Tourist scams in Budapest and beyond: What travellers should know
Whether it’s Budapest or another top destination around the world, tourists are easy targets for scammers. From inflated taxi fares and hidden restaurant charges to pickpockets lying in wait, it pays to be prepared for the most common traps before you travel.
The joys and dangers of travel
For many, travelling is a chance to relax and explore, but it can also make people vulnerable to scams. While tourists want to enjoy local sights, food, and atmosphere, some individuals see inattentive visitors as easy opportunities for exploitation. Common traps include inflated taxi fares, fake accommodation bookings, or restaurant bills padded with surprise charges. Certain cities are particularly notorious for these kinds of scams, making it all the more important to do your homework in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Tricks in Riga and Istanbul
As noted by Hamu és Gyémánt, Latvia’s capital, Riga, is known not only for its beautiful old town but also for scams targeting visitors. One of the most common occurs with taxi drivers: meters may be left off, or passengers are taken on unnecessarily long routes, drastically increasing the fare. “Free” city tours are also often misleading—many tourists feel pressured to leave an overly generous tip at the end. In Istanbul, the tactics are even more sophisticated. Scammers may strike up friendly conversations and invite tourists out for drinks, only to stick them with an outrageously high bill.
Scams in Budapest and Bangkok
Although many Hungarian travellers may not expect it in their own capital, Budapest often appears on international scam lists. For example, some restaurants in Budapest don’t clearly display prices, and bills can come with hidden fees or unjustified service charges. In Bangkok, a particularly common scheme is the “closed temple scam”: fraudsters claim a famous attraction is shut and redirect tourists to another location—typically a shop—where they’re pressured to make purchases.
Pickpockets and prevention in Barcelona
In Barcelona, one of Europe’s most visited cities, pickpocketing is the top threat. Throngs of tourists along La Rambla or near the Sagrada Familia are frequent targets for professional thieves. Prevention is key: keep a close eye on your belongings, steer clear of too-good-to-be-true offers, and don’t hesitate to turn down unsolicited “help.” A little preparation goes a long way—knowing what to watch out for can help travellers focus on enjoying their trip, worry-free.
Read also:
- Explanation: Death screams on Wizz Air flight – but what really happened during the storm in Rome?
- Train trips from Budapest to this marvellous seashore cheaper from Sunday
- Major chaos ahead: Budapest’s busy railway station shuts down for weeks!
Click here for more news about tourism.
Featured image: depositphotos.com
To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar