Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in São José do Rio Prêto, São Paulo, Brazil

All Topics about São José do Rio Prêto All Cities in Brazil

1. Taxi Scam at Airport

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Use only official airport taxis for safe and fair fares.

Official Taxi Stand: Always get a taxi from the designated, official taxi stand at the airport.
Metered Fare: Ensure the taxi has a working meter and that it's used for fare calculation.
Prepaid Taxis: Consider prepaid taxis for fixed fares, available at airport kiosks.

Receiving fake bills in change or exchange. Inspect and verify all currency carefully.

Check Bill Security Features: Familiarize yourself with Brazilian Real's security features to easily spot counterfeits.
Use Reputable Exchange Points: Exchange money at banks or reliable exchange offices to minimize the risk of receiving fake bills.
Verify Change: Always verify change, especially when making large purchases.

Unlicensed tour guides offering cheap services but providing poor quality or leading to scams. Only use licensed guides.

Check Guide License: Ask for the guide's ID and verify their licensing with local authorities.
Reputable Tour Companies: Book tours through established, reputable tour companies for peace of mind.
Read Reviews: Research guides and tour companies online to ensure positive experiences from other travelers.

Vendors overcharging for souvenirs in popular tourist spots. Research fair prices and negotiate.

Research Fair Prices: Learn the going rate for desired souvenirs before making a purchase.
Negotiate Prices: Haggle with vendors to get a fair price, especially when buying multiple items.
Buy in Local Shops: Purchase souvenirs from local shops instead of street vendors for better prices and quality.

Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to steal bank information. Use only ATMs inside banks or well-lit, secure areas.

Secure Locations: Choose ATMs located inside banks or within well-lit, busy areas for increased security.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unusual transactions.

Performers distracting you while accomplices steal from you. Avoid giving personal belongings to strangers.

Secure Personal Belongings: Keep your valuables secure and never give them to unfamiliar people.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting distracted by street performers or strangers.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover theft losses.

Fraudsters pretending to help lost tourists, directing them to scam spots or overcharging for services.

Ask for Help at Authorities: If lost, ask for help from local police or tourism authorities instead of strangers.
Use Maps and GPS: Always have a map or use GPS to navigate and avoid getting lost.
Stay Aware: Remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas where scams are more likely to occur.

Rental cars delivered with hidden damage or overcharged for fuel. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before driving.

Inspect Rental Cars: Carefully inspect rental cars for any damages before accepting them.
Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy and return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid overcharges.
Reliable Car Rental Companies: Choose reputable car rental companies for peace of mind.

Advertised accommodations not matching the description or location. Book through reputable platforms or agencies.

Reputable Accommodation Platforms: Book accommodations through reliable, well-known online travel agencies.
Read Reviews: Research accommodations and read reviews from other travelers to ensure satisfaction.
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods when booking accommodations online.

Fraudulent bus ticket sellers or tickets with hidden charges. Buy from official bus stations or agencies.

Official Bus Stations: Buy bus tickets from the official bus station or authorized ticket booths.
Understand Ticket Costs: Be aware of the standard cost for your destination and inquire about any additional fees.
Secure Payment Methods: Pay with a secure payment method such as a credit card or through reputable agencies.

Restaurants overcharging tourists for food and drink. Research fair prices and avoid eating in touristy areas.

Research Fair Prices: Learn the going rate for meals before dining out to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Touristy Areas: Eat at local restaurants away from tourist hotspots for more reasonable prices.
Negotiate Prices: Feel free to negotiate prices, especially when dining with a group or ordering multiple dishes.

Overfriendly locals attempting to gain your trust for financial exploitation. Maintain a healthy level of skepticism.

Maintain a Healthy Skepticism: Stay cautious and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.
Travel Advisories: Research travel advisories for São José do Rio Preto to stay informed about potential scams or danger zones.
Common Sense and Instincts: Trust your instincts and use common sense when meeting new people.

Unregulated massage parlors offering sexual services. Only visit licensed establishments.

Check for Licensing: Always ask to see a valid license before entering any massage parlor.
Reputable Massage Parlors: Choose well-known, reputable massage parlors for peace of mind.
Avoid Late Night Visits: Avoid visiting massage parlors after dark to minimize the risk of encountering illegal activities.

Internet cafés installing keyloggers or spyware on computers to steal personal information. Use your own device or trusted Wi-Fi.

Use Your Own Device: Bring your own laptop or mobile device for internet access when possible.
Secure Wi-Fi Connections: Connect to secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks instead of unsecured public ones.
Anti-Virus Software: Install and update anti-virus software on your device before traveling for added protection.

Fraudulent shore excursions offering poor quality or misrepresented experiences. Book through the cruise line or reputable tour companies.

Book Through Cruise Line: Book shore excursions offered by the cruise line to ensure quality and safety.
Read Reviews: Research shore excursions and read reviews from other travelers to ensure satisfaction.
Secure Payment Methods: Pay with a secure payment method such as a credit card or through reputable agencies.