The BIGGEST Tourist SCAMS in Europe, That Tourists STILL Fall For

[@mattia8327]

1. Watch your pockets and bags when in the subway/metro. 2. Say no to people giving you stuff for free on the street 3. Say no to people begging for money

[@Alan316100]

Got my pocket picked by two women, one with a baby in a pram, on a train in Madrid. My wallet was taken, I only realised this as they got off the train. I pulled the emergency cord, got off the train and chased them down the platform yelling for the police. I got my wallet back, nothing missing, sometimes it pays to make a lot of noise.

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

that is awesome that you got your stuff back.

[@Alan316100]

@@WoltersWorldShorts Thank you, yes I was surprised too. I think the fact that I pulled the cord just as the train was leaving the station and then jumped out of the carriage focused everyone on me and when the ladies heard the shouting and everyone looking at them, well...... 🙂 Great tips though, have already told me wife some of them...

[@babsr8479]

Wow good for you

[@alihorda]

@@Alan316100 didn't you get fined for using emergency stop thing without proper reason?

[@Alan316100]

@@alihorda No, I'm guessing that the Spainish railway folk saw what was going on, along with all the other people on the train, and just kept out of it. No one came up to me apart from quite a few other passengers who said 'well done'. 🙂

[@eliskakordulova]

Glad you mentioned the tying a string around your wrist thing, happened to me in Milano once. These people annoy the heck outta me. Especially charity scammers. Some lady stopped me on Westminster bridge once, trying to get money for some kids in need or a kid charity. I kept telling her no, i dont have any etc. She went on, saying cmon it's the children! I told her i hate kids which finally convinced her to let me walk through.

[@shelleysheaves5416]

😂

[@bernardopena1601]

Almost Happened to me at the Roman Forom this week. Guy asked me for the the time on my watch and I ignored him and kept walking. Next guy up ahead shoved a bracelet as a gift for me and I kept trying to give it back to him and he was urgent that I keep it and then asked for a donation to his so called family back in Nigeria

[@espben360]

Can’t wait to tell someone, Fk them kids 😂

[@TheRedBlackBellaire]

The bracelet thing was bad in Paris. It use to be in Florence and Pisa, but didn't see it at all last year.

[@Kraffty808]

The petition scam happened to me in Paris. They were asking for a signature to help local children and donations. I proceeded to give the loose change in my pocket, and they asked if I could donate more. I told them no, and at that time, a local security officer showed up and shooed them away. He told me in his best English, "Please do not give money to anyone because it's a scam." I thanked the officer, and for the rest of my trip, I was on high alert. Also, watch out for the people playing what looks like board games on the sidewalks, and they invite you to join and play with them. Total scam artists

[@adrianeklowcabramek]

Happened to me as well, the only tourist scam I ever fell for lol

[@chefevans5705]

As a retired American living in Italy, I respect Mark for pointing out the beggar scammers. People tend to criticize you for not giving to beggars - until it's their turn. If you make the mistake of giving to beggars, you are marked and they will follow you, find you and harass the hell out of you. Can't wait to have a drink with Mark and his wife. Keep the great content coming!

[@mattia8327]

I have never seen anyone being criticised for not giving to beggars anywhere in Europe.

[@jonsmith8582]

Have a photo copy of your passport , if it does get stolen it can be a big help at the embassy when trying to get emergency documents

[@DanetteSWhite]

Thanks for the tips. Being from New York, I'm always on guard. I don't like anyone too close or behind me.

[@larareed4353]

I had the ticket scam happen to me in Milan years ago when I was in college. I was getting a ticket for a train when two women approached me and asked if I wanted help. The first started touching my screen. I told her I was fine and I knew where I was going. I was holding my purse close to me as the other woman was on the other side looking for an opportunity to go though it while I was distracted. I was polite, but firm. I purchased my ticket and walked away from them. You have to aware of your surroundings at all times.

[@Peizxcv]

In Northern Italy for 2 weeks back in September 2022. 2 middle eastern guys tried to pickpocket my father’s back pocket and 2 black guys on 2 separate occasions tell me my Adidas shoes is cool. This was all in Rome while the other cities only have gypsy beggars I don’t understand why Europe is so crime ridden versus East Asia

[@oberfrange]

It's the elephant in the room - open borders.

[@andrewlove3686]

To be blunt I've only ever had attempted scams/robberies ran on me by non white people.

[@sarahmckenzie3929]

Also, some restaurants in Paris/France will have lower prices on their French menu and higher prices on their English menu.

