7 Common Tourist Scams to Avoid in Bhutan

The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan is located on the lap of the eastern Himalayas and offers spectacular experiences to tourists across the world. Travellers visit this country to encounter the earthly pleasure the place has to offer and collect different souvenirs and ages-old Tibetan crafts. 

Amidst enjoying and exploring the magnificent mountains, tourist scams in Bhutan are a common scenario, like in other countries, and it is important to stay alert. 

Here is a list of the most common tourist scams in Bhutan:

1. Overcharging

It is a common scam in Bhutan, where shopkeepers tend to overcharge for items. This mostly occurs in the handicraft market, where one needs to polish their negotiation or bargaining skills before approaching these shops. 

Generally, the shopkeepers are stubborn; however, visiting the shops when they are opening or closing can be beneficial. 

Common around: Across the country

2. Unauthorised Travel Agents or Companies

Upon entering Bhutan, tourists often hire a travel agent or tour operator to see all the important tourist spots. Many unauthorised travel agents claim to offer a spectacular tour to all the exciting spots in Bhutan and charge in advance for the same. 

However, they eventually don't show up on the actual date, fleeing with the entire money. 

Common around: Thimphu and Phuentsholing

3. Pickpocketing or Theft

Pickpocketing or theft is common everywhere, where scammers look for opportunities to steal your belongings. Hence, keeping a close eye on your valuables, especially cameras or video cameras in crowded or tourist places, is important. 

Moreover, refrain from wearing precious jewellery and keep any of it safely along with other valuables. 

Common around: Across the country.

4. Selling Low-Quality Products

Selling counterfeit or fake products is a popular tourist scam in Bhutan and is mostly carried on by handicrafts and souvenir shop owners. For this reason, purchasing an item after verifying its authenticity or buying it directly from government-accredited handicraft emporiums is important. 

Common around: Shops outside any monasteries, Thimphu, and Phuentsholing

5. Transportation Scam

Transportation scams are mostly prevalent in the actual city area of Thimpu, where taxi drivers refuse to travel by keeping the metre on. Instead, they charge much higher fares for reaching the destination, even if it is situated close to the starting point. 

Common around: Thimphu 

6. Clumsy Joggers

Scammers disguised as joggers often bump into you, pretending the situation is accidental. While you will be distracted by this incident, they will pickpocket your wallet or watch. Many foreign tourists have reported this scam in Bhutan to the authorities, and hence, one must stay alert. 

Common around: Thimphu

7. Pub Scams

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Tourists often visit bars or pubs in Bhutan and order their local drinks without asking for a menu card. This makes the pub take advantage of the situation and overcharge the tourists at the time of bill payment. 

Hence, upon reaching any pub or restaurant in Bhutan, checking the price of food and drinks before making an order is quintessential. 

Common around: Across the country. 

The above-mentioned gist related to the tourist scams in Bhutan creates awareness for the tourists to enjoy their holidays mindfully. To keep oneself safeguarded from different financial setbacks during travelling, obtaining reliable Travel insurance for Bhutan is important.

 In addition to this, here are the following tips to avoid various scams and stay clear of their impact: 

• Before ordering any drinks at the pub or restaurant, be sure to take a thorough look at the menu and check the prices. This will reduce the chances taken by the restaurant authorities of overcharging the tourists. 
• In case you have to hire a taxi instead of Uber, check whether the driver has turned on the metre, and the fare is calculated according to that. Moreover, turn on Google Maps to check whether the driver is not taking the longest route to overcharge. 
• Before buying any branded item from Bhutan, check the authenticity of the product so that you don’t end up buying fake items. 
• While sightseeing at different tourist places in Bhutan, keep a close eye on your personal belongings and valuables to safeguard them from theft or pickpocketing. However, to combat any uncalled situations, getting Travel Insurance that offers financial emergency cash facilities is better. 
• Before choosing a travel operator or agency, check the authenticity of the same or look into the review. Furthermore, you must choose a hotel where your belongings and important documents will be safe. In case of loss of your passport or other essential documents during your staycation in Bhutan, reach out to the Embassy of India, Bhutan. 

To offer a safe environment for tourists, the Government of Bhutan offers myriad assistance and help during emergencies. In addition, upon any crisis or query, tourists from India can contact the Indian Embassy in Bhutan and get credible and comprehensive international travel insurance from a reputed solution provider. 

However, in case of any emergency or any scams in Bhutan, one can call the following hotline numbers, depending on the situation: 

• Embassy of India, Thimphu, Bhutan: +975-2-322162
• Consulate General of India, Phuentsholing, Bhutan: 00975-5-251588 
• Health Help Centre (Medical Emergency): 112
• COVID-19 hotline: 2121
• Disaster Communication Helpline: 999
• Fire: 110
• Electricity: 1250
• Police: 113
• National Commission for Women and Children: 1098
• Financial Services: 1255

So now you know about the common tourist scams in Bhutan and smart ways to combat these frauds. Apart from possessing astounding scenic beauty, Bhutan is considered safe for solo backpackers or travellers. Hence, if you are planning your next trip to Bhutan, spend your days on the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, which is worthy of remembrance.