Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil

All Topics about Porto Velho All Cities in Brazil

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or non-existent taxi services by only using licensed taxis or apps like Easy Taxi.

Price Regulation: Legitimate taxis follow price regulations set by the city.
App-Based Services: Using apps provides a record of your journey and ensures safe payment methods.
Licensed Taxi Identification: Legitimate taxis display their license number on the vehicle.

Stay vigilant when receiving change or exchanging money to avoid fake bills. Always check for security features.

Security Features: Brazilian real notes have tactile marks, watermarks, and threaded strips.
Exchange at Reputable Places: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange houses to minimize risk.
Know the Valid Bills: Familiarize yourself with the appearance of valid bills before exchanging.

Protect your card and PIN by shielding your keypad when entering PIN and not using suspicious-looking machines.

Card Skimming: Criminals can install devices on ATMs to capture card information.
Shoulder Surfing: Criminals may watch you enter your PIN to gain access to your account.
Fake ATMs: Criminals may install fake ATMs in less crowded locations.

Bargain and shop around to avoid overpaying for souvenirs. Many markets offer similar items at lower prices.

Haggling: Negotiating prices is common in Porto Velho's markets.
Souvenir Market Comparison: Compare prices among various vendors before making a purchase.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may charge higher prices or sell counterfeit goods.

Book guided tours through reputable agencies to avoid fake guides who may lead you to scams. Look for certified guides.

Certified Guides: Guides should have a badge or ID indicating they are certified.
Agency Reputation: Research tour agencies online and ask for recommendations from locals or other travelers.
Tour Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar tours offered by different agencies to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Avoid restaurants that do not display prices or seem empty. Stick to well-reviewed eateries for safe and delicious meals.

Price Display: Restaurants should clearly display menu prices.
Customer Reviews: Check online reviews and ask locals for recommendations.
Busy Restaurants: Avoid empty restaurants as they may not be reputable or have good food.

Book accommodations through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb to avoid fraudulent listings. Verify the address and contact information.

Trusted Platforms: Reputable booking sites provide a secure payment process and customer support.
Address Verification: Ensure the address of your accommodation matches what is shown on the platform.
Contact Information: Have a way to contact your host in case of any issues or questions.

Avoid offers for gold mining expeditions as they often lead to scams. Stick to legal activities and guided tours.

Legal Gold Mining Activities: Gold mining requires a permit, so any offer without one should be suspicious.
Guided Tours: Join guided tours to ensure a safe and informative experience.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers related to gold mining, especially from strangers.

Avoid 'street carnivals' or any event that does not have proper permits. Stick to official carnival events and venues.

Official Carnival Events: Check for official carnival announcements or inquire at local tourist offices.
Proper Permits: Legitimate events will have the necessary permits and safety measures in place.
Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Avoid dark or secluded areas during carnival celebrations.

Only visit massage parlors that are licensed and recommended by locals. Be cautious of places with few customers.

Licensed Massage Parlors: Legitimate parlors will have a license, which should be displayed.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Customer Traffic: Avoid massage parlors with few customers as they may not be reputable.

Donate to well-established charities or organizations. Be cautious of street beggars and solicitations.

Established Charities: Research charities online or ask locals for reputable organizations.
Solicitations: Be cautious of solicitations, especially from strangers.
Avoid Street Beggars: Street beggars may not be affiliated with a legitimate charity.

Avoid tourist buses that do not have a clear itinerary or price. Book guided tours through reputable agencies.

Clear Itinerary and Price: Tourist buses should provide a clear itinerary and price upfront.
Reputable Agencies: Book tours through agencies with good reviews and recommendations.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers related to tourist buses, especially from strangers.

Avoid motorbike taxis and other informal transportation methods. Stick to licensed taxis or buses for safety.

Licensed Transportation: Legitimate transportation providers will have a license and follow regulations.
Safety Measures: Transportation methods should adhere to safety standards, such as using seatbelts and helmets.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers related to transportation, especially from strangers.

Avoid restaurants that serve only a limited menu or seem overly pushy. Stick to well-reviewed eateries for enjoyable meals.

Limited Menu: Restaurants should offer a varied menu.
Customer Reviews: Check online reviews and ask locals for recommendations.
Avoid Overly Pushy Restaurants: Be wary of pushy restaurants that seem overly eager to serve you.

Book accommodations through trusted platforms or reputable agencies. Be cautious of services that do not have clear policies.

Trusted Platforms or Agencies: Reputable booking sites provide a secure payment process and customer support.
Clear Policies: Accommodation services should have clear policies regarding cancellation, payment, and additional fees.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers related to accommodation, especially from strangers.