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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…
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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 10How 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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Pickpockets in Brazil
7 0How it works: They work in a gang – at the beach/shops, someone observes where you keep your cash when you pay for something. Local kids are then sent to…
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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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Sacsayhuaman horse ride scam in Peru
6 0How it works: Opening: on the way up to Sacsayhuaman, touts armed with professional brochures will offer to bring you to all the ruins on a horse tour. Set-up: however,…
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Bird poo scam in Argentina
6 0How it works: Opening: someone bumps and spills mustard/ketchup/chocolate milk/or even a semi-liquid that looks like bird poo onto you. Set-up: next, they or their accomplices will appear and help…
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Hotel double tax scam in Bolivia
6 0How it works: There is a 13% IVA hotel tax in Bolivia. However, hotels only have to pay this for Bolivian guests and not for foreigners. However, there have been…
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