Menu
Top travel scams in South America
Fraudulent tour operators in Bolivia
8 0How it works: There have been horror stories with unofficial, fraudulent tour operators, where tourists were overcharged and promises were not delivered. For instance, being stranded in the desert for…
Read more…
Ferry day tour scams in Colombia
7 0How it works: Opening: after you alight from a ferry, you may encounter touts offering cheap day tours with grand claims and promises. Set-up: after you pay however, you will…
Read more…
Longhauling taxis in Colombia
7 0How it works: Situation: in Bogota, a confusing tariff/pay band system (laminated sheet is provided) is used to determine the final fare. Set-up: as such, some drivers take a longer…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in Brazil
7 9How it works: Flash mob robbery: a crowd swarming an area stealing whatever they can. Beach, restaurants, bar: where tourists are relaxed, or when they head to the water. Bike/moped: riding…
Read more…
Machu Picchu scams in Peru
7 0How it works: Scam 1: some companies sell fake train tickets to get here and fake entry tickets online. Scam 2: guides and operators will claim that you cannot enter…
Read more…
Christ the Redeemer transport scams in Brazil
7 0How it works: Situation: besides walking, there are two options to go up: (1) Cab to the Paineras car park (halfway up) and transfer to a van to reach the…
Read more…
Beach scams in Colombia
7 0How it works: Version 1: a crab seller offers you a crab leg claiming it is a free sample. He will keep forcing you to have more and you will…
Read more…
Isla del Sol scams in Bolivia
7 0How it works: Situation: at the Isla del Sol trail, you only have to pay 10 bolivianos at the start and 5 at the end. Scam 1: however, locals along…
Read more…
Pirate taxis in Chile
6 0How it works: Version 1: At airports, you see touts carrying cards with the word “Oficial” or “TAXI” posing as official employees of the airport with official looking taxis. One…
Read more…
Fraudulent tour operators in Peru
6 1How it works: Operator overcharges, takes the money upfront, fulfils only part of their obligations and then disappears before the tour is over. Places to beware: Anywhere (e.g. in Puno;…
Read more…
Beach shoe shine scam in Brazil
6 0How it works: Opening: someone squirts green/brown goop (or mustard, sunscreen, material that seems dirty and gross) onto your shoes without you realizing. Set-up: next, a shoe shiner offers to…
Read more…
Taxis scams in Argentina
6 1How it works: Version 1: rigged meters which jump too fast or too much. Version 2: claiming additional surcharges. Version 3: insists on not using the meter but charging an…
Read more…
Pickpockets in Peru
6 2How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
Read more…
Unlicensed taxis in Argentina
6 0How it works: Situation: you may encounter a number of unlicensed taxis which look similar to radio taxis at places where tourists go. Set-up: some may be fine but in…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in Colombia
6 4How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Street, mall, market, shop, park, transportation hub:…
Read more…