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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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).
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: Licensed guides wear identification and work for registered companies. Decline unsolicited approaches and book any tour through a reputable operator or your accommodation.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: Agree any price before taking a photo, or simply decline. You never have to pay for a photo you did not clearly agree to.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.