You might enjoy watching - Weird Things to Do in London: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-R-EK4oF4zQI.html London Travel Tips: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wHSPVuPmPRw.html Or all my London Videos in this playlist: ru-vid.com/group/PLOVadUHX1B-IWv6mDl5spifI_ZTA4QU4G
Hi my friend can you help me you cheek and UK this company is ledgit or not pls I from the Philippines I dont know this company is ledgit or not my friend I dont know if the scam pls reply me my frien
@@YellowProductions It's all over Europe now, particularly in Spain. As you said, it tends to be high end places in the UK, whereas in Spain and Poland it's more or less every transaction. The ATMs that are worst for this tend to be the no name ones in the UK, that are not attached or affiliated to a particular bank in Europe, there's a company called Euronet who actually pay companies to have an ATM in their shop, which gives you an idea of the level of scamming
Exactly. If you get a credit card that doesn't charge cash advance fees or FX fees, then the only thing you have to worry about is where to find an official bank ATM as those private ones are out to make money for themselves.
No bad advice, but not specific to London, any of these things can happen anywhere in Europe. You should have added, when riding a tube or bus, keep your bag in front of you, not behind or on your side, that is when it will be picked. That said, after 36 years living in London, I've never had anything stolen, Madrid on the other hand....
Travel Tip: Save all your expired credit cards put in a cheap wallet with $10 of $1 notes and put in your spare pocket. If you are ever mugged hand the guy the spare wallet.
bluerisk London: 12% Muslim population, New York: 9% Muslim population. So once you tip over that critical 9% threshold it’s a problem eh? Or maybe you’re talking shite......
I'm still blown away that someone stole from you. I know it happens but when someone steals from good people it just hurts, and you're one of the best. I'm so sorry.
and he thinks their are great british pounds! no such thing! they are bank of england! in scotland you have bank of scotland/clydesdale bank/royal bank of scotland! ALBA GU BRATH
You are very lucky then. I work & live in london and deal with scumm like these thieves on a daily bases. The misery they cause is horrendous and it has a huge effect on tourists and shoppers alike.
That horrible sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know that you've been robbed. Experienced it. Really horrible. Sorry for your loss. I'll know when we visit next year to be extra vigilant.
I must say I completely agree with number 4. I live in London, and whenever I'm out with friends or family, I constantly see tourists sitting in the back of one of those rickshaws, with a slightly scammed look on their face.
Actually, since it's "unregulated", it works both ways. What you do is give the rikkie the middle finger and walk away without paying. I don't understand why people don't do this when they are cheated. It happened to me twice in another country. Once it was a cab driver another was a rikkie. I got out and walked. The cabbie threatened to call the cops but I saw him add some 10 "extra" euros even though the boarding charge was 2.50. He claimed he'd call the cops and show them the "counter". In response I took a picture of him and his car and said I'll call the cops myself and tell them how he added 10 euro. He was gone before I could dial. Same deal with rickshaws he can yell and scream all he wants. If you wanna be civilized, then start recording your conversation when you're boarding, then he can't say the amount changed. But I just wouldn't pay. There has to be some form of punishment.
Two things that happened to me when I flew to London from JFK, that I learned from. First thing I did after clearing customs at Heathrow was visit a currency exchange window, then went outside for a smoke. I was so tired from being up all night that I didn't realize I had set down a hardcover book at the currency counter that I was reading on the plane, with my passport and plane tickets in the book. Halfway through my cigarette I realized what I had done and ran like a lunatic to the currency exchange counter, where the cashier was waiting for me with the book. I almost ruined my vacation in the first 5 minutes and I was a lot more attentive after that. Then a travel service helped me find a hotel for the night as I was flying out to Amsterdam the next day. I took the train into London and turns out the hotel was really crappy, with a lot of skeevy looking people in the lobby and behind the counter, including the woman who checked me in. I had to sit there for a bit as they told me my room needed to be prepped, and eventually I went to my room to catch some sleep and next thing I know I hear someone unlocking my door with a key. I bolted for the door and slammed it shut. I recognized the voice of the woman from the front desk, saying "sorry". Every reason to believe she was letting herself in to steal my stuff.
I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience in the city where I was born, but it seems to be the same everywhere now and it's not just tourists who are targeted. This sort of thing really winds me up and It tends to spoil the experience somewhat when you have to be on your guard all the time in case some sneak thief is waiting to steal your stuff as soon as you are distracted. They probably had you in their sights before you even sat down to eat. The video was an eyeopener for me as I didn't realise that it had got this bad.
