These 5 Countries Are Scamming Tourists The Most Heading Into 2026 (And Where To Go Instead)

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We all know the feeling. You spend months saving money, weeks planning the itinerary, and hours on a plane, only to land in your “dream destination” and immediately feel like a walking wallet.

There is a difference between a country that is just “chaotic” and a country where you feel actively hunted.

While petty theft can happen anywhere from Rome to Rio, some destinations have developed a scam culture so aggressive and pervasive that it defines the entire travel experience. Heading into 2026, reports from travelers, insurers, and government advisories point to five heavyweights where the “hassle factor” is hitting an all-time high.

Here are the 5 countries scamming tourists the most right now—and the incredible (and peaceful) alternatives you should book instead.

1. Egypt

The Vibe: The Relentless Hunt

From viral social media warnings to veteran traveler forums, the consensus throughout 2025 has been unanimous: Egypt is the undisputed number one destination on the planet for scamming tourists.

Egypt is a bucket-list destination that breaks people. For many, the dream of seeing the Pyramids is shattered by the reality of the experience. From the moment you leave the airport, the pressure is on.

It’s not just about haggling; it’s about entrapment. The harassment at major sites like Giza is famously intense, with touts physically blocking your path, jumping into your taxi, or screaming at you for walking in the “wrong” direction (which is actually the right direction).

• The Scam: The “Camel Hostage” is the classic. You agree on a low price for a photo or a short ride. Once you are high up on the camel or out in the desert, the driver refuses to let you down unless you pay a massive “tip” (often $50 or $100 USD).
• The Trap: “Free” gifts. If a vendor hands you a scarab beetle or papyrus “for luck,” do not touch it. The moment it touches your skin, they will demand payment and cause a scene if you refuse.

Where To Go Instead: Oman If you want the authentic Middle Eastern experience—ancient forts, endless dunes, and bustling souks—without the blood pressure spike, Oman is the answer.

• The Upgrade: It is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. The hospitality here is genuine, not transactional. If an Omani invites you for coffee and dates, it’s usually just because they want to welcome you. You can explore the stunning Wahiba Sands or the blue wadis in complete peace.

2. France (Specifically Paris)

The Vibe: The Theatrical Con

Paris is the most visited city on Earth, which makes it the Super Bowl for scammers. Unlike the aggressive touts in Egypt, the scammers here are slick, theatrical, and operate in teams. They rely on props and distraction.

• The Scam: The “Friendship Bracelet” at Sacré-Cœur. Men will swiftly intercept you, offering a ‘free’ ‘friendship bracelet’ and ask to tie it on your wrist. Once it’s attached, they aggressively demand €20.”
• The Trap: The “Gold Ring” trick. A person walks past you, “finds” a gold ring on the ground (it’s cheap brass), and offers it to you as a lucky charm. They then ask for money for lunch. It’s a guilt trip designed to exploit your politeness.

Where To Go Instead: Vienna, Austria If you want imperial architecture, world-class cafe culture, and walkable history, Vienna delivers the Parisian aesthetic with none of the street hustle.

• The Upgrade: It feels infinitely safer and more orderly. You can wander through the fairytale streets and Christmas markets without clutching your bag or dodging clipboard scammers. It is grand, polished, and stress-free.

3. India

The Vibe: The Infrastructure Trap

“India is not for beginners.” It’s a cliché because it’s true. The scams here are sophisticated and often involve the very people you are supposed to trust: taxi drivers and “officials.”

• The Scam: The “Official Tourist Office.” Your taxi or tuk-tuk driver will stop mid-journey and tell you your hotel has closed, the road is closed due to a protest, or your booking is invalid. They will drive you to a fake “Government Tourist Office” where an “official” will try to sell you an entirely new, overpriced itinerary.
• The Trap: The sheer volume of touts can be exhausting. It creates a sense of isolation where travelers feel they can’t trust anyone.

Where To Go Instead: Sri Lanka Often called “India Light,” Sri Lanka offers the same sensory magic—lush tea plantations, incredible curries, ancient temples, and tropical beaches—at a much slower pace.

• The Upgrade: While you still need to haggle, the aggression is significantly lower. Plus, the country has just made it easier than ever for Americans to visit by launching visa-free travel, removing a major headache from your planning.

4. Turkey (Specifically Istanbul)

The Vibe: The “Friendly” Betrayal

Turkish hospitality is legendary, but in tourist hotspots like Sultanahmet and Taksim, that reputation is weaponized. The scams here are social engineering at its finest.

• The Scam: The “Let’s Have a Drink.” A friendly local (often well-dressed and speaking perfect English) approaches a solo male traveler. They strike up a conversation and suggest heading to a specific bar for a beer. You go, have a couple of drinks, and the bill arrives for hundreds of euros. If you refuse to pay, large bouncers appear to escort you to an ATM.
• The Trap: Taxi overcharging is rampant. Drivers will switch bills (claiming you gave them a 50 instead of a 500) or simply refuse to use the meter.

Where To Go Instead: Uzbekistan If you are chasing the “Silk Road” fantasy of blue-tiled mosques and ancient history, Uzbekistan is the safest and most exciting alternative right now.

• The Upgrade: The country is currently in a “Golden Age” of tourism. It is incredibly safe (Tourist Police are everywhere and very helpful), and you can browse the bazaars of Samarkand and Bukhara without the high-pressure tactics found in Istanbul. It is one of the top uncovered destinations for 2026.

5. Thailand

The Vibe: The Transport Trap

Thailand is the “Land of Smiles,” but in Phuket and Bangkok, the smile often hides a hustle. The scams here are opportunistic and target travelers when they are trying to have fun.

• The Scam: The “Jet Ski Mafia.” You rent a jet ski for an hour. When you return, the operator points to a pre-existing scratch on the hull and demands $1,000 for damages. “Police” (who are often in on the scam) will threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay.
• The Trap: The “Grand Palace is Closed.” Tuk-tuk drivers waiting near temples will insist the site is closed for a “Buddhist Holiday” or “cleaning” and offer to take you to a different (commission-paying) gem shop instead.

Where To Go Instead: Malaysia It sits right next door but feels worlds apart in terms of hassle. Malaysia offers a multicultural mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences with a modern infrastructure that works.

• The Upgrade: You get world-class street food (Penang is legendary) and stunning islands like Langkawi without the constant feeling that you are being ripped off. It is generally safer, cleaner, and much simpler to navigate for American tourists.

The Bottom Line

Travel should be an adventure, not a battle. While you can have an amazing time in Egypt or India if you have a thick skin and street smarts, you don’t have to endure the hassle to see the world.

Know Before You Go

Whether you choose the challenge or the chill alternative, you need to know the rules before you land. Before you book, make sure to run our essential 1 Minute Trip Check.

In just 60 seconds, you can verify the latest entry requirements, safety advisories, and visa rules for your destination, ensuring your trip is as smooth as possible.

Safe Travels!