Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

All Topics about Campos All Cities in Brazil

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxis by agreeing on the fare before starting your journey.

Fixed Fare: Know the standard rate for a taxi ride before entering the vehicle.
Pre-paid Taxis: Opt for prepaid taxis at airports or major tourist spots to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Desolate Areas: Stay clear of deserted areas and always use licensed taxi services.

Buy only from trusted vendors and avoid overpriced or fake goods at beachfront stalls.

Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on reliable beach vendors.
Bargain: Always bargain for prices at beachfront stalls before making a purchase.
Know the Prices: Familiarize yourself with local prices to avoid being overcharged.

Buy tickets only from authorized booths or official websites to avoid counterfeit tickets.

Official Websites: Purchase tickets for attractions from their official websites whenever possible.
Authorized Booths: Look for authorized booths with official logos and staff uniforms.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid purchasing attraction tickets from street vendors to prevent scams.

Eat at trusted restaurants or street food stalls with good hygiene practices to avoid falling ill.

Check Reviews: Read online reviews and choose popular, well-rated restaurants.
Hygienic Conditions: Ensure the kitchen is clean and staff wear gloves while preparing food.
Cooked Food: Avoid consuming undercooked or raw foods to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Examine your bills carefully and only use ATMs at reputable banks to avoid receiving counterfeit money.

Feel the Money: Counterfeit bills often have a different texture compared to genuine ones.
Check for Holograms: Authentic bills have holograms and watermarks that counterfeits lack.
Use Reputable ATMs: Choose ATMs located at reputable banks or inside shopping malls for safety.

Protect your card and PIN by shielding the keypad when entering your PIN at ATMs.

Secure ATMs: Choose well-lit, secure ATMs for safer transactions.
Check the ATM: Inspect the ATM for any suspicious devices before using it.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account transactions to detect any unauthorized activity.

Pay the toll fee only at designated lanes on Rio-Niteroi Bridge to avoid scams.

Official Lanes: Stay in official toll lanes and follow signs clearly indicating them.
Bridge Fee: Know the standard fee for crossing the Rio-Niteroi Bridge beforehand.
Avoid Uniformed Individuals: Ignore anyone claiming to be a toll collector outside the official booths.

Only pay for your bus fare at designated collection points and avoid scammers trying to trick you.

Official Collection Points: Pay the bus fare only at official collection points, such as the driver or ticket machine.
Know Bus Routes: Familiarize yourself with local bus routes and their fares before traveling.
Stay Alert: Keep your belongings close by and be aware of potential scammers trying to trick you.

Book hotels from reputable sources and inspect the room for any discrepancies before checking in.

Reputable Booking Sources: Use booking websites with good reviews and secure payment options.
Room Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the room for any damages or discrepancies before checking in.
Check Hotel Location: Ensure the hotel is located in a safe and convenient area for your travel needs.

Book rental accommodations only from verified platforms to avoid scammers and hidden fees.

Verified Platforms: Use popular, verified accommodation platforms with positive reviews.
Property Inspection: Inspect the property before booking and verify its condition with the owner.
Payment Methods: Choose accommodations that offer secure payment methods, such as credit card or PayPal.

Research and book tour services in advance from reputable companies to avoid overpricing.

Reputable Companies: Choose established, well-reviewed tour service providers.
Book in Advance: Book tours ahead of time to avoid last-minute overpriced offers.
Compare Prices: Research and compare prices for similar tour services before booking.

Stick with authorized guides and be cautious of individuals offering unsolicited assistance.

Authorized Guides: Book tours through reputable tour companies or local tourist offices.
Avoid Unsolicited Help: Ignore anyone offering unsolicited help, especially if they ask for money in return.
Check Credentials: Verify the guide's credentials and official identification before accepting assistance.

Appreciate street performances but be careful when donating money to avoid potential scams.

Voluntary Donations: Only donate if you genuinely want to support the performance and not feel pressured.
Check for Licenses: Ensure that the performers have official licenses or permits to operate.
Be Aware of Scammers: Beware of individuals trying to distract you while someone else picks your pockets.

Exchange money at reputable exchange centers or banks to avoid being ripped off.

Reputable Exchange Centers: Choose well-established, secure exchange centers for better rates.
Check Rates Beforehand: Research the current exchange rate and negotiate if necessary before exchanging money.
Avoid Street Exchange: Avoid exchanging money with street vendors or individuals to prevent scams.

Stay vigilant and avoid helping strangers in emergent situations, as they may be scammers.

Avoid Helping Strangers: Call the authorities or provide assistance only if you're certain it's safe and genuine.
Check for Help: Look for actual emergency services, such as police officers or medical professionals.
Stay Alert: Remain cautious and vigilant in unfamiliar situations to avoid falling victim to scams.