Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Porto, Portugal

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides or being taken on a longer route. Always use licensed taxis and negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

Licensed Taxis: Official taxis have a distinctive logo and a meter
Fixed Fare: Negotiate the fare before starting the journey to avoid surprises
Avoid Street Taxis: Street taxis might be unlicensed and may overcharge

Avoid buying counterfeit goods at the Bolhão Market. Look for the official trademark and buy from trusted vendors.

Official Trademark: Check for official trademarks on products to ensure authenticity
Trusted Vendors: Buy from reputable vendors who have a good standing in the market
Avoid Suspicious Prices: Be wary of unusually low prices as they might indicate counterfeit goods

Avoid fake guided tours offered by unofficial guides. Always book tours through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours through well-known travel agencies or official tourism offices
Unofficial Guides: Avoid unofficial guides who might not be knowledgeable about the city's history and culture
Check for Licenses: Ensure your guide has the necessary license to operate guided tours

Be vigilant about pickpocketing in crowded areas such as the Clérigos Tower and Ribeira Square. Keep your belongings secure.

Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target crowded tourist attractions
Secure Belongings: Keep your valuables close and in a secure location, preferably hidden
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and avoid distractions that might make you an easy target for pickpockets

Avoid overpriced restaurants in the touristy areas. Look for local eateries and ask about prices before ordering.

Local Eateries: Try local eateries away from heavily touristed areas to enjoy authentic food at affordable prices
Price Checks: Always check the menu prices before ordering to avoid unexpected high bills
Avoid Street Food Scams: Street food might be overpriced or contaminated, so choose your vendors carefully

Avoid overpriced accommodations in popular areas. Research and book ahead to find affordable options.

Research: Research the city's neighborhoods to find affordable accommodation options
Book Ahead: Book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best deals
Avoid Tourist Hotspots: Staying slightly further away from tourist hotspots can help reduce accommodation costs

Be cautious when using ATMs. Stick to machines at banks and avoid using ATMs in less secure locations.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks for added security
Secure Locations: Avoid using ATMs in less secure or poorly lit locations
Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your account to detect any unusual activity

Avoid overpriced Wi-Fi spots. Use free Wi-Fi provided by your accommodation or local coffee shops.

Free Wi-Fi: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi offered by your accommodation or local cafes
Avoid Internet Cafes: Internet cafes might be overpriced and potentially insecure
Check Data Usage: Be aware of your data usage to avoid unexpected charges

Avoid counterfeit Fado music shows that might charge exorbitant prices. Look for authentic performances in traditional venues.

Traditional Venues: Attend Fado performances in traditional venues like Casa da Música or Trem-Café
Check Prices: Be wary of shows with unusually low or high prices
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on authentic Fado performances

Support genuine street performers. Be cautious of those who pressure you for money or overcharge.

Genuine Performers: Look for performers who are genuinely talented and offer quality entertainment
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Avoid performers who apply pressure to give money or demand a specific amount
Fair Prices: Give a fair price for the performance you enjoyed, not based on their demands

Avoid being scammed at street markets. Negotiate prices, check quality, and be wary of unusual offers.

Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices to get a fair deal
Check Quality: Inspect goods thoroughly before buying to ensure their quality
Avoid Unusual Offers: Be wary of vendors who offer unusually cheap or overpriced items

Avoid unfair car rental deals. Research and compare prices, read contracts carefully, and return the car in good condition.

Research: Research different car rental companies to find the best deal
Read Contracts: Thoroughly read and understand the contract before signing
Return Car Condition: Return the car in good condition to avoid additional charges

Avoid unlicensed tourist activities. Always book tours and activities through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours and activities through well-known travel agencies or official tourism offices
Unofficial Activities: Avoid unlicensed tourist activities that might be unsafe or low quality
Check Licenses: Ensure your activity has the necessary license to operate

Avoid fraudulent ticket vendors for events like football matches or concerts. Buy tickets from official outlets only.

Official Outlets: Buy event tickets from official outlets such as the stadium box office or authorized ticket vendors
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors might sell fake, overpriced, or invalid tickets
Check Ticket Authenticity: Always check the authenticity of your ticket before entering the event

Avoid scam art galleries that might sell fake or overpriced art. Research and visit reputable art galleries.

Reputable Galleries: Visit well-known art galleries to find authentic and high-quality artwork
Avoid Unfamiliar Galleries: Be wary of unfamiliar or less-established art galleries that might sell counterfeit art
Check Prices: Always compare prices to ensure you're getting a fair deal on the artwork