Destinations › Poland › Warsaw › Scams
Warsaw, Poland
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Warsaw, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Exchange kiosks in the tourist areas advertising strong rates with commissions disclosed only after the transaction, and dynamic currency conversion at cash machines.
Old-town restaurants adding undisclosed cover charges and items not ordered, and applying a service charge on top of an already-included one.
Unmarked taxis at the airport and main station running inflated tariffs or refusing the meter. Licensed operators post rates on the door and ride apps quote in advance.
Fake charity collectors with laminated documentation working the old-town squares.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or materially different on arrival.
Unlicensed guides at heritage sites charging for commentary in publicly accessible areas.
Counterfeit amber and branded goods sold as genuine in the tourist market stalls.
Strip-club and bar touts on the old-town approaches promising a fixed price that becomes a much larger bill inside, with intimidation used to secure payment.
Pickpocketing on tram and bus routes serving the old town and at the main station concourse.
Resold event and museum tickets that are already used or non-transferable.
