Part 2: Don’t Get Scammed on Vacation

I'm currently at the airport 4 hours before departure. You guys know this is unusual for me because I hate waiting. However, I'm here early because I'm checking a bag that contains 15 pounds of protein bars. Don't ask. 

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Here's the second part of "Don't Get Scammed on Vacation." I didn't think the previous post was going to be so popular. I even had friends call right after to see if I was ok. Let's dive in: 

• Automatic gratuity: Some restaurants automatically add a gratuity fee to the bill. The problem is that the bill still has a section for adding a tip. Thus, the unsuspecting victim accidentally adds a tip on top of the tip. What's worse is that some restaurants avoid giving customers an itemized bill, which makes it more challenging to discover the automatic gratuity.

  • How to avoid

    • Check the receipt for an added gratuity or service charge.

    • Ask for an itemized bill.

• Credit card currency conversion: When paying with a credit card in another country, the credit card machine presents two options to the user: pay in local currency or U.S. currency. If the victim chooses the USD option, they are hit with an alarming exchange rate and extra service fees.

  • How to avoid

    • Always pay with the local currency. Your credit card company will get you the best exchange rate available.
      
      
      

• Immersion museums: I walk the other way when I see the words "immersion" or "experience" in the title of a museum. These places overwhelm visitors with special effects and videos, but there's little substance. They often pop up in multiple cities and have expensive ticket prices. These exhibitions are usually privately owned with the sole intent of making a profit. Save your money and watch a documentary at home instead.

  • How to avoid:

    • Don't go to these museums.
      
      
      

• Not negotiating for anything: If you're in a developing country and you're not negotiating, you're getting ripped off. I know haggling is uncomfortable for Americans, but with some practice, it becomes fun.

Storytime: On a trip, my younger brother fell in love with a trinket at a local market. The artist explained the significance of the painted rock and how it related to his gods. He also said that he needed money to make the trip back home. I walked over, assessed the situation, pulled my brother to the side, and suggested that he haggle. As we approached the seller again, he instantly offered a discount on the trinket. Despite my protests, my brother was so happy to get a deal that he immediately agreed. SMH

Down on his luck?! Ha! After the exchange, the seller pulls out the latest iPhone Pro Max. 

Thanks for the story bro! You paid a good price. LOL

• How to avoid:

  • Set a price limit before negotiating.

  • Shop around at different stands before buying anything

  • Don't be afraid to walk away.

Spare ticket: A con artist sells a ticket they no longer need. Out of the kindness of their heart, they sell it to the sucker for a discounted price. In reality, this ticket has already expired or is a fake. Don't fall for it.

• How to avoid:

  • Be like Nancy Reagan and "Just say No." P.S. I don't expect the "tide pod" generation to get this reference. I still love you guys though.

I still have other scams. If you like this post, I'll do a part 3.

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Have you fallen victim to a scam while on vacation? If so, what happened?

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