I deal with panhandlers and aggressive "salespeople" by pretending to be deaf. They walk up and start with their schpeel, I tell them in Sign that I am deaf. Really throws them off. They back off 100% of the time. No argument or discussion involved.

The taxi scam isn't just overseas. I ran into that one in New York City in the early 2000s. I traveled to NYC regularly for work at that time but in this instance was visiting on vacation with my boyfriend who had never been, so we were talking about doing lots of tourist stuff. Cab driver obviously assumed neither of us knew any better and decided to take the "scenic route" and what should have been about a $15 fare turned into $50, not to mention wasted a bunch of time. I gave him $5 and told him if he had a problem with it he could call the police and I would be happy to wait to talk to them. He didn't call the police.

These are all more reasons why the cruise companies are developing their own private islands

I walk around any foreign rental vehicle and record a video before and after with a worker. I think them being in the video helps deter the damage scam. Great tips. Thanks for the vid

worst taxi service i have ever had was in Miami. the guy missed the hotel and had to go back. then he wanted a tip. what a crock

Last time we were in Costa Maya we were getting ready to leave and head back to the pier and all of a sudden the owner of the place we we eating at at the beach needed change for a $100 bill.....the bill was fake although very well made but I caught on immediately as did the others in my group.....they do it right when they know the ships are about to leave port and unsupsecting people get taken and once theyre on the ship......you done boss....

The taxi scam happened to me when I was in Chicago for a bachelorette party. The girls and I took a taxi to a bar and the meter said one price and the driver told us another. We paid the meter price and left the car. He started yelling at us. We yelled back that we paid him the proper amount on his meter and the bouncer of the bar stepped in. So be careful with that one in any location. :)

I hate scams. That's why I always do my shore excursions through the cruise line. It removes the "I know you have to make it back to the ship in 30 minutes so you better pay me now and be on your way..." extortion play. And then I always bring cash, both US and native currency and I limit that primarily to $20 for the excursion day. Yup, I hate scams and do what I can to avoid them. Thanks, Tony!

In Paris, we encountered both the bracelet scam, and a scam where they ask you to complete a survey, then told you that you have to pay for it after you are done. Fortunately, our tour guide gave us the heads up about both before we left the bus. One guy actually grabbed my husband's wrist to try and put the bracelet on!

Some of these tips are also for local. There are scammers everywhere and I think much of this advice is good for anywhere. Thanks for the video

Here's one I encountered in Shanghai. It's a variation of the "take your picture" scam. A person approached me and asked to take my picture, and afterwards she chatted with me and tried to get me to come with her to a tea shop. I didn't go. I had heard that there are people who bring travellers to a location where they will be offered food and drink and afterwards will be overcharged. Never go away with someone you don't know.

Great tips and information Tony. I always try to carry small bills when I go into port, nothing larger than $20 dollar bills and carry several ones. I was told years ago, to put your money in your front pocket so they could not pickpocket you.

I did a lot of traveling alone as a single female in my younger years. I always tried to get the layout of the land, even if it meant studying city maps the night before and learning different roads and ways to get my destinations. One thing that I think really helped me was to walk with confidence as if I had walked that road a 100 times rather than it being my first. I just came back from vacation visiting family in a different state, and noticed that even though I was dressed the same I was giving off a vibe of being a tourist/outsider. I knew that in the small town we were having lunch in, our family screamed tourists. So I did an experiment. I sent the family in the car to get gas down the road, and I crossed over farm road to the ice cream/mechanic shop. I walked with my old swagger, greeted people as if I knew their family (farms) and received a warm welcome and service from the older gent serving ice cream. After a few minutes of banter he even asked who my family was in the area and their farm. Yes, he knew I was from out of town, but I had been accepted as if I was visiting family members in their area. It sure did make me feel a lot better. The atmosphere was certainly different from the diner we had been eating at where none of the locals smiled or barely acknowledged us to just across the street where there were a number of hellos, a door opened, friendly greetings and smiles. I truly believe it is a lot in how you hold yourself, your level of confidence and just the vibe your giving off. As of yet, I’ve never experienced a scam. It sure as heck doesn’t mean it won’t happen, but I do believe a lot in the way I held myself saved me somehow, someway. Plus, from hearing about some of these scams that I’ve never heard of, I was probably just darn lucky. And as they always say, do what the local do. Well, when you can. Be well, and stay safe.

