Fiji is a stunning destination, but don’t get played like I did. Picture: Leah McLennan
LIKE MANY travellers, I’ve been scammed. Several times.
Sadly, everywhere in the world there are people who will try to take advantage of a good-natured tourist.
The only thing you can do about it is be alert to it.
But on my first trip to Fiji, I was far from alert — in retrospect, it’s hard to believe this incident didn’t ring some alarm bells.
My parents and I were sitting beside the pool of our three star resort, located about 20 minutes from Nadi, one of Fiji’s largest towns.
We decided to hop in a taxi and head in to Nadi to have a look around. After visiting a few shops we jumped in a cab to go back to the resort.
The friendly cab driver introduced himself as Vishal and we all chatted merrily as we rolled back to our hotel.
He must have known Australians find it hard to refuse a dinner invitation because the next thing we knew he invited us over to his house.
“I’ll pick you up at 6pm,” he said.
Vishal turned up on time and we set off for his house in Nadi, where we were introduced to his wife and two children.
We all sat cross-legged on a floor mat and enjoyed a delicious Indian feast — lamb potato curry, butter chicken and much more.
When it got late, Vishal said he’d drive us back to the resort.
When we arrived at the resort we were surprised when he handed us a bill for the dinner and return transfers — he asked us for $100 Fijian dollars — about $65 Australian dollars.
I don’t know what I found more surprising — that he charged us or that we gave him the money.
Vishal then wrote his address on a scrap of paper and asked us to send pencils, books and some money to educate his children.
The experience almost ruined my trip, but it’s hard to remain cranky in a place with exquisite beaches, undersea marvels and friendly locals.
Next time in Fiji I’ll take the bus instead of a taxi. Picture: Flickr Kyle Post
Travel safety expert Phil Sylvester from TID says Fiji is low on the travel-scam-ometer.
“The ‘dinner at my place con’ is similar to others worldwide: the Chinese tea ceremony in Hong Kong, and the closely-related ‘free art exhibition’ in Beijing.”
He says Fiji’s taxi drivers seem to be at the pointy end of the local scams.
“I have to say $100 for a Fijian-Indian feast for three, a local cultural experience and a taxi ride back to the resort sounds like a good deal. Vishal should legitimise his scam and put it on Viator. Joking aside, the galling thing is the travellers were conned. It was a confidence trick. That’s low, and I’m not surprised it almost ruined the holiday.”
Mr Sylvester says it’s important for tourists to remember to remain “politely alert”.
“Don’t go around accusing people of trying to rip you off, but make firm but gentle inquiries about there being any charge associated with the service you’re being offered.
“Fiji is very well set up for tourists, every whim is catered to in an official and orderly way, so be suspicious of anyone, like Vishal, offering services ‘off the books’.
“And think of this — when was the last time you walked up to a tourist in your town and invited them home for dinner? Probably never, and so Vishal’s deal should’ve rung some alarm bells.”
Here are four cons you might come across in Fiji:
THE NAME CARVING SCAM
A carver will approach a tourist and ask for their name. They will start carving your name into a wooden sword worth about $2 Fijian dollars and demand $50 for it. Tourists have reported the scam occurring in Suva and Nadi.
There’s plenty of great fruit for sale at the market in Nadi. Picture: Flick Ik TSource:Flickr
TAXI GUIDE SCAM
This happens the world over. Mr Sylvester from TID says when he was in Fiji he had a driver ask for a hefty additional tip on top of the taxi fare for giving him “guided commentary” on the way to the resort.
“I explained having the local school pointed out to us as we drove past wasn’t asked for, wasn’t welcome and wasn’t worth a tip.”
SHOPPING GUIDE SCAM
Similar to the unwanted taxi guide, you can easily find yourself with a shopping guide if you’re not careful. If you’re shopping at the markets, a friendly local will tag onto you. They will walk with you and “help” and when you’re finished shopping they’ll demand money from you for acting as a guide.
For more information on safety and security while travelling visit smarttraveller.gov.au.
The colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu temple in Nadi. Picture: Flickr BrianSource:Flickr
A bustling street corner in Nadi. Picture: Flickr Michael CoghlanSource:Flickr
Have you ever been scammed while on holiday? Email leah.mclennan@news.com.au
Continue the conversation on Twitter @newscomauHQ | @LeahMcLennan
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