Dodging common scams abroad: how to spot travel cons before they catch you out

Why tourist scams succeed — and what savvy travellers do differently

Some places just have a knack for catching travellers off guard. In Paris, it might be the fake petition ploy on the Champs-Élysées (“Sign for a good cause!”—and while you’re distracted, your pockets get lighter). In Bangkok, it’s the classic ‘closed temple’ trick: a friendly local insists the Grand Palace is shut for a holiday, but he ‘knows a better spot’—one that just happens to sell overpriced souvenirs. And let’s not even start on taxi meter ‘malfunctions’ in Istanbul at 2am. From experience, I’ve found most scams rely on two things: you being in a rush or out of connectivity. Lose track of your online map, or rely on a stranger for directions, and you’re suddenly a target. The season matters, too. New Year’s festivals in Vienna, Chinese New Year celebrations, or winter markets in Prague attract crowds—and scammers blend in just as easily as tourists do. I’ve learnt (sometimes the hard way) it pays to have your own reliable connection, and to trust your gut if something feels off.

How being connected helps you sidestep travel scams

When I first started travelling solo, my biggest mistake was relying on hotel Wi-Fi and paper maps. More than once, that left me wandering in circles or accepting a ‘helpful’ local’s suggestion—prime scam territory. These days, I use an eSIM on my iPhone (recently tested a Graba SIM in South Korea—activated in less than a minute, which genuinely surprised me). A few things have stood out:

Reliable mobile data means you can check reviews or scam warnings (in real time) before hopping into that ‘unregistered’ taxi or booking an excursion.

eSIM tech, like Graba SIM, lets you switch providers without queueing at airport kiosks—no more fiddling with tiny SIM cards in freezing weather or after a long-haul flight.

Their Data Pulse feature lets you watch your data usage live on your lock screen—a real bonus if, say, your ‘free hotel Wi-Fi’ suddenly starts draining your allowance (which happened to me in Vienna).

24/7 live chat support: I had to use this in Japan when my plan didn’t activate straight away. They sorted it remotely in under 10 minutes (and in English!).

If you want to check if your device supports eSIM, Graba SIM has a simple compatibility checker.

How to spot a scam on the road — and what to do if you’re targeted

Real-world destinations: scams to watch for (and how local conditions affect your risk)

Nowhere is immune to scams, but the type you’ll encounter varies by country—and often by season.

New York City

Network congestion is real, especially during winter events or at Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Pickpocketing teams work in crowded spots, but so do fake charity appeals. Having a fast, independent mobile connection helps you check directions and emergency contacts on the go—public Wi-Fi in NYC is patchy at best (and often a phishing trap).

Japan Japan’s trains run like clockwork, but coverage inside underground stations can drop, especially in older parts of Tokyo. The ‘lost wallet’ con is rare but not unknown near big stations. I’ve found that eSIMs connect more quickly to reliable carriers compared to renting pocket Wi-Fi, and you avoid dodgy free networks altogether. More tips in our Japan country guide. Greece

Island-hopping in the Cyclades? Scammy ferry “agents” sometimes pounce at busy docks, offering ‘exclusive’ last-minute tickets that don’t exist. Data coverage drops on smaller islands, so download offline maps—but an eSIM with regional coverage works well on main routes.

Thailand

Bangkok’s floating market is notorious for fake tours. Tuk-tuk drivers often suggest “better” attractions—usually with a kickback for them. With live data, you can cross-check routes and reviews before agreeing, or just show your digital ticket and walk away if things go sideways.

Dubai The gold souks glitter, but so do the scams. Be wary of street vendors offering electronics or fake tours. International data roaming can be wildly expensive here, so a preloaded eSIM plan makes sense for avoiding surprise bills. Check plans for the UAE.

Step-by-step: using your eSIM to stay scam-smart

- Research common scams for your destination (forums, official tourism sites).

- Use Graba SIM’s plan finder to choose the right country or regional data plan.

- Back up travel documents and save emergency numbers to your phone.

- Activate your eSIM (with Graba SIM, you scan a QR code—mine was live in under 30 seconds in Seoul). - Test your connection before leaving the airport. - Set up Data Pulse on your lock screen to monitor usage.

- Rely on your own mobile data for maps, not random Wi-Fi hotspots. - Use home screen widgets to keep tabs on your plan—if you notice sudden data spikes, investigate (unsecured Wi-Fi, open tabs, or even a dodgy ‘free’ app). - If something feels off, trust your instincts and ask for help via 24/7 live chat support.

Local advice that makes a real difference

Honest comparison: eSIM, physical SIM, and public Wi-Fi

Frequently Asked Questions