You packed your bags, checked your passport three times and finally arrived in paradise. The air smells of jasmine. A monk smiles at you. A local gives you a bracelet “from the side of the heart”. A tuk-tuk driver whispers to you about “a secret temple known only to the locals.”
It all seems magical...
Until, 20 minutes later, you realize that your “sacred” bracelet cost you 30 euros and that the “secret temple” was, in fact, a souvenir shop with locked doors.
Welcome to the fascinating and funny world of Holiday scams— where charm, theater and deception meet like in a small budget soap opera. And yes, they are all real. Even the absurd ones.
Let's discover them:
1. Bracelet “Gift” That Costs You 20 Euros
Everything starts beautifully: someone approaches you with a bracelet, a flower or a talisman. Smile wide and tell you: “No, no, it's a gift!”
After 10 seconds, he wants money. If you refuse, the “lime” appears out of the blue. Suddenly, the “gift” is no longer optional.
How to avoid: Keep your hands in your pockets and move on. Don't let anyone tie anything to your hand.
2. The False Monk and the “Blessing” With Cost
A man in orange robes stops you, gives you a bracelet of thread and gives you a blessing. Then ask for a “donation to the temple.” You give him a small amount, but he clearly shows you that the “suggested” minimum is 20 euros. Surprise: he is not a monk, but a full-time actor.
Tip: True monks do not ask for money. They certainly don't have a QR code.
3. “The temple is closed, but I know a more beautiful one!”
You are heading to a tourist attraction, but a local stops you:
“Oh, the temple is closed today... But I'm coming with you to a more special one, known only to the locals!”
The end? Souvenirs, “traditional” shops, dubious jewelry and instant coffee in the back of a carpet workshop.
How to protect yourself: Check the schedule of the goal yourself personally or ask at the hotel reception. Don't trust “friends of the occasion.”
4. “Let me help you with the ATM”
You try to make money and a smiling local appears, ready to “help” you. While you're struggling with the menu, it memorizes your PIN or changes your card in seconds. By the time you get caught, the money is already withdrawn.
Tip: Use ATMs inside banks or hotels and don't let anyone stand near you.
5. Fake Fines For Photos
You are stopped by a man in uniform: “You took pictures in a forbidden area. You have to pay a fine now!”
It shows you a suspicious badge, maybe it has a map. But there is no sign banning the pictures and no law behind it. Just an official air scam.
How to react: Say you want to go to the nearest police station to pay. It evaporates instantly.
6. Taxi With “Special Tariff For Tourists”
You get in a taxi, but the surprise: “Today the clock is not running.” Or, if it goes, run like in Formula 1. The 3 km route comes to 50 euros. And the driver smiles: “It's holiday fare!”
Tip: Use apps like Bolt, Grab or Uber. If you take a classic taxi, negotiate before you board.
BONUS: Picture With The “Friendly” Animal
You're on the street and suddenly someone puts a snake, a parrot or a monkey on your shoulder. “Take the picture!”
You smile, you take the picture... then you are asked for 40 euros. Per animal. Including for the “puppy in the background”.
Tip: If you have not asked the animal, do not touch it.
Bottom Line: Don't Panic, But Be Four-Eyed
Most of the people you meet on your travels are sincere, warm and helpful. But a little humor, intuition and attentiveness can save you from many misfortunes.
Let WENS Travel and in our programs The FriendTrip or Wonder & Wander, we organize authentic, safe trips, without scams, without fake guides and without “gift” bracelets with hidden payment note.
Only real people, real stories and experiences worth living.
