When heading out on a trip of a lifetime, it is important to remember not to leave your common sense at home. Tourist areas attract entrepreneurs of all sorts — some less scrupulous than others. While the majority of the people you meet on your travels will be honest and well meaning there are a few common scams to keep your eyes open for…

Baby Milk

In areas where there beggars are common, young mothers and children holding smaller children use the opportunity to request formula as a healthy alternative to giving money. While it may seem the lesser of the evils to buy a begging mother or child milk, the fact is that the “No money, we want milk” plea is well rehearsed gimmick. The reality is that seconds after you turn your back, the kid you gave the formula to is selling the milk back to the convenience store and splitting the profit with the clerk.

Fake Monks

Fake monks have been popping up everywhere from New York City to Siem Reap. A real monk would never approach you with his hand out while you are eating or ask for money in exchange for a blessing or token.

Each morning, throughout Southeast Asia monks legitimately make their rounds affording Buddhists the opportunity to give alms or make merit. Giving is customary in this case but you will know the difference — there will be many monks and locals giving.

While it is customary to give money or donations when you visit a temple, real monks will never approach your table while you are eating or approach you on the street.

Gems/Antiques

Many shops peddling “authentic” antiques or gems can talk a good game but aren’t selling what they claim to. If you are interested in shopping for precious or pricey goods, talk to your guide about recommendation for stand-up establishments. If you are feeling pressured, or aren’t comfortable, it is definitely time to move on. The prices in Asia are generally cheaper but, like anywhere else, if it seems too good to be true it probably is.

Closed Sites

Most common in Bangkok, this scam involves a friendly local politely informing you that the sights you want to see are closed. They will then redirect you to a shop or sight where they receive a commission for sending tourists. The simplest way to avoid this scam is to stick to your plan.

Child Beggars

This is not a scam in the traditional sense of the word. The kids begging for money are not lying about being poor, however handing over money on the street only encourages the ideology that children are worth more to the family begging than in school.

While social organizations debate the merits of giving money to adults on the street (I myself often give to elderly women) it is nearly unanimously agreed that it isn’t healthy for kids to be used as  means to support the family.

If you genuinely want to be part of a long term solution to poverty in a place you visit, talk to your guide or contact the Journeys Within team directly — we have knowledgeable people on the ground that can help direct you to organization best suited to make the most of your resources!… Read more »