Scam in United Arab EmiratesShopping
High opening prices in souks in United Arab Emirates
How it works
A seller may ask more for a souvenir than other shops charge. Bargaining is expected in souks, so accepting the first price can mean paying more than necessary. A high opening price alone does not prove fraud.
Warning signs
- The asking price is higher than prices you have already checked.
- The seller lowers the price quickly when you hesitate.
How to avoid it
- Compare prices for similar goods before buying.
- Ask, "What's your best price?"
- Agree on the final price before paying.
- Walk away if the price does not suit you.
If it happens to you
- Move to a safe place. Avoid an argument or confrontation.
- Stop further payments and contact. Do not pay anyone who promises to recover your money for a fee.
- If a card or account is affected, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Ask about blocking access and disputing payments.
- Save receipts, messages, screenshots, payment records and any vehicle details. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report fraud or theft to the police. In Dubai, call 999 if you need police attention.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/dubai2025Beware of inflated prices when shopping at one of the souks.A tourist reports paying 800 dirhams for 90 grams of menthol and warns that souk goods were available elsewhere for substantially less.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/dubai2025Did I get scammed? (Perfume)A contributor reports bargaining a Gold Souk perfume down from an initial quote of 80 dirhams to 45 dirhams.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the high opening prices in souks scam in United Arab Emirates?
A seller may ask more for a souvenir than other shops charge. Bargaining is expected in souks, so accepting the first price can mean paying more than necessary. A high opening price alone does not prove fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The asking price is higher than prices you have already checked. The seller lowers the price quickly when you hesitate.
How do I avoid high opening prices in souks in United Arab Emirates?
Compare prices for similar goods before buying. Ask, "What's your best price?". Agree on the final price before paying. Walk away if the price does not suit you.
Where in United Arab Emirates does this happen?
Souks It has been reported in Dubai.
How common is this scam in United Arab Emirates?
Common. The United Arab Emirates has low crime overall, and the scams described here are mainly shopping pressure, taxi overcharging and phone fraud. Watch for missing change, extra VAT added to a quoted price, off-meter taxi fares and unexpected calls promising money or claiming legal trouble.
Are there similar scams in United Arab Emirates?
Yes: pressure to buy in shops, short-changing cash customers, vAT added to an already quoted price.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report fraud or theft and provide any evidence you saved. In Dubai, call 999 if you need police attention. Bank or card issuer: use its official app or the contact number on your card to report unauthorised payments, block a card or ask about a dispute. Taxi booking service: if you booked through an app, report the fare problem through that booking and keep the trip record. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or replacement travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in United Arab Emirates?
Police attention in Dubai: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck