With the growing number of people heading to its hills and valleys every year, Bhutan has become one of the most popular tourist hubs. This country offers a quaint escape from the hassles of the metro cities and is packed with pristine landscapes, clear vistas and ancient culture. Bhutan has something for everyone, making it very popular among travelling communities and increasing its popularity.
Along with the number of travellers, there has also been a huge rise in the number of fake travel agencies that scam tourists and destroy their dreams of a blissful adventure. However, there are still various reputed and credible Jaigaon travel agencies that can provide you with an immersive experience in Bhutan. To keep your dream of a Bhutan trip safe, here is a list of tips which can help pinpoint a scammer or fake tour agency.
Check for their License and Credentials
Before selecting any travel agency, it is important to check its credentials and licenses. The Bhutanese government requires travel agencies to be registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). If you are approached by an agency or even inquiring about your booking, the first thing you should do is check their registration number on the website of the TCB.
While finding travel agencies online, you may come across various fake websites that have no official standing. If you come across a website offering attractive packages, the first thing you should do is check its registration number. You can also directly call them and ask for their business registrations as well as proof of other important credentials. You can also ask them if they collaborate with approved operators, as is required by the laws of Bhutan.
Avoid Extremely Cheap Packages
If you want to make your way into Bhutan, you are required to pay for various permits, visas, accommodations, travel and entry fees according to experts at a Jaigaon Travel Agency. Additionally, tourists are also required to pay Sustainable Development Fees (SDF), which support the tourism and sustainability efforts of the Government. Encapsulating all of these in one single payment cannot be cheap amount.
While it is valid to have a discount or consideration, if the packages are priced too low, it can be a red flag. Scammers or fake tour operators tend to make dummy websites in which they lure travellers with package prices that are too good to be true. Through these, they lure travellers into paying them money but dont provide any services. Often, you may not be able to contact them after the payment has been made.
Check for Online Reviews
With the advancement of technology, researching a topic has become significantly easier. Once you have finalised a list of the top 5 appropriate travel agencies, you can check them on platforms such as Google reviews and TripAdvisor. These platforms allow the client to write honest reviews of their experience, which will be great for assessing their credibility and performance.
While assessing the companies, you will need to take note of both their positive and negative aspects and look for patterns that will reflect the reality of the company. You should also look for specific input regarding the itinerary and the activities they experienced. Through the review, you will also come to know how the agency handles sudden changes in the plans or any cases of emergency.
Confirm Payment Channels
According to experts at a Jaigaon Travel Agency, scammers are great at handling their money through untraceable bank services, personal digital wallets, and cryptocurrency. When you make your payment, if they offer these sketchy methods, try to avoid consulting with them immediately.
A credible agency will provide you with a professional invoice which includes all your expenses. These also feature a thorough price breakdown to ensure you know what is included and excluded from the services. The payment is usually made over traceable methods such as transfers to a business account, as well as payment gateways, etc.
If they are pressuring you into paying early or booking a package quickly, you need to stay cautious and thoroughly check their credibility. One more easy way to check their credibility is by checking if their bank name matches the company name.
Speak Directly With the Tour Operator
Some scammers often act as a middleman for tour operators, but they do not have much idea about Bhutan or its destinations. If you wish to get clarification regarding your booking, you can directly call the tour operator through a call or video chat to ensure they are credible. This will also help you to clarify things regarding your itinerary and ask them to add or remove destinations according to your preferences.
If you want to have a more immersive experience, through these conversations, you will be able to understand some cultural expectations before heading into the country. Tour operators also directly provide you with information regarding the accommodations and travel, along with their quality. Lastly, you can assess their professionalism and ensure you are getting a transparent service.
Don’t Hire “Freelance Agents”
If you are planning to head to Bhutan on your own, though the town of Bhutan, you are sure to come across the “Freelance Agents”. These people promise to guide you through the permit sections and try to help you get accommodations and transport. While they can be credible, most have a reputation for being scammers or unauthorised guides.
When dealing with their coercion, it is essential to keep your passport and ID away. Make sure you don't hand it to any of them unless they are a verified Jaigaon travel agency. If you want to go looking for a credible travel agency, they may be in the town region of Jaigaon and usually have visible signboards with pictures of their affiliations. Stay away from these vendor-like people, as they tend to use pressure tactics to get you to comply with them.
Ask for a Transparent Itinerary and Services
Credible travel agencies can provide you with detailed itineraries that are thoroughly researched in a short amount of time, and they usually make these to focus on your preferences. Scammers, however, will hand over a basic framework of an itinerary to you. These will not include any specific information, but a generic one. To ensure the company you are dealing with is legitimate, you can ask them for information on the accommodations they have selected, modes of transportation, as well as timings and inclusions.
Conclusion
The majestic sceneries and emerald hills os Bhutan are meant to evoke the peaceful energy in you. However, scammers and fake travel agents can cause serious damage to your dream vacations. With the help of the tips provided by experts at Jaigaon travel agency, you will be able to make the most of Bhutan’s spiritual ambience.