As soon as you get that bad vibe, start recording them. Scammers don't want a record of there crime.

Last time we were in Cozumel, a guy tried to sell my hubs a "sterling silver" bracelet for $1200. When we said no, he came down to $800 but we walked away. As soon as we were back on the ship, we looked on Amazon and found the exact same bracelet for $35. buyer beware!

This technique works 90% of the time. Walk with purpose, with a neutral expression on your face and if you sense someone attempting to make eye contact, change your expression to a frown, put your hand up in a “Stop” position and if they still persist, say NO! in a loud voice. This will do 2 things: startle them and draw attention to your situation from bystanders. Most of the time that will end the problem. What about the other 10%? Well, I am 5’-2”, 240 lbs. and rotund. I just bump them out of my way, lol!

I'm watching all your videos lol. I'm going on my 1st cruise August 4th. They not going to get me lol. Ty so much

Had the bracelet scam in Rome, had to wrench my arm out of the guy's grip. Also watch out for scammers dressed in similar clothing to railway / airport personnel who will attempt to "help" you with information you can get for nothing through the actual employees, but then of course demand money.

I was in London recently. We wanted to go to an Indian restaurant and was told there was one across the street.We asked the Concierge of the hotel and he send us to a different Indian restaurant. It was super expensive. I thought later he was getting a kickback.

The only country where I have been scammed, overcharged, taken for a ride, by a taxi cab driver has been the United States. One scam I remember to this day is when four “Porters” at the Antigua airport grabbed our two suitcases and carried them to the taxi stand before I could stop them and demanded that all four of them get tipped. LOL 😆

Hey Tony good advice for newbies even seasoned travelers

Good advice! I have had the bracelet scam tried on my wife in Jamaica. That was even on a cruise tour. No plans to got back to Jamaica.

Thanks for sharing this video. I didn't realize all of the many travel scams people try to do--this makes me better educated on how to be a smarter traveler.

Shaking my head-have never heard of some of these insane scams. Thanks so much for sharing!👏🙏

We rented a cab when my wife and I were in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Having agreed on the duration and price in advance, everything was fine until it was time to return to the ship. The driver wanted to extend the time and charge us more. When we refused he threatened to call the police. I said go ahead and you will pay the bribe. He immediately returned us to the ship.

Luckily so far (3 cruises) I have not been scammed. I think this is due to my husband and I following some simple rules. We stay together, we book excursions through the cruise line, we are aware a surroundings and we stick to areas where there are plenty of people.

Thanks for the tips to stay safe. Really appreciate it!

Thanks for the great advice, Tony! Very useful!🇨🇦

Great tips Tony! Thanks for the information!

I never thought of a lot of these. Thanks for the heads up.

Very very useful information Tony!!! Thank you so much for sharing !!!

Helpful hints. Thank you Tony!

This is some excellent advice! Thank you! I love your channel and videos

I feel that these scams are less prevalent in the Alaska/Canada area. Since certain island countries in the Caribbean region aren't developed as much as a larger country with a more stable financial situation. Of course, you will find scammers everywhere, so be aware, but I find that mainland cruises are less likely to have these scams.

I looked into a cruise to South Africa.. It looked amazing. Then I checked on the safety while in SA.. It was mouth dropping scary! Won't be going there anything soon.

