TOURISTS have shared their top tips on how to avoid being scammed while on holiday.
From fake tickets to secret menus, here are some of the classic ways to avoid being caught out on your next trip.
Fake tickets
Many tourists may not realise that they are being sold fake tickets when they arrive at a tourist attraction.
One person said that they were nearly caught out when on holiday in Egypt.
They wrote on Reddit: "At the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, people with fake badges approached me and said I was required to pay them extra to see the Sphinx.
"Just be aware that it's already included in your park ticket."
You can also avoid being caught out by scammers in Paris, by buying the Navigo Decouverte card over the Paris Visite card.
One expert explained on the forum that "not many tourists" know about the weekly card which isn't just cheaper, but will also make you "look less like a tourist and are less likely to be accosted by scammers".
Secret cheaper menu
Next time you ask for a menu opt for the local one even if you can't speak the language.
A frequent traveller said that it will often have cheaper prices on it – and you can just translate it yourself.
They explained on Reddit: "In some countries I’ve visited, restaurants in touristy areas will have two menus: one in English and one in the native language.
"Pick the native language menu because it will probably have cheaper prices. Then use Google Translate to help you order."
Many said to avoid restaurants and bars near tourist attractions altogether, or to check the times – tourist traps are likely to remain open all day while "authentic restaurants" especially in Spain and Italy are unlikely to open for dinner before 7pm.
Street scammers
One of the most common ways to be scammed is by people on the street accosting you for a number of reasons.
Travellers have explained some of the common scams in each country.
For New Orleans, one person wrote: "If someone comes up to you in New Orleans and asks you where you got your shoes, the proper answer is to keep walking and ignore them.
"Don't let them polish or clean your shoes because they'll charge you for that and for the small talk."
For Rome: "Be wary of scammers in Rome, especially in Vatican City. I saw people dressed in outfits pretending to be staff members trying to trick tourists (even elderly people) that they bought the wrong ticket to the Vatican."
Even in Machu Picchu: " If you want a guided tour, arrange it ahead of time. A lot of popular sites are surrounded by unofficial tour guides. Even if they have a badge or an official-looking uniform, they may have no idea what they're talking about.
"I fell for this trap in Machu Picchu. Real tour guides won't approach you or try to give you a sales pitch."
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