Boasting the majority of the tallest mountains of the world, Nepal is most famed for being home to the highest point in the world, the Himalayas. It is also a country with one of the most hospitable people we have encountered with food that is novel yet unforgettable.

This scenic landlocked country on account of its of its beauty and low cost of living draws backpackers who traverse Asia to it. This increase in the number of visitors, however, is also giving rise to a few who are intent on parting these foreigners from their money. It is to prevent you from becoming a victim of such scams that we at Travset have compiled this list of the most common scams found in Nepal.

1. Crooked taxi scam

Popular in all tourist destinations worldwide, the crooked taxi scam is where the drivers attempt to overcharge tourists by many times the actual fare.

Strategies used include claims of not having a meter to justify the high fare, rigging the meter to show a high fare and even taking longer routes to ask for a higher fare.

How to avoid- read our guide to staying ahead of these tricksters.

2. Those who seek help

The sight of children or mothers carrying infants approaching foreigners for milk for the infant is not uncommon. The kind-hearted foreigner is then taken to a local shop where the said milk is priced much higher than normal.

The recipient upon receiving this milk from the foreigner doubles back and sells it back to the shop once the foreigner has taken leave.

Some children have been known to ask for books for their education as well.

How to avoid- do not engage with those who make such requests. Your donation will be of better use in a registered charity.

3. Drugs

This goes without saying but rejecting offers of drugs is essential as the one who offers to sell you these drugs is closely followed by his accomplice, a policeman.

The policeman is then reported to threaten foreigners with arrest unless a substantial bribe is paid.

How to avoid- reject such offers without a second thought.

4. Dance bars

The dance bars, akin to the ones you would find in any red-light districts have been known to scam many foreigners.

These bars are known to charge exorbitant sums for the drinks and/or for the dances.

Some are even known to spike your drinks to have a foreigner in a state of extreme intoxication in order to rob them.

How to avoid- ensure you are clear on how the payment at such establishment works prior to entry. You might also want to read our guide on how to know when your drink has been spiked.

5. Pickpockets

Nepal as with all other tourist hotspots attracts those who have quick fingers and loose morales.

Some work alone while others work in pairs in order to distract and rob.

How to avoid- read our guide to stay safe from pickpockets.

6. The helpful tour guides

There are many that will offer their services as a tour guide to you. These tours, however, will only have been taken to overpriced shops so that the tout can earn a commission off the sales.

Some tourists who have taken up offers from such touts have also reported being mugged and robbed of their possessions.

How to avoid- reject any advances from touts. Do some research on the locations you would like to visit and step out. The Nepalese are very friendly and will not hesitate to point you in the right direction.

7. Credit card scams

Reports of credit cards being charged for mysterious transactions are not uncommon after visits to certain restaurants.

How to avoid- Ensure your credit card does not leave your sight when making purchases. It is best to pay with cash.

8. The overpriced goods

The locals on seeing foreigners have been known to hike the prices of their wares my many times in order to earn some fast money.

How to avoid- bargain wisely. There is a high chance that the price initially offered can be bargained down to a very low sum.

9. Trekking scams

Beware those who offer treks at prices that seem too good to be true.

A visit to the Everest Base Camp for $500? That’s a scam.

How to avoid- reject offers that seem too good to be true.

10. Visits to Kumari, the living goddess

Some tour agencies have been known to charge exorbitant sums to see one of Nepal’s most popular tourist attractions, the Kumari, who the locals believe is a manifestation of the divine female energy.

This is a scam and all tourists are allowed to visit the Kumari and offer donations as they see fit.