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Are You Getting Ripped Off Traveling Abroad?
Published on March 15, 2018
Article author imagePhilip Campbell4 minute read
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Traveling abroad offers an enriching experience that allows you to explore territories beyond your own nation. Numerous countries worldwide lure myriad visitors annually with their superb climate, splendid historic landmarks, and hospitable native customs.

Regrettably, certain enterprises catering to tourists exploit the unfamiliarity of foreigners with local practices to gain additional income. These deceitful, unjust tactics capitalize on the innocence of unsuspecting visitors. However, the danger extends beyond mere retail and dining establishments – numerous other methods exist by which travelers are swindled during their global journeys.

To prevent being cheated while traveling internationally, be wary of these frequent frauds that travelers encounter.

1. Debit Card Fees

Utilizing your bank debit card for expenses overseas is a straightforward method. Notwithstanding, prominent companies like Mastercard and Visa impose an additional cost of approximately 3 percent on transactions made with your bank card in a different country. Additionally, ATM devices levy an additional charge of around $5 on international tourists for withdrawals, which is applied on top of the standard ATM charges.

Most troubling is that credit card companies convert your funds into the local currency at steep rates, typically surpassing 5 percent. Rather than enduring such exorbitant exchange rates and the numerous fees associated with a debit card, depend solely on using cash.

2. Exchange Rates

The simplest method to dodge fees associated with bank cards is to bring a substantial sum of cash to your travel destination. Nonetheless, to utilize this cash, it's necessary to convert it into the destination's local currency. Dishonest currency exchange operators typically exploit overseas tourists unaware of the current exchange rates. These dealers might offer unfavorable exchange rates to tourists due to their foreign status, or they could reverse the currency rates in hopes of deceiving unsuspecting travelers.

Before converting your funds into the local currency, consult online feedback to verify the credibility of the exchange service. Converting your money in the US prior to departure is among the wisest strategies for currency exchange.

3. SIM Cards

International airports frequently offer SIM cards for international travelers. Regrettably, these SIM cards targeted at foreign visitors are typically priced very high as travelers usually lack knowledge of the domestic pricing structure. Certain outlets may also try to impose fabricated telecommunications sales taxes.

To secure identical pricing to that of locals for data and overseas calls, purchase from established telecommunication providers. Additionally, reduce your reliance on mobile services by utilizing complimentary apps for texting and calling, which allow global connections via Wi-Fi.

4. Taxi Scams

Taxi operations in other countries frequently suffer from lax regulation, making taxi frauds a common occurrence. Dishonest cab drivers concentrate on airport areas, exploiting the continuous flow of novice tourists who may readily agree to pay up to ten times the standard local cab fares without second thoughts. It is advisable to investigate prior to your arrival in order to identify what typical taxi charges should be. Alternatively, you can sidestep these scams by using services such as Uber or Lyft.

5. Expensive Hotels

Accommodation costs are low in many overseas nations, where top-notch hotels can be booked for under $20 nightly. Nonetheless, prominent global hotel chains typically apply similar pricing abroad as they do in Western cities.

Avoid paying too much for a major brand. Utilize online critiques when making your hotel reservation to locate a trustworthy hotel firm that provides appealing prices. Should your stay extend a week or longer, feel encouraged to negotiate with the hotel manager for a significant reduction in price.

6. Restaurants

When journeying to foreign lands, indulging in native dishes serves as an excellent method to gain a deep appreciation for a country's cultural heritage. Moreover, budget-friendly local foods frequently allure tourists aiming to economize on their expenses.

Certain eateries are designed to draw in international tourists, typically offering prices that align with what these travelers expect to pay in their own nations. Prior to entering any restaurant, it's wise to observe whether the guests are primarily from the local area. A lack of local patrons usually signals that the establishment is a tourist spot known for overcharging.

7. Tips for Service

In Western countries, tipping is a common practice, yet various cultures globally eschew the concept of tipping. In other countries, establishments that rely on tips in Western regions often compensate by setting higher prices rather than soliciting tips. To prevent overpaying, it's advisable to investigate local tipping etiquette. If you are uncertain about the necessity of leaving a tip, consulting with fellow patrons can provide clarity on whether a gratuity is expected.

Protect Yourself Abroad: Know Money-Stealing Tricks

Ensure that you are familiar with prevalent tourist frauds before boarding a plane for your upcoming overseas journey. These represent just a handful of methods whereby tourists may end up excessively overspending. Every country and each area have distinctive traditions and various kinds of criminal activities, thus it's essential to understand potential scams awaiting you upon arrival.

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