The best souvenir you can bring home is your money. Learn which scams are running in your destination before you land, and exactly how to avoid them.
Our scam risk ratings are based on reported incidents, traveler feedback, and official travel advisories. They cover tourist-targeted fraud, not general crime.
Standard precautions apply. Common petty scams may occur in tourist areas, but overall travel is very safe with minimal targeted fraud risk. Keep your wits and you'll be fine.
Elevated vigilance recommended. Known scam patterns exist, especially in popular tourist zones, transport hubs, and markets. Research destination-specific tactics before arriving.
Extra caution required. Significant scam activity reported, potentially including organized fraud, aggressive schemes, or safety concerns that go beyond typical tourist traps.
Select a continent to see country-specific scam guides and risk ratings. Each country page gives you the scams to watch for and how to handle them.
These apply everywhere you go. The traveler who gets scammed is rarely the one who didn't know about the scam. It's the one who wasn't paying attention.
Split your cash and cards across multiple locations. Keep a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash. Use hotel safes for passports. Never flash large amounts of money in public.
Unsolicited help almost always comes with a price. Someone who insists on helping you find your hotel, shows you a "closed" attraction, or wants to take your photo is rarely doing it out of kindness.
If something feels wrong, leave. You don't owe anyone an explanation. Politely walk away from pushy vendors, fake officials, or anyone creating a sense of urgency. Urgency is a scammer's tool.
Download offline maps before you arrive. Asking locals for directions is fine but be wary of anyone who insists on walking you somewhere. Research taxi apps and fixed-rate transport options in advance.
Most theft involves distraction. Someone bumps into you while an accomplice grabs your bag. Never put your phone on restaurant tables, keep bags in front of you, and use crossbody bags with zips.
For taxis, tours, restaurants without displayed menus, and services: always confirm the price before you get in, eat, or start. "No meter? I'll find another taxi." is a sentence that will save you money everywhere.
Beyond scams, our country pages cover local laws, areas to avoid, emergency numbers, and the honest safety picture. No sugarcoating.