Airport Security Travel Tip
While airport security people are viewing your valuable carry-on possessions with their X-ray equipment and eyeing you cautiously as you stroll through the metal detection area, a new crime is increasing in popularity.
After you place your items on the conveyor belt which goes past the X-ray machine, keep an eye on them when they appear on the other side of the machine, or you might never see them again. Crooks can easily steal your camera, purse, or briefcase, etc., just by acting as if it belongs to THEM.
There are no numbered tickets issued to you that must be matched at the other side in order to retrieve your valuables. (And why IS that, I wonder.) So an enterprising thief waits until he or she sees someone who is carrying an item that looks interesting and goes through the metal detector ahead of you, casually picking up YOUR item with HIS or HERS.
Shopping Scam: False Receipts
Whether traveling here or abroad, many small shop owners view the tourist as a gullible target. While savvy travelers know that a product might be counterfeit, as well as possibly overpriced, here is something you might not have thought of. Some unscrupulous owners will give you a receipt from another store! That would make it impossible for you to return the product.
Always look carefully at the receipt to make sure that: (1) it is from that store; (2) the item you purchased is on it; and (3) the amount you paid for it is correct on the receipt. Otherwise, if you try to return it, they can claim, for example, you only paid half as much as you really did (according to the fraudulent receipt), and you won’t get a full refund!
Watch Out for Hidden Charges
Whether you are renting a car or “renting” a room in a hotel for the night, don’t assume the price they are giving you is the complete price. ALWAYS ask if there are additional taxes or service charges BEFORE you sign a contract or accept a room. In some countries, the extra tourist taxes and service charges can increase your bill by 20-30%! It can happen in the U.S. too. No matter where you travel, get into the habit of asking:
- Does this price include all service charges and taxes?
- What exactly do I get for this price?
If you always ask these questions, you will rarely have an unpleasant financial surprise when it comes time to pay the bill.
Watch out for those hidden charges at restaurants! Especially abroad, ask if that bread basket on your table costs extra. (It might!) Ask if there is a cover charge. Those wonderful, elegant, and expensive “fine establishments” have the most hidden charges. Don’t assume ANYTHING!
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- Ebooks-And-Cool-Stuff.com - A fine emporium where you can buy lots of things!
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- SoloDining.com - How to take the bite out of eating alone!
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