7 Scams to Beware of When Visiting Medina

One of the most common scams reported by tourists in Saudi Arabia involves scammers asking you to take their picture and handing you their camera.

When you return the camera, they will purposely drop it and aggressively demand money from you for supposedly breaking it.

Some shops in Medina may short-change you, knowing few will notice. If you’re used to trusting shops, be more cautious here. Confirm prices and double-check your change.

If short-changed, insist on the correct amount. They will comply due to strict penalties for theft.

1. Camera Scam

A frequent scam in Saudi Arabia involves someone asking you to take their picture and handing you their camera. After you return it, they intentionally drop the camera and aggressively demand compensation, claiming you broke it.

2. Short-changing in Shops

In some shops in Medina, you might find that you’re short-changed, as some shopkeepers assume few will notice. If you’re used to trusting shop transactions, take extra care here.

Confirm prices and double-check your change. If you’re short-changed, insist on getting the correct amount, as the strict penalties for theft mean they’ll comply.

3. Fake Zam Zam Water

Watch out for shops selling fake Zam Zam water, especially if you’re in a hurry or don’t have your own container.

To avoid this scam, purchase Zam Zam from reputable stores. If you’re leaving from Jeddah or Medina, you can buy genuine Zam Zam water in packed containers at the Zam Zam counters located outside the airports.

4. Taxi Scams

When taking a taxi, always choose an official one. In some cases, it’s best to agree on the fare beforehand and ask the driver to turn on the meter to ensure accurate fare calculation.

You can also enter your destination into a GPS app to monitor the route and prevent the driver from taking a longer route to overcharge you.

5. Sob Stories from Taxi Drivers

Be cautious of taxi drivers, both official and unofficial, who share dramatic stories of personal hardship or claim they’re about to fight in Jihad in Palestine, followed by a request for donations.

These stories are fabricated to exploit your generosity. Don’t fall for these tactics.

6. Accommodation Scams

Accommodation scams are common during Umrah bookings, where some travel operators promise luxury stays in Medina but deliver substandard or non-existent accommodations upon arrival.

To protect yourself, ask detailed questions about your booking, research your options, and ensure they match your budget and expectations.

7. Begging Scams

Be wary of individuals who approach you with heart-wrenching stories, claiming they need money for food, medical treatment, or that they’ve lost their luggage and passport.

These are usually professional beggars who use fabricated stories to manipulate you into giving them money.