Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging or being taken to a shop for commissions. Use reputable companies or negotiate prices beforehand.
- Price Negotiation: Agree on price before starting the journey.
- Reputable Companies: Choose taxis with clear company logos and meters.
- Avoiding Shops: Refuse offers to visit shops along the way.
2. Counterfeit Money
Be cautious with bills received in change. Check for holograms, watermarks and feel for thickness.
- Holograms: Look for holographic images on the bill.
- Watermarks: Check for watermark when holding the bill up to light.
- Thickness: Counterfeit bills are often thinner than real ones.
3. Fake Guides
Be wary of unsolicited guide services. Always arrange guides through your hotel or tour operator.
- Arrange Through Hotel: Book guides via your accommodation for a reliable service.
- Tour Operator: Opt for tour packages from reputable operators.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Turn down offers from strangers claiming to be guides.
4. Overpriced Souvenirs
Bargain for prices at markets and shops. Be aware of tourist traps with inflated prices.
- Markets: Find better deals at local markets.
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Stay away from shops near major tourist attractions.
- Bargain: Always negotiate prices when shopping.
5. Fake Restaurants
Avoid restaurants with no customers and check for authentic menus. Read reviews online before dining out.
- No Customers: Steer clear of empty restaurants.
- Authentic Menus: Look for traditional Peruvian dishes on the menu.
- Read Reviews: Check online reviews before visiting a restaurant.
6. Coca Leaves Scam
Purchase coca leaves only from licensed vendors and avoid offers of 'stronger' versions.
- Licensed Vendors: Buy coca leaves from authorized stores.
- Avoid Stronger Versions: Refuse offers for stronger or 'special' versions of the leaves.
- Legal Limits: Know the legal limits on quantities you can possess.
7. Overbooked Accommodations
Book accommodation in advance to avoid being led to a non-existent room. Check reviews for consistency.
- Advance Booking: Secure your accommodation ahead of time.
- Check Reviews: Look for consistent reviews online.
- Avoid Last-minute Deals: Be wary of last-minute deals that seem too good to be true.
8. Overcharging at Attractions
Purchase tickets directly from the attraction. Check for any entry fees before visiting.
- Directly from Attraction: Buy tickets on-site at the attraction.
- Check for Fees: Ensure you know the cost before visiting an attraction.
- Avoid Intermediaries: Beware of people trying to sell tickets outside attractions.
9. Street Performers Scam
Appreciate performances but don't feel obligated to give money. If you do choose to donate, consider a reasonable amount.
- Enjoy the Performance: Watch the street performance without feeling pressured.
- Don't Feel Obligated: Decide freely whether to donate or not.
- Reasonable Donation: Give a fair and reasonable amount, if you choose to donate.
10. Beware of Friendly Locals
Be friendly but remain cautious with offers for help or friendship from strangers. Trust your instincts.
- Friendliness: Stay open to meeting locals, but maintain a healthy level of skepticism.
- Instincts: Follow your intuition when interacting with strangers.
- Avoid Obligations: Decline any offers that make you feel uncomfortable or obligated.
11. ATM Scams
Use ATMs at banks and be aware of card skimmers. Protect your PIN by shielding the keypad with your hand.
- Bank ATMs: Withdraw cash from machines inside banks.
- Avoid Skimmers: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering.
- Protect Your PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
12. Overpriced Taxis from Airport
Pre-arrange airport transportation or negotiate prices with licensed taxis upon arrival.
- Pre-arrangement: Book airport transfer in advance.
- Licensed Taxis: Take a taxi with a clear company logo and meter.
- Negotiation: Agree on the price before starting your journey.
13. Beware of Pickpockets
Keep valuables secure, use zippers and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Secure Valuables: Store your belongings safely in a bag or pocket.
- Zippers: Use bags with zippers to keep items secure.
- Carry Limited Cash: Avoid carrying unnecessary amounts of cash.
14. Unfair Exchange Rates
Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices. Be cautious with street vendors.
- Banks: Exchange currency in banks for fair rates.
- Authorized Offices: Use authorized exchange offices for secure transactions.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors offering to change money.
15. Fraudulent Tour Operators
Choose reputable tour operators with good reviews and book tours in advance. Ask for their contact details.
- Reputation: Book tours through established companies.
- Advance Booking: Secure your spot on the tour ahead of time.
- Contact Information: Ask for the operator's contact details in case of emergencies.