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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Rhodes, Greece: how to avoid them
Photo made by Mete Kaan Özdilek on Pexels.com
Rhodes is generally welcoming for tourists, with a violent-crime score of 6 out of 10 and common petty issues concentrated in busy tourist spots. The main things to watch are overpriced taxis from the airport, unofficial guides pushing excursions, and restaurant bills with hidden extras.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Rhodes, Greece and how to avoid them
1. Airport taxi overcharging
How it works: Unlicensed drivers or drivers at the airport may quote inflated flat rates to the old town instead of using the meter, especially for first-time arrivals who look unfamiliar with local prices.
How to avoid it: Use only the official taxi rank outside arrivals and confirm the meter is running or agree a fair fare before getting in.
2. Fake tour and excursion touts
How it works: Touts on the street sell day trips and boat excursions at inflated prices, sometimes booking onto boats that do not match what was promised or cancel without refund.
How to avoid it: Book through official agencies or the hotel desk. Verify the operator has a physical office before paying.
3. Hidden cover and service charges
How it works: Some restaurants, particularly in the old town, add cover charges, bread charges or service fees that are not clearly shown, and present menus without prices to tourists.
How to avoid it: Ask for a menu with prices before ordering and review the bill line by line before paying.
4. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange booths near tourist areas advertise attractive rates but apply wide spreads or fees that make the actual conversion far worse than using an ATM or card.
How to avoid it: Pay by card or withdraw from bank-attached ATMs in euros. If exchanging cash, check the final amount received before signing.
5. Jewelry and leather pressure sales
How it works: Shops near the palace and old town entrances use aggressive follow-up and pressure tactics, and some sell gold-plated or low-grade items described as solid.
How to avoid it: Buy from reputable stores with clear pricing. Get receipts and check hallmark stamps for gold items.
6. Fake ferry and boat tickets
How it works: Unofficial sellers near the port sell tickets for ferries or excursions that are not valid or are priced far above the official rate.
How to avoid it: Buy ferry tickets only from official ticket offices at the port or from the ferry company directly.
Official tickets for the top sights in Rhodes, Greece
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Rhodes International Airport Diagoras
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €25 - €35. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Metered fare is standard, but agree on a price or confirm the meter before departing. Drivers may quote above the meter for tourists.
Best alternative: Public bus line from the airport to Rhodes Town, arriving near the Mandraki port area. (€2.50, about 30 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €1.80 (Single ride ticket for city buses in Rhodes Town.)
- Validation rules
- Buy tickets at kiosks or on the bus and validate when boarding. Keep the ticket for the whole ride, inspectors do check regularly.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €60. Fine for riding without a valid ticket, issued on the spot by inspectors.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards accepted on many city buses. Check with the driver before boarding for your specific route.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Around 10 percent is common in restaurants, bars and taxis when service is good. Rounding up the bill is also accepted.
Cover and service charges: Some restaurants add a cover charge or service fee, usually shown in the small print. Ask to see the menu with prices before ordering, and check your bill line by line.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion at the ATM. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks over standalone machines with high fees. Check the fee prompt on screen before confirming.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Old town late at night: Streets can be quiet and poorly lit after dark. Keep bags closed and stick to main routes, standard advice also repeated in visitor guides.
- Around the beach bars on the east coast late at night: Keep valuables in sight and avoid leaving drinks unattended, consistent with general nightlife caution in travel guidance.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rhodes, Greece
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.