Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Campo Grande, Brazil
1. Fake Tour Guides
Unscrupulous individuals posing as tour guides may offer services at inflated prices or lead you to shops where commission is earned. Avoid strangers offering unsolicited help.
- Commission-Based Offering: Tour guides who earn commission from stores may suggest unnecessary purchases.
- Inflated Prices: Prices charged by fake tour guides are usually higher than legitimate ones.
- Unsolicited Help: Be wary of strangers offering help, especially in crowded areas.
2. Currency Exchange Scams
Some exchange houses may offer less favorable rates or use counterfeit bills. Stick to reputable exchange offices and banks.
- Less Favorable Rates: Some exchange houses offer lower rates than their competitors.
- Counterfeit Bills: Be aware that counterfeit bills do exist in some parts of Brazil.
- Reputable Exchange Offices: Exchange offices with a good reputation and positive reviews are more trustworthy.
3. Overpriced Taxis
Some taxis may charge higher prices or refuse to use the meter. Use official taxi services or apps.
- Refusing to Use Meter: Some drivers may attempt to charge a fixed price instead of using the meter.
- Overpriced Taxi Rides: Taxi rides can be more expensive than necessary when drivers charge higher prices.
- Official Taxi Services: Using official taxi services ensures that the driver is properly licensed and follows regulations.
4. Fraudulent ATMs
Some ATMs may have skimming devices or charge excessive fees. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls.
- Skimming Devices: Criminals can install skimmers on ATMs to steal your card details.
- Excessive Fees: Some ATMs charge higher fees than others.
- ATMs Inside Banks or Shopping Malls: ATMs inside banks or shopping malls are generally safer and less likely to have skimming devices.
5. Scams at Local Markets
Some vendors may sell low-quality goods or overcharge. Research prices and shop around for the best deals.
- Low-Quality Goods: Vendors may sell poor quality goods at inflated prices.
- Overcharging: Prices in local markets can be higher than elsewhere in the city.
- Shopping Around for Deals: Comparing prices at multiple vendors helps ensure you get a fair deal.
6. Dining Scams
Restaurants may add unnecessary charges or serve lower-quality food. Research restaurants and check menus before dining.
- Unnecessary Charges: Some restaurants may charge for services not rendered, such as a 'tourist tax'.
- Lower-Quality Food: Restaurants with poor food quality may serve meals that are smaller or less flavorful than expected.
- Researching Restaurants: Reading reviews and researching menus can help you find a good restaurant.
7. Beware of Friendly Locals
Some locals may try to befriend you only to lead you into scams. Be cautious and don't share too much personal information.
- Leading Into Scams: Friendly locals may take advantage of your trust to bring you into a scam situation.
- Sharing Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, especially with strangers.
- Caution Around Locals: Maintain a healthy level of skepticism when interacting with locals you don't know well.
8. Street Performers and Buskers
Some performers may demand more money than agreed or harass tourists for tips. Set a reasonable price beforehand and avoid engaging in unnecessary interactions.
- Demanding More Money Than Agreed: Performers may ask for more money after the performance is over.
- Harassment for Tips: Some performers may become aggressive when requesting tips.
- Setting a Reasonable Price Beforehand: Asking about prices beforehand helps avoid misunderstandings and potential scams.
9. Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Counterfeit or overpriced tickets may be sold for popular attractions. Buy tickets from official sources only.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may be fake or have been tampered with.
- Overpriced Tickets: Ticket prices can vary greatly, and some vendors may charge more than necessary.
- Official Sources Only: Buying tickets from official sources ensures their authenticity.
10. Pickpocketing and Theft
Pickpockets may target tourists in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
- Crowded Areas: Areas with high foot traffic can make it easier for pickpockets to operate.
- Securing Your Belongings: Using a travel wallet or crossbody bag can help protect your valuables from theft.
- Awareness of Surroundings: Staying alert and aware of who is around you helps prevent pickpocketing.
11. Unsafe Bars and Clubs
Some bars or clubs may overcharge for drinks, use unsafe alcohol, or create dangerous situations. Research establishments before visiting.
- Overcharging for Drinks: Prices for drinks can be inflated at some bars and clubs.
- Unsafe Alcohol: Some establishments may use cheap or dangerous alcohol in their drinks.
- Researching Establishments: Checking reviews and asking locals can help you find a safe and enjoyable bar or club.
12. Unlicensed Activities
Participating in unlicensed activities such as street racing, jet skiing, or boat rides can be dangerous and lead to fines. Only engage in licensed activities.
- Dangerous Activities: Unlicensed activities may not adhere to safety regulations.
- Fines and Legal Issues: Participating in unlicensed activities can lead to fines or legal issues.
- Licensed Activities Only: Engaging in licensed activities ensures they are safe and legally operated.
13. Carnival Scams
During Carnival, some vendors may sell low-quality masks or charge excessive prices. Research costume shops and set a budget beforehand.
- Low-Quality Masks: Vendors may sell poor quality masks at inflated prices.
- Overcharging: Prices for masks can be higher than elsewhere during Carnival.
- Researching Costume Shops: Comparing prices at multiple shops helps ensure you get a fair deal.
14. Scams at the Bus Terminal
At the bus terminal, some vendors may sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets, or offer unwanted assistance. Only buy tickets from official sources and avoid engaging with strangers.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may be fake or have been tampered with.
- Overpriced Tickets: Ticket prices can vary greatly, and some vendors may charge more than necessary.
- Official Sources Only: Buying tickets from official sources ensures their authenticity.
15. Beware of 'Friendly' Locals Offering Assistance
Some locals may try to help you in order to lead you into a scam. Politely decline unsolicited offers and trust your instincts.
- Leading Into Scams: Friendly locals may take advantage of your trust to bring you into a scam situation.
- Politely Declining Offers: Gently declining help when it's not needed helps avoid potential scams.
- Trusting Your Instincts: Maintain a healthy level of skepticism and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers.