Book lodgings and transfers only on platforms that list a verifiable business phone, a registration or tax ID, and multiple guest photos; confirm the exact street address with Google Street View and ask for a live video walkthrough before any deposit is taken.
Pay with a credit card that supports chargebacks or use a virtual card number for single-use charges; refuse to wire funds, send cash, or use cryptocurrency for deposits over $100 – vendors demanding those methods are high-risk.
Verify any vendor URL and email sender: check the HTTPS padlock and click the certificate to confirm the registered organization, run a WHOIS lookup for domain age (less than 6 months increases suspicion), and search the phone number plus “complaint” or “review” for corroborating reports.
For airport pickups and private drivers, require the driver’s licence, vehicle plate number and a recent photo; compare the plate with the arriving vehicle, confirm via the operator’s official app or phone number, and cancel if the driver arrives without prior verification.
Use ATMs attached to bank branches only; inspect for loose card slots and unusual overlays, cover the keypad while entering PIN, set low daily cash limits before departure and enable transaction alerts so any unexpected charge triggers an immediate block.
Enable two-factor authentication on booking and banking accounts and save screenshots of confirmation pages, transaction IDs and receipts; keep timestamps and the exact URL for any disputed purchase – these items reduce resolution time with issuers and platforms.
Purchase trip insurance that explicitly covers supplier bankruptcy, cancellations and fraud-related losses; read the policy section on non-refundable deposits and keep the insurer’s emergency phone number and your policy ID in a separate file.
If you detect fraud, immediately freeze the card, file a dispute with the issuer citing transaction IDs and timestamps, report to the booking platform with evidence, and file a local police report; most card disputes require submission within 30–60 days of the charge.
Verify accommodation listings and host identity before you book or pay
Require platform-verified ID and a live video walkthrough showing interior, exterior, street signs and a current timestamp before sending funds.
Run a reverse image search (Google Images or TinEye) on every listing photo; identical images on multiple sites or stock-photo matches indicate fraud. Confirm listing creation date and review history–listings under one month old with few or no guest photos merit caution. Compare nightly rates with at least three nearby, similar-size properties; a price more than ~30% below the local median is a strong red flag.
Cross-check the listed address on Google Maps Street View and municipal property records where available; verify unit number, building façade and access points match the photos. Search the exact listing title and descriptions across other platforms–duplicate descriptions posted under different host names often signal copycat listings.
Keep all communication inside the booking platform and insist on platform-secured payment methods. Decline requests for bank transfers, cash, wire services, gift cards, or cryptocurrency; those are unrecoverable outside platform protections. Request a formal invoice showing the host’s legal name and contact details before paying.
Ask the host three verification questions that require real-time proof: show a government ID with face visible next to today’s paper date; perform a live pan of the unit including locks and keys; and display the building’s entryway and street sign. Record the short video within the platform chat if allowed, or note the time and file name for your records.
Checklist for final go/no-go decision
Verified ID present; live video walkthrough completed; photos match Street View and property records; price within ~30% of comparable listings; reviews include recent guest photos and specific details; all payments and messages remain on the platform; official invoice or registration provided.
Use prepaid cards and keep a separate emergency cash stash
Load a prepaid multi-currency card with $200–$400 and hide an emergency cash stash of $100–$200 split into two concealed locations before departure.
Choose a card with clear fee tables: currency conversion markup under 1.5%, ATM withdrawal fee ≤ 2% after a free monthly allowance, and a replacement-card fee under $30. Prefer Visa or Mastercard networks for widest acceptance and EMV chip support for better protection.
Register the card with a photo ID, set daily ATM and POS limits (e.g., $300–$500 withdrawals, $1,000 POS), enable instant push or SMS transaction alerts, and store the issuer’s international emergency phone and policy number both in your phone and on a paper copy inside the emergency cash stash.
Split funds: primary card balance for routine payments; secondary prepaid card or low-fee debit for backups; emergency cash split between a discreet money belt and a luggage-safe hidden pocket. Never store the card PIN with the card.
If a card is lost or stolen: block it immediately via the issuer app, use the emergency cash stash for 24–72 hours of expenses, call the card’s emergency line and request an emergency replacement or cash pickup service (many issuers offer same-day or 24–48 hour options). File a local police report if fraud exceeds $100 and keep the report number for issuer disputes.
| Trip length | Prepaid card preload (USD) | Emergency cash stash (USD) | Suggested split |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 days | $150–$250 | $50–$100 | Primary card + cash 60/40 |
| 4–7 days | $250–$400 | $100–$150 | Primary card, backup card, cash 50/50 |
| 8–14 days | $400–$800 | $150–$300 | Primary card, secondary card, cash 60/40 |
Typical fee benchmarks to compare before buying:
| Feature | Typical range | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | Free up to $200/month, then 0.5%–3% or $1–$5 flat | Check free-withdrawal thresholds and partner ATM networks |
| Currency conversion markup | 0%–2% | Some issuers use mid-market rate + small fee during weekends |
| Card reload | Bank transfer $0–$5; card top-up 0%–2% | Use low-fee bank transfers where possible |
| Replacement / emergency cash | $0–$50; 24–48 hours for pickup | Confirm emergency pickup locations and timelines before departure |
Test the card at an ATM and a small POS purchase in your home country to confirm PIN and chip functionality. Keep one photocopy of card front/back and issuer contact details inside the emergency cash stash; store the live card number and CVV offline in a secure password manager, not written next to the card.