[@solracer66]

I've not seen that. I did find it funny on our last trip that I was given the French menu and my Russian girlfriend, now wife, was given the English menu, lol. Usually we'd compare the two and look for translation errors but we never saw different prices.

[@sarahmckenzie3929]

@solracer66 luckily not all restaurants try to be sneaky with their customers. Les Frenchies mentioned it in a couple of their videos.

[@DM-hd4xm]

Thank you Mark, I’ve experienced all of the above in Florence and Venice recently

[@bernardopena1601]

I Just came back from my first flight outside of the United States. Yout videos were a big help. Went to Rome and Napoli, Italy. I took a chest bag where I kept everything, nothing in my pockets and backpack was back in my hotel. I saw several tourist traps at the Roman Forum at work- the "what time is it on your watch?" Which I avoided, however later on the guys partner shoved a "free bracelet right into my hand" as a "gift" which I was refusing and he become more consistent and urgent that I take the gift. I became paranoid that his partner my cut my bag straps and run so I kept looking over my shoulders- after a few minutes the guy left with his free gifts for me and no donations for his so called family back in Nigera from me.

[@oldtop4682]

Sage advice. I learned to keep an eye peeled for kids, and especially if there was an older woman begging nearby. One or two will beg, and the other kids will pick your pocket and take off like a rabbit through the crowd. I saw this happen in a couple of countries. Some of the same stuff happens in the US btw. In Vegas folks will use CDs instead of flowers and push them on you - NEVER grab one from them.

[@bernardopena1601]

I have to say I had an extremely unusual interaction happen to me when I got off the Roma Termini in Rome Italy last week and was walking the streets to my Hotel near the Forom. I was in business casual attire and had my bags and a random car pulled up by me with a older "business" looking man in a suite. Like a CEO. He showed me a tourist map of Rome and asked me where I can fine such place. I told him I was a visitor to the city. He then started small talk and said he worked for Ferrari and was in a business trip in the city. He than offered me a wrist watch as a gift for me which caught my attention- the catch however was that his credit card was not going through and that he wanted me to get into the car with him and make some purchases that would be reimbursed by Ferrari and the watch would be my "gift". I nearly ran away. Lol I just got in Rome and already was singled out as a American tourist.

[@jurgenkoks9142]

with the people who bother you with trying to sell you something on the streets or on the beach ive learnt to just say: "I already purchased one". if they dont get it you say it again and leave or if you are stationary turn away from them, this has almost always worked for me.

[@subskrybcjibezzadnegofilmu]

Just say:" No thanks", and go away. It's always worked for me. They will look for another person, they don't want to lose time on you, don't worry.

[@lnat2000]

Thanks for these. Your videos are the best! ❤

[@rickybobby1055]

Thank you mark. Your content has helped my travels for a long time.

[@akeeldberg5218]

A classic is when you're sitting at an outdoor cafe or restaurant, someone comes up with a map and asks you for directions. They hold the map up in front of you while they snatch your phone. And then there is the running man: You notice that someone is touching your handbag or your pocket, you turn around and there is a guy who runs away. You chase him and after maybe 50 yards he stops. You notice that he is wearing tight-fitting clothes so he obviously does not have your wallet, phone or whatever. The running man is a decoy: he cooperates with anouther person who actually stole your stuff.

[@kriswilliams2635]

Thanks!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Kris. That was really nice of you

[@kriswilliams2635]

@@woltersworld You are very welcome. It’s always a pleasure to watch your videos, and I love sharing them with friends and family. Keep doing what you do. It brings a lot of value and joy to so many people!!

[@woltersworld]

That's really nice Kris. Cheers!

[@steve41557]

Thank You Wolter

[@drewgolden]

We are two weeks away from being in Paris - the weather looks amazing! Have fun on your spring trip.

[@dr.perfectsmile4175]

Be careful with strikes in Paris, they block everything, especially transport.

[@valerieshy8749]

Fab video! Always enjoy your informative content.

[@WDH59510]

What you said about 'free' stuff. As a teenager spending a year abroad in Toulouse in 1979, I kept going back to the same city centre café four or five Sundays in a row for breakfast because I seriously thought the croissants placed on the table were on the house ! They must have realised after a while because one Sunday I did get asked to pay for the croissant before I'd finished chewing the first mouthful. It's a story that had my then French girlfriend's family in stitches ...

[@FireHax0rd]

My favorite: When a stranger comes up to me and asks in English, "Do you speak English?" is to reply "No I don't" in English

[@boondoggle4820]

Sounds like my natural distrust of people and aversion to engaging with anyone who tries to randomly sell me something will actually help me out.

