Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Santiago, Chile
1. Metro Picket Scams
Beware of individuals offering help with Metro tickets who demand more money than the actual fare. Avoid buying from unauthorized vendors.
- Unauthorized Vendors: They may overcharge or provide fake tickets.
- Excessive Fare Demand: Official Metro fare is always cheaper than what unauthorized vendors offer.
- Safe Purchasing Spots: Only buy tickets from authorized Metro booths or vending machines.
2. Taxi Overcharging
Some taxis may attempt to overcharge tourists. Use officially licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Officially Licensed Taxis: They display a license plate, logo, and meter.
- Fixed Fare Agreements: Agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
- Avoid Shady Taxis: Shady taxis may not have a meter, or display an unofficial logo.
3. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use expired ingredients or sell less than what is paid for. Stick to reputable vendors and avoid eating unfamiliar foods.
- Reputable Vendors: They have a good reputation, clean working conditions, and are often crowded.
- Familiar Foods: Stick to foods you recognize or ask locals for recommendations.
- Expired Ingredients: Inspect food and vendors before purchasing. Avoid food that looks old, unappetizing, or has a strange smell.
4. Fake Tour Guides
Some individuals may pose as tour guides and lead you to overpriced shops or attractions. Always book guided tours through reputable agencies.
- Reputable Agencies: They have good reviews, are well-established, and offer a variety of tours.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Don't accept offers from strangers on the street.
- Check for Official Guides: Official guides have proper identification and follow a specific itinerary.
5. ATM Skimming
Criminals may install skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers.
- Inside Banks or Shopping Centers: They have better security measures than standalone ATMs.
- Cover the Keypad: Protect your PIN from prying eyes and skimming devices.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account transactions for unauthorized activity.
6. Beggar Scams
Some beggars may use distraction techniques to steal from you. Be cautious when approached and keep your belongings secure.
- Keep Belongings Secure: Don't display valuable items openly.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and don't get easily distracted.
- Give to Reputable Organizations: If you choose to give, do so through reputable organizations or charities.
7. Counterfeit Merchandise
Markets may sell counterfeit goods. Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and check for quality.
- Check Quality: Counterfeit items often have lower quality materials or poor craftsmanship.
- Avoid Overly Cheap Items: If an item seems too cheap, it may be a counterfeit.
- Buy from Reputable Vendors: They have good reviews and offer high-quality products.
8. Dine and Dash Scams
Restaurants may overcharge for the bill and then try to 'dine and dash'. Check reviews, choose busy restaurants, and settle bills promptly.
- Check Reviews: Look for restaurants with good reviews and avoid those with negative experiences.
- Choose Busy Restaurants: Busier restaurants are less likely to try 'dine and dash' scams.
- Settle Bills Promptly: Avoid leaving large gaps between ordering and settling the bill.
9. Baggage Theft at Lockers
Lockers at bus terminals may have been tampered with. Use hotel storage or carry essentials only.
- Hotel Storage: Hotels provide secure storage options for your belongings.
- Carry Essentials Only: Limit the value and number of items you store in lockers.
- Avoid Lockers at Bus Terminals: Lockers at bus terminals may not be as secure as hotel storage.
10. Pickpocketing in Crowded Places
Pickpockets often target tourists in crowded places. Use a waist pouch and keep your belongings secure.
- Waist Pouch: A waist pouch is difficult for pickpockets to access.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings zipped, buttoned, or securely fastened.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and don't get easily distracted.
11. Overpriced Accommodations
Some accommodations may overcharge tourists. Compare prices online and book in advance.
- Compare Prices Online: Prices for accommodations can vary significantly.
- Book in Advance: Booking in advance ensures you get the best deals.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer accommodations at inflated prices.
12. Bar Scams
Bars may serve watered-down drinks or overcharge for drinks. Stick to reputable bars and check drink prices.
- Reputable Bars: They have good reviews, clean facilities, and offer a variety of drinks.
- Check Drink Prices: Prices for popular drinks should be consistent among bars.
- Avoid Drinks Alone: Drinking alone makes it easier to be taken advantage of.
13. Overpriced Exchanges
Some currency exchanges may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Use banks or reputable exchange centers.
- Banks: Banks offer better exchange rates and are more secure.
- Reputable Exchange Centers: They have good reviews, are well-established, and offer fair exchange rates.
- Avoid Street Exchanges: Street exchanges may offer unfavorable exchange rates or provide counterfeit money.
14. Fraudulent Tours
Some tour operators may overcharge for poor quality tours. Book through reputable agencies and read reviews.
- Reputable Agencies: They have good reviews, are well-established, and offer a variety of tours.
- Read Reviews: Reviews can provide insights into the quality of tours offered by an agency.
- Avoid Cheap Tours: Cheap tours may compromise on the quality of the tour and safety.
15. Counterfeit Money
Counterfeit money may be passed to tourists. Always check your bills carefully.
- Check Bills Carefully: Examine each bill for signs of counterfeiting, such as missing security features.
- Use ATMs: ATMs dispense legitimate money and can help ensure you have good bills.
- Avoid Selling Money: Selling money makes it easier for counterfeit money to end up in your possession.