors into making quick decisions rather than stealing large amounts of money. Understanding this alone puts you ahead.

Staying calm, taking your time and politely saying "No thank you" solves the majority of situations. You almost never need to argue or raise your voice.

Remember that most local people are honest, friendly and welcoming. A handful of scammers should never define your experience of an entire country.

The five most common

Scams you'll meet again and again

Scam 01

The Taxi Meter Scam

What it looks like

•Drivers refuse to use the meter.
•They quote inflated fixed prices.
•They claim the meter is broken.
•Some deliberately take longer routes.

How to avoid it

Use Grab where available.
Ask for the meter before getting in.
Know roughly what the journey should cost.
Walk away if they refuse.

Where it's common

ThailandVietnamIndonesiaCambodiaPhilippines

Scam 02

"The Attraction is Closed"

What it looks like

•A stranger outside a famous site says "it's closed today".
•"Holiday today" — come with me instead.
•You get taken to expensive shops, fake temples or overpriced tours.

How to avoid it

Always walk to the entrance yourself.
Check Google Maps opening hours.
Ignore unsolicited advice from strangers.

Scam 03

Gem, Jewellery & Tailor Scams

What it looks like

•You're told there's a government sale.
•"Special export prices" or "today-only discounts".
•Guaranteed investment opportunities.
•Heavy pressure to buy jewellery or tailored suits.

How to avoid it

Never buy expensive items under pressure.
Research shops first.
Take your time before making purchases.

Scam 04

Fake Tour Guides

What it looks like

•People claim to work for a tourist office.
•Offer "special prices" and exclusive tours.
•Take deposits then disappear.

How to avoid it

Book through reputable companies.
Read recent reviews.
Never pay large cash deposits to strangers.

Scam 05

Overpriced Tuk Tuks & Rickshaws

What it looks like

•Drivers refuse to give a price up front.
•Quote a different price after the ride.
•Claim prices are "per person".
•Demand extra money for luggage.

How to avoid it

Agree on the price beforehand.
Use ride-hailing apps when available.
Carry small cash.

Also worth knowing

Extra tourist scams to watch for

Fake Police

Someone claims to be police and asks to inspect your wallet or passport. Never hand over valuables on the street — politely request to go to the nearest police station.

Currency Switch Scam

Someone swaps your banknote during payment. Always count your money yourself and keep your cash organised by denomination.

ATM Helpers

A stranger offers to help you use the ATM. Politely decline, cover your PIN, and use ATMs inside banks whenever possible.

Fake Donation Collectors

People ask tourists to donate to schools or charities on the street. Donate directly to registered organisations instead.

Bar & Nightclub Bills

Unexpected drinks appear on the bill. Ask for a menu beforehand and confirm prices before ordering anything.

Universal rules

Your Asia scam-proof checklist

Walk away if you feel pressured
Never rush big purchases
Keep valuables secure
Use Grab where available
Research common local scams before arriving
Trust your instincts
Be polite but firm

What to do if you get scammed

• Stay calm and avoid arguments.
• Take photos if it feels safe to do so.
• Keep receipts and any written records.
• Contact your bank immediately if you paid by card.
• Report serious incidents to the local tourist police.
• Learn from it — and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Losing a small amount of money is upsetting, but it shouldn't ruin an entire holiday. Chalk it up to experience and move on.

Country-specific guides

Scam guides by destination

Avoiding Scams in Thailand

Coming soon

Avoiding Scams in Vietnam

Coming soon

Avoiding Scams in Indonesia

Coming soon

Avoiding Scams in Cambodia

Coming soon

Avoiding Scams in India

Coming soon

Avoiding Scams in Philippines

Coming soon

Questions travellers ask

Frequently asked questions

Is Asia safe for tourists?+

Yes. Millions of people safely travel throughout Asia every year. Most scams are non-violent and involve overcharging rather than theft.

Should I avoid talking to locals?+

No. Most locals are friendly and genuinely helpful. Simply be cautious of unsolicited offers involving money, transport or shopping.

What's the biggest tourist scam in Asia?+

Taxi overcharging and "attraction closed" scams are among the most common across multiple countries.

Is Grab safer than taxis?+

In many destinations, Grab provides upfront pricing and GPS tracking, making it a convenient option where available.

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