Thwarting the touts, con artists and fleecers

A simple tip, but one which can greatly reduce the hassle of dealing with those who are out to exploit the tourist. In many cities around the world, some residents will view you as a money-making opportunity, either through legitimate selling, or through fraud. If you are pestered by someone trying to sell you something, show you something, or advise you of something (for a fee), you don't have to show interest, but you also don't have to be rude. Indicate in a good-natured way that it's not your first visit to the country (even if it is). Tell them it's your fifth visit, you've seen all the sights, bought all the souveniers, and you're just in the country visiting your girlfriend / boyfriend, or that you're working in the city. They'll usually appreciate that they're probably flogging a dead horse; what's more, a dead horse who's probably wise to all the ruses. I've done this in Havana and Bangkok (places I have genuinely visited on several occaisions, so I haven't even needed to lie), and they soon realise they are wasting their time and leave you alone - I don't need to visit yet another cigar factory (Cuba) or gem factory (Thailand), because I've already been there, done that and bought the teashirt!

View more tips like this:

• City
• cons
• crime
• Cuba
• Thailand
• tourists
• touts