Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Managua, Nicaragua

All Topics about Managua All Cities in Nicaragua

1. La Recoleccion Market Scam

Watch for pickpockets and overpriced items. Always negotiate prices.

High Concentration of Shoppers: Large crowds make it easy for pickpockets to blend in.
Unregulated Pricing: Prices can be inflated, especially for tourists.
Counterfeit Goods: Counterfeit goods are common in the market.

Only use authorized taxis and agree on the price before starting your journey.

Unlicensed Taxis: Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes.
Language Barrier: The language barrier may lead to misunderstandings about the price.
Meter Tampering: Some taxis have tampered meters, leading to overcharges.

Avoid buying school supplies from street vendors near the school. They often sell overpriced or counterfeit items.

High Student Traffic: Street vendors capitalize on the high student traffic to sell overpriced goods.
Counterfeit Goods: Counterfeit school supplies can be of lower quality and may not meet the students' needs.
Price Inflation: Prices are often inflated for tourists looking to buy school supplies.

Be cautious of people offering to help with directions or guidebooks, they may distract you while pickpockets operate.

Distraction Technique: Pickpockets use distractions such as asking for help to carry out their scams.
Crowded Area: Parque Central's crowded atmosphere makes it easy for pickpockets to blend in.
Fake Helpers: Some individuals offering help are not genuine and may be part of a scam.

Exchange currency only at licensed exchange offices or banks. Be wary of individuals offering to exchange money on the street.

Unlicensed Money Exchangers: Unlicensed money exchangers may give you less than agreed upon.
Counterfeit Bills: Some unlicensed exchangers use counterfeit bills.
Poor Exchange Rates: Rates offered by unlicensed money exchangers may be significantly lower than market rates.

Be wary of individuals offering to help with directions or guidebooks. They may distract you while pickpockets operate.

Distraction Technique: Pickpockets use distractions such as asking for help to carry out their scams.
Crowded Area: Mall Internacional's crowded atmosphere makes it easy for pickpockets to blend in.
Fake Helpers: Some individuals offering help are not genuine and may be part of a scam.

Be wary of individuals asking for donations inside the church. Only donate to official collection plates.

Unauthorized Collection: Individuals collecting money unofficially may not use the funds for their intended purpose.
Pressure Tactics: Some individuals may use pressure tactics to obtain donations.
Crowded Environment: The crowded environment inside the church makes it easy for scammers to blend in.

Watch for pickpockets and overpriced items. Always negotiate prices.

High Concentration of Shoppers: Large crowds make it easy for pickpockets to blend in.
Unregulated Pricing: Prices can be inflated, especially for tourists.
Counterfeit Goods: Counterfeit goods are common in the market.

Be cautious of people offering to help with directions or guidebooks, they may distract you while pickpockets operate.

Distraction Technique: Pickpockets use distractions such as asking for help to carry out their scams.
Crowded Area: Plaza Publica del Sabio's crowded atmosphere makes it easy for pickpockets to blend in.
Fake Helpers: Some individuals offering help are not genuine and may be part of a scam.

Be wary of individuals offering to sell souvenirs or guidebooks inside the museum. Only purchase items from the official gift shop.

Unauthorized Vendors: Unauthorized vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.
Price Inflation: Prices offered by unauthorized vendors may be significantly higher than those in official gift shops.
Distraction Technique: Individuals offering souvenirs or guidebooks may distract you while pickpockets operate.

Be wary of individuals renting beach chairs or offering services. Only use licensed vendors.

Unlicensed Vendors: Unlicensed vendors may overcharge for their services.
Inflated Prices: Prices offered by unlicensed vendors can be significantly higher than those of licensed vendors.
Counterfeit Goods: Some unlicensed vendors may sell counterfeit goods.

Be wary of individuals offering to sell souvenirs or guidebooks inside the museum. Only purchase items from the official gift shop.

Unauthorized Vendors: Unauthorized vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.
Price Inflation: Prices offered by unauthorized vendors may be significantly higher than those in official gift shops.
Distraction Technique: Individuals offering souvenirs or guidebooks may distract you while pickpockets operate.

Be cautious of street performers asking for donations. Only donate to official collection plates.

Unauthorized Collection: Individuals collecting money unofficially may not use the funds for their intended purpose.
Pressure Tactics: Some individuals may use pressure tactics to obtain donations.
Crowded Environment: The crowded environment makes it easy for scammers to blend in.

Be wary of individuals offering to sell tickets or souvenirs. Only purchase tickets at the official box office.

Unauthorized Ticket Vendors: Unauthorized ticket vendors may sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
Price Inflation: Prices offered by unauthorized ticket vendors can be significantly higher than those at the official box office.
Distraction Technique: Individuals offering tickets or souvenirs may distract you while pickpockets operate.

Be cautious of street performers asking for donations. Only donate to official collection plates.

Unauthorized Collection: Individuals collecting money unofficially may not use the funds for their intended purpose.
Pressure Tactics: Some individuals may use pressure tactics to obtain donations.
Crowded Environment: The crowded environment makes it easy for scammers to blend in.