Destinations › Romania › Bucharest › Scams
Bucharest, Romania
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Bucharest, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Strip-club and bar touts in the old town promising fixed prices that become very large bills, with intimidation used to secure payment.
Old-town restaurants and bars adding undisclosed cover charges, items not ordered, and service on top of an included charge.
Street money changers and kiosks advertising strong rates then shortchanging during the count or applying undisclosed commissions.
Taxis at the airport and stations with tariff stickers showing rates many times the standard, exploiting the fact that the rate is posted rather than fixed. Check the per-kilometre figure on the door before entering.
Fake charity collectors with laminated documentation working the old-town squares.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or materially different on arrival.
Counterfeit branded goods sold at market stalls and near the station as genuine.
Individuals presenting fake identification and demanding to inspect wallets for a 'currency check' near exchange kiosks.
Pickpocketing on crowded metro and tram routes and at the main station concourse.
Resold event and transport tickets that are invalid or already used.