[@jeaninea5029]

When we went to Italy (2022) we were surprised that there was a “table fee” when we had a nice view or sat on the outdoor patio. Usually 5 euro per person. We had never encountered that on our trips to other places in Europe.

[@michellebowers8652]

Common in popular places like Piazza San Marco.

[@JodyOwen-we6oo]

My niece and I weee in Benice years ago. She wanted coffee at Florian. Sitting at our table, looking at a menu with coffee for €17 she went white. I told her it was fine, i could afford it. And she knew 2 things now. She had coffee at Florian’s. If we were 100 meters away in any direction it would be 1/10 the price. Lesson learned and experience gained.

[@gizzardwizard1795]

Super helpful video. I’m going to Paris next week so I will be watchful!!!

[@andrewwilliams6008]

Watch out for the guys who forcefully try to sell you bracelets or anything else! They’re brutal and persistent.

[@solracer66]

In 2013 we needed to take a taxi from Versailles to Paris (yes I know there are cheaper options but this was a special case). The taxi driver had quoted us €50 for the ride but still started the meter. When we were almost to the hotel he realized that the direction of the street the hotel was on had been reversed requiring a detour of 5-10 minutes. To my surprise when the meter hit €50 he turned it off because he said it was his mistake. When we got to the hotel I twice offered him a tip and he refused both times because he felt he had let us down by making the mistake! So even in Paris you can have a good experience with a taxi driver!

[@renferal5290]

I will be going to the UK and Paris soon and the bag I am taking with me when I go out and about, will be very small and worn under my clothes. I also always try to blend in and not look like a tourist

[@renferal5290]

@Bernhard Schwarz Three wise monkeys is a brilliant way to put it, LOL

[@MadHatterND]

Watch out for the colorful wristbands. When in Milan, some guys will put a nice looking wristband on you and expect you to pay for it, even after you said no.

[@matisa6556]

I love this channel I've been in 6 different countries in Europe and I always check you videos for advice.

[@lchaney]

I got ripped off for a pizza in Amsterdam. The sign out front clearly said any pizza 5 euros and they charged me more than 30 and lied when confronted.

[@PDXdjn]

Restaurants in Portugal are super annoying about covering the table in food, and charging high prices for all the items you didn‘t order.

[@VicTheflyingDentist]

Thank you for your valuable advice. Any tips for visiting Bologna, Italy?

[@Cruisetravelers]

I sure appreciate you and your videos. We are planning on visiting Europe for the first time in 2025 and I have no idea how many hours I’ve put into watching your videos for tips, dos and donts, advice, etc.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Tip one go in the off season and save a bundle like I did last month.

[@Cruisetravelers]

@@southcoastinventors6583 thanks!

[@southcoastinventors6583]

@@Cruisetravelers Just so you know I stayed exclusively at Airbnb apartments and many of the host say during peak season starting around the end of May they charge double or more.

[@subskrybcjibezzadnegofilmu]

Just don't worry. Europe is overall safe, just don't talk to much to strangers. When someone want something from you, just say "NO". Keep your wallet close to you and you will be fine.

[@dr.perfectsmile4175]

If you plan to visit « Europe » you’ll need few years, you’d better relocate.

[@ThePittsburghTraveler]

New subscriber, love all your videos. I like to watch you videos before I go to that location excellent source of info as always thanks Mark!

[@thomascook578]

In Prague, they have the scammers offering to break your large notes for you and usually give you defunct Belarusian roubles. They have been challenged by the honest guide, his Prague blogs are good

[@CalvinK300]

I agree with you. I love the HONEST GUIDE videos.

[@sweetypatnett6123]

Thanks for sharing this video. It was very helpful and informative. I will definitely make a mental note. You're amazing! God bless you and your family 👪! ❤🙏🙏

[@jakeismyfirstname]

Just about to go to Europe for 3 months. Thank you for this info Wolter

[@rociodelarocha7056]

Thank you so much beautiful family!!!! I am going to be traveling to Europe this summer and your vlog about current scams is so helpful. Even more , since I’ll be visiting bigger cities this time in comparison to my last trip to Europe. Warm regards and see you in the next video !!!! 💕

[@juliamallon2948]

I have really enjoyed your videos. You and Joycelyn are great presenters. Thank you for this video. We are leaving for 2 weeks in Andalusia Spain soon. We were in Panama earlier this year. I hope you do a video on that country soon.

