Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or unlicensed taxis. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Licensed Taxis: Official taxis have a yellow license plate and a meter.
Fixed Price: Agree on the price before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
Trusted Companies: Taxi companies with good reputation like CoCo Taxis are recommended.

Avoid street exchange. Use authorized money changers and banks for currency exchanges.

Authorized Money Changers: Look for establishments displaying official authorization signs.
Bank Exchange Rates: Banks often provide better exchange rates and lower commissions.
Avoid Street Transactions: Street exchanges can be risky due to the lack of regulation and control.

Bargain for souvenirs at local markets. Compare prices before purchasing.

Local Markets: Markets like El Morro and La Gran Piedra offer a wide variety of souvenirs.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices to get the best deals from vendors.
Avoid Tourist Shops: Tourist shops often have higher prices. Shop in local areas instead.

Choose registered guides for city tours. Ask for their ID and registration number.

Registered Guides: Guides should have a valid ID and registration number.
Tourist Police: Contact the tourist police for advice or to check a guide's credentials.
Official Tour Agencies: Book tours through reputable agencies for guaranteed safety and quality.

Stick to well-known restaurants. Avoid street food unless it's cooked in front of you.

Well-Known Restaurants: Popular restaurants are more likely to follow health and safety regulations.
Cooked Food: Street food should be cooked in front of you to reduce the risk of contamination.
Bottled Water: Drink bottled water to avoid any potential stomach issues.

Keep your belongings close. Avoid carrying valuable items visible.

Valuables in Safe Locations: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
Zippered Pockets: Use zippered pockets or bags to secure your belongings.
Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and potential threats.

Check multiple accommodation review sites. Ask for recommendations from locals.

Multiple Review Sites: Multiple reviews can help identify patterns and common experiences.
Local Recommendations: Locals often have insights into the quality of accommodation options.
Accommodation Reputation: Avoid accommodations with frequent complaints or poor ratings.

Use password-protected Wi-Fi networks. Avoid connecting to unsecured networks.

Password-Protected Networks: Secure networks require a password for access.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi can be insecure and prone to hacking attempts.
VPN Usage: Using a VPN helps protect your data and privacy when using public Wi-Fi.

Support official charities. Check the authenticity of collectors before donating.

Official Charities: Donate to recognized and registered charities.
Check Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of collectors by asking for identification or official documents.
Avoid Street Donations: Street donations can be risky. Support charities through established channels.

Buy bottled water from supermarkets or convenience stores. Avoid selling on the streets.

Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: These establishments offer fixed prices.
Avoid Street Sales: Street sales can be prone to price manipulation.
Check the Label: Ensure the label is properly sealed and the bottle is not leaking.

Choose reputable rental agencies. Check rental contracts carefully.

Reputable Rental Agencies: Rent from established and well-known car rental companies.
Check Contracts: Thoroughly review the contract before signing to avoid hidden fees or charges.
Return Time: Be aware of the return time and penalties for late returns.

Buy from reputable shops or markets. Check for quality before purchasing.

Reputable Shops and Markets: Established shops and markets are more likely to sell authentic goods.
Check Quality: Inspect the item for quality issues or discrepancies.
Avoid Street Sales: Street sales can involve counterfeit goods. Buy from trusted sources instead.

Use hotels or coffee shops for internet access. Compare prices before using internet cafes.

Hotels and Coffee Shops: These establishments offer better rates and services.
Compare Prices: Internet cafes often have varying prices. Compare to find the best deal.
Check Equipment: Ensure the computers and connections are up-to-date and functioning properly.

Ask locals for recommendations. Read online reviews before dining.

Local Recommendations: Locals can provide insights into the quality of restaurants.
Online Reviews: Read multiple reviews to get a sense of the restaurant's reputation.
Menu Prices: Check menu prices before committing to dining at a particular restaurant.

Ask for identification. Contact the actual tourist police if you're unsure.

Ask for Identification: Legitimate officers will have proper identification.
Contact the Tourist Police: The tourist police can help verify an officer's credentials.
Avoid Isolated Locations: Stay in populated areas to reduce the risk of encounters with fraudulent officers.