How to Avoid Scams While Visiting Kerala: 7 Essential Tips
for a Safe Trip
Introduction
Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a
traveler’s paradise with its breathtaking backwaters, sprawling tea
plantations, and rich cultural heritage. It’s no wonder that this southern
Indian state attracts millions of tourists every year. However, like any
popular tourist destination, Kerala is not without its challenges, particularly
when it comes to scams targeting unsuspecting travelers. To make your trip
stress-free and enjoyable, it’s essential to understand the types of scams that
can occur and how to avoid them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to
avoid scams while visiting Kerala and provide practical tips to ensure you have
a safe and memorable experience.
Kerala tourist scams
1. Be Wary of Overly Friendly Locals
While Kerala is known for its hospitable people, scammers
sometimes take advantage of this reputation by using excessive friendliness as
a tactic to deceive tourists. These individuals may strike up a casual
conversation, offer unsolicited help, or insist on guiding you around. While it
may seem harmless, their goal is often to lure you into overpriced restaurants,
shops, or subpar services where they can earn commissions from the owners.
Key Tip: It’s important to trust your instincts. If someone
approaches you with offers of help, especially in crowded tourist areas, kindly
decline and rely on official sources for assistance. Tourist information
centers, hotel staff, or licensed guides are reliable options for genuine help.
Always verify the credentials of anyone offering you a service, no matter how
friendly they may appear.
2. Verify Transportation Services
Getting around Kerala, especially in popular tourist areas
like Kochi, Munnar, or Alleppey, is relatively easy thanks to taxis,
auto-rickshaws, and public transport. However, transportation scams are one of
the most common ways tourists can be cheated. Some drivers might not use the
meter, take longer routes, or claim your destination is closed, offering to
take you to another place where they get a commission.
Key Tip: Always use licensed taxis or reliable ride-hailing
apps like Uber or Ola to avoid being overcharged. When using auto-rickshaws,
insist on using the meter or agree on a price before the ride starts. If you're
unsure about the fare, ask your hotel staff for an estimate beforehand. For
longer trips, consider hiring a driver through a reputable agency or your
accommodation to ensure safety and avoid scams.
3. Be Careful with Currency Exchange
Currency exchange scams are another issue that can affect
tourists in Kerala. Some unauthorized vendors may offer lower exchange rates
or, worse, hand out counterfeit currency. This can happen at street-side stalls
or small shops, where tourists are often targeted.
Key Tip: Stick to exchanging money at authorized currency
exchange centers, banks, or ATMs. ATMs in major cities are generally reliable,
but make sure to use machines located in secure areas, such as inside banks or
well-lit shopping centers. Compare exchange rates online or at different banks
before making large exchanges, and always ask for a receipt to ensure
transparency.
4. Inspect Accommodation and Service Quality
Kerala offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious
houseboats to budget-friendly hostels. However, some accommodations may not
live up to their advertised standards, with misleading photos or exaggerated
descriptions luring travelers into substandard lodgings. Scammers might also
trick you into booking accommodations that don’t exist or are vastly different
from what was advertised.
Key Tip: Before booking any accommodation, it’s crucial to
do thorough research. Use reputable travel websites like Booking.com, Agoda, or
Airbnb, where reviews from verified guests are available. Pay attention to both
positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view of the property. If
the price seems too low or the offer too good to be true, it might be a red
flag. Additionally, if possible, visit the property in person before finalizing
your booking, especially if you’re already in Kerala.
5. Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Deals that seem too good to pass up—whether they involve
cheap tours, discounted souvenirs, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences—are often
scams. Scammers may offer incredibly low-priced tours that turn out to be
disorganized, or they may try to sell you fake souvenirs at inflated prices,
hoping you won’t notice until it’s too late.
Key Tip: Before making any purchases, do your homework.
Research the typical prices for tours, activities, and goods. For tours, it’s
best to book through reputable tour operators or your hotel. For souvenirs,
visit multiple shops to compare prices before making a decision. If someone is
pressuring you into a quick sale, walk away. Legitimate businesses will allow
you to take your time and compare prices.
6. Keep Personal Information Secure
In the age of the internet, scammers can also target
tourists by trying to steal personal information, such as credit card details,
passport numbers, or other sensitive data. This can happen through phishing
websites, fraudulent booking platforms, or even during face-to-face
transactions.
Key Tip: When booking accommodations, tours, or
transportation online, ensure the website is secure. Look for “https” in the
website URL and avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured connections.
If you’re making a payment in person, make sure you’re dealing with a
legitimate business. Keep copies of your important documents, such as your
passport, in a secure place and don’t hand over personal information unless
absolutely necessary.
7. Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect that you’ve been scammed or encounter
suspicious behavior while in Kerala, it’s important to report it. Not only can
this help you resolve the issue, but it also protects future tourists from
falling victim to the same scam. Local authorities, tourist police, or even
your country’s embassy can be helpful in these situations.
Key Tip: Always keep a record of any suspicious encounters,
including names, addresses, or transaction details. When reporting a scam,
provide as much information as possible to help local authorities take action.
If you’ve been scammed online, consider reporting the incident to your bank to
block any fraudulent transactions. Sharing your experience on travel forums or
review sites can also help other tourists avoid similar situations.
Additional Scams to Watch Out For in Kerala
Apart from the most common scams, here are a few more
specific scams tourists should be aware of in Kerala:
Ayurvedic Treatment Scams: Kerala is famous for its
Ayurvedic treatments, but not all establishments are legitimate. Some places
may offer low-cost treatments with subpar or even harmful oils and herbs.
Always choose recognized Ayurvedic centers or ask for recommendations from
locals or trusted travel guides.
Temple Donation Scams: In tourist-heavy temple areas, you
might be approached by individuals asking for donations. They may present
themselves as temple workers, but often the money does not go to the temple.
Only donate at official temple counters if you wish to contribute.
Fake Spice Shops: Kerala is known for its spices, and many
tourists purchase spices as souvenirs. However, some unscrupulous vendors sell
fake or low-quality spices at high prices. Buy spices from government-approved
shops or well-known markets.
Conclusion
Kerala is a beautiful and culturally rich destination, but
as with any popular tourist area, scams can be an unfortunate reality. However,
by staying informed and following these tips on how to avoid scams while
visiting Kerala, you can protect yourself and fully enjoy everything the state
has to offer. Remember to be cautious, research your options, and always verify
the authenticity of services and products. With these precautions in mind,
you’ll have a safe, enjoyable, and scam-free trip to Kerala!
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