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Feijoada — Brazil's national stew of black beans and various pork cuts, simmered slowly and traditionally served on Saturdays with rice, collard greens, farofa and orange slices. It is hearty and smoky, the dish most Brazilians would call their true national meal.

Watch the sunset from Arpoador rock between Ipanema and Copacabana, a free local ritual met with applause.

Beach vendor overcharging — Ask the price before accepting anything, carry small notes, and note that fixed kiosks usually display clearer prices than walking vendors.

Peking Duck — Beijing's most famous dish: a whole duck roasted to a lacquered, crackling skin, carved tableside and wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion, cucumber and sweet bean sauce. It is the meal most visitors build an entire evening around, best eaten at a specialist roast-duck restaurant.

Ride a small boat or stroll the long corridor at the Summer Palace for a calm half-day away from the busiest sights.

The tea-house ceremony scam — Politely decline invitations from strangers to a specific tea house, bar or gallery. Choose your own venues and never follow a new acquaintance to a place they insist on.

Black Risotto (Crni Rižot) — A Dalmatian classic of rice slow-cooked in cuttlefish or squid ink until it turns a deep, glossy black, studded with tender seafood and finished with a rich, briny sea flavour. The colour alone surprises most first-time visitors, who rarely expect a savoury risotto to look almost like ink.

Walk the City Walls at opening time in the morning for soft light, cooler temperatures and far fewer people than midday.

Seafood by-weight bill shock — Always confirm the exact weight of the fish or shellfish and the final price in your currency before agreeing to have it cooked.

Svíčková — The Czech national dish: braised beef sirloin in a creamy root-vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings, a dollop of whipped cream and tart cranberry sauce. It is the dish locals point to first when asked what to order, sweet, tangy and rich all at once.

Cross Charles Bridge at dawn for the statues and castle almost to yourself before the crowds arrive.

Unmarked taxi overcharge — Book taxis through a reputable app or your hotel, insist on the meter, and know the rough fare in advance. Avoid cars touting for passengers, and note the plate and company before getting in.

Aish Shamsi (Sun Bread) — Upper Egypt's answer to eish baladi: a thick sourdough flatbread traditionally left to rise in the sun before baking in a domed clay oven, giving it a thick crust and a chewy, slightly tangy crumb. It's the everyday bread of Aswan and Nubian villages, often baked at home rather than bought.

Take the short public ferry to Elephantine Island's Nubian villages instead of a tour boat, and wander the painted lanes at your own pace for a fraction of the price.

The felucca bait-and-pressure — Agree the total price and the exact duration out loud, with a witness, before boarding. Pay only the agreed amount at the end, and choose captains recommended by your hotel where possible.

Koshari — Egypt's national dish and pure street-food comfort: a bowl of rice, lentils and macaroni topped with spiced chickpeas, tangy tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and crispy fried onions. It is cheap, filling and entirely vegetarian, sold everywhere from humble stalls to dedicated koshari halls.

Climb up to a rooftop cafe near Khan el-Khalili for tea and views over the minarets of Islamic Cairo.

The papyrus or perfume 'museum' detour — Say clearly you do not want shopping stops. Buy papyrus or perfume only if you genuinely want it, compare prices elsewhere first, and never feel obliged after a 'free' tour of the workshop.

Ful Medames — Egypt's everyday breakfast staple: slow-simmered fava beans mashed with olive oil, garlic, lemon and cumin, often topped with a fried or boiled egg and scooped up with warm baladi bread. It is simple, cheap and eaten by nearly everyone, from roadside carts to family kitchens.

Arrive right at opening time to photograph the pyramids in soft morning light before the tour buses fill the plateau.

Camel ride then 'ransom' to get down — Agree the full price, route and time clearly before you mount, in writing if you can. Prefer official rides, keep your phone and ticket on you, and decline unsolicited offers firmly. If pressured, stay calm and head back toward staff and crowds.