[@GerdCastan]

At the mentioned La Rambla in Barcelone, there is a police station for tourists, open 24h, multilingual. They have checklists and phone numbers, what to do if your passport, flight ticket, credit card etc is stolen.

[@christopheferraux2864]

The first scam must be done everywhere in the world, I have a friend who was a victim in Buenos-Aire

[@goutambiswas8420]

Nice information...In which cities in Europe do you find the most scammers?

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

At the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris there was a huge line of clueless people trying to buy train tickets to town. A helpful guy speaking 3-4 languages randomly appeared and started helping people through the not very obvious process to speed things up. Including me. Thank you, random stranger! 😊

[@DAshby139]

I want to go back to school again just to study under you! Your world experience must partner really well in marketing, understanding different consumers around the world.

[@inyokutse]

It's a crazy world out here folks..remember the ABC rule when traveling: always be careful!

[@wildlifewarrior2670]

Ok

[@adamweishaupt2846]

My rule when travelling: If I don't know you, I'm not talking to you.

[@StanHasselback]

99% of all scams start with someone coming up to you, usually trying to "help you". Always say no, ignore or walk away and you will go through most of your life without ever being scammed. Never give people who come up to you information about yourself or where you are staying either. You can always go up to people who are working somewhere and ask for help or information. Scammers don't have regular jobs.

[@KyrilPG]

Several of my friends, myself, and many locals, do approach seemingly lost tourists to help them find their directions or answer questions they might have in Paris. This, without any ulterior motive other than offering help. It also happens when they are hogging metro turnstiles or exits, or the ticket machines at the beginning of the month, in order to help them and fluidify the flow of passengers at the same time. So "always saying no" to someone offering help or directions is just living in fear and paranoïa. It's also the sure way of being disliked by locals and viewed as the obnoxious tourists who think they're at the zoo. There's a middle ground here, exercising a bit of common sense and open-mindedness. Not everyone is here to rob tourists, quite the opposite, so refusing any interaction is pointless.

[@StanHasselback]

@@KyrilPG Wow you make a lot of assumptions here. I make friends in all the countries I visit which is over 40 now. If someone offers unsolicited help I take it into account and say thank you or merci in your case. If you start asking me a lot of questions without me getting to know you better or you want me to get in your car or if you were trying to sell me something I would say non, merci. Good luck to you in your travels and stay safe.

[@KyrilPG]

@@StanHasselback It's not assumptions, it's just that the far too common and Manichean advice of "always say no, ignore or walk away" (if someone is trying to help you) has created quite a paranoïa in some tourists and has led to ridiculous situations where locals genuinely try to help (as in most cases), and get completely and rudely ignored, like they're invisible, or harshly turned down by frightened tourists clinging on their belongings like Scrat onto his acorn in the movie Ice Age, and thinking that everyone's after them. Like a month ago, when trying to help a couple that was looking cluelessly at the transit map : I asked in perfect English about where they wanted to go while pointing at the map board. One didn't even acknowledge my presence other than by turning her head away, and the other told me in no uncertain terms to go away. They lost their time trying to find directions and waiting for the station attendant. It was the umpteenth time that this happened, mostly with American tourists that read too much advice of the sort and thinking that unsolicited help must be either a scam or a robbery waiting to happen. Sometimes, it's the very rude hand gesture and bzzz or shhh sound you'd make to repell a fly or mosquito, which is particularly offensive when you're just trying to help. Balanced advice would be to be wary in certain situations and to assess on a case by case basis, but not to ignore or flee anyone and everyone offering help.

[@StanHasselback]

@@KyrilPG Why do French tanks have rearview mirrors? So they can see the battle.🤣

[@KyrilPG]

@@StanHasselback Wow... another stereotype, and you say that you've made friends all around the world?

[@islanddog32963]

Water on the table is not usually free. Pregnant begged is not pregnant. Learn no in every language and keep walking. Don’t converse.

[@AlshainFR]

I am a Parisian. About two months ago I was on the Champ de Mars (the huge grass strip stretching in front of the Eiffel tower) and I witnessed some very obviously American girls taking pictures with a baguette and wine bottle. That was pretty funny until I noticed there were dozens of them scattered about and some Pakistani-looking dudes selling the bottles. I don't know how much they ask for it but this looked like some really cheap terrible wine you can get at a convenience store for less than 5 euros. One of the guys was even selling some sort of synthetic grapejuice-based pseudo-wine in a glass bottle, which is even cheaper (and fouler) and could be confused with relatively cheap wine by a non-French speaker because it had a semi-fancy label. Not only are you getting ripped-off massively but you're also dealing with an illegal alcohol sale since those dudes definitely don't have a license for that kind of business. And worst of all you might drink terrible wine

[@warrenSPQRXxl]

I am convinced that local enforcement is either paid off or just turns a blind eye to this stuff, particularly in Barcelona. As to Prague, scams continue even when pointed out to city officials.

