Common Tourist Scams In Malaysia That You Shouldn’t Fall For

Posted by Sudha Pathare on June 24th, 2019

Malaysia is a beautiful travel destination to the globetrotters because of its enriched culture, impressive heritage and scenic landscapes. If you are about to sign up for a Malaysia tour package from Dubai, then there is something you should know prior to your vacation in Malaysia or in Southeast Asia. Take a look at the following tourist scams that are pretty common in Singapore as well as in Malaysia and know how to dodge them.

1. Taxi and Tuk-Tuk Scam

Taxis and Tuk Tuks are the most iconic and convenient ways to explore Southeast Asian tourist destinations. But they also act together as one of the most exclusive and successful trap to catch innocent and unsuspecting tourists. Never hire a taxi or Tuk Tuk that complains of a broken meter. If you hop into something like this, you will be surely charged twice or thrice the actual fare. Keep a guide map with to know your routes. Always hire a metered taxi and don’t let it stop in front a shop or market.

2. Electronic Gadget Scam

Many tourists love to shop for their favourite electronic brands while enjoying a wonderful Singapore tour package. You can spot many electronic shops in the city offering ‘too good to be real’ deals. Such electronic shops usually come with an agreement to purchase the product and that’s the real trick. The agreement contains a clause mentioning that you have to pay a hefty amount against the warranty of the product. As soon as you hand over your credit card to them, they will swipe the amount and you can’t blame those people as it was already mentioned in the agreement that you didn’t read carefully.

3. A Friendly Photographer Scam

During your vacation, we all love to click photos. Sometimes we look for someone from the crowd who can click our photos as taking ‘selfies’ is not always a good idea. You may find a guy with broad smile on his face and more than happy to help you. As soon as you let this guy handle your camera and take your photos, you fall for the trap. After clicking the photos, he may charge an insane amount or can silently make an exit with your expensive camera.

4. Unofficial Officials Scam

While travelling in Malaysia, you may be summoned by some officials and asked to hand over your passport or wallet to establish your identity. Don’t do that. Most of them are fake officials and dupe tourists with their tricks to draw money from them. During your travel, even if you have to establish your identity in front of an official, better to do that in the nearest police station.

5. Money Exchange Scam

This is certainly the mother of all tourist scams in Malaysia. Don’t exchange your money with the local currency on the streets just because the vendor promised to offer a great exchange rate. You may be supplied with fake/damaged bills which will be rejected once you try to use them at shops. Always head for trusted establishments like banks and airport counters to exchange your money.