Koshari — Egypt's national dish of rice, lentils and macaroni topped with spiced tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and crispy onions, sold everywhere from simple stalls near the souk to sit-down koshari restaurants. Cheap, filling and entirely vegetarian.

Cross on the small public ferry near Luxor Museum instead of a private motorboat - it costs a fraction as much and is a proper slice of local life.

Unofficial 'guides' at tomb and temple entrances — A polite but firm 'no, thank you' before they start talking works best. If you want expert commentary, hire a licensed Egyptologist guide in advance instead.

Sayadeya — A Red Sea classic found on menus up and down the Egyptian coast: fish, often sea bass or a local reef fish, baked or simmered with rice cooked in a rich, spiced fish stock and caramelized onions. Simple, filling and a good introduction to how Egyptians actually cook their catch, rather than the Western-style grilled-fillet version served at resort buffets.

Ras Um Sid, just south of Naama Bay, has a shore-entry reef wall that rivals the boat-only dive sites, with far fewer crowds.

Unlicensed or corner-cutting dive operators — Book with an established, PADI- or SSI-affiliated dive center. Confirm your travel insurance covers diving, and don't choose a dive operator on price alone.

Quenelle — A light, oval dumpling of pike or other fish (or plain) poached until it puffs up, classically served in a rich crayfish-based sauce Nantua. It is one of the signature dishes of Lyon's bouchons, comforting and generous.

Slip through the traboules of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, the hidden covered passages between streets, walking quietly as people still live above them.

Pickpockets on the metro and squares — Keep bags zipped and in front of you, hold your phone firmly, and be extra alert as metro and funicular doors open and close. Avoid flashing valuables in crowds.

Socca — A large, thin pancake of chickpea flour, olive oil and water baked in a wood-fired oven until crisp at the edges and soft in the middle, then cut up and eaten hot with black pepper. It is the classic cheap street food of Nice, sold from stalls in the Old Town and Cours Saleya.

Ride the free elevator up Castle Hill instead of climbing the stairs, then enjoy the best view over the bay and the terracotta roofs of the Old Town.

Petition and clipboard scam — Decline politely and keep moving. Do not sign anything or open your bag, and keep valuables secured when groups approach you near the Promenade or the Old Town.

Croissant — A flaky, buttery, crescent-shaped pastry perfected in Parisian bakeries and eaten across France every morning with coffee. Look for the AOP butter label on a boulangerie window for the richest, most authentic version.

Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe or the Galeries department store terrace for wide city views with fewer crowds than the Eiffel Tower.

The gold ring pickup — The ring is worthless brass. Do not take it or engage, keep walking, and be aware the ploy is often cover for a pickpocket working nearby.

Souvlaki — Small skewers of grilled pork or chicken, usually wrapped in warm pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki, Greece's favourite cheap street food. Athenians eat it constantly, standing at a counter or on the go.

Climb Areopagus Hill or Filopappou Hill for free sunset views of the floodlit Acropolis without a ticket.

Taxi meter and airport overcharge — Know the fixed airport fare in advance, insist on the meter or the set rate for the airport, use a ride-hailing app where possible, and pay with small, counted notes.

Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters) — Crisp-fried fritters made from Santorini's small, intensely sweet cherry tomatoes, onion and herbs, a direct result of the island's uniquely mineral-rich soil. They are the classic mezze to share with fava and a cold glass of local white wine.

Walk the clifftop path from Fira to Oia in the late afternoon for caldera views and far fewer crowds than the sunset scrum.

Donkey-ride overcharge and welfare — Use the cable car instead, which is quick and comfortable. If you do consider a ride, agree the exact price first, and many visitors choose to avoid the donkeys altogether on welfare grounds.

Petha — A translucent, jelly-like sweet made from boiled and sugar-syrup-soaked ash gourd, said to have first been made for Shah Jahan's court. It comes in dozens of flavours from plain and saffron (kesar) to paan, and melts almost instantly in the mouth.

