There's no place like it
Whether you have intensive research done on your destination or you are accustomed to travel, unless you’ve been accustomed to the place and you are revisiting, chances are you are entirely uninitiated with the local regulations of the country, and the norms which its culture abides with. Locals have no difficulty in spotting a tourist, especially the naïve ones, and even if the foreigner is a seasoned traveler there are still a lot of ways to rip them off of their money, whether through appeals on emotion or through diversionary tactics. It is understandable that you want your trip to be fun, and you want to include social interaction with the locals as part of the experience; but it is best if you keep yourself safe in the process, as there are always people who won’t hesitate on doing a con job when the opportunity presents itself.
The first place which this opportunity is apparent is on the airport terminal. If you are commuting through public transport (which is unadvisable in itself), let your gut feelings take control when calling for a cab: if the person is too insistent on having your business, or is too accommodating, chances are he or she has a motive beneath the gesture. Avoid persistent offers of assistance and products, as they may be overpriced, or a con act is being set up just for you. Look around: if the peddlers are out of place in the locale, go with your gut and reject their services with an abrupt ‘no.’ Always accompany children everywhere they go, con artists are good at getting people’s trust, and the child may end up as a willing victim.
See to it that you familiarize yourself with significant local laws, and try your best to abide by them. Follow traffic regulations, and if you have to ask for help, look for a local assistance center, rather than risk the services of a stranger. Have a trusted companion with you if you have to travel within unfamiliar areas, and bring a map so you’ll have less opportunity to ask for directions which may be questionable in reliability.
Blend in with the crowd as much as possible. Even if locals spot you for a tourist, they would think twice in conning you if you give them the impression that you are familiar with the unwritten laws of the area. Dress casually, and within the area’s general dress code. Do not wear accessories which may attract too much attention. When leaving the hotel, bring along as much cash as you need to make it back to the room. Bring your ATM card in case you need to make a substantial purchase. It is better to go with hotel shuttle services if you are unfamiliar with the area; this may cost you extra, but it is a lot safer than commuting in public transport. Keep your paths within main roads, and don’t let complete strangers lure you into winding alleys and inconspicuous street corners. Don’t drink too much that it interferes with sound judgment. You are fair game for con men if you pass out, and you have no one to blame but yourself.