I love the take the picture or video of the vehicle suggestion. We will definitely be doing that one in the future. Sadly we we’re victims of the switchers scam in in Cancun Mexico. We were at what we thought was a reputable jewelry store, and we purchased one and half carat black onyx gold earrings for $270. Once we were home in the state one of the closure clips fell off, so I took it to the jewelry store to have the stones switch to another earring setting, and the store owner showed us that the stones were cracked and useless to remove off the settings. Turns out he was almost a victim of the buying switch, but because he was a jeweler he took out his glass piece to examine them after they were in the box and he caught them making the switch.

Outstanding travelers advice, especially #9, Rental Vehicle Scam suggesting to inquire if your travel insurance or auto insurance covers or may be extended to cover damage in foreign motorized rentals: mopeds, ATVs, motorized bikes, dune buggies, etc. Now I can indulge and have fun in a foreign rental during a cruise excursion without the specter of a foreign legal hassle looming over my shoulder! Thanks for the tip!

Wow..didn't realize there are so many scams..thanks for sharing...great to know!

Great tips. We have seen all of these scams in action touring Europe. You have to be prepared to protect yourself and your property and be situationally aware.

One of your most helpful vids I think, but I like them all. Thanks Tony.

These are excellent tips! Some I didnt know. Thank you!

Thank you for posting this video. This is not one you frequently see on many other KZfaqrs it is a subject that nobody really wants to talk about. But really needs to be talked about for The just in case what to look out for. Thank you.

Really good things to think about! Been fortunate enough not to have anything happen to us. Thanks Tony

We always take several denominations of bills so we can get as close as possible to correct price. I have seen others give a $20 to a vendor for a $2 dollar item, and the vendor say they are going to make change, and not come back. In San Juan PR there is the same guy that scams people by saying his dad and him got beat up and he needs money to get a cab to the hospital where they took his dad. From Cruise Critic I learned the same guy has been doing this for years.

Thank you. Planning my 1st cruise in January. Great advice.

Really great tips! Thanks!

Good reminders for everyone. I'm always extra wary travelling alone.

Hi Tony Thank you for all the great points, I appreciate the warnings.

Really useful information! Have run into the crowd of kids, not on a cruise but at the Mexico-US border. Really tough to say no. Most of the others were new to me, but not anymore. Excellent!

Thank you Tony. This is great information. My sisters and I are going on a cruise to the Caribbean in October. We are all friendly and probably be easy prey.

I had the taxi scam attempted to us in Miami airport going to the cruise port. And it was an official Miami taxi. Within minutes the driver said the meter was not working....lol. I only paid the fare I knew was legit according to their website.

I went to Bahamas last year and just said no I guess I’m mean. Reading comments y’all are so nice. I got asked twice for a taxi and that’s it I walked through Nassau and never got approached again. Guess being black has it perks ha ha ha

Amazing video!! Thank you for sharing it ✈️

Tony this list was so informative that I wish I could give you 2 thumbs up.

Cancoon was the worst. Buy into this time share. Only 30 minutes. Every 10 feet there was someone pestering us. Soooooo frustrating!

These all really apply to international travel in general. I've encountered almost all of them. Is it a wonder why private islands are so popular.

Great video! It's a shame that these things are happening.

We always book our excursions through the cruise line. We can avoid the scams you mentioned in the video. The other is that we won't be "pier runners" and miss the boat if the transportation is unreliable.

Great tips Tony!!!

Great video! I will be doing an ATV excursion I would have never thought about taking photos

Outstanding video !!! Thank you!!!

Be careful about renting a jetski.... Really careful! They will say you damaged it. and the cops are getting kickbacks so they will not help....

I've had the bracelet scam happen to me in Mexico, refused to take it back and demanded payment. I dropped it on the ground and walked off. I'm not afraid to say no and neither is my husband. They were angry and verbal but I didn't care. We also only carry small bills, and NEVER flash cash.

Wow! You're only at number 4 and already you've given some VERY good tips! Thank you so much!

Great list, thanks for making it,

great tips !!! thanks... so helpful.

