Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Macapá, Amapá, Brazil

1. Beach Vendors Scam

Some beach vendors may overprice or sell low-quality items. Be cautious and compare prices before purchasing.

Price Comparison: Always compare prices with other vendors to avoid overpaying.
Quality Check: Inspect items carefully before buying to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Trusted Vendors: Look for vendors with positive reviews or recommendations from locals.

Some taxis may overcharge tourists. Use pre-paid taxi services or negotiate a fixed price before starting the journey.

Pre-Paid Taxi Services: Use services like airport taxis to avoid overcharging.
Fixed Price: Always negotiate a fixed price before starting the journey.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals for advice on fair taxi prices and trusted drivers.

Some shops may sell counterfeit goods. Stick to reputable stores or markets for genuine items.

Reputable Stores: Shop in well-known and trusted stores.
Market Bargaining: Bargain carefully to avoid buying counterfeit goods at markets.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on where to shop.

Some currency exchange places may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Research before exchanging money and use reputable services.

Research Rates: Compare exchange rates online before exchanging money.
Reputable Services: Use reputable banks or exchange services for a fair exchange rate.
Local Advice: Ask locals for advice on the best places to exchange money.

Some street food may not be safe or hygienic. Stick to busy vendors and avoid eating raw foods.

Busy Vendors: Choose street food vendors that are busy, indicating popularity and hygiene.
Cooked Foods: Avoid raw foods and stick to cooked dishes.
Hygiene Practices: Look for vendors with good hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves and using clean utensils.

Some ATMs may be rigged with skimmers to steal your card data. Use ATMs in banks or reputable locations.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks for added security.
Secure Locations: Avoid using ATMs in secluded or unsecured locations.
Card Monitoring: Regularly monitor your account for any suspicious activity.

Some locals may approach you pretending to be friendly, but with the intent to scam. Be wary of unsolicited help and always verify information.

Verification: Always verify information before acting on it.
Cautious Interaction: Interact cautiously with strangers, especially those offering help without being asked.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals about common scams and how to avoid them.

Some tour operators may offer low prices but deliver poor quality services or cancel tours. Research and book through reputable companies.

Reputable Companies: Book tours with well-known and trusted tour operators.
Reviews: Read reviews from past customers to ensure quality of service.
Payment Method: Choose tour operators that accept secure payment methods like credit cards.

Some accommodations may not live up to expectations or even be scams. Use reputable booking platforms or ask locals for recommendations.

Reputable Platforms: Book accommodations through well-known and trusted online platforms.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good accommodations.
Reviews: Read reviews from past guests to ensure quality of the accommodation.

Some people may find a lost item and return it with a request for reward, but ask for money instead. Always be cautious when handing out money.

Caution: Always be cautious when dealing with lost items and potential rewards.
Local Laws: Understand local laws regarding lost and found items.
Police Report: File a police report for valuable or important items before offering rewards.

Some guides may charge excessive fees or lead you to scammy attractions. Research and book through reputable companies.

Reputable Companies: Book guided tours with well-known and trusted tour operators.
Reviews: Read reviews from past customers to ensure quality of service.
Payment Method: Choose guides that accept secure payment methods like credit cards.

Some public transportation drivers may overcharge tourists. Use pre-paid cards or negotiate a fixed price before starting the journey.

Some vendors may offer free gifts but require a purchase or additional payment. Be wary of unsolicited offers.

Caution: Be cautious when receiving unsolicited offers.
Local Advice: Ask locals about common scams and how to avoid them.
Payment Requirements: Always ask what is required before accepting a 'free' gift.

Some beggars may use manipulation or scams to get money. Be wary of unsolicited requests for money.

Caution: Be cautious when dealing with beggars.
Local Advice: Ask locals about common scams and how to avoid them.
Reputable Organizations: Donate to reputable charities or organizations instead of giving directly to beggars.

Some individuals may create fake profiles on dating sites to scam tourists. Use reputable sites and be cautious when sharing personal information.

Reputable Sites: Use well-known and trusted online dating sites.
Caution: Be cautious when sharing personal information.
Face-to-Face Meetings: Meet in a public and well-lit place for the first meeting.