If people didn't walk around with their eyes glued to mobile phones they might be more aware of what's going on around them and be more aware of their surroundings and potential crime.
I agree completely.I visit New Orleans frequently and NEVER carry around a mobile.I don't even own a mobile! Never been bothered there.....Why, with all the scenery London has to offer, would one eventhink of carrying a phone around?
Why do these inconciderit people walking along the street with there heads down and face in their phone screen with out paying attention to anyone and seem to think you are the one that has to move out the way for them. 😠 Play bump a phone zombie , one point for each one you bump. Five extra points if they drop there phone (best when they are texting ) and an extra three points if they apologise.
@@brucemarsico6 It's predominantly the younger generation who have grown up with this and it seems to be an extension of their brain. I genuinely believe that they would not be able to function if their smart phones were taken away, would become depressed and suffer withdrawal symptoms. They seem to be living in their own bubble and are like automatons, without any awareness of their surroundings until they either walk into you or come close to being killed while crossing the road without looking where they are going. The saddest thing I heard recently regarding this was of a young child who was given a picture book for the first time and tried to swipe it as if it was a screen.
Those are great tips, as a Canadian I have been lucky in London but am usually there with friends who are locals otherwise I'd get lost on the Tube. Had the opposite experience elsewhere in the UK when I had a lady help me in Edinburgh train station and she was just being nice. Had pre-purchased train tickets online to York with a table so we could play cards with the kids to keep them busy, when we got to Edinburgh train station there was no one to ask for assistance, just large self serve units that would issue your tickets for new and pre-booked trips. My issue was when it asked me to enter my credit card to pay I did not realize it needed the same card I had used online or it cancelled the transaction. Luckily a nice Scottish lady advised me that I needed to use the same card I had booked the tickets with and it worked like a treat. It was a relief when travelling with young children to have such a friendly lady help a stunned dad out. I have to say, the same as Canada, if there was still decent customer service this would not be an issue.
Thanks Chris, really good info. We were in London last May 2018, and my daughter told us not to let our guard down. Its a beautiful Historic place that can easily lull you into a false sense of safety.
Watch out for people who seem to be in distress maybe saying they have lost their wallet. They could be after after your money! I’ve seen this act many times around Tower Hill on my way to work.
Thank you for the great tips! I'm still sorry to hear about what happened with Topher. One scam I ran into when I went to London a few years ago was when I was walking across the bridge toward Parliament, someone was trying to give me some kind of bracelet (can't remember exactly what it was) and was collecting money "for the children". As I remember hearing about these different scams, I prevented the person from giving me the item, and the person was very persistent. I was able to continue walking on, and I was able to avoid the scam. That is why I like these kind of videos as they help alert other travelers!
Scammers also use maps instead of papers and ask you for directions with a pullout map in your face while they grab your stuff on the table behind the map your looking at
Thanks for this video and so sorry to hear about your experience and Topher. Having to always worry about your belongings being stolen, not sure it’s a place I would want to visit.
I live near London and often travel in. Never heard of a newspaper scam or people skimming from NFC...we (Brits) all have contactless cards and nobody uses signal blockers for their wallets.
Lived in London for 14 years and visit every year The scams stated don’t seem to be that appreciate It’s a huge buzzing city You just need to keep your valuables safely like any other big cities
Regarding the theft, there are a few other precautions you didn't mention. 1 - Drop off all your stuff at the hotel before you go out for the evening if you can. Many budget travelers find cheaper accommodation outside the city so I know this isn't always possible. Also, you may be on a time crunch. 2 - Instead of placing your backpack and souvenir shopping bag *_next_* to you, place it directly under the table. Makes it difficult for a thief. 3 - If you have a backpack, camera bag and souvenir shopping bag with you, do NOT sit outside where there is a steady flow of non-diners. Yes, some thieves walk through restos and pubs but certainly not in numbers as the sidewalk.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Sadly, stuff like theft happens in paradise too, especially with the tourists who are so trusting. Appreciate you making the best of a bad situation.
Thanks Chris for the tips. I visit London 2-3 times a year and I agree with you. Sadly these scams are very common in London. For the ticket machine help. I will advise if anyone really needs help, to get a staff member which is more recognisable wearing a uniform. Also, some ticket machines have a button to call for assistance.
