Sometimes, when you’re travelling overseas it’s easy to feel like one big walking dollar sign. Avoid getting ripped-off with this guide to the seven most common tourist traps when travelling abroad.

1. Sim cards

It’s convenient to have a working phone when travelling overseas but the data and call costs can quickly add up. Rather than using your current phone plan, contact your provider and ask to have your plan suspended while you’re away. When you arrive at your destination, buy a local sim card and opt to manually top up your funds. It will allow you to make cheap local calls without the international roaming fees. Don’t forget to use wi-fi networks as well- many restaurants and hotels offer free wi-fi so you don’t have to pay for data.

2. Airport transfers

Big international airports often have a number of transport services that connect terminals to the city centre. The cost of these transfers can vary wildly. For example, the London Heathrow Express costs four times that of a standard train ticket to reach the city. Before you leave home, do a quick search about your options and where possible, book in advance to reap savings.

3. Inaccurate currency conversion rates

Some overseas card terminals will let you choose whether you’d like to be charged in local or Australian currency. While the latter might seem like the most obvious choice, it’s often linked to an added layer of fees.

Similarly, some countries such as Turkey and Cambodia often accept foreign cash. It’s rarely worthwhile paying for goods with foreign dollars, as market stall holders and local vendors set the exchange rate, which is usually far off the market rate.

4. Hire car GPS

Hiring a car can be one of the best ways to escape the tourist path and see a country like a local. Be aware of added extras though, such as a GPS. Rather than pay the $10-or-so dollar-a-day fee, download an offline map app. alternatively, if you’ve got a GPS at home and know that you’ll need one on your trip, pack it! You can buy international maps on your GPS and it means you’ll own it for life, not just the duration of your car hire.

5. Mandatory tips

While some high-end cruises have a no-tip policy, most companies add an extra daily fee to your final bill, without even asking. Fees can range from $12-$18 per day, which adds up! Be sure to check what your travel provider’s tip policy is before making a booking.

6. Shopping tours

Taking a locally-guided tour is a wonderful way to see a city through the eyes of a local, but be wary of tour recommendations. The classic “my uncle runs a one-of-a-kind rug store” might seem innocent enough, but remember that many tour operators receive commission to take you to vendors, who’ll charge a higher price once they know you’re a tourist.

Rather, jump online to sites like TripAdvisor to read up on real consumer reviews and take special note of the names of tour operators who receive glowing reviews. When you book the tour, ask for them to be sure you’re getting the same expert-led tour.

7. Rent full, return empty

It’s become mandatory at many car rental outlets for drivers to receive the car with a full tank of petrol and return it empty. While it might sound like a great deal, the reality is that car companies usually win out, as drivers over-fill the tank to avoid that nervous return drive when the red light is flashing.

If you’re planning to hire a car, make sure you use the rent full, return empty policy to your advantage.

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