Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in San Juan, San Juan, Argentina
1. Temple Bar Scam
Beware of fake guides offering tours who demand payment upfront and disappear. Stay safe by booking tours through reputable agencies.
- Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers or 'help' on the streets.
- Payment Upfront: Avoid tours that require payment upfront without a receipt or contract.
- Reputable Agencies: Book tours through established and reputable agencies in San Juan.
2. Street Performance Scam
Some street performers might demand payment for a performance that was not agreed upon. Only tip if the performance was enjoyable and agreed to in advance.
- Unexpected Demands: Be cautious of performers demanding payments without an agreement.
- Agreed Performance: Only tip for performances that are agreed upon and enjoyed.
- Street Performers' Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding street performers in San Juan.
3. Taxi Scam
Some taxis might display a lower fare on the meter but charge more at the end of the ride. Use official and metered taxis for safe travel.
- Lower Fare Display: Be aware that some taxi drivers might display a lower fare to trick you.
- Metered Taxis: Use official and metered taxis for safe travel in San Juan.
- Pre-agreed Fare: If you are going to a specific location, agree on the fare before getting into the taxi.
4. Overcharging in Shops
Some shops may overcharge tourists for goods. Shop around and compare prices to avoid overpaying.
- Tourist Overcharging: Be aware that some shops might overcharge tourists.
- Shop Around: Shop around to compare prices and avoid overpaying.
- Ask for Receipts: Ask for receipts when making a purchase in San Juan's shops.
5. ATM Skimming Scam
Be cautious of skimmers attached to ATMs. Use only well-lit and busy areas, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- ATM Skimming: Be cautious of skimmers attached to ATMs in San Juan.
- Well-lit and Busy Areas: Use well-lit and busy areas for your safety when using an ATM.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
6. Counterfeit Money Scam
Be aware of receiving counterfeit bills in change. Check the authenticity of your money by feeling the texture and looking for security features.
- Counterfeit Bills: Be aware of receiving counterfeit bills as change.
- Security Features: Check the authenticity of your money by feeling the texture and looking for security features.
- Ask for Correct Change: If you feel that the change is not correct, kindly ask for the correct amount.
7. Overpriced Food and Drinks
Some restaurants may overprice their food and drinks. Research popular and reasonably priced eateries beforehand.
- Overpriced Food: Be aware that some restaurants might overprice their food and drinks.
- Researching Eateries: Research popular and reasonably priced eateries in San Juan before your trip.
- Ask for the Menu Prices: If unsure about prices, ask for the menu and confirm the costs before ordering.
8. Fake Tour Guides
Some fake tour guides may offer services at a lower price but provide poor quality or disappear with your payment. Stick to reputable agencies for guided tours.
- Lower Price Trap: Be aware that some fake tour guides might offer services at a lower price but provide poor quality.
- Reputable Agencies: Book tours through established and reputable agencies in San Juan.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Check reviews and recommendations for tour guides before making a booking.
9. Falsified Souvenirs Scam
Some souvenir shops may sell falsified items. Purchase your souvenirs from reputable stores or markets.
- Falsified Items: Be aware that some souvenir shops might sell falsified items.
- Reputable Stores or Markets: Purchase your souvenirs from reputable stores or markets in San Juan.
- Check for Authenticity: If possible, check for authenticity of the item before purchasing.
10. Pickpocketing Scam
Be vigilant of pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings close and use a money belt or lockable bag for safekeeping.
- Crowded Areas: Be aware that pickpocketing is more common in crowded areas of San Juan.
- Money Belt or Lockable Bag: Use a money belt or lockable bag for safekeeping of your belongings.
- Zip Up Pockets and Keep Belongings Close: Zip up pockets and keep belongings close to you, especially in crowded areas.
11. Car Rental Scam
Some car rental companies may try to charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Research and compare prices beforehand.
- Hidden Fees: Be aware that some car rental companies might try to charge hidden fees.
- Compare Prices: Research and compare prices before renting a car in San Juan.
- Check for Damages: Before driving away, check the car for any damages and document them.
12. Baggage Handling Scam
Be cautious when handing over your luggage to baggage handlers. Keep a close eye on your bags and don't leave them unattended.
- Baggage Handlers: Be cautious when handing over your luggage to baggage handlers.
- Keep a Close Eye: Keep a close eye on your bags and don't leave them unattended.
- Document Important Items: Document important items in your luggage, especially electronics and valuables.
13. Overbooked Accommodations Scam
Some accommodations may overbook and offer you an inferior room. Book early and research guest reviews to ensure quality.
- Overbooking: Be aware that some accommodations might overbook and offer inferior rooms.
- Book Early: Book your accommodation early to secure a quality room in San Juan.
- Guest Reviews: Research guest reviews before booking your accommodations in San Juan.
14. Unlicensed Massage Parlors Scam
Some massage parlors may offer cheap services but use untrained or unhygienic staff. Visit a reputable and licensed parlor for a safe experience.
- Cheap Services Trap: Be aware that some massage parlors might offer cheap services but use untrained or unhygienic staff.
- Reputable and Licensed Massage Parlor: Visit a reputable and licensed massage parlor for a safe experience in San Juan.
- Check for Licenses: Ask to see the license of the massage parlor before visiting.
15. Photography Scam
Some photographers may demand money for taking your photo and then disappear. Take your own photos or use a reputable photographer.
- Demanding Money Scam: Be aware that some photographers might demand money for taking your photo.
- Use a Reputable Photographer: If you want professional photos, use a reputable photographer in San Juan.
- Take Your Own Photos: Alternatively, take your own photos using your smartphone or camera.