32 Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them Like a Pro

18. The Counterfeit Money Scam

You hand a taxi driver, market vendor, or street vendor a large bill, and they quickly swap it for a fake one—or a lower-value bill—insisting you gave them the wrong amount. Tourists unfamiliar with the local currency often fall for this, assuming they made a mistake. How to Avoid It: Always double-check your cash before handing it over and count your change carefully. Learn the look and feel of the local currency before arriving.