18 Common Tourist Scams to Avoid in Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful country and one of the popular travel destinations around the world. This country boasts remarkable historical and cultural attractions that speak volumes about the rich history and culture of the place. Nepal is a safe country. However, no country is devoid of crime, as you will always find a few people with different intentions. 

However, it is always ideal to learn about frauds and scams before visiting this country to prevent yourself from falling prey to them. So to remain cautious, learn about the common tourist scams in Nepal and know the tricks to avoid them.

Below is a list of 18 tourist scams in Nepal you must know about when visiting this country:

1. City Guide Scams

One of the most popular tourist scams in Nepal is the city guide scam. It includes a fake guide compelling you to hire him. As you hire him, he will persuade you to shop at places he has connections with rather than take you through popular tourist spots that he promised initially. 

If you purchase a product from the shop at a high price, this guide earns a handsome commission.

Common Around: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Palan, Nagarkot, Bhakatpur and Lumbini.

2. Airport Scam

This scam is prevalent in airport areas. You will notice a person waiting at the airport area, compelling you to communicate with them. Suddenly another person approaches you to help you with your luggage. They claim they are from the tour company, and then, they charge a tip.

Common Around: Kathmandu, Lukla, Pokhara, and Janakpur.

3. Payment Scams

Be mindful when paying by credit/debit card. Ensure that the shopkeeper enters the amount you have agreed to pay for the items during the transaction. At a shop or any other place, scammers will charge you a payment and enter some additional amount unnecessarily.

Common Around: Throughout the country, especially in the significant tourist spots.

4. Hotel Scam

Hotel scam is another popular tourist scam in Nepal where often hoteliers tend to cancel the online booking without a refund by saying there was some error. They say you will find rooms available when you arrive at the hotel. 

As you arrive at the hotel, you are compelled to pay additional charges.

Common Around: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini and Nagarkot.

5. Trekking Scam

Several hostels, hotels and homestays offer exciting trekking packages in Nepal. However, most are unethical and illegal and do not have the licence to conduct these activities. For trekking, a proper service provider can help you with the right trek insurance and medical evacuation as and when required.

Common Around: Thamel area in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara.

6. Beggar Scams

One of the most dangerous scams in Nepal, you will find many fake beggars trying to scam you for money in Nepal. You will find a mother with a kid asking for money so she can feed her baby with milk. 

If you agree to this gesture, they will take you to the market, buy expensive milk powder, and later return it to the shop and get half the money back for themselves.

Common Around: Thamel in Kathmandu and Lake Side in Pokhara.

7. Cab Driver Scams

Taxi overcharging is another popular scam in Nepal. As you take a taxi from the airport or want to visit some tourist spots, they will charge you exorbitant rates by taking you through long routes. 

Most also have their taxi meters down, claiming that they are non-functional.

Common Around: Throughout Nepal, especially in the airport areas and popular tourist spots.

8. Currency Scams

As you purchase products from any shops in Nepal, while paying via credit card, check the amount you agreed to pay for the things you have purchased. All the shops will enter the conversion rate in Nepalese currency. 

Therefore, always calculate the conversion before paying.

Common Around: Most supermarket areas in Nepal.

9. Fake Products/Counterfeit Goods

You will notice several fake brands while shopping in supermarkets in Nepal. Be cautious when purchasing branded items, as you will find that products of top brands are sold all around local markets in Nepal. 

Moreover, several shops in and around the local markets sell fake Nepalese knives, wood carvings, thanka paintings, etc. They will charge you higher prices claiming all of these are original and branded.

Common Around: Bhouddhanath Area, Bhat-Bhateni Super Market and Manali Supermarket.

10. Flight Booking Scam

Flight booking scam is quite common among tourist travelling to Nepal. For tourists, some tour operators would scam you by saying that your tour package includes the prices of the flight tickets. 

However, when the tour is about to start, they will say you misunderstood them and will extract some extra thousands for flight tickets.

Common Around: Throughout Nepal, especially prevalent amongst local tourist operators.

11. Hashish Selling Scam

As you walk around the streets of Nepal, you will suddenly find a hashish seller approaching you and trying to make a sale. Your friendly interaction with these people might lead to unnecessary legal complications as they do not have any licence to sell such products. So, you become a victim of such a scam unknowingly.

Common Around: Mostly around the Thamel area.

12. Free Friendly Tours Scam

While touring the lovely spots in and around Nepal, you might suddenly find a person trying to be friendly. They will promise to show you the top tourist attractions for free and some offbeat locations. 

As you agree to this, at the end of the day, they will claim you a tip. If you disagree, that person will call his friends to harass you. 

Common Around: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini and Nagarkot.