Confirm ride requests by matching app details to license plate and driver photo
Verify the app-displayed license plate and driver photo match the car and person before opening the door.
Step-by-step checks
License plate: Read the full plate shown in the app and compare every character to the vehicle’s plate. If the app only shows partial digits, confirm the last 3–4 characters match. Stand ~2 m / 6 ft away until the plate and car color/model are confirmed.
Driver identity: Verify the in-app driver photo matches the face of the person at the vehicle. Ask the driver to state the exact name shown in the app or show their app profile on their phone; decline entry if the person cannot produce that match.
Vehicle details: Check make, model, color and any app-listed decals (ride-share stickers or company logos). If the vehicle lacks the listed identifying marks, do not enter.
Use app confirmation tools: Activate and use any on-trip PIN or verification code the service offers; request that the driver read the PIN displayed in your app. Send an in-app message or call the driver to confirm plate and arrival time when visibility is poor.
Actions when details differ
If plate, photo or vehicle details do not match: cancel the booking, take a screenshot of the app screen, photograph the vehicle from a safe distance, and report the mismatch through the app’s support/report option immediately. If the driver pressures you or behaves aggressively, move to a populated area and call local emergency services.
Quick checklist: full plate match, driver photo match, make/model/color match, PIN/code verified, cancel + report if any mismatch.
Vet local tours: request licenses, a physical office address, and recent guest photos
Request the operator’s licence number, issuing agency, legal company name and expiry date, then verify those details with the issuing authority before any payment.
- Documentation to request:
- Licence scan showing issuing agency seal and expiry.
- Public liability insurance policy number and insurer contact.
- Business registration (registration number or VAT/Tax ID) matching the trading name.
- How to verify a licence:
- Search the issuing authority’s public register (municipal tourism office, state business registry, national tourism board).
- Call the issuing agency using its official phone number (not the number the operator provides) and confirm licence details.
- Check company registration records (e.g., Companies House in the UK, Secretary of State business search in US states).
- Confirm a physical office:
- Ask for the full street address and unit number; verify on Google Maps and Street View for signage and a real storefront.
- Call the listed telephone, note whether a professional greeting mentions the company name, and ask to speak with the guide or bookings manager.
- Request a short live video of the office entrance or a photo with today’s date visible (clock or newspaper) if Street View is inconclusive.
- Assess recent guest photos:
- Ask for original, uncompressed photos from recent departures or links to dated social posts (Instagram/Facebook) that show multiple guest angles.
- Use reverse image search (images.google.com) to detect stock or recycled images used by multiple operators.
- Check photo metadata when available (EXIF) for capture date and GPS coordinates; if stripped, request corroborating social-media timestamps or named guest testimonials.
- Payment and paperwork:
- Prefer card payments that can be disputed (merchant processing) and request a detailed invoice on company letterhead with company registration and VAT/tax ID.
- Keep all receipts, licence screenshots and message threads until after the activity is completed.
- Red flags to act on:
- No licence or refusal to provide verification documents.
- Only a mobile number and no verifiable street address or business registration.
- Photos that appear generic, repeatedly posted elsewhere, or lack date/context.
Authoritative source: ABTA consumer advice – https://www.abta.com/consumer-advice/
Protect payments: prefer card transactions, obtain receipts, and check refund policies
Use a credit card for any purchase over $50; credit cards offer chargeback pathways and limit exposure to your bank account compared with debit or cash payments.
Card selection and transaction rules
Use EMV chip or contactless tap when available; refuse magnetic-stripe swipes. Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and opt to be billed in the merchant’s local currency so your card issuer applies the currency conversion. Enable real-time SMS or push alerts and set a daily authorization limit (example: $500) to spot unauthorized activity immediately. Prefer virtual single-use card numbers for online bookings and recurring vendors; set expiration to the booking date plus 7 days.
Avoid wire transfers, prepaid cash vouchers, and cryptocurrency for unknown vendors; these lack dispute mechanisms. Keep at least one backup credit card from a different network (Visa/Mastercard/Amex) in a separate location in case one card is blocked.
Receipts, records and refund actions
Obtain an itemized receipt that includes: merchant legal name, address or website, phone, transaction ID/authorization code, date/time, last 4 card digits, VAT/tax breakdown and any cancellation or restocking fee stated as a percentage. Photograph every paper receipt and upload copies to cloud storage within 24 hours; keep originals until the refund/dispute is fully resolved. Retain booking confirmations, screenshots of refund terms, and any email or chat with merchant for at least 90 days.
