Here Are 8 Tips & Tricks To Save You From Getting Conned In Agra

Agra is one of those cities in India which is always bustling with tourists, making it easy for con artists to take advantage of the situation! So, in order to make your travel to this gorgeous city a smoother one, we’ve listed some tips & tricks that'll save you from getting conned. 

1. Stay Away From All The Deceptive Guides

Picture Credits: Uppy Chatterjee

The so called ‘guides’ you'll find in the city, especially in the Taj Complex are mostly misleading. Many of them might even promise to take you on a VIP tour to the Taj Mahal but more often than not, it's a longer route through all the alleyways. Some of them may not even have their facts right, so we recommend that you book a guide in advance from an authorised company or ask your hotel to arrange for one! 

2. Beware Of The Petha Scam

Perhaps, pethas are the one thing you won't forget to take back home from Agra. In fact, there are multiple shops that you'll find on the streets of Agra selling pethas and other sweets but not all of them are authentic! Some may sell fake petha in place of the original dish and it's advisable that you take it from the tried & tested, most popular stores.

3. Keep A Lookout For Pickpockets

Picture Credits: lukexmartin

Be extremely careful of your belongings while visiting the Taj Mahal. There are tons of pickpockets hovering around the complex and you wouldn't even realise when or where you lost something, as they're pretty skilled! Being an overcrowded space, you should carry a small bag or a sling bag which makes it easy for you to keep an eye on your belongings. 

4. Prepare Your Itinerary Well In Advance

Be sure of where you want to go, what all you want to see and where you'd like to shop in advance. The Rickshaw walas and local guides will always try to take you to some high end stores and emporiums who give them a huge commission for doing so. Many times, touts approach you offering some help and instead make money out of it. It's important that you don't get caught in this frenzy and be assertive of where exactly you'd want to go. 

5. Check And Confirm Ticket Prices Online

Picture Credits: Philippe Cabot

Always check the price of any ticket online before purchasing it! With Agra bustling with tourists all the time, you may end up paying more for something without even realising it! This one's specially for all the foreigners who are mostly quoted hiked up rates, for no reason at all!  

6. Keep All Travel And Hotel Details Handy With You

Keep your hotel & travel agents contact details with you at all times. It's always a good idea to keep these handy as you may need to get in touch with them to confirm or check something. Do not blindly believe any details communicated to you by the local guides. Also, carry a city map with you as often taxis or autos will try to take you via a longer route, costing you more money.

7. Bargaining Is An Absolute Must!

Bargain, ALWAYS! There is no telling how jacked up the prices may be so always quote an amount lower, usually less than half the amount the shopkeepers or vendors quote so that eventually you both settle at a half decent price!

8. Buy Water ONLY From Trusted Vendors

Carry your own water bottle while travelling or touristing around the city. Unfortunately, there have been many complaints reported of tap water being sold in bottles of branded labels. So it's best to be extra careful whilst eating and drinking and only go to trusted vendors or restaurants. 

So remember all these tips and tricks on your next visit and thank us later!