How not to get ‘Scammed’ or ‘Looted’ in India

As I mentioned in few other blogs – India is a very diverse mix of people and you will find very nice to beery nasty people around here. If I talk very broadly of How not to get ‘Scammed’ or ‘Looted’ in India. I would say- Stay in high end hotels, get affiliated guides (Follow this link for government affiliated guides https://desh.tourism.gov.in/tour-guides?userTypes=guide) : , pre-book taxis and use a bit of common sense to judge when it comes to asking for guidance and help. Trusting anyone and everyone could get you in trouble.

This blogpost actually details out a certain topic from my blog about Scamming and looting that happens to tourists in India- https://triplogues.com/culture-shocks-and-experiences-in-india-be-ready-for-these/. Trust me when I say this- I have traveled around India. I have felt so cared for at times to also very enraged at other times because I was basically scammed. Its a horrible feeling. It all depends on whom you meet. But for your safety and convenience, there are always some points to consider. Here are some ways you can definitely try and avoid being scammed.

Travelling in Auto/ Cycle rickshaw

Getting about places in India is actually very convenient. Thanks to the abundance of options that exist. But this abundance also comes with all these many drivers either using gimmicks to make you opt for their rickshaw or if they get you to ride then charging insane prices from you. Just because they assume that different skin color means they have more money. Which is kinda racist but that the story they’ve been told. While some of them have money and different currencies exchange differently, but I still feel people should have a fair change when they travel to India.

Let me tell you a trick to know the actual rates. Know your distance to travel, know the going rate for a kilometer and do a guesswork of how much it should be. And then, do what every Indian knows to do- Bargain. That’s the only way here. You cannot expect complete honesty for the rates if you ask them.

Shopping in local markets and vendors

These markets don’t have a fixed price to sell their items at. They can sell a piece of item at 2 times actual worth to even 20 times. And what these sellers do is – judge you the moment you walk in; assess the confidence in your face (to guess how experienced you are shopping) ; how well you are dressed (to guess how much you can pay); if you are a local or foreigner (again if they can charge you more and you wouldn’t know); if you came in a luxury car or scooter (how well off you are). So its important to know this happens. And you are better off buying your essentials at shopping malls from brands.

But if you want to really buy something local/ traditional/ ethnic/ handmade , go looking for the same item in 3 to 4 shops and then make your decision. But again, do Bargain.

People suggesting you hotels to stay in outside of railway/ bus stations

While most of us have already booked the stays in advance. There are circumstances for some impromptu plans where these logistics might not be well set. And the moment you come out of the bus or the train station, there will be someone asking you to take a hotel. Take my advice- Do not go for those at any cost.

Walk a bit, go to a few, feel the vibe, read google reviews and then go for the one of your choice.

Traveling in local public transport

I think this is a very important one on How not to get ‘Scammed’ or ‘Looted’ in India. Keep your belongings safe and with you at all times. There are all kinds of thieves who make such public places their target spot. And you wood have guessed right, foreigners might be the more shiny ones among the crowd.

Things could get stolen from inside of your backpack at he back. if you are not careful. Your luggage might get stolen from your train seat if you go to use the Loo. Someone might knock you on the side to distract you while trying to snatch that phone in your hand and run away. And these are the instances that happened to my friends and family who have lived in India forever and learnt their lessons.

So never leave your luggage, keep essentials inside and on the front in your hands, and lastly, be very aware of whats happening around you. These are some ways of How not to get ‘Scammed’ or ‘Looted’ in India.