{"id":9017,"date":"2021-11-29T20:50:41","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T18:50:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/?p=9017"},"modified":"2021-11-29T20:50:41","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T18:50:41","slug":"toursits-scams-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/travel-advisory\/toursits-scams-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Toursits Scams in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Who hasn\u2019t looked forward to getting out and exploring since Covid 19 hit and the world turned on its head?\u00a0The tourism industry was one of the worst, if not the worst industry impacted by the pandemic.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">People have been itching to get out of their homes and travel extensively, but not every trip you have can be the ideal one. Tourists have fallen prey to scams\u00a0repeatedly, while the scammers continue to get\u00a0more innovative\u00a0and intelligent with their schemes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Recognise &amp; Avoid Tourist Scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tourism is something that can be good or bad, depending on the destination.\u202fIn some towns or regions, the\u00a0arrival\u00a0of visitors\u00a0is admired and respected, enjoying the sympathy and courtesy of natives.\u202fBut, sometimes, it is also\u00a0an excuse\u00a0for\u202frogues and criminals in the area to try to scam the traveller.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scammers\u00a0in\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.talkhome.co.uk\/travel\/europe-travel-guide\/#Scams_to_Watch_Out\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Europe<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0are always looking for ways to defraud people, especially the na\u00efve ones (read: tourists), searching for ways to make a few quick bucks.\u00a0Since we don\u2019t want to ruin your summer vacation, here\u00a0is a\u00a0short\u00a0read\u00a0detailing how and when\u00a0someone could\u00a0scam you\u00a0in Europe.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Most Popular Scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Though there must be a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nomadgirl.co\/5-of-the-most-common-tourist-scams-in-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">thousand<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0ways for con artists to weasel your money, some of their tricks are so commonplace\u00a0that\u00a0we need to categorise them. Even though\u00a0Europe is ordinarily safe and there\u2019s not much violent crime, it also has its fair share of scammers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bank Card Fraud<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bank Card Skimming:\u00a0The ease with which a scammer can clone your credit card is astounding. It is also the\u00a0most prominent form of bank card fraud today.\u00a0All the person needs to clone your card is a small machine they\u2019ve bought\u00a0online. It instantly copies all the information from the magnetic stripe on your card. To avoid such a situation, always use your credit card or cash when making purchases anywhere. It\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thesavvybackpacker.com\/tourist-scams-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">easier<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to contest fraudulence on your credit card than\u00a0on\u00a0your debit card. It is also more convenient because\u00a0you can\u2019t withdraw cash if you call and block your debit card.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t use your credit card\u00a0on\u00a0a payphone. You could end up paying an excessive\u00a0amount of money for a mere 2-minute call.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ATMs: Not only do you need to hide your PIN while processing a transaction at any ATM,\u00a0but\u00a0you also need to be careful about skimming devices.\u00a0Scammers can\u00a0tinker with\u00a0abandoned or out-of-the-way ATMs to scan\u00a0information from your debit card. Be careful to use these machines in city and shopping centres.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Taxi Scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">People dread taxis\u00a0all over the world. Taxi drivers may have something to do with this perception since they\u2019ve been known time and again to charge more than what was deserved, especially in Eastern Europe. To avoid becoming a victim of their scams, here are a few tips:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use a service you can call or take advantage of using apps like Uber. Drivers you find on the street will more than likely be sketchy or looking for an opportunity to rip you off.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wait at a taxi stand because there are fewer chances of people pretending to be new taxi drivers. They might have a broken meter or try to change the fare when you reach your destination.\u00a0It would help if you always asked\u00a0the fare\u00a0beforehand,\u00a0so you know you\u2019re not being taken for a joyride.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ask a third person what the fare should be. An unbiased party will likely give you an honest opinion, so before hailing your next taxi, stop for a minute and check how much it might cost.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please don\u2019t give the driver a chance of taking your baggage hostage by putting it in the trunk. Keep it beside you on the seat.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Carry change with you because some drivers will claim not to have any and end up giving you back less.