
Travel scams can be frustrating and costly, but with a little awareness and preparation, you can avoid most of them and enjoy a safe trip abroad. Our team at Travel Insurance Office Inc. (TIO) has put together a helpful guide full of tips to help you dodge common scams and stay safe while abroad.
1. Do Your Research
Before travelling, research your destination to learn about common scams in the area.
Prior to departure always check the Government of Canada “Travel Advice and Advisories” for your destination. This resource will identify any existing advisories by country, city, and even region. Click the button below to review your destination.
Upon selecting your destination, this resource will identify the following:
What to look out for (e.g. political situations, crime, kidnapping, fraud)
Health concerns (e.g. vaccines or medications required/suggested, food & water precautions, insect/animal precautions)
Natural disasters & climate
Laws and cultural customs to be aware of (e.g. in some countries smoking e-cigarettes is illegal as is photography of official buildings)
Currency and accepted methods of payment
Entry & exit requirements
Who is targeted/at risk (e.g. tourists, women, LGBTQ+)
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community review this Risk Map to better identify the safety index per country and laws associated with it
The advisories have four levels:
Level 1: Take Normal Security Precautions
Level 2: Exercise a High Degree of Caution
Level 3: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Level 4: Avoid All Travel
*Keep in mind: If a level 3 or 4 advisory is listed for your travel destination, your insurance WILL NOT cover emergency medical claims that occur; as listed in the exclusions of your policy. Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption claims will only be covered if the policy was purchased prior to the travel advisory level being published/updated to that of a level 3 or 4.
Additional Safe Practices
Consider learning common phrases in the local language for emergencies.
Add the local emergency phone numbers to your phone
Identify and note the address, even directions, from your location to your country embassy
2. Stay Alert at ATMs
Use ATMs inside banks rather than on the street to avoid skimming devices.
Cover your PIN and check for any unusual attachments on the card slot.
Should you be withdrawing or depositing a large amount of cash, it is advisable to do so inside at a teller and request an envelope should you be leaving with cash
*We also recommend travelling with a money belt to better conceal any cash on hand as well as avoid pick pockets
3. Be Wary of Overly Friendly Locals
Scammers often pose as helpful strangers or overly friendly locals
Politely decline unsolicited offers, whether it’s a "tour guide" or a stranger claiming to need help with money
Should you be booking excursions do so ahead of time online or with a travel agent, or upon arrival, through your hotel/cruise
4. Avoid "Free" Offers
Scammers may hand you a bracelet, flower, or token seemingly as a gesture of goodwill and then demand payment. This same practice is also seen with the use of animals which are given to you to pose with in a picture.
If you are looking for a token/souvenir or picture, ask about the price ahead and consider it before touching or taking anything
In some scenarios scammers may ask to show you a magic trick in which they bind your hands together, thereafter your freedom from the bind comes at a price
In all cases either avoid altogether or simply say "no thank you" and keep moving
5. Verify Taxi and Rideshare Rates
Use official taxi stands or rideshare apps with clear fare estimations.
If you’re taking a taxi, agree on the fare upfront to avoid "meter tampering" scams.
It is advisable to track your route on your own, even while in the car, to ensure you are not being led astray to a different destination
Should it be an airport transfer to your hotel/cruise, ensure you follow any instructions provided on what the vehicle make/license plate is, where to go for your pick-up, what your driver is wearing etc.
6. Double-Check Deals
Be cautious of deals that sound too good to be true, such as discounted tours, "exclusive" souvenirs, or luxury items.
As the saying goes, ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably is’.
7. Protect Your Belongings
Use anti-theft bags and keep them zipped at all times.
In high traffic areas, consider wearing your backpack in front, or travel with front worn bags/pouches
Avoid carrying wallets in your back pocket or leaving phones on tables in busy areas.
It is advisable to leave some cash where you are staying and only bring a portion when going out. Credit cards are a lot easier to manage should they be stolen or compromised.
8. Stay Skeptical of Wi-Fi
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions or accessing sensitive accounts.
This scam has been seen globally and should not be taken lightly. When connected to public WiFi anything on your connected device could be accessed by potential hackers
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)/ data plan for secure browsing
9. Watch for Fake Officials
Scammers might impersonate police or customs officials to demand money for a fraudulent ticket or to ‘avoid any trouble’
Ask for identification, and if you’re unsure, offer to go to the nearest police station to resolve the issue.
10. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Listen to your gut, and don’t feel pressured to make quick decisions. It’s always better safe than sorry.
Bonus Tip: Always Get Travel Insurance Prior to Departure
Safety while abroad is priority number one. Prior to leaving your home province/territory ensure you purchase travel insurance to protect your health and your trip. Travel insurance is as important as your passport, it’s your safety net, your lifeline, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, trip interruptions, and lost belongings. With plan maximums of $5 million (minimum) per person, deluxe benefits like remote evacuation and land & air ambulance, and multiple deductible options, TIO has you covered! Let us worry about your coverage so you can focus on making memories.
📍Travel Safe. Travel Protected. Travel TIO.
Get in touch or call us toll-free at 1-800-550-1295 to learn more or get a free quote and enjoy peace of mind. Let TIO keep you protected on your next trip.
