top 4 scams in stockholm | from my personal experience
As a seasoned traveler myself, I recently had the pleasure of exploring Stockholm. While I fell in love with the city’s atmosphere and culture, there were a few situations that raised a red flag. Unfortunately, while Stockholm is generally safe, it’s important to be aware that crime in Sweden, particularly petty crime targeting tourists, can occasionally catch you off guard.In this blog, I’m sharing the top 4 scams I encountered firsthand, along with some tips to help you avoid them and ensure a smooth, scam-free vacation in this wonderful city.
So, whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, buckle up and get ready to navigate the beautiful streets of Stockholm with confidence! By being aware of these common scams, you can focus on what truly matters: creating unforgettable memories in this captivating city.
Taxi Scams:
Taxis in Stockholm are regulated, but tourists may not be aware of the pricing system. Taxis must have an informational sticker on the back door showing the prices, but it might be in a foreign currency and difficult to understand. A good rule of thumb is that rides within the city should never cost more than 500 Swedish Crowns (SEK) and a taxi from the airport to the city center should cost around 700 SEK. If the price starts to go above 80 or 90 Euros, you might be getting scammed. Here are some reputable taxi brands to choose from: Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, and Svea Taxi.
Souvenir Shop Scams:
The souvenir shops in Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, are notorious for targeting tourists with:
- Overpriced Goods: These shops often sell cheaply made, generic tourist trinkets at inflated prices. You won’t find many authentic Swedish items here. Unfortunately, this kind of petty crime in Sweden often goes unnoticed by unsuspecting visitors who may end up paying a lot more than they should for subpar items.
- Useless Junk: The souvenirs they sell are often impractical or just plain junk that you won’t use or want after your trip.
- Lack of Traditional Items: If you’re looking for something that reflects Swedish culture or history, you’ll be hard-pressed to find it in these shops. The few traditional items they might have, like Dalahorses (wooden painted horses), are likely overpriced.
Tips to Avoid Souvenir Shop Scams in Stockholm:
- Do your research: Before your trip, look up traditional Swedish souvenirs and shops that sell them. This way, you’ll know what to look for and where to find it.
- Explore alternative shops: Venture outside of Gamla Stan. Look for shops in neighborhoods like SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) or Södermalm that sell locally-made crafts and artwork.
- Look for quality over quantity: It’s better to buy one well-made, unique souvenir than a bunch of cheap trinkets.
- Haggling is acceptable: In some shops, especially at markets, haggling over the price is expected.
Use your best judgment: If something seems too expensive or low quality, it probably is. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything.
The Picture Scam:
The picture scam in Stockholm is a rare but sneaky tactic that targets tourists. Although crime in Sweden is generally low, this scam is an example of how petty criminals can exploit the kindness of tourists. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- The Approach: A friendly person, often a local, approaches you on the street and asks you to take their picture. They might be holding a camera or phone and want a photo in front of a landmark or scenic spot.
- The Setup: You take the picture as requested, happy to help out a tourist like yourself. You hand the camera back to the person.
- The “Accident”: Here’s the trick. As you’re returning the camera, the person accidentally drops it. There might be a surprised gasp or dramatic reaction.
- The Blame Game: Suddenly, the person becomes upset and accuses you of damaging their camera. They might point to scratches or cracks that were likely already there.
- The Pressure to Pay: They’ll pressure you to pay for repairs or a replacement camera. The amount they demand could be significant, hoping to catch you off guard and flustered.
- Your Options: This is where you need to stay calm and collected. Remember, this is a scam. You are not responsible for accidental drops.
- Walk Away: The best course of action is to simply walk away. Don’t get into an argument or feel obligated to pay. There’s nothing they can legally do to force you.
- Be Aware: If they become aggressive, politely but firmly state you won’t pay and walk away towards a populated area or seek help from a nearby store or official.
Here are some additional tips to avoid the picture scam:
- Be cautious of unexpected requests: If someone you don’t know asks you to take their picture, especially with their own camera, politely decline.
- Offer to take a picture with your own camera: If you’re comfortable, you can offer to take their picture using your own phone or camera. This way, there’s no chance of being blamed for any damage.
- Trust your gut: If a situation feels suspicious or someone seems overly eager for a picture, walk away.
By being aware of this scam and following these tips, you can avoid becoming a target and enjoy your visit to Stockholm.
The Shell Game Scam:
The shell game scam, also known as the three-shell monte or pea under the shell trick, is a classic con that preys on tourists and unsuspecting onlookers. Here’s a deeper dive into how it works:
The Setup:
- You’ll see a performer or vendor on a street corner with a small, portable table or mat.
- There will be three identical shells, cups, bottle caps, or other small opaque objects placed upside down on the table.
- Underneath one of these shells is hidden a small object, like a ball or a coin.
The Showmanship:
- The performer will move the shells around quickly and seemingly randomly, making it difficult to follow the hidden object.
- They might use sleight of hand tricks to make it appear like the object is under a particular shell, further confusing the audience.
- The performer might create a fun and engaging atmosphere, encouraging people to watch and participate.
The Bait and Switch:
- The performer will then offer a chance to win money by betting on which shell the hidden object is under.
- They might start with small stakes to build trust and entice people to bet.
- If someone guesses correctly, they might win a small amount of money, further encouraging participation.
The Scam:
- Here’s the key. The performer controls the shells and uses their skill to manipulate them in a way that makes it nearly impossible to guess correctly.
- They might use a pea that sticks to a certain shell or a slight gap where the winning shell sits.
- Often, confederates in the crowd will pretend to win bets, further convincing onlookers that the game is fair.
How to Avoid the Shell Game Scam:
- It’s always a scam: This is important to remember. No matter how skilled the performer seems, the game is rigged in their favor.
- Don’t be fooled by theatrics: The showmanship and atmosphere are designed to distract you and make you focus on the wrong thing.
- Don’t engage with the performer: Simply walk on by and avoid eye contact.
- Warn others: If you see someone getting drawn into the game, politely let them know it’s a scam.
There’s no easy way to win at the shell game. It’s a game of deception, not skill. By being aware and avoiding any interaction, you can protect yourself from this age-old scam.
Remember, a little research and a healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way. Don’t be afraid to bargain at markets, ask for recommendations from locals, and walk away from situations that feel off.
While crime in Sweden is relatively low, staying informed and vigilant will help you have a fantastic and scam-free vacation in this beautiful city!