Cross the river to Mehtab Bagh at sunset for a quiet, classic frontal view of the Taj Mahal without the main complex's crowds.

Unlicensed 'guides' — Only hire guides wearing an official ASI badge, ideally arranged in advance through your hotel. Politely but firmly decline unsolicited offers near the gates.

Butter Chicken — Tandoor-roasted chicken simmered in a rich, mildly spiced tomato-butter-cream gravy, invented at Delhi's Moti Mahal restaurant and now eaten worldwide. Scoop it up with naan or tandoori roti at one of the many restaurants still tracing their recipe back to the original.

Visit Humayun's Tomb in the late afternoon for golden light and far fewer crowds than the busiest sights.

'Your hotel is closed' diversion — Confirm your booking directly with the hotel by phone, insist on being taken to your actual address, and ignore unsolicited 'official tourist offices' near the station and markets.

Babi Guling (Balinese Suckling Pig) — A whole suckling pig stuffed with a rich turmeric-based spice paste and slow-roasted on a spit over a coconut-husk fire until the skin turns deep crackling brown. It is Bali's signature ceremonial dish, usually served with rice, lawar and vegetables.

Eat at a busy local warung for authentic Balinese food at a fraction of tourist-restaurant prices.

Money-changer shortchange — Use only authorised money changers or withdraw from a bank ATM. Count the cash yourself before handing over your notes, do not let the clerk recount it out of sight, and walk away from rates that look too good.

Nasi Goreng — Indonesia's beloved fried rice, wok-tossed with sweet soy (kecap manis), garlic, shallots and chili, then topped with a fried egg. It is served everywhere from street carts to hotels, often with chicken, prawns or krupuk crackers. Cheap, filling and available at any hour.

Escape the mall circuit at Setu Babakan Betawi cultural village in the south, where family warungs cook kerak telor and soto Betawi beside a lake.

Fake 'Bluebird' taxis and meter refusal — Use the Grab or Gojek app, or the official Bluebird app, so the fare is fixed in advance. If taking a street taxi, board only genuine Blue Bird / Silver Bird cars and insist the meter (argo) is on before moving.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina — Florence's legendary steak: a thick T-bone cut of Tuscan beef, grilled rare over embers and seasoned simply with salt, pepper and olive oil. It is sold by weight and usually shared between two or more, and ordering it well done is considered a small culinary sin.

Cross the river to the Oltrarno district for artisan workshops, quieter piazzas and some of the city's best-value trattorias.

Fake skip-the-line tickets — Buy only from the official museum websites or ticket offices in advance. Ignore anyone approaching you in the queue and never hand cash to unofficial sellers.

Risotto alla Milanese — Milan's golden signature dish: creamy rice slow-stirred with butter, onion, white wine and beef stock, coloured and perfumed a deep yellow by saffron. A proper version flows loosely on the plate, neither soupy nor stiff, and is traditionally eaten alongside ossobuco.

Book the Last Supper the moment your dates are fixed; tickets are tiny in number and vanish weeks ahead, and it is one of the world's great paintings.

Bracelet 'gift' — Keep your hands to yourself and do not let anyone attach anything. A firm no and walking on is enough; you owe nothing for an unwanted item, and staying out of arm's reach on the cathedral steps helps.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara — Rome's defining pasta: egg, pecorino romano, black pepper and crisp cured guanciale (pork cheek) tossed together off the heat until glossy, with no cream at all despite how it looks abroad. Order it in an old-fashioned trattoria to taste the real, simple version rather than the heavier imitations served overseas.

Refill your bottle at the nasoni, Rome's cast-iron public drinking fountains, for free cold water all over the city.

Fake skip-the-line tickets — Buy only from the official website or ticket office in advance. Ignore anyone approaching you in the queue, and never hand over cash to unofficial sellers.

