These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Australia, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Paano ito gumagana: People in the airport arrivals hall sometimes offer a 'cheap' taxi or private transfer, then charge double the normal rate or more once you're in the car, away from the official rank.
Paano ito iwasan: Ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal. Use only the official taxi rank, a named rideshare app from the designated pickup zone, or the 24-hour SkyBus (about A$22.80) into the city.
Paano ito gumagana: People dressed as Buddhist monks approach tourists in the CBD and around tourist spots, slip a 'blessed' bracelet or medallion onto your wrist as a 'gift', then aggressively demand a cash donation of A$16 or more.
Paano ito iwasan: Real monks don't solicit money on the street this way. Politely decline, don't accept the item, and simply keep walking; if one is placed on you, hand it straight back and move on.
Paano ito gumagana: Bargain short-stay listings advertised on social media, or fake 'urgent problem with your booking' emails and texts that use your real trip details, are used to steal deposits or card details.
Paano ito iwasan: Book stays only through established, verified platforms and pay through them, never by direct bank transfer to a stranger. Treat any unexpected 'pay now or lose your booking' message as a scam and verify directly with the hotel or platform.
Paano ito gumagana: This is legal, not a scam, but it catches visitors out: many Melbourne cafes and restaurants add a 10–15% surcharge to the whole bill on Sundays and public holidays, which may only be noted in small print on the menu.
Paano ito iwasan: Check the menu for a surcharge note before ordering on a Sunday or public holiday, and factor the extra into your budget. Weekday prices are lower for the same food.
Paano ito gumagana: As anywhere, a small risk exists of card skimming at compromised ATMs or of a machine set to charge you in your home currency at a poor rate (dynamic currency conversion).
Paano ito iwasan: Use ATMs attached to banks, cover the keypad, and always choose to be charged in Australian dollars rather than your home currency. Contactless payments from your phone are the safest option.
Paano ito gumagana: Some airport taxi drivers take jet-lagged arrivals on a longer route via extra toll roads or congested detours to pad the fare, or avoid the set fixed fare to the CBD.
Paano ito iwasan: Know that a NSW-set fixed fare (about A$60) applies from the airport to the city centre — ask for it. Check the route on your phone's map, use the official taxi rank, or take a metered rideshare or the Airport Link train instead.
Paano ito gumagana: Around the Opera House, Circular Quay and the Rocks, people sometimes offer informal 'tours' and then steer you to particular shops or restaurants that pay them a commission, or ask for a fee at the end.
Paano ito iwasan: Licensed guides wear identification and work for registered companies. Decline unsolicited approaches and book any tour through a reputable operator or your accommodation.
Paano ito gumagana: The waterfront restaurant rows at Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and the most tourist-facing parts of the Rocks charge premium prices for average food, banking on the view and foot traffic.
Paano ito iwasan: Walk one or two streets back from the water, look for where locals eat, and check the menu and prices before sitting down. The same money buys much better food a short walk inland.
Paano ito gumagana: Occasionally near Circular Quay or Bondi, street performers or costumed characters photograph tourists with a prop or animal and then demand payment for the picture.
Paano ito iwasan: Agree any price before taking a photo, or simply decline. You never have to pay for a photo you did not clearly agree to.
Paano ito gumagana: Rideshare fares in Sydney jump sharply during Friday and Saturday nights, rain, and major events at the stadiums or Opera House, sometimes costing far more than a normal taxi.
Paano ito iwasan: Check the fare estimate before you confirm, wait a few minutes for surge to drop, or use a taxi or the frequent trains and ferries, which keep a flat Opal fare regardless of demand.