Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Callao, Callao, Peru

All Topics about Callao All Cities in Peru

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or unofficial taxis. Use authorized taxi stands or app services.

Price Checking: Check for price displays in taxis, or agree on a fare before starting the journey.
Authorized Stands: Use authorized taxi stands located near popular tourist spots.
App Services: Utilize local taxi apps like Easy Taxi or Uber for secure and affordable rides.

Be cautious of street food stands selling expired or contaminated foods. Only consume from reliable vendors.

Hygeine Conditions: Look for hygienic conditions such as gloves, clean utensils and covered food.
Popularity: Choose street food stands that are busy with locals to ensure freshness and quality.
Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious street food options.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors. They may be of low quality or illegal.

Brand Checking: Inspect for misspelled brand names, poor logos and cheap materials.
Price Differences: Be wary of prices that are significantly lower than original brands.
Authorized Shops: Purchase goods from authorized shops or retailers for authenticity.

Avoid buying fish directly from fishermen at the wharf. Prices may be inflated and the quality could be poor.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with local markets to ensure fair pricing.
Market Shops: Purchase fish from reputable market shops instead.
Cooked Samples: Request cooked samples before purchasing to assess the quality of the fish.

Ensure you pay the correct entrance fee for attractions. Some scammers may try to overcharge or redirect you to a fake attraction.

Official Tickets: Purchase tickets from official ticket booths or websites.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about the correct entrance fee and where to purchase tickets.
Attraction Websites: Visit the official website of popular attractions for up-to-date pricing information.

Avoid unauthorized tour guides. Stick to registered and reputable tour companies for a safe and educational experience.

Registration Check: Check if the tour guide or company is officially registered with the Peruvian government.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews online and ask locals for recommendations on reputable tour guides.
Tour Company Offices: Purchase tours from the tour company's official offices instead of street vendors.

Avoid unofficial currency exchange providers. Use authorized banks or exchange bureaus for a fair exchange rate.

Official Exchange Rates: Compare the offered exchange rate with the official exchange rate provided by your bank.
Secure Locations: Exchange currency in secure locations like banks or authorized exchange bureaus.
Multiple Exchanges: Exchange larger amounts of money at once to minimize transaction fees.

Be vigilant and keep your belongings secure. Use anti-theft bags or pockets to protect valuables.

Secure Bags: Invest in slash-proof, lockable bags or backpacks for added security.
Valuables Storage: Keep valuable items hidden and avoid flaunting them openly.
Crowded Areas: Avoid crowded or dimly lit areas, especially during peak tourist times.

Ignore persistent touts offering tours, services or goods. Stick to established businesses and research your needs in advance.

Pre-planning: Research and book activities, tours or services before arriving in Callao.
Ignoring Touts: Ignore touts and walk away if they become too persistent.
Reputable Businesses: Only use reputable businesses for your needs to avoid scams.

Be cautious of hotels offering rooms at unusually low prices or with hidden fees. Research the hotel's reputation and book through reliable channels.

Reviews: Read reviews about the hotel online to ensure its reputation.
Booking Channels: Book through well-known travel websites or the hotel's official website.
Room Fees: Inquire about any additional fees before booking a room, such as taxes and service charges.

Avoid unofficial sim card vendors. Buy sim cards from official retailers or authorized locations.

Official Retailers: Purchase sim cards from official retailers like Claro, Movistar or Entel.
ID Requirements: Be prepared to provide your passport or ID for registration.
Check Coverage: Ensure the sim card coverage meets your needs before purchasing.

Use reputable internet cafes. Be cautious of unattended computers and protect your personal information.

Reputation Check: Research the internet cafe's reputation before using it.
Password Protection: Never share your password with anyone and log out when finished.
Virus Protection: Only use internet cafes with up-to-date virus protection software.

Avoid unofficial buses. Use authorized bus companies for a safe and reliable journey.

Authorized Bus Companies: Use recognized bus companies like Cruz del Sur, Movil Tours or Oltursa.
Ticket Prices: Ensure the ticket price matches the published fare before boarding the bus.
Bus Stops: Wait for official buses at designated bus stops or terminals.

Avoid overpriced souvenir shops. Bargain for fair prices or find alternative stores.

Bargaining Skills: Develop your bargaining skills to negotiate a lower price.
Alternative Stores: Find alternative souvenir stores outside touristy areas for better prices.
Locals' Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable souvenir shops.

Use reputable money exchange services. Be aware of counterfeit bills and check your change carefully.

Reputation Check: Research the money exchange service's reputation before using it.
Counterfeit Bills: Inspect bills for any unusual features or irregularities.
Change Verification: Check your change carefully to ensure it matches the amount given.