[@JodyOwen-we6oo]

We found Prague not much different from anywhere else except for 3 things. It’s a beautiful city. The beer is inexpensive and amazing. Someone needs to teach those folks how to cook. The cuisine is bland, repetitive and without fresh fruit or vegetables of any kind.

[@Robespierre-lI]

That's very unlikely. They might have bigger priorities. However, crimes against tourists are very bad for the tourism economy and there would be an uproar from the business sector if police weren't doing their jobs. Besides, police corruption is very low in most places in Europe. Exceptions are Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Albania. As for Prague, it had a significant criminality problem after the fall of communism. It's a lot better now but petty crimes against tourists were a lower priority compared to the organized crime and human trafficking problems they had to focus on for a long time. In general, large numbers of tourists in crowded areas will always breed petty crooks. It happens in New York City too. The question we should ask is how a very small number of tourist-drawing cities with very low levels of petty crimes do it? Example: Tokyo.

[@warrenSPQRXxl]

@@Robespierre-lI "Bigger priorities" falls into the category turning a blind eye. The "Honest Guide" has numerous videos concerning the various scams in Prague. Some people are pulling the same tricks on a daily basis in the same place and must be known by locals. Some portray themselves as regular businesses skirting the law but scamming tourists. Before Putin's war, I went to Russia 16 times and had no trouble. On the other hand went to Barcelona once and suffered 3 attacks in a couple of days. Every city has petty crime, but those that depend on tourists should make an effort to protect the tourist.

[@LeoFtravels]

Great tips, Mark.

[@samroy5967]

OMG. After watching this video i just realized I was exposed to scammers that you’re talking about in this video during my last trip to Rome One lady approached me with a notepad and started to small talk- where I was from, how am I enjoying my time in Italy etc she was VERY friendly and chatty and then she says if I have 2 minutes to sign a petition for a good cause. I politely said I’m not a local and can’t be signing any petitions overseas. I didn’t even think she was a scammer till I watched this video And I’ve had multiple guys trying to put a bracelet/wristband on my hand, I just brushed them off and kept walking And guess what - when you use the Trenitalia self ticketing machines in Rome and you select the British flag 🇬🇧for English language - the loud voice on the speaker says in English - BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS IN THIS AREA Only after this warning it gives you options to select from the menu whatever you need. 😂 So you are correct.

[@andrewwillett9368]

I also look up the emergency number; similar to 911 in the US before vacation.

[@dr.perfectsmile4175]

In most European countries the equivalent of your 911 is 112. In France you also have 17 for Police and 15 for ambulance, hopefully you won’t need them.

[@nathanflynn306]

Good information. I learned about the "gold ring" scam from one of your previous videos. A woman tried to run it on me in Paris and I busted out laughing at her. A high light of the trip.

[@rtsharlotte]

I work in a bar in Ireland that attracts a lot of Americans and it always amazes me that they they'll insist on pay in US dollars. I do try to tell them that it'll works out cheaper not to. But they're happy to pay a 3.5% extra for the privilege and a shitty conversion rate to do it.

[@mrbushlied7742]

Greetings from Buenos Aires! I am just completing my two-week holiday in Argentina: BA, Ushuaia, El Calafate, and BA again, and am waiting for my transfer to EZE to return to Nassau, Bahamas. I traveled with a friend from London who left this morning. I watched this video when YT said that it was only 23 minutes old. I then walked from my hotel in Recoleta to Puerto Maduro. Whilst walking through Plaza Lavalle, I felt something wet on my legs. Then someone said something to me in Spanish. I could recognize the word "suzia" meaning dirty. The person offered to brush off the fake bird poop. I made him stay away from me and continued walking. I heard about this scam before, thirty years ago in fact but never knew anyone who was a victim or a target of this scam. The "good Samaritan" got nothing, much to his chagrin.

