TravelswithCharie

I've been the victim of expensive taxi drivers in Rome, Paris and Vienna even though the taxi or airport shuttle was ordered by the hotel. And I've been surrounded by gypsy children at the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris who I thought were so sweet and cute without realizing they were opening my handbag until a companion forcefully told them to go away. And recently in Italy, inside the train on our way to Rome from Padua, both of my cousins were pickpocketed as they were trying to put our luggage in the storage bins. No one is exempt from these scams, not even seasoned travelers.  J ust the Flight details 40 scams to avoid in various situations: On the street Travelling (by car, bus, train or taxi) Shops and Services Locals and Children Check out this link: www.justtheflight.co.uk/blog/16-40-tourist-scams-to-avoid-this-summer.html Forewarned is forewarmed. *  *  *

This article from How Stuff Works says 25 million American travelers overseas were victims of these scams in 2008. Here are the scenarios: 1. Good Samaritans - scam artist is trying to help you out 2. Unscrupulous cabbies - literally cab driver takes you for a "ride" 3. Money changing "errors" - visitor unfamiliar with local currency 4. Create a distraction, steal your wallet - beware the woman who undresses 5. Fake police officers searching for counterfeit bills It's easy to be victimized traveling abroad because every traveler is vulnerable in a new and different environment. Add jetlag to that and ecco! , an easy target. I was once a victim of a money changer in Bali who swore he didn't have larger bills to give me hence he had to count thousands of rupiah as I stood soaking in the hot and humid air while he slid his hand over the bills and pulled out $12 worth of rupiah. Thank goodness the hotel staff where I stayed in Nusa Dua helped me recover the m