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Top travel scams in South America
Counterfeit currency in Argentina
3 0How it works: Version 1: fake pesos are of a different, cheap feeling material. The print is bad with faded colours. Further, watermark of face/animal can be seen without shining…
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Pickpockets in Colombia
3 0How 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…
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Product swap shopping scam in Colombia
3 0How it works: Opening: after you pay, the shop assistant heads to the back of the shop to swap your item. Set-up: when you unpack your item back in your…
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Fake soccer match tickets in Argentina
3 0How it works: During match days, there are tickets touts who peddle fake tickets at inflated prices outside soccer stadiums (especially for Boca Junior, River Plate games). Places to beware:…
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Would you like a drink bar scam in Brazil
3 0How it works: Version 1: a stranger asks you for directions, then suggest drinks together at a specific bar. There, girls will join you and get drinks at inflated prices…
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Restaurant scams in Peru
3 2How it works: Situation: most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: advertising cheap rates, free…
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Unlicensed taxis in Ecuador
3 0How it works: Overcharging: quoting an inflated fare or rigged meter. Express kidnappings (specifically Guayaquil): driver takes you to a remote area to pick up armed accomplices. You are then…
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Price quote scams in Colombia
3 0How it works: Like in most flea markets in developing countries, items sold at markets in Colombia generally do not have clearly labeled prices. As a tourist, you will probably…
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Fake goods in Colombia
3 0How it works: Situation: Colombia produces a huge number of fake goods. Version 1: fake Cuban cigars containing tobacco waste or grass clippings are often sold on the streets (e.g….
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Illegal flanelinhas in Brazil
3 0How it works: Situation: these unofficial parking attendants, otherwise known as illegal “flanelinhas”, wait around empty parking lots to direct you in. Set-up: they then demand a fee for helping…
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