Delhi Airport Tourist Trap: Overpriced Tours & Fake Hotel Calls – What You Need to Know

If you're flying into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), be cautious—many first-time visitors fall victim to clever scams targeting tourists right at the airport, especially related to tours, hotel bookings, and fake “help desks.”

🚨 Common Tourist Traps at Delhi Airport:

1. Fake Hotel Calls or Reps:

• Scammers pretending to be from your hotel may call you at the airport claiming:

  “Your booking is canceled,” or “Your hotel is overbooked.”

• They’ll then offer to rebook you at a different (usually overpriced or commission-based) hotel.

• What to do: Always call your hotel directly using their official number, not one provided by strangers.

2. Overpriced Tour Operators at Arrival:

• Touts may pose as “official tour operators” and offer pre-paid trips to Agra, Rajasthan, or Himachal at inflated prices.

• You might be taken to fake travel offices around Connaught Place or Karol Bagh.

• What to do: Pre-book tours online with reputed companies, or use verified counters inside the terminal.

3. Unmarked "Tourist Help Desks":

• Positioned near exits or car parking, these look official but are private operators.

• They often use aggressive tactics to reroute your trip plans.

✅ How to Stay Safe:

• 📱 Turn on roaming or airport Wi-Fi to verify bookings independently.

• 🚖 Use official prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs (Ola/Uber).

• 📞 Contact your hotel or travel agent using verified numbers only.

• 🧾 Never hand over your passport or booking confirmation to strangers.

🧳 Bonus Tip:

If you feel unsure or pressured, go back inside the terminal—airport police or staff can guide you to official services.