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Every popular destination has one scam pattern that catches tourists more than any other — usually because it starts with someone being unusually friendly, not obviously suspicious. From Budapest's bar consumption scam to Bangkok's tuk-tuk gem-shop detour, knowing the specific pattern in advance is the cheapest, most effective defense there is. General street-smarts (agree on prices upfront, be skeptical of unsolicited help, never accept food or drinks from strangers) cover the rest.
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