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Top travel scams in South America
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Fraudulent tour operators in Bolivia
7 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…
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Pelourinho scams in Brazil
6 0How it works: Scam 1: unofficial guides who latch onto you, provided unsolicited advice or directions and then ask for a fee (e.g. 100 real) for their “tour services”. Scam…
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Galapagos cruise scam in Ecuador
6 0How it works: Version 1: you may encounter touts who offer a boat cruise to Galapagos at a knock-down price. However it usually comes with a range of hidden costs…
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Fraudulent hiking tours in Colombia
6 0How it works: Version 1: rogue guides take you to a remote area and then rob you of your valuables. Version 2: some threaten to leave you in the middle…
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Unlicensed tour operators in Peru
6 0How it works: Situation: Of the ~800+ tour operators in Cusco, a massive 600+ are unlicensed. Set-up: Guides are also not on salary but are compensated on a commission basis…
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Ayahuasca scams in Ecuador
6 0How it works: Opening: like in Peru, Ayahuasca tourism is an emerging market and involves taking a psychedelic herb with a shaman who performs a ritual to ‘cleanse you spiritually’…
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Ferry day tour scams in Uruguay
6 0How it works: Scam 1: spending a lot more time at shops (where they get a commission) rather than at attractions. Scam 2: having CD (containing Montevideo’s history) peddlers on…
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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;…
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