Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

All Topics about Salvador All Cities in Brazil

1. Beach Scam: Overpriced Services

Avoid paying excessive prices for services like umbrella rentals or massages at the beach.

Know the Going Rates: Research standard prices beforehand to avoid overpaying.
Negotiate Prices: Never accept the first price offered, always negotiate for a better deal.
Avoid Unofficial Vendors: Stick to official beach vendors or stores when possible.

Be cautious of ATMs that look tampered with, as they may have skimming devices to steal your card information.

Choose Bank-Owned ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-guarded areas for safer transactions.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent any potential cameras from recording it.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly check your account balance and transactions for any unauthorized activity.

Some taxis may have fixed meters or refuse to turn them on. Agree on a price before starting your journey.

Avoid Street Hails: Use registered taxi companies or apps for safer and fairer fares.
Negotiate the Price: Always negotiate the price before starting your journey to avoid overpaying.
Check the Meter is On: Ensure the taxi meter is on and functioning properly before beginning your ride.

Some bars may serve watered-down drinks or overcharge for them. Check the quality of your drink.

Choose Reputable Bars: Research and choose popular, well-reviewed bars to reduce the risk of scams.
Taste Your Drink: Taste your drink before paying for it to ensure it's not watered down or diluted.
Ask for the Bill: Ask for the bill before consuming large quantities of drinks to avoid being overcharged.

Some market vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods. Be wary of suspiciously cheap items.

Research the Product: Research the item you're interested in before purchasing to help identify potential fakes.
Buy from Reputable Sellers: Choose established, reputable sellers with good reviews and recommendations.
Ask for a Receipt: Always ask for a receipt to help verify the authenticity of your purchase.

Some tour guides may claim to be affiliated with legitimate companies but are not. Verify their credentials.

Research the Company: Research the tour company and guide before booking a tour.
Ask for Credentials: Ask the guide for their credentials, such as a license or ID card, to verify their authenticity.
Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews of the tour company and guide to gauge their reliability.

Some street performers may demand money after you've taken a photo or video of them. Ask before recording.

Ask Permission First: Always ask for permission before taking photos or videos of street performers.
Negotiate the Price: If the performer does request payment, negotiate a fair price beforehand.
Don't Be Afraid to Walk Away: If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, don't hesitate to walk away.

Some restaurants may add hidden charges or unexpected extras to your bill. Check the menu carefully.

Read the Menu Carefully: Thoroughly read the menu and ask questions if needed to avoid surprises.
Pay Attention to Bill: Carefully review your bill before paying, looking for any hidden charges or extras.
Choose Reputable Restaurants: Choose well-reviewed restaurants to reduce the risk of hidden fees and charges.

Some shops may sell overpriced or counterfeit SIM cards. Research the local telecom providers.

Research Local Telecom Providers: Research the available telecom providers in Salvador before purchasing a SIM card.
Check the Card Quality: Inspect the SIM card for signs of counterfeit, such as poor quality packaging or missing serial numbers.
Negotiate the Price: Always negotiate the price to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Some exchange bureaus may offer poor exchange rates or charge high fees. Find a reputable bureau.

Research Reputable Exchange Bureaus: Research and choose established, reputable exchange bureaus.
Compare Rates: Compare the offered exchange rates with other bureaus to ensure a fair deal.
Negotiate Fees: Always negotiate any fees associated with the currency exchange.

Some hotels may charge for services not included in the room rate. Read the hotel policies.

Read Hotel Policies: Thoroughly read the hotel's policies and inclusions before booking.
Ask Questions: Ask the hotel about any additional charges or fees that may apply during your stay.
Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews of the hotel to learn about potential hidden charges.

During festivals, pickpockets may target tourists. Keep your belongings secure.

Secure Your Belongings: Keep your bag zipped and close to your body, or consider using a concealed money belt.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Remain alert and aware of your surroundings during festivals to reduce the risk of pickpocketing.
Don't Display Valuables: Minimize the display of valuable items, such as jewelry or electronics, to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Some bus drivers may overcharge tourists for their fare. Verify the fare before boarding.

Research Bus Fares: Research the standard bus fares in Salvador before your trip.
Ask Local Residents: Ask local residents for guidance on the correct fare if unsure.
Carry Small Bills: Carry small bills to ensure you have the exact change for your bus fare.

Some rental car companies may charge for damages not caused by the driver. Inspect the car thoroughly.

Inspect the Rental Car Thoroughly: Thoroughly inspect the rental car before and after driving it to document any damage.
Take Photos of Damage: Take photos of any existing damages on the rental car, and report them to the staff.
Read the Contract Carefully: Carefully read the contract before signing, paying attention to any liability clauses.

Some accommodation listings may not match the advertised quality. Research and book with caution.

Read Reviews Thoroughly: Thoroughly read reviews for the accommodation to get an idea of its quality.
Contact the Host: Contact the host with questions or requests before booking, to gauge their responsiveness and reliability.
Check Location Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of the accommodation's location and distance to attractions.