Common tourist scams in Europe and how to avoid them

Most European destinations are very safe for tourists, but a handful of petty scams show up repeatedly in major cities: fake petition signers working with pickpockets, unofficial "free" bracelet or rose sellers who then demand payment, and unlicensed taxi drivers overcharging from airports. None of these are dangerous, just annoying and avoidable with a bit of awareness.

Simple habits that help: use official taxi ranks or ride-hailing apps instead of drivers who approach you, keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowded areas like metros and markets, and politely decline anyone handing you something unsolicited on the street. Basic street-smarts, not paranoia, is all that's needed.