I enjoyed this video!!!! Thanks for the tips

Great information Tony!

Awesome video! Ty!

I've heard of a lot of people also being scammed in coutriesnwith different currency by confusing tourists that dont know the conversion rate and overcharge them with their US currency.

Another GREAT video Tony! Honestly I have not heard of most of these. We're going on our 1st cruise in April to Western Caribbean, I'm a lil freaked out right now. I CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE ACTUALLY TOUCH YOU!!! SO NOT COOL! This is why we should be allowed to carry our pepper spray in these places, maybe they wouldn't be so aggresive!!!!

I lived in South America for 2 years. When I was shopping, (open air market) I was walking through the market. Suddenly there was a large local woman walking toward me and when I tried to go around her she stayed right in-front of me. She made sure she was blocking me. At the same time I was surrounded by locals. They crowded me. I instinctively knew something was up. I parted the crowd with my arms and kept walking. When I got home I did discover they slit my the body of my purse. They did not get any money because I kept moving. I never felt them cut my purse! By the way, women-carry your money in your bra. You will know if they are going there to pick your "pocket"

Wonderful video. There were a lot of things I was not aware of

Great tips loco! Thamks

Great tips! I like it when they have the taxi rates posted. You also have to watch venders trying to give you change back in their currency. It’s different than US dollars and could be less than if they paid you back with US dollars.

Great video and very important information.

Thanks Tony! I am basically miss trustful at any resort type area, even Disneyland can have bad guys.

My inlaws had a doll thrown at them to distract them and drop what's in their hands (so they could catch the doll--- the woman pretends to trip and her "baby" is dropped)

Good information. Thank you!

Scam for women. In Cozumel, I was surrounded by street vendors, all pushing products at me. I quickly noticed that they were working together, invading my personal space, thus guiding me toward a dark alley. Luckily, I realized the situation, and loudly screamed, and pushed my way out of their clutches. Situational awareness is vital abroad, and at home.

Good subject! We take cash, usually small bills (10's, 5's and 1's) for purchases off the ship. I also have a currency converter on my phone that I have used many times. Even here at home when I pay in cash, lets say @ McDonalds drive thru and the amount is $10.14, I give them the correct change first then if its a $20 bill, I verbally say "and here's a 20". I use to be a cashier so I know how mistakes can happen AND how quick change artists work. Thanks for sharing!!

Thanks for the tips!

We went to Jamaica MistakeA (that’s what I call that country) it’s 3rd world country and if you are not staying in an American all inclusive hotel, forrrrget about it. Trouble!!! We got out of there 2 days after arriving and flew back to the U.S. Be careful people.

Thanks for the tips, Tony!! I will be taking my first cruise in November. Now i know what to look for!

We are fortunate, other than people being pushy to sell items we have never in our years of travel had any of these issues.I feel like Jamaica was pusher than Nassau. We just kept saying no thank you and avoided eye contact as much as possible

Thanks Tony!!!

Great tips thank you

Thank you for the information none of that ever happened to me but I will be looking out for it

This is one I missed. Wow THREE years ago!!!!! You're a better vlogger today but you were still great and those 👐 .!!!!!!

Great video Tony!

One more thing to watch out for is Currency exchanges, I paying in dollars, make sure you get change in dollars, not in the local currency, it's easy for them to scam you when you can't do the currency exchange in your mind. Also beware that local ATM tend to charge heavy fees, in the process of doing the exchange

Awesome tips 👍👍👍

We’ve had a couple of these happen to us ...not fun ...good video bro!

Great tips!

Good info!!!

(Grabbing my notebook) 🤔📓 Great tips Tony! Tyfs

Good tips Tony!

I have been hit by the bracelet scam 😭. Should have watched this video before I went to Nassau lol.

When me and my wife were in Rome , we had ton of scammers... we’ve learn when your nearby one just to talk in a completely different language.... just make it up haha

All great tips!!