Scams to which tourists should be careful in the big European cities. What is the method of “gold ring”

Although Europe is a fairly safe tourist destination, some cities are famous for pocket thieves and scams that take advantage of tourists. Gamintraveler has made a list of European cities where tourists are most afraid of scams, but also offers tips to stay safe during the trip.

In Barcelona, ​​many pocket thieves

According to Gaminttraveler, in Barcelona, ​​one of the most visited cities in Spain, pocket thieves are found in large numbers such as the street in Rambla, the most popular street in Barcelona, ​​the Sagrada Familia Cathedral or Güell Park.

Here, most pocket theft, petitions or false surveys are practiced to distract tourists, but also the sale of “friendship bracelets”. Therefore, the publication recommends tourists to wear anti-type backpacks and avoid holding valuables in their pockets.

In Paris the “gold ring” method is practiced

In Paris, the capital of France and one of the most visited cities in the world, it is also an attraction for pocket thieves, due to the large agglomeration of tourists. The areas preferred by them are at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum or the Sacré-Cœur church.

Here, tourists are fooled by the “gold ring” method, in which a person claims to have found a ring and presses the tourist to buy it. Tourists can also meet false monks who demand donations, but also scams that offer them art “for free”, forcing them to pay.

Therefore, the cited source recommends tourists to be alert in crowded areas and avoid holding valuables in their pockets.

In Rome, street artists should be avoided

In Rome, another intense city visited in Europe, pocket thieves prefer to stay in areas such as Coloseum, Vatican or Fontana di Trevi.

Here, the most common scams are the selling aggressively and at an absurd price of souvenirs, false gladiators who ask for money on unclear to tourists, but also pocket thieves waiting in bus or subway stations.

Therefore, best for tourists would be to keep the distance to costume artists, to be much more attentive to those around the means of transport and to avoid walking with large cash.

In Prague, locals ask for money to provide directions

Arriving in Prague, the most favorite places of scammers are the old center of the Czech capital, the Charles Bridge and the Fortress of Prague. The most common scams are foreign currency exchanges or false banknotes, taxi drivers asking exaggerated amounts and locals who ask for money.

Therefore, it is advisable to use ATMs to remove the money they need, use ridesharing applications such as Bolt or Uber and check for prices before making purchases.

In Venice are fake gondoliers

In Venice, another intense Italian city visited by tourists, where the authorities were forced to impose taxes to control the number of visitors, labyrinthine streets, full of tourists, are the favorite places of the scams.

Here, the most common scams are false or gondoliers who require absurd amounts for a walk, “menus for tourists” where prices are higher and pocket thieves through water buses (vaporetto).

That is why, best for tourists would be agreeing to a price before gondola embarrassing, checking if there are hidden fees in the restaurant menus before ordering and keeping their goods when they use public transport.

In Budapest, locals invite tourists to bars where prices are swollen

Another very visited European city is Budapest, where the scams prefer to stay around attractions such as Buda or the thermal bath Széchenyi. The most common scams are the perception of exaggerated races for taxi, friendly locals who invite tourists in bars where prices are swollen, but also pocket thieves in crowded areas.

Therefore, tourists are advised to use ridesharing applications, refuse unsolicited invitations in bars and be careful in crowded areas.

In Florence, tourists receive jewelry or flowers on “free”, after which they are forced to pay

Arriving again at an Italian city, this time Florence, here the scams and thieves prefer to stay in the area of ​​attractions such as the Uffizi, Ponte Vechio or Cathedral of Florence.

The most common methods of deception are the sold of trinkets at exaggerated prices, street artists or beggars who distract tourists while their goods and people who offer jewelry or flowers are stolen, after which they are forced to pay them.

Therefore, best for tourists would be to take care of goods in crowded areas and avoid interactions with street sellers.

In Lisbon, false drug dealers

In the capital of Portugal, the favorite areas of the scammers are Alfama or Belem, but also the famous 28 tram line.

Here, the most often practicing pockets are practiced in the means of transport, the surcharge of travel with the tuk-tuk, but there are also false drugs that concern tourists especially.

And here, tourists are warned to take care of goods, avoid races with tuk-tuk and refuse unsolicited offers.

In Athens there are fake tourist guides

In Athens, one of the most visited cities in Greece, scams prefer to stay in areas that attract the most tourists, such as Athens Acropolis or Plaka neighborhood.

Here, taxi drivers can go on longer routes or do not start the toll, restaurants perceive exaggerated prices, especially for seafood and there are fake tourist guides that offer unofficial services.

Therefore, best for tourists is to book trips through legitimate companies, check prices in restaurants and avoid insistent sellers.

In Amsterdam, hidden fees for bicycle rental

In Amsterdam, the most preferred areas of fraudsters are the Red neighborhood, museums or means of transport. The most common scams are hidden taxes for renting bicycles, pocket theft in Dam Square and sold fake tickets at museums.

Therefore, it is advisable to rent bicycles from companies with a reputation, to buy tickets online or from the official location for different attractions and to keep the goods in sight and safe.