Forewarned is Forearmed

Information is power. While most travel operators are interested in giving you the best experience possible, there are still unscrupulous people around, out to make a quick buck off unsuspecting tourists.

There are a few scams that work time and time again. They are simple and count on the fact that people on holiday are more laid back, less familiar with the surroundings and less vigilant.

Seeking out fun activities that you may not have the time or opportunity to try at home can be the difference between a good holiday and a legendary one. It’s important to try new things and immerse yourself in the local attractions, but keep aware of potential pitfalls.

Without becoming cynical, try to keep the following tips in mind when booking excursions and equipment overseas.

• Always use licensed operators.
• Wherever you hire equipment, there is the potential for an age-old scam: the damaged goods. Simply put, less-than-honest operators hire out equipment, and then accuse tourists of having damaged it during the hire period and charge you to fix it. In some areas, police (real or fake) can be involved where a fracas occurs, escalating the pressure.
• The simplest way to avoid this scam is to always photograph equipment in front of the hirer, and agree to the condition of the goods, before you take them from the hire premises. Take special note of the hire period as well, and make sure there is a hire agreement.
• It is important to read the fine print of any contract, but particularly so in a new country, where the ‘laws of common sense’ that you may live by may not apply. If an operator has no terms and conditions, you may be better off searching for another one. Ask at a tourist bureau or hotel for a recommendation, and read reviews online for additional information.
• Other common scams include the theft of hired goods, where tourists are followed and their hire equipment is stolen by associates of the hirer, and again they are charged for full replacements. Always keep equipment in site, and locked if it is not able to be kept in arm’s reach.

Discuss such scenarios with your travel advisor before you depart. In most instances, hire equipment will not be covered for damage or theft, as it is not your personal property.

• Never be conned into leaving your passport as security when hiring goods – pay a security deposit if those are the terms, but do not part with your passport.
• Be aware also of leaving valuables (smartphones, cameras, wallets etc) at hire premises. Even if the operators are honest, many public storage lockers are easy for seasoned fraudsters to access. Use hotel safes instead.
• It is important for your personal safety to check the qualifications of tour operators and their equipment. If an operator cannot produce appropriate safety equipment or certification (eg diving/sailing), you could end up in danger. It is much better to be safe than sorry. Insist upon information and if you are not happy, choose another operator. Accidents do happen, but it is important to take precautions to ensure your own safety.

Taxi drivers often work on commission. Again, while many will work honestly, there are common scams associated with taxis.

• Keep a copy of booking references for hotels and accommodation and be firm about where you are going. They may try to con you into using another hotel, where they will receive a commission, rather than driving you to your destination directly. Research estimated travel times and fares before you arrive, so you have an idea of what to expect. Never leave your bags in a taxi while you check in, it is easy for a driver to leave with your belongings.
• If you are communicating in a foreign language, have your instructions translated (thank you smartphone!) before you get into a taxi for ease of operation.
• If you are uncertain, pay in cash, rather than using your credit card, and be subtle about handling cash – don’t pull out handfuls of bills and ask for help identifying denominations. This may make you an easy target for untrustworthy people.