Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Santo André, Brazil

1. Beachfront Taxi Scams

Taxis overcharging tourists at Santo André's beaches. Avoid by using pre-paid taxi booths or official apps.

Fraudulent guides offering tours for high prices. Check credentials and confirm through local tourism office.

Local Tourism Office: Offers certified and reputable guides
Credentials Verification: Ensure the guide is properly licensed and insured
Avoiding Unsolicited Approaches: Unsolicited guides may not be licensed or trustworthy

Selling fake goods at local markets. Buy only from reputable shops or malls.

Reputable Shops: Offers genuine and high-quality merchandise
Malls Over Markets: Malls have stricter regulations for vendors, reducing the risk of fake goods
Bargaining Carefully: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is

Criminals install skimmers on ATMs to steal card data. Use machines in well-lit, busy areas or banks.

Well-Lit and Busy Areas: Less likely for criminals to approach
Bank ATMs: Have better security measures than standalone machines
Monitoring Account Transactions: Regularly check your account for any suspicious activity

Thieves targeting tourists on public buses. Keep belongings close and use a money belt.

Money Belt: Securely stores valuables close to your body
Keeping Belongings Close: Prevents easy access for pickpockets
Avoiding Distractions: Remain aware of your surroundings and don't get distracted by strangers

Overcharging or serving watered-down drinks at bars. Check prices beforehand and stick to established venues.

Rental properties overpricing or misrepresenting themselves online. Book through reputable platforms and verify listings.

Reputable Platforms: Offer protection and guarantee for both renters and property owners
Verifying Listings: Ensure the property matches the description and photos provided
Avoiding Direct Contact with Owners: Direct contact may lead to overpricing or other scams

Selling contaminated or low-quality food. Only eat from reputable street food vendors.

Reputable Street Food Vendors: Prepares and serves safe, tasty meals
Avoiding Unsanitary Conditions: Ensure the vendor follows proper food handling practices
Inspecting Food before Eating: Check for freshness and cleanliness of the food

Overpricing rides or games at carnivals. Research prices beforehand and stick to popular attractions.

Researching Prices: Avoid being overcharged by knowing the standard costs
Popular Attractions: Have established prices and reputation
Avoiding Isolated Stalls: Isolated stalls may engage in price gouging or other scams

Overpricing merchandise or food at festivals. Research prices beforehand and bring essentials.

Researching Prices: Avoid being overcharged by knowing the standard costs
Bringing Essentials: Reduce reliance on festival vendors and their prices
Avoiding Isolated Stalls: Isolated stalls may engage in price gouging or other scams

Unfavorable exchange rates at local money changers. Use banks or reputable exchange services.

Banks: Offer competitive exchange rates and secure transactions
Reputable Exchange Services: Provide transparent and fair exchange rates
Avoiding Street Money Changers: Street changers may offer unfavorable rates or engage in scams

Tour operators offering poor service and unsafe activities. Research tour companies and verify licenses.

Researching Tour Companies: Ensure they have positive reviews and reputable services
Verifying Licenses: Check for official licenses and certifications
Avoiding Unsolicited Approaches: Unsolicited offers may be unlicensed operators or scams

Cybercriminals accessing your device through public Wi-Fi. Avoid using public networks for sensitive activities.

Avoiding Public Networks: Reduces the risk of cyber threats
Using a VPN: Encrypts your online activity and protects your data
Avoiding Financial Transactions: Public Wi-Fi networks are less secure, avoid sensitive activities

Scalpers selling tickets for overpriced or fake events. Buy tickets from official venues or authorized resellers.

Vendors selling used or malfunctioning SIM cards. Buy from official stores or reputable shops.

Official Stores: Provide new, functioning SIM cards
Reputable Shops: Sell genuine and reliable products
Avoiding Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell used or malfunctioning SIM cards