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do not take recommendations from taxi drivers. They will likely receive a commission for bringing an unsuspecting tourist to their establishment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Free Gift Scam<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We all know nothing in this world comes free. What you need to do is remember that adage because you will likely find many people being over-friendly and trying to win your trust.\u00a0While the scam itself may take different forms, what it means is they\u2019ll offer you something\u00a0for apparently nothing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is one of the most common tricks in Europe, one that has targeted many unsuspecting tourists. It may sound cynical because Europeans are usually friendly, but this scam is too commonplace.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most often, they will approach you with a cheap trinket of sorts, like a friendship bracelet. Acting overly friendly, they\u2019ll manage to quickly put it on your wrist without your knowledge and the next thing you know,\u00a0and\u00a0they\u2019re demanding payment. You can\u2019t say no because you can\u2019t take it off.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you refuse payment, they\u2019ll keep hounding and harassing you until you do pay them.\u00a0The\u00a0scammer\u00a0will follow you as you walk. The\u00a0con artist\u00a0might even have friends who appear out of nowhere and intimidate you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To avoid such a situation, say no. say it firmly and resolutely when someone approaches you like this and walk away.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Petition Scam<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The goal of these scammers is to force you into\u00a0making a donation\u00a0or stealing your wallet\/phone. It would go something like this:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A woman approaches you,\u00a0asking you to sign a petition. She\u2019ll be deaf-mute and using sign\u00a0language,\u00a0so you already take pity on her. Once she has your signature on the pamphlet, she\u2019ll start insisting you\u00a0donate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The thing is, she\u2019s not deaf and dumb. She\u2019s only pretending so\u00a0she can guilt-trip you\u00a0into making a\u00a0significant\u00a0donation. You might think you can\u00a0quickly shake off a scam artist like this, but they\u2019re good\u00a0at their job and can be very persistent. They will follow you around and harass\u00a0you,\u00a0so you feel embarrassed until you finally give in.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In some cases, while you\u2019re busy dealing with that person, someone will deftly remove your phone and wallet while you\u2019re none the wiser.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To avoid a situation like this, ignore someone when they\u00a0approach you similarly\u00a0and avoid eye contact. If they\u2019re too persistent, let them know you know what they\u2019re up to\u00a0and that you\u2019ll call the police.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pickpockets<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you haven\u2019t been a victim\u00a0of\u00a0pickpocketing in Europe, you\u2019ve likely experienced it at least once\u00a0before. Pickpockets choose crowded places to target their victims, such as metro stations and popular tourist spots.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">European pickpockets, however, are known for their\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">creativity<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. They operate in groups. While one becomes\u00a0a\u00a0lookout, the rest either divert your attention from your phone and wallet,\u00a0rattle you, or block your view.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They have a range of options to choose from when targeting their next victims. Someone would suddenly pass out right in front of you,\u00a0and while your attention is towards the commotion,\u00a0they\u2019ve already robbed you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They could also\u00a0\u201caccidentally\u201d\u00a0squirt mustard or ketchup or something similar on your shirt. And while you\u2019re busy with the mess, someone is cleaning you out. It could even be in the form of a heated argument between two people.\u00a0They divert your attention while someone smoothly removes your valuables.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To avoid these situations, never let your valuables out of your sight. Your back pocket is a dangerous place from where\u00a0pickpockets can easily remove items.\u00a0Even your bag must always be in front of you with your hand on the opening. That way, you\u2019ll be reminded not to remove your hand from there if something happens.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fake Police<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If\u00a0something\u00a0frightens the living daylights out of anyone, it is the prospect of being locked up abroad. Scammers that pose as fake police officers take advantage of this fact to steal cards and cash under the guise of inspections.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It might go something like this. Someone walks up to you for a short chat and walks away. Immediately, a couple of police officers approach you and state that the person you were talking to is\u00a0a\u00a0suspect in an ongoing investigation. They will then ask for your wallet to check for hidden money or drugs. While you\u2019re not looking,\u00a0they quickly remove\u00a0your bank cards and cash while you\u2019re none the wiser.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Who can blame you? You\u2019re panicked but confident you did nothing wrong. They might even attempt to stop you at train stations and ask for your ticket. While your ticket is being\u00a0\u201cvalidated\u201d, it turns out you need to pay a fine!