10 Common Tourist Scams in Germany & How to Avoid Them

Located in Central Europe, Germany is the second-most populated country in Europe. It stands out for its classic literature, music, art and architecture, sports and iconic festivals. Every year, this country attract millions of tourists with its stunning tourist destinations and delicious cuisine. 

Are you planning a trip to Germany? 

It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dealing with tourist scams in Germany. Keep reading this article for more!

Germany is usually a safe and happening country, always ready to welcome tourists. However, it is important to know about the scams to avoid wasting money or losing any belongings.

Here are some of the most common tourist scams in Germany.

1. Taxi Scam

One of the biggest scams tourists face in Germany is associated with the overcharging of cabs and private vehicles. Tourists have to use taxis when they do not have access to Uber and its alternatives. Most of them do not turn on their meters, and at the end of the trip, they overcharge the riders. 

Common around: Berlin and Stuttgart

2. Airbnb Scam

There have been concerns recently about the possibility of Airbnb scams in different parts of Germany. For instance, fake websites for booking an Airbnb are commonly available, and people might end up losing money by paying in advance. 

Common around: Berlin and Munich

3. Berlin Apartment Scam

If you are planning to rent an apartment during your stay or simply relocate to Germany, beware of the apartment scams in Berlin. Some signs of the scam include lenders sending lengthy emails, not meeting you in person because they live abroad, or offering extremely affordable rent. 

Common around: Berlin

4. ATM Scam

You might find a friendly local when you visit the ATM, offering help to avoid the hassles of local bank fees. However, their real intention is to use a card skimmer to scan your debit card and watch you enter your PIN. 

Otherwise, if you ever face trouble when drawing money from the ATM machine, they will offer help. The purpose is to drain your money later using the debit card details. Stolen credit card scams are also common here. 

Common around: Stuttgart, Munich and Hamburg 

5. Picture Scam

In some rare cases, local scammers approach tourists, requesting them to take their pictures. They hand a camera to the tourist, who takes the picture. Then when he/she returns it to the locals, they drop it on purpose and hassle the tourists, asking for compensation. 

Common around: Berlin, Munich

6. Bar Scam

Going to bars and pubs and making friends with the locals is a common activity for most tourists visiting Germany. However, they might unknowingly be caught up in a scam. Locals might start being overfriendly, ordering food and drinks for the whole group. 

Then, when the bill arrives, they will only chip in minimal amounts, and you will have to pay the lion's share. 

Common around: Berlin, Munich

7. Train Scam

There have been a few instances of scams on the trains. If you are travelling without a ticket or have any other problem, a real train inspector will check your case and provide an option for printing out a penalty notice and paying the fine later. 

A fake inspector, on the other hand, will pressurise to pay an enormous amount of fine on the spot. 

Common around: Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart

8. Bird Poop / Mustard Scam

This is a major pickpocket scam that is commonly seen across Germany. A local walking beside you might accidentally squirt mustard on your shirt or point out a white paste that appears to be bird poop. 

They offer to help you in a friendly manner, and when you accept the help, one of the accomplices secretly steals your belongings. 

Common around: Frankfurt, Bavaria, Hamburg 

9. The Bump Scam

One of the most common types of pickpocketing takes place through a bump with a stranger. You might bump into someone on the street or on public transport, which seems accidental and harmless.

However, after walking for a few blocks, you will notice that your wallet and other belongings are missing from your pocket. In this case, you can seek assistance from your travel insurance that covers delayed or lost baggage. 

Common around: Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt

10. Buskers & Beggars

Across German cities, you will find multiple buskers and beggars asking for money or food. While most of them are harmless and really in need, a few of them can be violent and can do anything to snatch your belongings. Some might engage you in conversations while their companions steal your bag. 

Common around: Across Germany

Now that you know all about tourist scams in Germany, it will be helpful to know some tips to avoid these. In the first place, you must possess Travel Insurance to Germany during your trip to ensure complete financial or accidental coverage in a foreign country. 

Here are a few other tips that can help you avoid tourist scams when visiting Germany:

• When travelling in a taxi in the absence of Uber, always ask the driver to turn on the meter before starting the trip. You should also cross-check the distance using your smartphone's map to prevent the driver from taking longer routes. 

• Use cross-body zippers for all your important belongings, like your phone or wallet. Avoid keeping these in the front pockets. Also, make sure to divide your belongings in different places when walking. Having Travel Insurance that covers cash emergency is always important to seek help if you get robbed in a foreign country. 

• Always go for ATMs in reputable banks to avoid taking help from a stranger in an ATM. If the ATM does not work even then, visit the bank and discuss your problem instead of seeking help from a stranger. 

• Avoid agreeing to drinks with a group of locals. Consider going out with people you know. If you plan to meet strangers, make sure to suggest a bar or pub that you are familiar with or check the menu in advance to know the prices. 

• Always keep your train tickets handy, and avoid any offers from the inspector regarding purchasing cheaper tickets. Ask them for a penalty notice to pay fines later. 

• Make sure to keep your important documents in safe places, and do not wander the country with them. If you lose your passport even then, you can seek help from the Indian Embassy offices in Germany. 

When travelling in Germany, the best way to report any trouble is by contacting the police. You can get in touch with German Police by calling on 110. Here are a few other resources and important contact details that will come in handy when you are facing any kind of emergency in Germany:

• Out-of-Hours Medical Care: 116 117

• Non-Emergency Police Contact: +49 (0) 40 4286-50

• Fire: 112

• Child and Adolescent/Teen Emergency Services: +49 (0)40 428490

• Lost & Found: +49 (0)40 428113501

• Embassy of India in Berlin: +49-30-25795-0

• Consulate General of India in München: +49-89-2102390

• Consulate General of India in Frankfurt: +49-69-153-0050, +49-69-15300510

Hopefully, that helped you understand some of the most common and concerning tourist scams in Germany. Before planning a trip to this country, make sure to go through these and prepare yourself to avoid falling victim to these scams. This way, you can enjoy a perfect holiday in the beautiful cities of Germany.