"The Varanasi hand massage" India Tourist Trap Tip by JohanIsWeg

A common scam in Varanasi was for a tout to surprise you by suddenly appearing from the front with a big smile extending his hand as if to shake hands in a greeting. The ingrained response is to shake the proffered hand - only for the tout to then vigorously massage your hand and demand money in return for this service. I saw quite a few tourists desperately trying to extricate their hands from the iron grip of a tout.

Unique Suggestions: Needless to say, I pushed both my hands into my pockets and ignored the many entreaties from touts to "shake my hand".

Fun Alternatives: Alternatively, I carried my camera in my one hand and the tripod in my other hand, which discouraged them from approaching me, seeking out easier targets.