Request the merchant’s written refund policy before paying: exact refund method (original payment only), processing window (ask for days, e.g., 5–14 business days), and any fees. If a merchant promises a refund, obtain an authorization/reference number and a timestamped email. If a refund has not posted after 14 business days, contact your card issuer to initiate a dispute; in the U.S., file billing error notices within 60 days of the statement under the Fair Credit Billing Act and check issuer-specific dispute windows (many accept up to 120 days).
Secure personal data – VPN, Wi‑Fi auto‑connect off, share itineraries
Use a paid VPN with an audited no‑logs policy, WireGuard or OpenVPN, AES‑256 encryption, TLS 1.3, a kill switch and DNS‑leak protection. Connect the VPN before opening any browser or app that transmits personal info; confirm protection at ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com. Verify the provider handles IPv6 (if not, disable IPv6 on your device). Enable automatic reconnect and set split tunneling only for trusted local services (printer, NAS) to reduce latency. Avoid free VPNs that lack audits or show ads; typical safe choices offer independent audits, multi‑hop options and documented privacy policies.
Turn off Wi‑Fi auto‑connect and stop joining open networks automatically. iOS: Settings → Wi‑Fi → tap network → Auto‑Join: Off; Settings → Wi‑Wi → Ask to Join Networks: set to Ask. Android (stock/most OEMs): Settings → Network & internet → Wi‑Fi → Wi‑preferences → disable Connect to open networks; Settings → Network & internet → Wi‑Fi → Saved networks → select network → Auto‑connect: Off. Windows 10/11: Settings → Network & internet → Wi‑Fi → Manage known networks → select → toggle Connect automatically: Off. macOS (Ventura+): System Settings → Wi‑Fi → Advanced → uncheck Auto‑join for saved networks. Forget public hotspots after use, switch off Wi‑Fi when not needed, and prefer cellular tethering or a personal hotspot for sensitive transactions.
Share a concise, encrypted itinerary with one or two trusted contacts and set a check‑in schedule. Include full flight/train numbers, booking references, accommodation name + address + phone, reservation codes, local emergency numbers and copies of ID pages (send encrypted files or password‑protected ZIP with AES‑256). Use end‑to‑end encrypted apps (Signal) or a secure shared vault (Bitwarden/1Password) with time‑limited access links; avoid posting route or dates on social feeds. Provide a primary contact who holds keys/extra documents and a secondary contact for backup; request check‑ins at arrival to accommodation and every 48 hours thereafter or immediately after any plan change. Keep one offline printed copy at home with a trusted person and update shared copies when reservations change.
Questions and Answers:
How can I verify a short-term rental or hotel listing is legitimate before I pay?
Check the listing across multiple trusted platforms and on the property’s official website if one exists. Compare photos, address details and host or hotel contact information—call the phone number listed on the hotel’s official site rather than a number in the ad. Look up recent guest reviews on independent sites and read several recent entries, not just the highlighted ones. Use map services to confirm the location and street-level imagery where available. Ask the host or hotel for proof of identity or business registration and request recent, unedited photos of the exact unit. Pay with a credit card or through a reputable booking platform that holds funds in escrow and offers dispute resolution; avoid wire transfers, cash-only deals and requests to pay through unfamiliar payment apps. Keep all receipts, confirmation emails and screenshots; these help if you need to dispute charges.
What taxi or airport transport scams should I watch out for and how do I avoid them?
Common tricks include drivers charging a flat rate far above the meter, saying the meter is broken, taking a longer route, or offering an unmarked vehicle outside the official taxi rank. At terminals, avoid drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall with a very low quote or who claim your prebooked ride isn’t available. Use the official taxi desk at the airport or prebook a transfer with a recognized company. If you use a ride-hail app, match the car’s plate and driver photo before getting in and pay through the app when possible. If taking a meter taxi, confirm the meter will be used and ask for a printed receipt at the end. Keep small bills for correct change and note the vehicle number if you need to report a problem. If a driver pressures you or refuses to follow the agreed route, get out in a safe, busy area and report the incident to airport staff or local authorities.
I was offered a very cheap guided city tour by someone on the street—how can I check if the tour operator is legitimate and avoid being pressured into paying upfront?
Ask for identification, a business card, and a license or permit if the city requires one for guides. Request the operator’s company name and a website or third-party listing where you can read independent reviews. Call the number on the business’s official listing rather than relying solely on the person who approached you. Ask detailed questions about the itinerary, total duration, group size, languages spoken, meeting point and refund or cancellation rules. Legitimate operators will give clear answers and will not pressure you for large upfront sums; prefer paying by credit card or via a reputable booking platform that records the transaction. If the guide insists on full cash payment immediately, offers unusually high discounts, or responds aggressively to questions, walk away. If you’ve already paid and feel scammed, keep any receipts or messages, file a complaint with local tourist information or consumer protection authorities, and contact your card issuer about a possible chargeback. Local tourist offices and online community boards often have lists of licensed guides and verified operators you can use instead of street offers.