Are you talking about London in England or it's an other London.. Becoz in England London nothing happened as you describe I live in London and nothing ever happens like this...
Same here and I've lived here all my 32 years, I import a lot and knew about the card fees but not these machine hikes. But I don't know why anyone would want to withdraw any other currency, could be worth looking into travelers cheques or pre loaded cards with set amounts. Contactless is something I avoid except oyster card.
Hi, I have put some other things in the comments. London is safe, you just have to be aware, like visiting most cities it has its issues. Enjoy your visit, I would recommend if you like historical buildings (or not) visit the Tower of London and get a guided tour by the Yeoman (beefeaters). You can get three items in one - The London Eye, HMS Belfast (battleship) and The Tower of London.
i travel alone and i use these trips also, use a cheap crossbody bag so its harder to get ripped, use the oystercard so you dont flash your cards and wallets, have pocket cash close by so you dont need the wallet out and i use a shopper (like a tote bag etc over my bags) in crowded places its easier to "hide" whats where
Great video with lots of good advise. I was scammed in London years ago by a guy who said can he take our photo then he will send it to us later. We gave him £20 to do it & guess what never received any photo. Luckily he didn’t run off with our camera.
I have had a few of these scams tried on me in London before. But, I am from Florida, so by nature my guard is always up in London, like it is back home. Plus, I am short guy, but a pretty strong guy, and the last time I was in London I had a few people I felt wanted to possibly attempt to see if they could try something, but I looked them straight in the eye balled up my fist, and they decided they did not want to test my resolve.
As a Londoner I'm so sorry that happened to you! You do have to be careful, I've been pickpocketed a couple of times. Poor Tofer 😔Hope you found a new bear to keep you company on your travels ✈
GREAT INFO! Thanks! I live just outside of Paris (14 years now) and so I keep a stong eye put when I am up in the city... I go to London very often, and always feel sooo much more at ease.. I didn't realise the situation there was the same as here! So, great to know!
He should have mentioned the unlicensed taxi cabs. I left a club in Bricktown one night and had to ask every cab on the street how much it would cost to go to Golders Green and got different prices quoted from each one.
It's no wonder people in London are so unfriendly and suspicious at times. I'm a small-town boy and once visited London. I had an all-day tube ticket I'd finished with by lunchtime and as a goodwill gesture I tried to give it away to people in a queue at the ticket office. Nobody would speak or even acknowledge me. One guy told me to piss off!
The only time I was successfully scammed in London with those pedicabs/rickshaws. The driver had a handwritten sign attached to the bike quoting the price per ride. So we took the ride and upon arriving at our destination, the driver than says we owe double the amount than was quoted earlier. When I questioned him he pointed to the sign, which showed the price but with the added words "per person". Being a tourist, I just didn't want to deal with any trouble so I paid the "per person" price. Later upon reflection, I realized that the guy had just flipped the sign over and that we had been scammed. Beware of those pedicabs.
When I go into a cafe I always lift the chair up and put the strap of the bag around the leg and then sit on the chair if anybody try to take the bag it's connected to the chair so they won't get it unless they snap the strap I've been doing that for years never lost a bag yet thank you Grandad for giving me that little tip years ago
As a Londoner I am saddened to hear of the problems you had on your visit… The currency conversion ripoff is commonplace across Europe - I came across it with a UK ski holiday company doing the same thing while ordering my ski equipment while on the coach to the resort in France. But the number of people who descend into the tube with their wallet/purse/electronic device clearly visible in their back pocket or open topped shoulder bag always amazes me! When I point out that if I can see it then so can a pickpocket they usually have a ‘Doh!’ moment (especially us complacent Brits) and visibly kick themselves for their own stupidity… the same rules apply the world over!
It's actually not the same everywhere.....I am a Brit who moved to retire in Poland and there are no such scams in the big cities like Krakow and Warsaw.....Why?? Because the Police here are doing their jobs and when these people (scammers - Roms...Afric..whatever) turn up they get thrown out of the country in a very ungentle fashion...none of those UK rainbow cops here, the cops here will and do kick the shit out of the baddies......So they just don't come anymore. All it takes is for the Police to do their real jobs. For instance the Police men in UK all seem to be tatooed and shaven headed thugs these days...none of that allowed here...they look and act like Police should do.
