How to Avoid Tourist Scams in Europe
11 November 2026 · GoFlyLo Blog
Millions of tourists visit Europe every year, and almost all of them have a wonderful, safe trip. But in every big tourist city — Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Prague — there are a small number of people who make their living from tourists who do not know the tricks. The good news is that almost every tourist scam is the same trick, repeated in every city. Once you know the five or six common scams, you can spot them in seconds and walk away. This guide shows you the scams, how they work, and exactly what to do.
TL;DR — The Short Version
Most common scams: the friendship bracelet, the petition trick, pickpockets on the metro, the “closed attraction” helper, and overpriced restaurants near the sights.
Golden rule: if a stranger approaches you with a gift, a form or a story, say “no thank you” and keep walking.
Keep your money safe: wallet in a front pocket or money belt, bag across your body, copies of your documents on your phone.
Book smart: use official ticket sites, Klook and Tiqets for tickets, and pre-booked transfers for airport trips.
The Most Common Scams in Europe
The friendship bracelet: someone ties a string bracelet on your wrist and then demands money for it. It happens outside famous sights in Paris, Rome and Barcelona — do not let anyone touch your hand, just say no and keep walking.
The petition trick: someone asks you to sign a petition for a charity, while a second person picks your pocket or your bag. Never stop to sign anything on the street.
The ring trick: someone “finds” a gold ring on the ground and offers it to you, then asks for money. The ring is fake. Just walk away.
The “closed attraction” helper: a friendly stranger tells you the museum or attraction is closed, then offers to take you to a “better” shop or restaurant — where they get a commission and you get overcharged. Attractions are almost never closed without notice: check the official website or ask at your hotel.
Overpriced restaurants: restaurants right next to famous sights often charge double for poor food, with a menu that hides the real prices. Walk two streets away from the sight and the same meal costs half as much. Our Paris guide, Rome guide and Barcelona guide all list the best areas to eat.
Pickpockets — How They Work and How to Stop Them
Pickpockets are the most common tourist problem in Europe, and they work in teams. One person distracts you — bumping into you, asking a question, dropping something — while another takes your wallet or phone. They work in crowded places: metro stations, busy squares, markets, and queues at famous sights.
The metro in Paris, Rome and Barcelona is the most common place it happens.
How to stop them: keep your wallet in a
front pocket, not a back pocket. Wear your bag
across your body, with the opening against you — never a backpack with an open top pocket in a crowd. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket on busy trains. Carry only the cash you need for the day, and keep the rest in the hotel safe.
Keep copies of your documents on your phone and in your email, so a stolen passport is a problem you can fix. And if someone bumps into you or creates a distraction, check your pockets and bag immediately — that is the moment it happens.
Taxis, Tickets and Money — Step by Step
Taxis: only take a taxi from an official taxi rank, or book a transfer before you arrive. At the airport, a pre-booked transfer with Kiwitaxi or GetTransfer costs a fixed price that you pay in advance — no meter tricks, no “the meter is broken”.
If you take a street taxi, check the meter is running. Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal.
Tickets: buy attraction tickets only from the official website, or from trusted ticket sites like Klook and Tiqets. Never buy tickets from a stranger on the street — they are often fake, or already used.
Money: use your card for almost everything and carry only a small amount of cash. Never change money with a person on the street — the rate is always a scam. Count your change in shops and restaurants. And if the worst happens, call your bank at once to block your card, report it to the police, and contact your travel insurance — read our travel insurance guide before you travel, so you know what is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common tourist scam in Europe?
Pickpockets, and distraction tricks like the friendship bracelet and the petition. They happen in crowded places in Paris, Rome, Barcelona and other big cities.
Are taxis in Europe safe?
Official taxis are safe — use a taxi rank or a ride app, and check the meter is running. The safest choice from the airport is a pre-booked transfer with a fixed price.
Should I carry cash in Europe?
Carry a small amount for markets and small cafes, and pay by card for almost everything else. Keep your cash split — some in your wallet, some in a money belt or the hotel safe.
What should I do if I am scammed?
Call your bank at once to block your card, report the theft to the police, and contact your travel insurance. Keep copies of your documents so a stolen passport can be replaced quickly.
Related Guides
Paris Travel Guide · Rome Travel Guide · Barcelona Travel Guide · Kiwitaxi — Full Guide · Travel Insurance Guide
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