13. Massage Parlour Scams

As you are back in the city after trekking, several people will approach you and invite you to their massage parlours. They will also tell you that you will get some discounts and coupons. However, if you fall prey to such scams, they will charge you extra money after you have taken their service.

Common Around: Kathmandu and Pokhara.

14. Credit Card Scams

Always keep your credit card in a safe place, and remember to take it back from the shopkeeper after making any purchase. There have been cases where tourists have found they have been fined unnecessarily on their cards, claiming they have made purchases, which they didn't, and did not pay on time (card skimmed)!

Common Around: Throughout Nepal.

15. Immigration Office Charges Scam

If you plan to extend your visa due to some emergency, you will have to visit an immigration office. Here you will find several people claiming to be officials, promising to ‘help’ you with your visa renewal.

However, they might charge you extra money than the actual by claiming that they will process it faster.

Common Around: Mostly around the immigration offices in Nepal.

16. Fake Travel Permits

There are some cases where fake companies are involved in issuing fake travel permits to tourists visiting Nepal. When visiting Nepal, apply for permits from authorised offices/sources. 

This will help you from being scammed with counterfeit permits and facing hassle afterwards.

Common Around: Restricted areas/borders or national parks.

17. Hallucinogenic Honey Scam

One of the most popular tourist scams in Nepal is claiming to sell Hallucinogenic honey. Sellers who are scammers claim that they are selling Hallucinogenic honey when, in fact, the vendor is selling the visitor a normal pot of honey. 

This will lead to charging a high price for something that doesn't give you the experience you are looking for. The substance must be treated as a drug.

Common Around: Local markets in and around Nepal.

18. Nightlife Scams

There are some bars and restaurants in Nepal where tourists are charged huge payments for drinks and are harassed unnecessarily. It is also advisable not to leave any drinks unattended when you visit any bar. 

This is because drink spiking, leading to theft, is common in these places.

Common Around: Kathmandu

Try to avail yourself of travel insurance to Nepal before you begin your journey to this destination. This will ensure you/your family and your financial safety if there is an unexpected occasion arising in a foreign land.

• Always book a tour guide from an authentic tour operator. Research the standard tour guide prices and places to see around. Before booking any tourist service, ensure the tour agency is registered with the Trekking Association of Nepal.
• In case you lose your passport, get it replaced by the Indian embassy in Nepal.
• Avoid taking help from random people regarding carrying your luggage, suggestions on restaurants, touring the city and eateries, etc.
• Always double-check the amount you are paying when paying through debit and credit cards. Ask the reason if there is some additional amount charged.
• Ensure to book a hotel online and check their credibility and reviews before paying any amount.
• Whenever you hire a taxi, ask the driver to turn on the meter. Always choose licenced taxis for your journeys. In addition, research the standard fares, routes, etc., before opting for a taxi service in Nepal.
• Make sure to check a shop's credibility and certificate in a supermarket before buying any product.
• Ensure to always book flight, hotel and trekking tickets from reliable tour operators and sources.
• Be cautious of your surroundings and avoid giving money to suspicious-looking people asking for charity.
• Keep your debit/credit card in a safe place/inside your bag to avoid pickpocketing in crowded areas. Choose travel insurance with financial emergency cash cover that rescues you during unforeseen circumstances.

If you face any unforeseen circumstances when in Nepal, you can always contact the following:

• Tourist Police, Bhrikutimandap - +977-1-4247041

• Tourist Police, Thamel - +977-1-4700750

• Tourist Police, Basantapur - +977-1-4268969, 4269452

• Tourist Police, Pokhara - +977-61-521087 

• Tourist Police, Belhiya - +977-71-520197

• Police Headquarters Operation, Naxal - +977-1-4412780,4411549

• Metro Police Control, Ranipokhari - 100, 120, 130

• Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan - +977-1-4433934,4429660

• Tourism Crisis Unit - +977-97510-44088

• Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap - +977-1-4256909

• Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara - +977-61-465292,463029

• Himalayan Rescue Association - +977-1-4440292,4440293

Here are some more necessary contacts which are useful to have in case of any emergencies:

• Police – 100

• In case of medical treatment and ambulance assistance – 102

• Fire Brigade - 101

• Embassy of India, Kathmandu, Nepal - 4411425/4426241

• Consulate General of India, Birgunj, Nepal - +977- 9855036213)

So, these are some of the tourist scams in Nepal. Despite being a popular place, tourists come across scams, frauds and corruption here. Remember that these scams are not exclusive to Nepal and occur in many popular tourist destinations around the world. So, it is always advisable to exercise caution, stay informed, and seek advice from trusted sources to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.