1) I pay with cash when abroad. No credit cards and or conversions 3) I pay with cash when abroad (and buy a metro card for the time period I'm in the city). No credit cards involved. 4) I use the ticket I bought with cash 6) I buy it with cash More so I buy all (major) tickets before I arrive the city, and I never buy such stuff on the street.
I'm a born and bred Londoner, also a probation officer here. Moped thefts are less now. They were really prevalent for a little while. Touristy areas of London are remarkably safe for it's size and income disparity. The card skimmers are on the tube are increasing though.
I recently used an atm at Heathrow airport. It gave me the 2 options. I found the exchange rate to be really poor so I chose pounds. I checked my bank app and learned I made the right choice. If I wasn't aware of the exchange rate, I would have picked the wrong option. The difference was $42 for just a w/d £300. Ridiculous.
What a sad world we live in but it's nothing new and has been going on for centuries. It used to be driven by poverty but nowadays it's more organised, motivated by greed and carried out by criminal gangs and chancers.
Sorry to hear you had your bag stolen. Theft is a problem the world over and have to say there are far worse places that could be likely to happen. The rest of the stuff seemed to be more a tourist things to look out for. I genuinely haven’t heard of or seen them happening. You must just be the most unlucky person on the planet.
Here in Malta you cant get on a bus for tourists.I wish they would all buy hop on hop off tickets and let me get on a Local Bus with out all the Hassle.Ha Ha
I know someone who was targeted by the newspaper scam and the scammers got charged with robbery and money laundering, they are quite strict on scams in London, and the restaurant you are in may have CCTV to watch it
I’m really sorry for what happened to you, Chris. Topher is so cute and I know he means a lot to you and OC Girl. I like to think he’s out frolicking all over England with Paddington Bear, Winnie the Pooh, and Peter Rabbit. I am going to London in six weeks and these tips, as are all your videos, are so helpful. I admire your perseverance through it all. Best wishes and many thanks!
So sorry to hear you got robbed in London. Unfortunately, like any big tourist destination London attracts many thieving miscreants from all corners of the world. As for those rickshaws, avoid at all costs. I've heard so many stories about people being ripped off on them.
As uncomfortable as it may be, each time I travel or go out, all bags, purchases or anything goes on my lap. It’s puzzling to me that a lot of women very casually hook their bag to the back of their seat as they are sitting down. Bad idea. Like Chris says if it’s not nailed down or held it’s gone.
Great tip on the currency conversion scam. I did the same exercise during my last trip to Madrid, Spain. The credit card reader offered me to pay in US Dollars but thanks to your video, I always picked Euros (or local currency). I have at least at a dozen of transactions, but I'm showing here two of them for illustration purposes: Transaction 1 Hotel Original amount: 285.00 Euros (credit card reader offered me US$321.98) I picked Euros and my US bank charged me US$307.77 I saved US$14.21 Transaction 2 Candy Shop Original amount: 33.80 Euros (credit card reader offered me US$39.43) I picked Euros and my US bank charged me US$36.50 I saved US$2.93 I'll buy you a beer next time you visit Dallas, Texas
That yellow is my favourite colour too....ive just bought a yellow antler cabin case.. I live in the Midlands.....and London worries me too...and the Midlands worries me too..
Advice for London. 1) Pickpocketing is rife, especially in train stations and on the UnderGround. These people are black belts at strategically placing themselves out of CCTV view. Always put your purse/wallet in a zipped handbag and put your bag to your front. Put a rubber band round your wallet (advice from a bus driver in Las Vegas) - this makes it hard to remove from your pocket. 2) Keep your valuables out of site - don't flash phones, cameras, jewellery or anything valuable about - you will become a target. 3) If paying for goods or at an ATM, make sure you have space around you. If someone is distracting you or keeps invading your space, tell them to leave in no uncertain terms and walk away, they are most likely trying to a)see your pin and b) either them or an accomplice are trying to take your card. 4) Be very suspicious of over helpful members of the public, not all, but the thieving few are trying to scam you. 5) Get an RFID wallet/purse or shield to stop contactless scams. 6) Keep some money in your pocket so you don't have to go into your purse or wallet, especially at cafes and shops where you are buying a newspaper. 7) Never change money at a currency exchange or use an ATM to do this - go to a bank or Post Office, where you will get a better rate of currency conversion, and do not do it at railway stations or airports. My advice is to load a prepaid Credit card for this purpose. Alternatively have two bank accounts and use one for your travels and one for your normal banking. 8) Be very careful of free WIFI hotspots - Phishing is rife in London and if you connect to one WITHOUT A LOGIN PAGE FOR THE CAFE ETC. YOU ARE AT you may be phished and lose your bank account money and other personal information. 9) Get a prepaid Oyster card and use it rather than money. 10) Never buy anything off the street, it is usually a scam - examples are lucky heather for the children. Keep lose change and use it for this thing to keep them away - bit like keeping loose dollars to give to homeless to stop them hassling you. 10) Don't give to homeless either - there is enough charity work that goes on to cover this - most will use your money to buy alcohol or drugs (World wide problem). 11) The Police are over stretched and understaffed, but very helpful. If you are scammed or have something stolen report it straight away or as Chris said in an earlier video, do it online - it is taken seriously. Best advice ever is to be aware of your surroundings, do your best to blend in, don't be obnoxious and loud, avoid eye contact with strangers, but just be aware. And of course there are better places in the United Kingdom than just London - head out and explore.
