Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Joinvile, Santa Catarina, Brazil
1. Beachfront Scam
Watch out for individuals offering to exchange Brazilian Real for foreign currency at the beach. They often overcharge or give counterfeit money.
- Currency Exchange: Always exchange money at official exchange houses.
- Awareness: Stay alert, especially in tourist areas.
- Travel Buddy: Travel with a companion to avoid being targeted alone.
2. Taxi Scam
Some taxis in Joinvile may not have the meter running, or may take longer routes to increase the fare. Always use registered taxi services.
- Registered Taxis: Only use registered and licensed taxis.
- Meter Usage: Insist on the taxi meter being used.
- Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt at the end of your ride.
3. Fake Tour Guide
Unlicensed tour guides may approach you offering tours. They may overcharge or lead you to scammy stores.
- Licensed Guides: Only use licensed and registered tour guides.
- Research: Research your tours in advance to avoid scams.
- Tour Group: Join group tours instead of private ones to reduce risk.
4. Festival Scam
Some festivals may charge excessively for food, drinks, and merchandise. Research the festival in advance to know the prices and avoid overpaying.
- Price Check: Check prices before purchasing at festivals.
- Local Prices: Compare prices with local ones to avoid overpaying.
- Cash Only: Carry enough cash for the festival as many vendors may not accept cards.
5. Street Food Scam
Some street food vendors may use less than fresh ingredients or even serve counterfeit food. Stick to popular and well-rated street food stalls.
- Ratings: Check online ratings before trying street food vendors.
- Popular Stalls: Choose popular and well-visited street food stalls.
- Cooking Practice: Observe the cooking practice at the food stall before eating.
6. Hotel Room Scam
Some hotels may overcharge for rooms or even provide substandard accommodation. Research and book from reputable hotel booking sites.
- Booking Sites: Book your hotel through reputable hotel booking sites.
- Hotel Reviews: Read reviews and check ratings of hotels before booking.
- Local Price Check: Compare the hotel room prices with local rates to avoid overpaying.
7. Attraction Ticket Scam
Some attractions may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Always buy attraction tickets from the official box office.
- Official Box Office: Buy attraction tickets from the official box office.
- Attraction Reviews: Read reviews of attractions before visiting.
- Ticket Price Check: Check ticket prices online or ask locals to avoid overpaying.
8. Bars and Club Scam
Some bars and clubs may charge excessively for drinks or even serve watered-down alcohol. Research popular bars and clubs in advance.
- Price Check: Check drink prices before entering bars and clubs.
- Popular Bars: Choose popular and well-rated bars and clubs.
- Ask for Local Recommendations: Ask locals for bar and club recommendations.
9. Sports Event Ticket Scam
Some sports event tickets may be fake or overpriced. Only buy tickets from reputable sources.
- Reputable Sources: Buy sports event tickets from reputable sources such as the stadium box office or official ticket vendors.
- Event Reviews: Read reviews of the sports event before attending.
- Ticket Price Check: Check ticket prices online or ask locals to avoid overpaying.
10. Market Scam
Some market vendors may sell counterfeit goods or use unfair pricing. Stick to popular and well-rated market stalls.
- Ratings: Check online ratings before trying market vendors.
- Popular Stalls: Choose popular and well-visited market stalls.
- Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices at markets.
11. Public Transport Scam
Some public transport drivers may not give change or overcharge. Always have small denominations and carry exact change.
- Exact Change: Carry exact change for public transportation.
- Awareness: Stay alert, especially during peak hours on public transport.
- Local Transport Information: Research the local public transportation system before traveling.
12. Internet Café Scam
Some internet cafes may install keyloggers to steal personal information. Use trusted internet cafes or your own mobile hotspot.
- Trusted Internet Cafes: Only use trusted and well-rated internet cafes.
- Mobile Hotspot: Use your own mobile hotspot for sensitive transactions.
- Data Security: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public computers.
13. Accommodation Rental Scam
Some accommodation rentals may be overpriced or substandard. Research and book from reputable rental sites.
- Reputable Rental Sites: Book your accommodation through reputable rental sites.
- Accommodation Reviews: Read reviews and check ratings of rentals before booking.
- Local Price Check: Compare the rental prices with local rates to avoid overpaying.
14. Car Rental Scam
Some car rental agencies may charge excessively or even rent out vehicles in poor condition. Research and book from reputable car rental sites.
- Reputable Car Rental Sites: Book your car rental through reputable car rental sites.
- Car Rental Reviews: Read reviews and check ratings of car rentals before booking.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other reputable car rental sites to get the best deal.
15. Exchange Scam
Some exchange bureaus may overcharge or even give counterfeit money. Only use reputable and official exchange bureaus.
- Official Exchange Bureaus: Only use official and reputable exchange bureaus.
- Price Check: Compare exchange rates with other official exchange bureaus.
- Avoid Exchange on the Street: Never exchange money on the street to avoid scams.