Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Brasília, Brazil

1. Caxias Bus Terminal Scam

Avoid fake taxi drivers offering overpriced or non-existent services near the Caxias bus terminal.

Official Taxi Stand: Always use official taxi stands to avoid scams.
Prepaid Tickets: Purchase bus tickets in advance at authorized ticket booths.
Travel during Daytime: Avoid traveling alone and at night to minimize the risk of scams.

Watch out for cable thieves posing as city workers near the TV Tower and other landmarks.

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings, especially when alone.
Ask for Identification: Always ask to see identification from people claiming to be city workers.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity or individuals to local authorities.

Avoid buying counterfeit souvenirs at unlicensed stands in the city center.

Official Shops: Buy souvenirs from official shops or authorized vendors.
Authenticity Guarantee: Look for a guarantee of authenticity before purchasing any item.
Check Price: Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.

Avoid overpriced services at unlicensed restaurants and tour operators in the city.

Check Menu Prices: Compare prices on menus with other establishments before ordering.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on reputable restaurants and tour operators.
Check Operator's License: Ensure that the tour operator has a valid license from local authorities.

Be cautious of individuals posing as police officers asking for personal belongings or money.

Real Police Uniform: Police officers in Brasília have a distinct uniform with ID.
Verification of Identity: Ask to see an officer's identification card and verify their information.
Report to Local Authorities: Report any suspicious activity or individuals to local authorities immediately.

Protect your ATM card from skimmers at unsecured ATMs in the city.

Secure ATMs: Use secure and well-lit ATMs, preferably inside a bank or shopping center.
Cover PIN Input: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unusual transactions.

Avoid pickpockets by keeping personal belongings secure in crowded areas.

Secure Wallet or Bag: Keep your wallet or bag closed and secure at all times.
Avoid Distractions: Be cautious of distractions or individuals that may try to divert your attention.
Keep Valuables Hidden: Hide valuable items like phones and wallets deep within your bag or pockets.

Be wary of overly friendly locals offering help, who may be attempting to lead you into a scam.

Verify Information: Verify the information provided by strangers with a trusted source before acting on it.
Be Cautious of Strangers: Maintain a healthy skepticism when interacting with strangers.
Stay in Groups: Always stay in groups, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may overcharge or lead you into scams.

Check for Licenses: Ensure your guide has a valid license and proper identification.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on reputable tour guides.
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other guide services before making a decision.

Be cautious of individuals posing as charity collectors or street performers who may be scammers.

Check with Local Authorities: Verify the legitimacy of charities and fundraisers with local authorities.
Donate Directly: If possible, donate directly to the charity's official website or office.
Beware of Over-aggressive Collectors: Be wary of overly aggressive collectors who may be pressuring you for money.

Avoid purchasing event tickets from unauthorized sellers, who may provide fake or invalid tickets.

Purchase from Authorized Vendors: Always buy tickets from authorized vendors, such as the event's official website or box office.
Check for Hologram and Barcode: Legitimate tickets will have a hologram and barcode that can be scanned.
Inspect the Venue: Inspect the venue before entering to ensure it looks legitimate.

Avoid overpriced accommodations by researching and booking ahead of time.

Book in Advance: Research and book your accommodation ahead of time to avoid inflated prices.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests before booking a hotel or hostel.
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other accommodations in the same area before making a decision.

Avoid being overcharged at unofficial currency exchange kiosks.

Use Authorized Kiosks or Banks: Exchange your money at authorized kiosks, banks, or hotels.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates with other services before making a decision.
Count Your Money: Count your money carefully to ensure you receive the correct amount.

Avoid car rental scams by renting from reputable companies and checking the vehicle thoroughly.

Check for Damages: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before driving away to avoid being charged for pre-existing damages.
Rent from Reputable Companies: Rent your car from a reputable company with good reviews.
Read the Contract Carefully: Read the contract carefully before signing to understand the terms and conditions.

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks that may be used for data theft.

Use a VPN: Always use a VPN when connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Limit Sensitive Information Sharing: Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as passwords or bank details, over public Wi-Fi networks.
Turn off Auto-Connect: Disable the auto-connect feature on your devices to avoid connecting to unsecured networks.