So sorry you had this experience. Thank you for all the good advice. This wasn’t my experience in London, but it was on my 2nd trip to Madrid. I made the mistake of going to this crowded bakery, which is supposedly famous, to bring some cookies to a friend back in the states. Well, they opened my bag and took my wallet. Thank goodness, I only carry a credit card, but my license was also in my wallet. This happened on the last day too. Always be vigilant.
I'd not be at all surprised as staff are extremely aware of anyone that looks out of place. Think about it, they work a place long enough, even slightly out of the ordinary stands out like a sore thumb.
Not everybody is trying to rob you in London - Just the scummy lowlifes. There are a lot of Londoners who welcome tourists to their fine city. Good video - Good Common Sense advice
About rickshaws, when I was in London a few weeks ago, I was looking at the Christmas lights in the west end and there were these rickshaws in garish decorations and flashing lights visible from the moon, and it trundled around blaring out Christmas music. It was just so ridiculous it was funny - must have been about £50 per minute, there was no information about the cost displayed
If I understood did you correctly you advised us to get US dollars out of an ATM machine in London. I looked online and it’s telling me Britain doesn’t accept US dollars.
No.. I advise taking the money out of the ATM in Pounds. But if you accept the offer of "Dynamic Currency Conversion" then the company that operates the ATM will "debit" your bank account in USD instead of GBP at an exorbitant exchange rate. It's better to decline that offer and have the ATM debit your bank in the local currency and then your bank does the exchange and International currency fees if there are any
1. Currency Conversion - this is not just in LONDON... its all over EUROPE and worldwide if you r a tourist....especially hotels in Europe . so that's incorrect.
The best place for pickpockets to wait is next to the pickpocket warning signs because when you see the sign you automatically tap your pocket where the valuables are and they see it.
i was with my girlfriend on a train, wanted to buy some drinks, took my wallet out, left it on the table, looked out the window for a bit, suddenly the wallet was gone. reported the matter at paddington police station, but of course nothing happened
Tnx Cris maybe i don’t want to go lo London,it’s very scary while i’m watching ur vlog😂I’m used here in Japan with low crimes;by the way we’re goin to Dubai,how about a review in Dubai? Waiting for u to Visit Dubai Soon
I live in Hackney and have witnessed phone grabs 12 times, but still love the city. I’ve never felt more unsafe than when I was with my family in Paris, as I’ve been stalked for my camera, the whole direction thing etc. and then marked as a target. We had to stand near police officers near the Eiffel Tower to lose them :(
@@YellowProductions You can normally spot them a mile away, a pack of kids on bikes, normally one riding in tandem on the back seat ready to grab, no lights, hoodies, and balaclavas. The passenger would grab, then pass it onto the faster single riders, and now with all the road closures in London they're unstoppable, also no evidence in the hands of the slow riders. The sad thing is, as the pack picks its victims you can see rows of mobile screens in the distance ready for swiping. If you have to use a phone keep it tight to your chest or simply don't have it out. It's also called "Apple picking" It's like swimming in shark-infested waters with fresh meat held in front of your face, that's also glowing like a beacon :)
I have always found the ATM’s have offered the best exchange rate. Just use the bank ATM’s… Good advice in this video but, sorry to hear about your experience
romainians would sometimes come into the coffee shop that i used to work in and pretend to not speak english and put a note on the table on top of the phone. i chased them off most days but sometimes they got a phone