Cicchetti — Venice's answer to tapas: small bites of seafood, cured meat, cheese or vegetables laid out on the counter of a bacaro (traditional wine bar), eaten standing up with a small glass of wine called an ombra. Hopping between two or three bacari for a few cicchetti and an ombra each is the classic Venetian evening out.

Walk into a quieter sestiere like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro for the same canals and bridges with a fraction of the crowds and cheaper meals.

Gondola and water taxi overcharging — Use only official gondola stands or licensed water taxi ranks, confirm the price and duration before boarding, and know the standard published rates in advance so you can spot an inflated quote.

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki — A layered savoury pancake built up in stages on the griddle — a thin crepe base, a mound of shredded cabbage, pork or seafood, a portion of fried noodles, and a fried egg, all stacked rather than mixed together as in Osaka's version. Locals consider layering the defining difference and take the rivalry with Osaka's style seriously.

Walk the length of Hondori, Hiroshima's long covered shopping arcade, for an easy rainy-day option packed with local shops and casual restaurants away from the main sights.

Fake monk donation cards — Genuine monks don't solicit cash from tourists this way anywhere in Japan. Decline politely, don't accept the item in the first place, and continue walking.

Kaiseki Ryori — A refined multi-course tasting meal built around whatever is most in season, plated with as much attention to colour and composition as flavour, and rooted in the etiquette of the traditional tea ceremony. It is Kyoto's most formal food experience, usually eaten slowly over an evening at a ryokan or dedicated kaiseki restaurant.

Walk the Philosopher's Path between temples in early morning for a calm, tree-lined stroll along a canal.

Geisha photo hustle — Do not pay strangers for photos and do not chase or crowd working geisha. Respect posted no-photography rules on private streets, and book a proper cultural experience if you want photos.

Takoyaki — Ball-shaped batter dumplings studded with diced octopus, cooked in a special molded pan until crisp outside and molten inside, then topped with savoury sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes and seaweed powder. Osaka is where takoyaki was invented in the 1930s, and stalls selling it line the streets around Dotonbori.

Duck down Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow lantern-lit alley just off Dotonbori, for old-school bars and restaurants tucked behind a moss-covered temple.

Bar touts with a bait-and-switch menu — Never follow a street tout to a bar. Pick venues from reviews, confirm all prices and any cover charge before ordering anything, and pay by card so a padded charge can be disputed.

Sapporo Miso Ramen — Wheat noodles in a rich, miso-based pork broth, often finished with a knob of butter, sweetcorn and bean sprouts, a combination invented in Sapporo in the mid-20th century and now recognised across Japan as its own regional style. It's built to be warming and filling, ideal for Hokkaido's cold winters.

Ride the Sapporo Streetcar to Nakajima Park, a quieter green space south of Susukino with a Japanese garden and a lovely pond, largely skipped by visitors who only see Odori Park.

Illegal touts (barkers) in Susukino — Ignore anyone who approaches you on the street offering a bar recommendation; this kind of street touting is illegal in Japan and a reliable sign to walk away. Choose venues from reviews instead.

Edomae Sushi — Tokyo's own sushi style, developed in old Edo before refrigeration, where fish is cured, marinated or lightly cooked rather than always served raw, and pressed onto vinegared rice by hand at the counter. A seat at a proper sushi counter, watching each piece made to order, is a different experience from a supermarket sushi box.

Ride the driverless Yurikamome line across Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba for bay views for the price of a normal ticket.

Bar bill padding in nightlife districts — Avoid venues you are steered to by touts, check all prices and cover charges in writing before ordering, and choose well-reviewed bars. Pay with a card so a charge can be disputed.

Pastel de nata — Lisbon's iconic warm custard tart, with a caramelised top and a shatteringly crisp, flaky pastry shell perfected by the monastery bakers of Belem. A quick, cheap treat sold at almost every pastelaria in the city.

Ein Janna village — a 'spring of paradise' with a lovely view back toward the castle, overlooked by most day visitors.

