Drink scam
Drink Scam is a common complaint from tourists in bars, go-go bars, nude bars, hostess bars, clubs and brothels. A customer orders a couple of drinks, then gets hit with charges for a whole table, overpriced champagne, a private room or fees nobody mentioned.
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How Drink Scams Work
The usual setup is a tout or friendly stranger bringing a visitor to a bar. Prices may be missing, unclear or explained only after the drinks arrive. In hostess bars, customers report being charged for “lady drinks” at several times the usual price, then pressured to buy another round. In strip clubs, the hard sell may be for champagne or a private room.
Other complaints include surprise entrance or room fees, card machines supposedly failing, repeated card charges and bills written in a language the customer cannot read. Some travellers also report staff crowding them, steering them to an ATM or holding onto an ID or card until the bill is paid.
Pattaya Bell Charge
One traveller reported ringing a brass bell at a bar in Pattaya, thinking it was for calling staff. The bar treated it as a signal that he would buy a round for everyone. Two bottles of water became a bill of 1,850 baht, which the traveller said was about four days of their travel budget. A Western customer reportedly backed up the bar’s explanation and laughed at them. Whether it was a local custom or a deliberate trick, the price and rule were not clear to the visitor before the bell was rung.
Istanbul Card Charges
Another traveller reported being charged more than USD$ 10,000 in four transactions across two cards after going out for drinks in Istanbul. They expected a bill of around USD$200 to 250. The bill was in Turkish lira, and staff repeatedly said the card machine was not working, so the customer tried to pay several times.
Drink Spiking Rumours
Drink spiking is another fear in tourist bars. A drink tasting strong does not prove it has been spiked, but anyone who suddenly feels unwell should get help and stay with someone they trust. Keep your drink with you and leave if you feel unsafe. These kind of scams and robberies are common in Bogota and Medellín.
Places Mentioned in Traveller Reports
Drink scam complaints come from tourist areas including Pattaya, Bogota, Bangkok, Manila, Prague and Las Vegas. A large bill alone does not prove a scam, but hidden prices, charges added without agreement, repeated card payments and pressure from a group are reasons to check the bill before paying.
Ask the price before ordering, watch the card machine and keep the receipt. If you feel threatened, leave when you can do so safely, then contact your bank about disputing the charge. Some cities also have tourist police who take complaints.
