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Brazil
21 scams
The biggest country in South America, Brazil is home to the Amazon forest, the “mecca” of football and its samba carnivals has attract revellers from all around the world.
However, Brazil can also be a dangerous place, with crime and tourist targeted scams to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Police: 190
- Fire, ambulance: 193
- Tourist police (Rio de Janeiro): 021/3399-7170
- Tourist police (Sao Paulo): 011/3107-5642
Travel guide
Fake goods in Brazil
3 0How it works: There are all kinds of fakes (luxury, electronics, medical, cosmetics, etc) and even entire shopping malls dedicated to such products. Places to beware: Anywhere (e.g. Sao Paolo…
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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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Cinderella goodnight girls in Brazil
1 0How it works: As the name suggests, these girls (i.e. hookers) slip drugs into your drink to knock you out. Places to beware: Rio de Janeiro: Vila Mimosa What to…
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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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Taxi scams in Brazil
3 1How it works: Version 1: not using the meter and charging an inflated flat fare. Version 2: rigging the meter to jump too fast or too much. Version 3: taking…
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Fake police in Brazil
2 0How it works: Version 1: fake police accuses you of a crime, demands you follow them to their car parked in a secluded spot then rob you there. Version 2:…
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Unlicensed SIM card retailer in Brazil
2 0How it works: If you shop at an unlicensed SIM card shop, you will probably end up overpaying for a SIM card – e.g. paying the rates of a SIM…
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Restaurant, food stall scams in Brazil
2 0How 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: Version 1: adding on…
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Boa Viagem Beach palm reading scam in Brazil
2 0How it works: There are women who will grab your hands and do unsolicited palm reading for you. Next, an inflated fee is demanded. Places to beware: Recife: Boa Viagem…
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Drug planting in Brazil
1 0How it works: Drugs trafficking is unlikely to affect tourists, though there have been instances of drug planting. If caught by the police who are in cahoots, you will have…
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