Unofficial 'guides' at the castle or reserve — Book guided trails only through the RSCN visitor centre or Wild Jordan, and buy castle tickets only at the official gate. Politely decline unsolicited offers.

Arabic Coffee (Qahwa) with Dates — Light, cardamom-scented coffee served from a dallah with dates, the same hospitality ritual found across Saudi Arabia, offered here as a warming welcome against Abha's cooler mountain air.

Climb the back trail to the viewpoint above the Treasury for a bird's-eye photo most visitors miss.

Unlicensed guides — Only hire guides with an official badge booked through the visitor centre, and agree the route and price in writing before starting.

AlUla Dates — AlUla's oasis produces tens of thousands of tonnes of dates a year across varieties like Barni, Mabroom, Majhool and Anbara, grown among more than two million palm trees alongside citrus groves. Fresh, high-quality dates here taste noticeably different from the dried, packaged dates most visitors know.

Ride to the KL Tower forest eco-park for a pocket of old rainforest and a canopy walk right in the city centre.

Fake taxi and ride overcharge — Use the Grab app so the price is fixed in advance, or insist on the meter in a licensed taxi. At the airport use the official taxi coupon counter or the train, and never accept a driver who approaches you in the arrivals hall.

Hamour (Grouper) — The Gulf's most prized reef fish, firm, mild and traditionally caught in Arabian Gulf fish traps, served grilled or fried at seafood restaurants across Dammam and Khobar. It is popular enough that mislabeled substitutes are a known local issue, so ask before ordering.

Take the public R-1 bus and a short ferry to Isla Mujeres for a calmer, cheaper beach day than the Hotel Zone.

Timeshare 'free tour' pressure — Decline anyone offering free gifts, tours or upgrades in exchange for attending a 'short' presentation. Book activities through independent, reviewed operators, and do not hand over your passport or a deposit.

Saleeg — A creamy, risotto-like rice dish simmered in chicken or lamb broth and milk until velvety, then topped with roasted meat and a drizzle of spiced ghee. It is the signature comfort dish of Hejazi cuisine, and no old-town eatery in Al-Balad is considered fully authentic without it.

Visit the floating gardens on a weekday morning rather than a weekend to avoid the loudest party boats and enjoy a calmer ride.

ATM and currency shortchange — Withdraw from ATMs attached to major banks inside malls or bank branches, count cash before walking away, and avoid street money-changers entirely.

Kabsa — Saudi Arabia's iconic national dish: fragrant spiced rice cooked with tomatoes, onions and a warm spice blend, topped with slow-cooked chicken, lamb or camel meat. Riyadh and the wider Najd region are considered the heartland of the classic version most Saudis grew up eating.

Watch the sunset over Jemaa el-Fna from a rooftop cafe as the square fills with smoke, music and lights.

Fake guides in the medina — Use only licensed guides with an official badge, booked through your riad or a reputable agency. Politely decline unsolicited offers and say you know your way, even if you do not.

Chili crab — Singapore's unofficial national dish: a whole mud crab wok-fried in a thick, sweet-spicy tomato-and-chili gravy, mopped up with fried mantou buns. Rich, messy and worth the bib.

Rent a bike and follow the quiet canals out to Vondelpark and the Jordaan for a local's-eye view of the city.

Fake or dangerous street drugs — Never buy anything from a street dealer. It is unsafe and against the law, and the pills or powders sold this way have caused serious harm. Walk away from anyone offering.

Bobotie — South Africa's best-known national dish: spiced minced meat baked under a golden egg custard, studded with raisins and mild curry spice, usually served with yellow rice and fruit chutney. It captures Cape Malay cuisine at its best, a 300-year-old cooking tradition centred in Bo-Kaap.

Spend your first night lower in the Sacred Valley to acclimatise more gently before Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Fake tour agencies and tickets — Book Machu Picchu entry and trains through official channels or a well-reviewed licensed agency. Get written confirmation and never pay large sums to a street tout.