[@MystikaFenix1]

Great video! I watched your previous videos before going to Paris and it was really helpful. 😊 One thing I discovered was downloading the metro app and getting a reloadable card. That made it so much easier for me so I didn’t have to deal with paper tickets or use the kiosks. I would add tickets directly from phone before I left the hotel. ☺️

[@babsr8479]

That 's helpful to know, thanks

[@siobhanw4061]

Oooh! What’s the name of the app, please? What a great tip!

[@MystikaFenix1]

@@siobhanw4061 Île-de-France Mobilités

[@siobhanw4061]

@@MystikaFenix1 fabulous! Thank you!!

[@chuckmeadows1581]

Maintain situational awareness at all times.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Easier to keep your hands in pockets.

[@maxbarko8717]

Double check your restaurant bill. We experienced twice when there was „accidentally“ something charged for we hadn’t ordered.

[@gabygaedecke2411]

Re: pickpockets and jostling in crowds ... be aware of the old "exit at the REAR of the bus/streetcar" announcement. There are often folks pushing to get on as you are trying to exit - my 75-year-old Mom had her purse pulled right off her shoulder that way. It was an organized band - she saw them again the next day at the same stop.

[@SamSitar]

entering a rear door like that is fare evasion.

[@sammencia7945]

I lived in DC in the 80s. Extremely dangerous. So going anywhere in the world is not an issue. But, I admit, many live in safe and boring pka2ces and lack that mindset.

[@acbc3543]

How does one get mustard on the shoulder ? It’s a plain scam to fall for

[@labtechsuperstar]

Luckily, I have not fallen prey to these thieves. But I have seen most of the scams you mentioned. I'm sure when I go to Spain in the summer I will see the mustard/bird poop in action. There are also organized beggars in the railway stations. In Germany, they even make announcements for people to be on guard because of them.

[@chrisvinci5417]

One would think they would ban these actions then

[@blackvulcan100]

I bet these thieves are not Spanish. Have a guess where they come from.

[@cujoyyc4453]

I suspect that cabs are less sleazy than years ago because we all have access to digital maps on the go. When telling your cabbie your destination, it's always best to show them your iPhone with the route mapped out. They then know that can't get away with taking you the long way around.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Cabs are a big money sink in Europe only use as a last resort.

[@cujoyyc4453]

@@southcoastinventors6583 I tend toward transit systems.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

I was traveling in Spain and Italy last month and the only people I encountered are the beggars maybe this stuff only happens during peak season or is this mainly a problem with women and the elderly. I guess individual results may vary.

[@SirIdot]

The scammers usually are from some other country, so it's usually not worth it to them to travel to the tourist places in the off season.

[@timsummers870]

It’s never too much to watch a video like this before you travel somewhere. The only thing new to me was the weight of the steak next to the price, which will surprise you at the end. I’ll keep an eye out for it next time I’m abroad.

[@michaelz.7140]

sometimes i got asked to help at the ticket machines

[@vaghatz]

The last one about the ticket machines happened to me on 2 occasions. But nothing bad happened. The guy gave up both times, since I was looking for a very specific kind of ticket, and left. Maybe he wasn't trying to scam me, who knows

[@lawrencelewis2592]

I was in Paris on the 8th of May this year. I didn't see any African guys selling wristbands, there wasn't anyone at Gare du Nord trying to hustle me into a Taxi and I didn't see any people that looked like pickpockets on the RER train to Gare de Lyon and no one asked me to sign a petition. The waiter at a restaurant near Gare Bercy was perfectly friendly and service was prompt. What am I missing?

[@lindab5789]

In Paris, around the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and other main tourist spots, people are selling plastic bottles of water - literally off the sidewalk at a pretty a cheap price, like 1 or 2 Euros. Do not buy from them. It is a known scam. The water has likely been refilled into previously opened bottles. Gross!

[@Robespierre-lI]

I'm not sure how it is that i somehow never run into stuff like this. It's definitely concebtrated around tourist sites in urban areas. It really is such a cruel form of criminality to prey on tourists and foreigners. Imagine saving money for years to travel to a foreign city and instead of meeting friendly foreigners, you have a criminal prey on you and ruin your long-awaited vacation.

[@matthewlynch9331]

The "here take this flower/other item and NOW PAY ME" one is the most common one I have seen

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

yeah, and then they get really REALLY loud and mean right afterwards to scare you into paying them.

[@karakennedy5119]

I had that in Venice recently. Luckily, it was chilly so I was walking with my hands in my pockets, but I had more than one rose almost hit me in the face. I could see a natural impulse to put up your hand in that situation.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

Funny that abut the price of steak. I live in Toronto and the grocery store up the street will put a good price on a block of cheese. Look closely and that price is for 100 grams and the block is a lot heavier. Cheese here is stupidly expensive unless you know where to go.

