Tips to Avoid Travel Scam for your Next Overseas Travel

Travelling the world is an incredible adventure, but like with everything, there are risks involved. Even if the majority of the people you encounter will be friendly, there is always a potential that someone there will be dishonest to take advantage of you, steal from you, or trick you in some other way.

To protect yourself from any financial damages you might incur when travelling abroad, you should buy travel insurance. You should also get travel health insurance to protect your funds from any unplanned medical expenses you encounter while you are away from home. In addition to getting overseas travel insurance, here are 7 suggestions you may use to stay away from cons and make your vacation worthwhile:

1. Find Out About Common Scams Which You Can Avoid

Being aware of the scam in the first place is one of the best things you can do to prevent getting conned. If you are familiar with how popular scams operate, you will be alert as soon as the con artist begins to set the groundwork.

Search “Common Scams in (Your Destination)” on Google before your travel and take the time to read the results. Scams may be localised to a certain place, such as a well-liked tourist destination, or they may be pervasive in a particular area.

2. Watch Out for "Helpful" Individuals that Approach You First

In many of the common scams, someone approaches you initially to start the fraud. They might be inviting you somewhere or giving you travel tips, but in this case, you need to be extremely cautious. What are they trying to accomplish by contacting you and giving you this ostensibly "useful" advice? This type of con preys on unsuspecting victims who believe the "helpful stranger" is actually warning them about something. However, as soon as you are aware of this and a stranger approaches you, you will be extra cautious.

3. Stay Confident

Travelling to a new place can occasionally be a bit intimidating and overwhelming. We have undoubtedly experienced this feeling frequently. But if you can, hide these emotions from others. By displaying uncertainty or perplexity through your body language, you can alert travel scammers to the fact that you are a vulnerable victim.

Instead, strive to project confidence by walking firmly and assertively. Looking lost or fumbling about with a map would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention. Being confident is a fantastic deterrent to a cunning travel thief or fraudster!

4. Don't Overspend on Transportation

The distances travelled are frequently exaggerated by taxi or tuk-tuk drivers in order to charge you more. Have Google Maps, so you can see the precise distance to avoid being overcharged! It's as simple as that to find the precise distance to your location with a quick search.

Before you leave, it's a good idea to find out the going fee from a reliable local. We typically inquire at the hotel, restaurant, or from a kind stranger because they are usually impartial. Depending on where you are, you may be able to compare fares by checking rates on Uber before boarding a tuk-tuk or taxi. Negotiate if necessary. The initial price is frequently overstated by at least 25%. If the price isn't right, be ready to leave. Typically, there are several taxis and tuk-tuks waiting for your business.

5. Make Use of Money Belt

The majority of travellers always conceal their money, credit cards, and passports under a sports belt that fit around their waist. They keep just enough cash in their wallet for the day and conceal the rest in their sports belt. It's still one thing you can't let go of, even after all this time spent travelling. The sports belts are covert and typically sweat-proof, which is great if you're travelling to a hot or rainy region! This will not only keep pickpockets from stealing your most valuable possessions but also reduce the likelihood that you would misplace them since they are attached to you.

6. Avoid Becoming Overly Flashy

It is unpleasant to feel like a walking ATM while travelling, but let's face it, that is precisely how travel scammers perceive us. Wearing pricey jewellery and flaunting pricey equipment can make you a target for burglars and con artists. Leave the expensive jewellery and big, flashy cameras at home to reduce the likelihood of drawing attention.

If you need to bring some pricey items with you, put them under wraps and choose your moments carefully.

7. Give Child Beggars No Money

In various locations across the world, including South and Central America and Southeast Asia, you may be accosted by young children trying to sell you little trinkets or ask you for money while wearing bare feet.

It's quite difficult to refuse in those circumstances. Giving the kids money in this circumstance will, however, do more harm than good for them. In this situation, there is nearly always an adult in the background who is aware that cute, dirty, young kids pique people's sympathy and prompt them to donate more money.

8. Be Alert While Booking

Avoiding additional costs when booking travel is one of the most important pieces of advice. When you make purchases online, many travel-related scams may place. Before committing to any online travel offer, double-check it with the relevant airline or hotel.

Conclusion

Above all, though, keep in mind to use these suggestions and enjoy yourself while travelling. You owe it to yourself and your family to take steps to safeguard your physical security and financial integrity. Therefore, you can opt for our travel insurance from Niva Bupa, which is one of the best international travel insurances. Additionally, pay attention to your surroundings, keep focused, and trust your gut instinct.

FAQ's

1. How to avoid being scammed while traveling?

Stick to trusted websites and verified services. Avoid sharing personal or financial details with strangers. Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals. Always double-check reviews and credentials before making bookings or purchases.

2. How can I identify a travel scam while booking online?

Watch out for poor-quality websites, suspiciously low prices, lack of contact information, and pressure to pay immediately, especially via wire transfer or cryptocurrency. Verify the legitimacy of the agency or provider through online reviews and official travel forums.

3. Is it safe to book hotels and tours through third-party websites?

Yes, but only if the third-party website is reputable and well-established (such as Booking.com, Airbnb, or Viator). Always read cancellation policies, customer reviews, and verify the presence of secure payment gateways. 

4. What should I do if I fall victim to a travel scam overseas?

Contact your local embassy or consulate immediately, file a police report, notify your bank to block or reverse the transaction, and report the scam to travel watchdogs or consumer protection platforms.