Border crossings are a haven for scams. This, however, does not hold true if
you are flying into a country. Passport control and immigration in airports is
always well regulated. Land crossings are harder to monitor, and therefore
there is potential for risk. When traveling across borders by land, make sure
you are using the largest and most common border crossing. Often there is more
than one border crossing between any two given countries. Check with other
travelers and licensed travel agents to determine which one is best. Also, make
sure you have the most recent entry requirements and visa/entry fee information
on hand. Many scammers (even official men in uniform) will tell you that you
must pay a visa or an entry fee to cross the border. The tricky part is that
for some countries and/or nationalities, this is true. Every country has
different fees and requirements, which sometimes differ based upon your
individual nationality. Scammers take advantage of this because you may see
someone pay an entry fee that may not be applicable to you. You are asked to
pay this same fee, and you go right ahead and pay it. If you are not careful,
you could lose some money. The lesson is to check with an embassy or consulate
before you cross (this can be done online).