Currency Conversion Scams This is common when travelling abroad, when offered a chance to pay in your home or local currency, always pay in local currency.
This will help avoid having to cough up conversion charges from the local currency to home currency and then back to local again resulting in enormous fees! Remember, it is your right to choose which currency you choose to pay in and you are within your rights to refuse if any vendor tries to enforce which is also known as "Dynamic Currency Conversion".
There have been instances where the vendor chases the tourist down, however, do not budge and remain firm.
Frequent Flier Miles Redemptions This fee is a total rip-off as you could end up paying anywhere from $20 to $50 to redeem your frequent flier miles.
This totally negates the element of "free travel".
Though you have stayed loyal to your airline, the company slaps you with a surcharge when you try redeeming your frequent flier miles.
One way to avoid this is to choose airlines with transparent terms and conditions.
Also consider switching your loyalty programs to a competitor.
Doing so will not only ensure that you earn free travel; it will also ensure that you are not paying exorbitant fees! The Foreign Exchange Rip-off Changing currency at the airport usually results in a poor exchange rate.
If it sounds unfair, that's because it is.
When ordering large amounts of money, it is really important to ensure you get a good deal.
Start off by having a bit of local currency for emergencies when you arrive at your destination, and exchange foreign currency after heading down-town.
The rates are usually better there.
Also, religiously avoid exchanging money from touts.
Carefully inspect the currency after exchange.
You can always cancel the transaction and demand your money back.
Though confusing at times, withdrawing money from the ATM is usually safe.
Ordering currency at the airport is asking for a poor exchange rate and given the current volatility in currency, it can make a big difference.
Cheap Tour Scams These scams are common in Asia where you get lured into a cheap deal where the operator offers a guided city tour at a ridiculous price! After literally being pushed into a bus, you end up enduring a marathon of pit stops at various locations which apparently are tourist sites! The "operator" gets a hefty commission from these shops! These "tours" are a sheer waste of your time, money and energy for the tourist traps are never ending! The best way to avoid this is simply to book your tours from established operators.
Make sure you check out a few online before making a booking! Hotel Wi-Fi When travelling abroad, getting a bill for Wi-Fi at a hotel seems weird, considering that Internet these days is essential! Although, many hotels have given in and include Internet access in the room rates, there are some hotel chains that still charge astonishing amounts from anywhere between $15 to $30 per day for using Wi-Fi! Some hotel offers free Internet access in public areas.
Consider booking with a hotel that includes free internet in the rack rates! And ensure that you check with the hotel beforehand!