[@johnconlon3207]

I had like 5 occurrences of the "found ring" scam in Paris. The first time it happened it took me like 20 seconds to realize it was a scam and I just told the guy no thanks. So then all the other attempts I just laughed and walked away.

[@LiveLife-MJ]

If at the restaurant they dont ask you how you want to be charged does that mean they choose for you or does it mean they will charge you in the local currency?

[@petek5523]

Best way to avoid the bad exchange rate is to bring enough(or even more)local currency and a credit card or two.

[@Tiax776]

If anyone ever comes to talk to you first, it's a scam.

[@travelvideos]

Tourist tax is another scam. Most likely you will get nothing in return. In Portugal, you can ask to take away bread. Just say you will not eat bread and they will it take away.

[@philiphearn9297]

Please don't put the UK, Switzerland and Norway with the EU flag. Whilst the organisation would like to think it has a god given right to control the whole of Europe it hasn't got there yet!

[@StacksSats]

"friendship bracelet" scam is in Toronto lol

[@sheilafamularcano5792]

Hello! Just wanna know what is the better way to pay the taxi? In cash or credit cards?🤔

[@southcoastinventors6583]

They all take cards, cash is used rarely mainly used in low population area major cites almost always have a reader. I would only carry 100 euros per person max.

[@sheilafamularcano5792]

@@southcoastinventors6583 thank you so much! Your vlogs help us a lot especially for those people visiting Europe for the very first time 👍🏻😊

[@as-tm7np]

Taxi drivers always prefer cash but most will accept card, in some cities (eg London it's a legal requirement to always accept card).

[@dr.perfectsmile4175]

In most countries in big cities they take cards, as a tip, in Mediterranean countries or more central/Eastern Europe if you pay cash you can negotiate cheaper prices.

[@blankface_]

Ok, so where do I exchange money? My bank isn’t overseas. I can’t really leave the airport without the native currency so I can only imagine that’s my best bet

[@dr.perfectsmile4175]

There are exchange offices in the airports, but the rates are bad (so don’t exchange big amounts), you can do it inside banks in euro countries or in exchange offices in countries that don’t use € (like Turkey or Hungary). I travel a lot and the most convenient are cards like Revolut or Wise (you must have similars in the US), the conversation rate is brilliant and they charge me in local currency, in the last few years when I went to London or Switzerland I didn’t need £ or CHF at all).

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Some people exchange at their local bank before they leave on their trip. The airport is probably the worst place to exchange at, tbh. At least do it at a local bank and decline the conversion.

[@jaywilliams9294]

The double tap scam is when they claim your card didn't work the first time so you paid twice

[@andreaarchambeau9499]

Scams are all over. Used to see a “nun” in front of a popular department store. She was very vocal and believable… until. On a weekend I was returning an item and overheard someone questioning her about her church and order etc. He then very astutely pointed out that it was Sunday. Years of seeing this woman, it never registered that she was working this place, very lucrative spot, every day. She disappeared after that brief interrogation never to be seen again, at least in that costume.

[@keysersoze3433]

I have read the cocaine offered for sale in Bexia in Lisbon is pretty low quality

[@Notimp0rtant523]

Great video Mark. Question for you: particularly in Germany but in Europe in general, how frequently do you need ID out and about? If I'm leaving my passport at the hotel, will they accept a copy presented with my state driver license (note: my state license IS reciprocated by Germany)? Thanks again Mark, killing it as always!

[@as-tm7np]

I visited Berlin recently and did not have to show ID to anybody at pubs or restaurants. I am 30 and look it. Germany is not so strict with alcohol compared to the USA or even the UK. I don't think you will need to carry your passport. Nightclubs may be different as they are often checking for unwelcome people rather than your age. If you're refused, there's always another place to go

[@Notimp0rtant523]

@@as-tm7np thank you for the response

[@dr.perfectsmile4175]

I lived in 5 different European countries (well, still do in the 6-th one), the only time my ID is required is when I take the plane, rent a car and sometimes at hotels check in .Be aware of leaving your staff in hotel rooms, years ago my mother had money stolen in a 5* hotel in Prague (foreign currency, not €, not Czech Coronas), the management was extremely rude and I had to complain up to the head office based in the US.

[@durbodill]

Practically never. As a foreign tourist when you check into a hotel, rent a car. Official stuff like that. Other than that, no one will ask for your ID.

