Tourist Traps in India to Watch Out For

India offers incredible experiences, from the majestic Taj Mahal to high-spirited local markets. However, like any popular tourist destination, it has its share of scams and tourist traps that can drain your wallet. Here are the most common ones that could cost you ₹2000 or more, and how to avoid them.

Counterfeit Water Bottles

Bisleri and Kinley are two of the largest packaged drinking water brands in India. Since tap water is not potable, one of the most widespread scams is the sale of counterfeit bottles branded as Bisleri or Kinley. Vendors near monuments often sell refilled bottles with fake labels at a matching rate of ₹20/L or less.

Red flags: The bottle's low-quality plastic, poor design, or even misspelled brand names give it away.

How to avoid: Purchase bottles from established shops or hotels and check for thorough sealing and authentic packaging.

Pushy Photography Services

At major tourist sites like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, or Amer Fort, photographers approach tourists offering "professional" photoshoots. What starts as ₹500 for "just a few photos" quickly escalates to ₹2000-5000 with edited portraits, prints, and albums you never requested.

Red flags: Persistent photographers who won't take no for an answer, demand for advance payment, or promise of "special" photo locations.

How to avoid: Politely decline and stick to your personal camera or phone. If you want professional photos, research legitimate studios in advance.

Emporium Shopping

Tour guides and rickshaw drivers often insist on taking you to "government-approved" handicraft emporiums where you'll get the lowest prices. In reality, these are privately owned shops that sell overpriced goods and pass a hefty commission to the touts (often 30-50% of your purchase).

Red flags: Over-enthusiastic insistence—"My brother owns this shop," "Special discount only today," or "Government-certified authentic products."

How to avoid: Shop only at government-run emporiums or explore local markets independently. Get an estimate of fair prices through negotiations at multiple places before buying.

Endless Rickshaw Rides

Auto-rickshaw and cab drivers recognize first-time visitors in the city and often take unnecessarily long routes to rack up higher fares. They may even put the blame on you for stating the wrong address.

How to avoid: Tourist sites often have multiple entry gates, so make sure to research your drop point well and explain it to the driver properly before starting the ride. Track the route on Google Maps and use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola where possible.

Taxi Meter Manipulation

Local taxis and autos in some cities, like Mumbai, run by the meter. But some vehicles may have rigged meters that run faster than normal, or drivers claim the meter charges extra for luggage, waiting time, or "night charges" during regular hours.

How to avoid: Use prepaid taxi services from airports and opt for app-based cabs for intra-city or airport trips. If you suspect meter overcharging, read the government-posted tariff card online, check for meter anomalies, and report issues to local authorities.

Fraudulent Phone Calls

Some tourists have reported receiving calls claiming to be from their hotel, airline, the Indian tourism board, or even the Consulate. The caller asks for personal information or payments for "booking confirmations" or "visa extensions."

How to avoid: Never share personal information over unsolicited calls, and ask the caller, if they seem genuine, to give you some time. Then verify their request by calling the organization directly using official contact numbers.

Fake eSIMs

With the rise of eSIM technology, some vendors sell fake or overpriced eSIM packages at airports, claiming they're the "only" option for tourists. These often don't work properly or provide limited data at higher prices.

Red flags: SIMs or eSIMs being sold by individuals, ad hoc stalls, or non-official counters, especially those pressuring you with urgency or exclusivity claims.

How to avoid: Purchase eSIMs from verified, reputable providers before traveling, or buy official SIM cards from local telecom stores like Airtel, Jio, or Vi outlets.

Airport Pickup Mafia

Scams and aggressive tactics by unofficial taxi operators, especially with regard to airport pickups, are a challenge for tourists in several popular Indian destinations.

Goa

Ola and Uber are officially banned here due to lobbying by local taxi unions, who maintain a near-monopoly, block national app-based aggregators, and sometimes interfere with rental cars or pickups.

An official prepaid taxi counter is available at the Goa airport, offering fixed fares that cannot be bypassed by outside aggregators. The apps GoaMiles and Goa Taxis are the state's approved digital taxi services—use these for app-based bookings instead of Ola/Uber.

Leh

Taxis operating at Leh airport (and around the Ladakh region) are governed by powerful local unions. While branded as "special mountain taxis," the vehicles and drivers are usually the same as those available elsewhere, but rates are often substantially higher.

On-the-spot bookings at the airport attract premium charges; it's better to go for pre-booked or hotel-arranged transfers when in Ladakh.

Jaisalmer

Airport/station pickups or city taxis frequently try to bundle "tour packages"—desert safaris, camel rides, or city tours—with your basic ride, pressuring tourists into paying for unnecessary extras.

Opt for direct airport-to-hotel taxi rides, which are usually available at set rates, and take help from your hotel in finding a suitable desert tour package.

Udaipur

Drivers often accept your ride requests via Ola/Uber but ask you to pay a higher price outside the app. Again, pre-arranging a taxi from your hotel or booking through prepaid taxi counters may be better options.

Conclusion

While these scams exist, they shouldn't deter you from exploring the country worry-free. After all, India's tourism industry thrives on genuine hospitality and incredible experiences.

Stay alert, do your research, and don't hesitate to walk away from any situation that makes you uncomfortable. Remember, the best defense against tourist traps is being an informed traveler.

Some Quick Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps

• Research prices beforehand for common services and items

• Use official channels for bookings and purchases

• Don't rush decisions—legitimate businesses won't pressure you

• Learn basic Hindi numbers to understand prices better

• Keep small denominations to avoid "no change" scenarios

• Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is

• Connect with other travelers for real-time advice and experiences