Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Iguaçu, Brazil

1. Taxis at the Airport Scam

Avoid overpriced and unsafe taxis at the airport by using prepaid taxi services.

Prepaid Taxi Counter: Official prepaid taxi counters are available at the airport.
Fixed Price: Prepaid taxis have fixed prices, preventing overcharging.
Safety Measure: Using prepaid taxis ensures the driver is licensed and the vehicle is insured.

Verify tour operators by checking reviews and official licenses to avoid fraudulent services.

Online Reviews: Check tour operator's online reviews for reliability.
Official License: Ensure the tour operator has an official license from local tourism authorities.
Recommendations: Seek recommendations from trusted sources or fellow travelers.

Use banks or recognized exchange offices to get fair exchange rates.

Banks: Banks offer competitive and reliable exchange rates.
Recognized Exchange Offices: Authorized exchange offices have fixed rates, preventing overcharging.
ATMs: Use ATMs for cash withdrawals to avoid the need for money changers.

Bargain and shop around for souvenirs to find reasonable prices.

Bargaining: Always try to negotiate the price of souvenirs.
Shopping Around: Visit multiple shops to compare prices before making a purchase.
Marketplaces: Local marketplaces often offer more affordable souvenirs compared to touristy areas.

Book guided tours through reputable agencies or hotels to avoid unlicensed and potentially fraudulent guides.

Reputable Agencies: Choose guided tour providers with good reviews and a history of reliable service.
Hotel Recommendations: Ask your hotel for recommendations on guided tours.
Official Guides: Ensure the guide is licensed by local tourism authorities.

Purchase park tickets from authorized vendors to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Authorized Vendors: Buy park tickets at official entrances or authorized vendors.
Online Booking: Book park tickets in advance online to avoid lines and potential scams.
Check Prices: Compare prices for park tickets to avoid overpaying.

Eat at local eateries or markets instead of touristy areas for affordable and delicious meals.

Local Eateries: Choose locally-owned restaurants or food stalls for authentic and budget-friendly meals.
Markets: Food markets offer a variety of affordable dishes.
Avoid Touristy Areas: Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions as they tend to overprice meals.

Be cautious of friendly strangers offering help or inviting you somewhere, as they may attempt to take advantage of your kindness.

Stay Alert: Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings when in public.
Ask for Help from Authorities: If unsure about someone's intentions, seek help from police or hotel staff.
Trust Your Gut: Follow your instincts and avoid situations that feel uncomfortable.

Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas or inside banks to reduce the risk of skimming devices.

Well-Lit and Busy Areas: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, crowded locations to minimize the risk of tampering.
Inside Banks: Use ATMs inside banks for added security and protection against skimming devices.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging attacks.

Keep important items such as passports and wallets secure, and be wary of strangers offering to help find lost items.

Secure Storage: Store valuables in hotel safes or secure bags when not in use.
Report Lost Items to Authorities: Inform local police if you lose an item, and file a report for documentation purposes.
Caution with Strangers: Be suspicious of strangers who claim to have found a lost item.

Stay calm and ask for identification if approached by police officers, as some individuals may pose as police to scam tourists.

Ask for ID: Request to see the officer's identification before cooperating.
Contact Your Embassy: Inform your embassy if you suspect a bogus police encounter.
Remain Calm and Politely Decline: Stay calm, assertive, and politely decline any requests for money or personal information.

Use reputable internet cafés or your hotel's Wi-Fi to protect sensitive data from theft.

Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose internet cafes with good reviews and a history of reliable service.
Hotel Wi-Fi: Use your hotel's secure Wi-Fi network when possible.
Use a VPN: Consider using a VPN to encrypt and protect your internet activity.

Research transportation costs ahead of time to avoid overpaying for rides or excursions.

Online Research: Look up the average cost of transportation before arriving in Iguaçu.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices for taxis, rideshares, or excursions to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Unlicensed Operators: Ensure the transportation provider is licensed and reputable.

Examine banknotes carefully to avoid accepting or being given counterfeit bills.

Check the Quality: Feel the bill for raised text and seals, and check for watermarks and holograms.
Compare Bills: Compare bills with others of the same denomination to ensure authenticity.
Report Suspicious Bills: Inform authorities if you suspect a counterfeit bill.

Be aware of aggressive photographers asking for payment and negotiate prices or decline unwanted pictures.

Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate the price of photos before they are taken.
Decline Unwanted Pictures: Refuse unwanted photography, and be firm about your boundaries.
Check for License: Ensure the photographer has a valid license to operate in Iguaçu.