🚨 Common Scams at Delhi Airport – How to Spot & Avoid Them

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) welcomes millions of travelers yearly, but many fall victim to scams right after arrival. Knowing the common tricks helps you stay safe and enjoy your trip.

🔍 Common Scams & How to Spot Them

1. Fake Taxi & Car Rental Offers

• Unofficial drivers or agents approach travelers inside or just outside terminals offering rides.

• Often demand exorbitant cash fares or take longer routes.

How to avoid: Use official prepaid taxi booths inside the airport or book via trusted apps like Ola or Uber.

2. Fake Tourist Help Desks

• Small booths claiming to be government tourist offices offering overpriced tours or hotel bookings.

• Use pressure tactics and provide misleading info.

How to avoid: Rely only on official Delhi Tourism counters inside terminals or book online.

3. Currency Exchange Fraud

• Unauthorized money changers offering “better rates” but shortchanging or giving counterfeit notes.

How to avoid: Use authorized currency exchange counters or ATMs inside the airport.

4. SIM Card Scams

• Vendors selling “tourist SIMs” at inflated prices or fake activation.

How to avoid: Buy SIM cards only from official mobile operator counters inside the airport.

5. Luggage Porter Overcharging

• Porters may carry luggage without consent and demand high tips.

How to avoid: Agree on porter fees upfront or carry your own luggage.

✅ Tips to Stay Safe

• Always demand receipts for payments.

• Avoid dealing with strangers offering unsolicited help.

• Pre-book airport transfers when possible.

• Keep emergency contacts handy.

• Use official apps and counters for all services.