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to avoid such situations, remember that no police officer will ask for your wallet. They will ask for\u00a0an\u00a0ID,\u00a0and you can provide your passport. Do not hand your wallet over.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Helpful Local<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This scam is a favourite for targeting unaccompanied men. The helpful local is almost always an attractive woman who will convince you that she knows a trendier, newer, or cheaper place where you could go instead.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When the food and drinks are over,\u00a0they\u2019ll\u00a0suddenly present you\u00a0with a hefty bill\u00a0and\u00a0a rough-looking man you can\u2019t refuse. Sometimes,\u00a0they might even rob you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It can be\u00a0challenging\u00a0to avoid this one because you can\u2019t go without talking to\u00a0locals while travelling. But to protect yourself, don\u2019t go to a place someone recommended with them, especially if you\u2019re unaccompanied.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some\u00a0even pretend to be helpful by buying you a train ticket.\u00a0The scammer has bought you a child seat and pocketed\u00a0the rest of the money.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Poster Stepping Scam<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The poster stepping scam is indeed up there on the list of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/travelscams.org\/europe\/italy\/poster-stepping-scam-in-italy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">creative<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0ones. While you\u2019re walking\u00a0casually through the streets, someone comes up to you and starts demanding payment for their ruined poster.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They\u2019ve probably placed it on a pathway, or an entrance\/exit, a place with a high volume of foot traffic, and you\u2019ve just unwittingly stepped on or brushed against one. Suddenly, you have this angry-looking person in your face demanding a ridiculous amount of money for the poster you just touched.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u00a0has happened to many people before.\u00a0If you wish to avoid something similar, watch where you\u2019re going. If the person is harassing you, tell them you\u2019re calling the police. That\u2019s how the locals get rid of these frauds.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pigeon Feeding Scam<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Imagine you\u2019re walking along the River Thames,\u00a0and you spot a flock of pigeons flapping their wings. They\u2019re not looking to poop on you; they want a little dinner. Suddenly, a stranger appears with some grains in their hand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You take them and throw\u00a0them\u00a0to the birds. You\u2019ve made their day\u00a0because they won\u2019t go on an empty stomach tonight. But why is the stranger holding his hand out? Oh, you need to pay 5 euros for those grains you just fed the pigeons.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You thought the stranger was giving them to you.\u00a0Just remember, nothing in this world comes free. Not gifts, not bird food.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Overcharging Restaurants<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some restaurants are duplicitous enough to keep two menus. They keep one for when you\u2019re ordering and one for when they overcharge on the bill,\u00a0and you ask to see the menu.\u00a0Also,\u00a0it would be best if you were careful when the prices aren\u2019t listed\u00a0next to the food items.\u00a0They will rip you off.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some restaurants even have commissions.\u00a0An attractive local will lure you saying\u00a0it\u2019s cheaper and trendier, when, in fact, that person gets a commission for bringing you to that place, where\u00a0broad\u00a0smiles\u00a0greet you\u00a0that disappear the moment you ask for the bill.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Go to places recommended by others online. One can be wrong, but thousands? Likely not.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Conclusion<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While it may seem like everyone in Europe is just out to get your money, that\u2019s not the case. You can think of it as your own country. While you may trust and get along with most people that you meet, you\u2019re always aware if someone is trying to scam you. While travelling, you let your guard down.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to have a hassle-free and trauma-free travelling experience, be wary and\u00a0constantly\u00a0second-guess what others are telling you. You don\u2019t know this stranger, so you must act accordingly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who hasn\u2019t looked forward to getting out and exploring since Covid 19 hit and the world turned on its head?\u00a0The tourism industry was one of the worst, if not the worst industry impacted by the pandemic.\u00a0 People have been itching to get out of their homes and travel extensively, but not every trip you have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9016,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2518],"tags":[2981,5841,1634],"class_list":["post-9017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-travel-advisory","tag-europe","tag-scam","tag-tourism"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9017"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9017\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}