[@davehenderson6125]

@@dr.perfectsmile4175 Was the money in her luggage or was it locked in the hotel room's safe? I've often wondered whether hotel staff have override codes for those things.

[@Solo-vh9fm]

I nearly fell for the petition and the bracelet scam. At least I got a free bracelet though and didn’t pay anything. Also had my bag nearly took off me twice. One in Dublin when a man was running towards me and once in Amsterdam when a couple tried to open my bag

[@davidcanfield786]

To avoid pick pockets I use a secure travel cross-body bag. Zipper pockets that clip shut, cut proof strap, and the strap can be clipped to your table or chair with the attached carabiner while eating. Mine is from Travelon (no, I'm not getting endorsed by the company 😅)

[@willileo2373]

There’s a series of videos ask celebrities “What do you do for living?” I really want to ask you this question sir lol

[@alkoyyy]

He's a university professor

[@BillAngelos]

I live overseas and I had a waiter at a restaurant that was "nice" and put the bill in dollars, and I didn't realize it until I approved it. As you can guess it was a shit conversion rate.

[@PaulGodfrey]

Watch out for the bus ticket scam. You try and buy or stamp your ticket on the bus or tram but you can't. Driver says ticket machine not working but get on anyway just this once. Next stop the ticket inspectors get on and ticket machine is suddenly working again and driver flat denies telling you to get on without a ticket. Sometimes it is out and out scam others driver just trying to avoid a telling off. Either way could cost you a lot of money. Seen this in Strasbourg and Amsterdam. If you can't buy a ticket I would quickly get off that bus.

[@hamishmackinnon2231]

Not every European country has a problem with scammers and beggars. I've visited Amsterdam twice, for five days on both occasions, and never once did I see anyone begging on the streets. Nor was I ever harassed by anyone trying to scam me. The Netherlands is a very safe country, where there is very little crime. The European countries where you need to be wary - or perhaps should avoid- are France, southern and eastern Europe. Or, to be more precise, the larger cities in these countries. I also rather suspect that you won't get much trouble in low season, when the scammers, beggars and other criminals aren't so active, as there's far less easy pickings to be had. I'll also admit that, here in the UK, there is a massive problem with people begging on the streets, of most large cities.And from what I hear, crime is a huge problem in London.

[@keithrowe4317]

Mark, any UK scams for me to watch out for this Fall, specifically England & Ireland??! Thanks, Cheers 😎👍🇨🇦

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

If you search "UK Scams Wolters World" we have a video on UK specifically. A few less than than what is in this list

[@keithrowe4317]

@@WoltersWorldShorts Thanks A Million, Greatly Appreciated!😎👍🇨🇦

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

@@keithrowe4317 no problem. i'm signed in with my shorts acount so look on the normal Wolters World channel, not this shorts channel. have a great trip!

[@kennyworth007]

Be careful in Dublin. Lots of feral junkies all over the place.

[@as-tm7np]

I have lived in London. The only scam I've seen is the shell game. When I was 10 years ago I fell for the 'attach something to my body and charge me for it scam'. If someone tries to stop you on the street - do not engage.

[@BigTInTheMorning]

I was with a group of 4 in Campo Di Fiore in Rome and the “deals” at restaurants can be very tricky. The deal was order drinks and get free appetizers so 3/4 of us ordered alcoholic beverages and 1 ordered bottled water and the bill came and they charged us all for the appetizers because the one person didn’t order alcohol. Not sure if a scam, but just a caution to be very careful on how some of the restaurant deals work.

[@pfranks75]

There is nothing for free. If someone tries to hustle you ignore them and walk away. I carry my drivers license and credit card in my bra. Before I travel I go to the local bank and get some Euro’s.

[@JodyOwen-we6oo]

Good to know. I’m going with siblings and my mother, some of whom don’t drink. Have to remember that.

[@maginng]

Too many "....and stuff like that.."

[@woltersworld]

It's a gift I have

[@monikafitzjohn329]

In New Orleans it was the whole "hey I like your shoes. Where did you get them." we just kept walking and ignoring them just saying thanks to be polite

[@AS-oz6ep]

Got scammed by a restaurant in Vienna "Plachuttas Gasthaus zur Oper" where they added an extra charge to my bill. Caveat emptor.

[@andretavares5424]

nobody does anything against it. It looks like the authorities get a share of these scammers income. I see the guys from "honest guide channel" trying to clean their city from this kind of people, and the police does absolutely nothing.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, great video and awesome tips.

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

Thanks Tobi! Hope you are doing well