{"id":1169,"date":"2025-06-25T12:57:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T12:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/?p=1169"},"modified":"2025-06-25T12:57:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T12:57:33","slug":"travelling-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/travelling-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Scams to Avoid While Travelling in India"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is one of the most exciting and colorful countries in the world. With its rich history, spiritual traditions, mouth-watering food, and friendly people, it attracts millions of tourists every year. But while travelling in India can be a beautiful experience, it\u2019s important to stay alert. Like many other tourist destinations around the world, India has its share of scams. If you know what to watch out for, you can avoid trouble and enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll talk about the most common scams tourists face while travelling in India, how to spot them, and what you can do to stay safe. This guide will help you feel more confident and ready before you pack your bags.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>1. Taxi and Auto-Rickshaw Scams<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common scams in Indian cities involves taxis and auto-rickshaws. Drivers may refuse to use the meter and quote a very high price instead. Some may tell you your hotel is closed or overbooked and take you to a different hotel where they earn a commission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to do:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always insist on using the meter.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use ride apps like Ola or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uber.com\/in\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Uber<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for safer pricing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re unsure, ask your hotel to arrange transportation or suggest fair rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>2. Fake Tour Guides and Unofficial Help<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At many tourist places, you might be approached by people claiming to be official guides. They may start explaining things without asking and then demand money later. Others may offer help with directions or tickets, only to lead you into a scam or to overpriced shops.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How to stay safe:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only use government-approved or hotel-recommended guides.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Say a polite \u201cNo, thank you\u201d if you don\u2019t want help.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walk confidently, and don\u2019t share too much with strangers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>3. Temples and Fake Blessings<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While travelling in India, visiting temples and religious places is very common. However, some fake priests or scammers may put a bracelet on your wrist or give you a flower and then ask for a donation. If you refuse, they may become aggressive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be respectful but firm.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are offered something you don\u2019t want, simply say no and walk away.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only donate at official counters if you wish to.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>4. Fake Tickets and Closed Attractions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scammers may stand near tourist sites and claim the site is closed. Then, they will offer to take you to another place or sell you fake tickets at a higher price. Some even sell fake train or bus tickets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How to avoid this:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check official websites for timings.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buy tickets from official counters or trusted apps like IRCTC.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t trust people hanging around the entrance offering \u201cdeals\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>5. Pickpocketing and Distractions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In crowded areas like markets, buses, or festivals, be careful with your wallet and phone. Sometimes, someone may bump into you or create a scene to distract you while another person steals your belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Be cautious by:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wearing a money belt or using anti-theft bags.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping your bag in front of you in crowded places.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding displaying valuables in public.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>6. Fake Visa Help and Online Scams<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A growing number of scams are now happening online. Some fake websites claim to offer help with Indian visas. They might charge high service fees or steal your information. Others may pretend to check your India Visa Status or promise fast approval if you pay extra.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>To protect yourself:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only apply through the official government website to Submit India visa Online.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never trust third-party websites that look suspicious or don\u2019t end in \u201c.gov.in\u201d.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your India Visa Status only on the official visa portal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>7. Money Exchange Scams<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you exchange money at unofficial places, you might be given fake notes or short-changed. Some may offer good rates to attract you, but then trick you while counting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Safer options:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exchange money at banks or authorized forex counters.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always count your money carefully before leaving the counter.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try using international debit or credit cards when possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>8. The Tourist Pricing Trick<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many shops or street sellers have one price for locals and a much higher one for tourists. Since they think you don\u2019t know the real value, they try to take advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How to handle it:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bargain politely\u2014it\u2019s expected.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check online for prices or ask a local before buying.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walk away if you feel the price is unfair.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>9. Fake Hotel Bookings<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some websites or agents show nice photos of hotels online, but when you arrive, the place may look completely different. Others may cancel your booking and offer you a worse place for more money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Stay safe by:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Booking through trusted websites like Booking.com or Agoda.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reading reviews and checking for verified guests.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calling the hotel directly to confirm your reservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>10. Street Games and Magic Tricks<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On busy streets, you might see people playing games like \u201cguess which cup has the ball\u201d or magic tricks. These are usually scams to get your money. They use tricks and even fake winners to make you join.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Best advice:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Just watch from a distance and never play.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Tips for Safe Travelling in India<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Do your research<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before visiting a place.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trust your instincts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014if something feels wrong, walk away.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay connected<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014share your travel details with friends or family.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use official sources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to apply for and check your visa. Always <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/india-visa-online\"><b>Submit India visa Online<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through the government portal and check your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/india-visa-status\"><b>India Visa Status<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> there.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travelling in India can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. The beauty of the country, its traditions, and its people leave a deep impression on travelers. But being aware and prepared is key to enjoying your trip. By understanding the most common scams and knowing how to handle them, you can travel smart and safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember to always apply for your visa through trusted sources. Whether you need to Submit India visa Online or check your India Visa Status, stick to official websites to avoid any trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So pack your bags, stay alert, and enjoy the magic of India without falling for tricks. Happy travelling!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India is one of the most exciting and colorful countries in the world. With its rich history, spiritual traditions, mouth-watering food, and friendly people, it attracts millions of tourists every year. But while travelling in India can be a beautiful experience, it\u2019s important to stay alert. Like many other tourist destinations around the world, India &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/travelling-in-india\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Common Scams to Avoid While Travelling in India&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1170,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-information-2"],"featured_image":"https:\/\/my-tours.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com\/evisaindians-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/25125721\/Common-Scams-to-Avoid-While-Travelling-in-India.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1169"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1171,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1169\/revisions\/1171"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}