Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Campinas, Brazil

1. Fake Tour Guides

Unlicensed guides offering overpriced or inauthentic tours. Always verify licenses and check reviews.

Verification of License: Ensure the guide has a valid license from Campinas's tourism board.
Review Checking: Always check online reviews before choosing a guide to avoid potential scams.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other guides or online resources to ensure you're not being overcharged.

Taxis charging exorbitant rates, especially from airports or popular tourist spots. Use pre-paid taxis or download reliable taxi apps.

Pre-paid Taxi: At the airport, use the pre-paid taxi service to avoid overcharging.
Reliable Taxi App: Download a reliable taxi app like 99Taxis or EasyTaxi before your trip to ensure fair pricing.
Avoid Street Taxis: Try to avoid street taxis unless you're sure they use a meter and are reliable.

Sellers offering fake branded goods at markets or shopping districts. Be cautious and only purchase from reputable stores.

Reputable Stores: Only purchase from established, reputable stores with good reviews.
Brand Authenticity: Be wary of prices that are significantly lower than expected for branded goods, as they may be counterfeit.
Product Inspection: Inspect the product closely for any signs of poor quality or inconsistencies in branding.

Scammers using skimmers on ATMs to steal your card information. Only use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, secure locations.

ATM Location: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, secure areas to minimize the risk of skimmers.
Card Covering: Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN to prevent any potential keyloggers.
Monitor Statements: Regularly monitor your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Thieves targeting travelers in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and aware of your surroundings.

Baggage Security: Use a secure bag with anti-theft features, such as zippered pockets and lockable compartments.
Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
Valuables Storage: Keep your passport, cash, and credit cards in a secure location on your person, such as a neck wallet or hidden money belt.

Hotels or Airbnbs charging excessive prices for subpar accommodations. Research and compare prices before booking.

Research: Research multiple accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other travelers or online resources to ensure you're not being overcharged.
Review Checking: Always check reviews before choosing an accommodation to avoid potential scams.

Bars overcharging for drinks or using fake change. Stick to reputable bars and keep track of your drinks.

Reputable Bars: Choose bars with good reviews, ideally in popular tourist areas.
Cash Management: Keep track of the number and type of drinks you order to ensure you're not being overcharged.
Change Inspection: Inspect your change carefully for any discrepancies or missing coins.

Performers distracting you while an accomplice pickpockets. Be cautious and keep your belongings secure.

Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially during performances.
Valuables Storage: Keep your passport, cash, and credit cards in a secure location on your person, such as a neck wallet or hidden money belt.
Reporting: If you witness a suspicious performance, report it to local authorities.

Exchangers offering poor rates or exchanging less money than agreed. Only use reputable exchange services.

Reputable Exchange Services: Use reputable exchange services, such as banks or authorized exchange offices.
Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates with other travelers or online resources before exchanging money.
Exchange Confirmation: Always confirm the exact amount you'll receive before completing the exchange.

Scammers posing as potential partners to extract money or personal information. Be cautious when sharing personal details online.

Caution with Personal Details: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as bank account numbers or home addresses.
Meet in Public Places: Always meet potential partners in public places and let someone know where you'll be.
Verify Identity: Perform background checks or video calls to verify the identity of your potential partner.

Restaurants charging excessive prices for average meals. Research and compare prices before dining.

Research: Research popular local restaurants, including those in tourist areas.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other travelers or online resources to ensure you're not being overcharged.
Review Checking: Always check reviews before choosing a restaurant to avoid potential scams.

Scammers finding lost items and demanding money in return. Keep important items secure.

Important Items Security: Keep your important items, such as passports and wallets, secure at all times.
Reporting Lost Items: If you lose an item, report it to local authorities immediately.
Documentation: Keep copies of important documents, such as passports and driver's licenses, in case they are lost or stolen.

Buses overcharging passengers or drivers demanding extra fees for tickets. Use reliable bus services and research fares.

Reliable Bus Services: Use reputable bus companies with good reviews.
Fare Research: Research the normal fare for your journey to avoid overcharging.
Ticket Confirmation: Always receive a ticket or receipt when paying for your bus ride.

Free Wi-Fi networks capturing personal information. Use VPNs and avoid logging in to sensitive accounts.

VPN Usage: Use a reliable VPN service when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Sensitive Logins: Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts, such as online banking or email services, while on public Wi-Fi.
Anti-Virus Software: Install anti-virus software on your devices to protect them from potential threats.

Locals offering friendship or assistance, only to ask for money later. Be cautious and maintain a critical mindset.

Caution with New Acquaintances: Be cautious when meeting new people, especially those who offer unsolicited assistance.
Mindset: Maintain a critical mindset and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers.
Verify Identities: Verify the identities of new acquaintances by checking their documents or performing background checks.