Pa amb tomàquet — Toasted rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, garlic and olive oil, a deceptively simple ritual that is a genuine symbol of Catalan identity. It appears at nearly every meal, from breakfast to tapas, and its charred, tomato-sweet crunch is unlike ordinary bread.

Chase sunset from a miradouro such as Senhora do Monte for a free panorama over the tiled rooftops and river.

Tram 28 pickpockets — Keep bags zipped and in front of you, carry valuables in a front pocket, and stay alert while boarding and at each stop. Consider walking the route instead to enjoy it in peace.

Cocido madrileno — A slow-simmered stew of chickpeas, vegetables and mixed meats, traditionally served in three courses starting with the broth. It is Madrid's ultimate winter comfort dish and a genuine local institution.

Ride the Al Soudah cable car in the late afternoon, when the light turns the juniper forest and cliffs gold before the evening fog rolls in.

Unmetered taxi overcharge — Use a ride-hailing app for a fixed, visible price wherever possible, and agree the fare clearly before setting off if you must use an unmetered taxi.

Pad Thai — Thin rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu or shrimp, peanuts and a tangy tamarind sauce, Thailand's best-known dish worldwide. It ranges from a cheap street-cart classic to an upscale restaurant version, so it is easy to try at every budget.

Watch the sun set behind Elephant Rock once the day-trip crowds thin out, when the sandstone glows deep orange.

Unmetered taxi or driver overcharge — Book through a ride-hailing app where possible, or agree your hotel's arranged transfer rate in advance. Confirm the fare before getting in if you must use an unmetered driver.

Antalya piyaz — A creamy white-bean salad bound with a tahini-lemon-garlic sauce called tarator, topped with boiled egg and onion — richer and more filling than the simpler bean salads found elsewhere in Turkey.

Walk the Corniche around sunset, when the heat breaks and the waterfront fills with families out for the evening.

Seafood mislabeling and overcharging — Buy from an established fishmonger or restaurant with a visible menu and prices, ask what the fish actually is before ordering, and be wary of a 'premium local hamour' priced far above what other stalls are charging.

Çökertme kebabı — A Bodrum-region specialty of thin-sliced veal served over a bed of fried potato with garlic yoghurt and a light tomato sauce — richer and more composed than a typical grilled kebab plate.

Walk Al-Balad in the late afternoon light, when the carved wooden balconies glow and the souqs fill with local shoppers rather than tour groups.

Unmetered taxi overcharge — Use a ride-hailing app for an upfront fixed price whenever possible. If taking a street taxi, agree the full fare in words before the car moves, and know roughly what a short ride should cost.

Denizli kebabı — Slow-cooked lamb wrapped in thin lavash and baked in a wood-fired oven until tender, the signature dish of the wider Denizli region that Pamukkale sits within.

Visit At-Turaif in Diriyah after dark when the restored mud-brick walls are softly lit and the heat has eased.

Unmetered taxi overcharge — Use a ride-hailing app where the price is set in advance, or insist on the meter before getting in. Carry small notes and agree the fare clearly if you must use a street taxi.

Machboos (Kabsa) — The Emirati national rice dish: fragrant spiced rice slow-cooked with meat or fish, dried lime (loomi), saffron and a warm spice mix, so the flavour runs all the way through the grains.

Watch the free Supertree light-and-sound show at Gardens by the Bay after dark, then walk the lit-up bay promenade.

Unofficial tour and ticket touts — Buy tickets from official counters, the attraction's own website or a reputable operator. Singapore is heavily regulated, so treat any street-side hard sell with caution and compare the official price first.

Ride the cable car up early on a clear morning before the tour buses arrive for a quieter summit and softer light for photos.

Card skimming and 'helpful' ATM strangers — Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and never accept help from a stranger at the machine.

Watch the sunset from the Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint for a free panorama over the whole city and the sea.

La Rambla and metro pickpockets — Keep valuables in a zipped inside pocket or a bag worn across your front. Do not keep a phone or wallet in a back pocket, and be extra alert in dense crowds and on the metro.

Watch the sunset from the Templo de Debod, a genuine ancient Egyptian temple set in a park with wide city views, free to enjoy.

Tourist-menu markup — Choose places with printed prices and mostly local diners, one or two streets back from the plaza. Confirm any cover charge and refuse dishes you did not order.

Take the public Chao Phraya express boat between temples for a cheap river tour that skips the traffic.

'Grand Palace is closed' gem-shop scam — The Grand Palace is open daily to visitors during normal hours. Ignore anyone outside saying it is closed, walk to the official entrance and check for yourself, and never accept a surprise 'tour'.

Visit Old Phuket Town on a weekday morning for the Sino-Portuguese architecture and cafes without the weekend walking-street crowds.

Jet-ski damage claim — Photograph or video the jet-ski from all angles before renting, note any existing scratches with the operator present, and consider avoiding informal beach-side jet-ski rentals altogether given how common this scam is.

Walk down to the old harbour in Kaleiçi at sunset, when the honey-coloured walls glow and the crowds thin out.

Nightclub or bar bill scam — Never let a stranger on the street choose your bar for you. Pick your own venue, check prices are posted, and leave immediately if the bill looks wrong or the atmosphere turns pressuring.

Walk the marina promenade just after sunset, when the castle is lit and the day-trip boats have returned but the harbour restaurants aren't yet at full volume.

Bar-street bill inflation — Confirm drink prices before ordering, decline anything you didn't ask for, and check the bill line by line before paying.

Hike the Rose and Red valleys in the late afternoon when the rock glows and the balloon crowds have gone.

Balloon no-refund and overbooking — Book only licensed operators with a clear written refund and cancellation policy. Pay by card where possible, keep the receipt, and confirm the exact basket and flight before paying.

Take the commuter ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side for lively markets and food away from the tourist core.

The dropped shoe-shine brush — Return the brush without engaging, or simply walk on. Never accept an unrequested shine, and agree any price in advance if you do want one.

Walk up to the Hierapolis theatre in the late afternoon, when most day-trip tour groups have already left for the coast.

Private car sold as the shared dolmuş — Head to the marked dolmuş bay inside the Denizli otogar yourself, or ask staff at an official counter which platform serves Pamukkale. The real fare is only a few lira.

Watch the free evening 'Palace in Motion' projection show light up the facade of Qasr Al Watan.

Unofficial taxi overcharging — Use official silver metered taxis from marked ranks, or book through a ride-hailing app so the fare is shown upfront. Ignore anyone approaching you inside the arrivals hall.

Cross the Creek on a traditional abra boat for a few dirhams, one of the city's best-value and most atmospheric rides.

Unofficial taxi overcharge — Use only official metered taxis from the proper rank, a licensed ride-hailing app, or the metro. Insist on the meter, and ignore anyone touting rides inside terminals or outside malls.

Ride a normal red double-decker along a scenic route such as the number 15 for a cheap sightseeing tour past major landmarks.

Fake charity clipboard — Do not stop or sign anything. Keep walking, keep your bag closed and in front, and give to registered charities through official channels only.

Watch the Bellagio fountains from the pedestrian bridge on the north side for a clearer view than the crowded sidewalk below.

Costumed character photo demands — Only pose if you intend to tip, agree the amount first if asked, and feel free to decline and walk on if you did not ask for the photo.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry for free, passing the Statue of Liberty with harbour and skyline views at no cost.

Costumed character tip demands — Do not accept a photo unless you want to pay. If you do, agree a small amount first and have a dollar or two ready. A firm no and walking on is enough; you are not obliged to pay.

Sip egg coffee at a tucked-away upstairs cafe in the Old Quarter for the classic Hanoi experience away from the lakefront prices.

Rigged meters and fake ride-hailing cars — Book through a trusted app and match the car plate and driver name before getting in. In a street taxi use only well-known companies, watch the meter, and start a route on your phone.