Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

All Topics about Uberlândia All Cities in Brazil

1. Fake Uberlândia Tour Guides

Avoid rogue tour guides offering services at bus and train stations. They may overcharge or lead you to fraudulent attractions.

Unlicensed Guide: They do not have official licenses or permits.
Overcharging: Prices significantly higher than standard rates for services.
Fraudulent Attractions: Guides may take you to attractions not worth your time or money.

Be cautious when using ATMs located in malls and shopping centers. Criminals can install skimming devices to steal your card data.

Skimming Device: A device placed over the real card reader to copy your card information.
Camera Surveillance: Criminals may also use hidden cameras to observe you entering your PIN.
Safe ATMs: Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit, busy areas for increased security.

Be wary of receiving fake Brazilian Reais notes as change. Check the bills for watermarks and holograms to avoid being scammed.

Watermark: Check the watermark by holding the note up to light to see if the image matches.
Hologram: Look for a hologram that changes color when tilted.
Feel of the Bill: Counterfeit bills may feel thinner or rougher than authentic ones.

Taxis in Uberlândia often do not use a meter. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid overpayment.

No Meter Usage: Taxis do not use meters, so agree on the price before starting your ride.
Unfair Fares: Fares can be significantly higher than normal for tourists.
Negotiation is Key: Always negotiate the fare with your driver before getting in the taxi.

Beware of coffee shops that charge tourists for expensive coffees without providing the bill. Check your bills carefully.

Unprovided Bills: Staff may not provide you with a bill, expecting you to pay more than the actual cost.
High Prices: Coffees can be significantly more expensive for tourists.
Check Your Bill: Always ask for a bill and check it before paying to avoid overpayment.

Be cautious when using ride-hailing apps. Make sure the driver's details match the app before getting in the car.

App Details: Check that the driver's name, vehicle model, and license plate match those displayed on your app.
Fraudulent Drivers: Criminals may pose as Uber drivers to steal from you or take you to a different location.
Ride-Hailing Safety Tips: Share your trip details with someone trusted and sit in the back seat of the car.

Avoid street food vendors selling overpriced or potentially unsafe meals. Stick to reputable restaurants instead.

Overpriced Food: Street food can be significantly more expensive for tourists.
Food Safety: Street food may not be prepared under safe conditions, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Reputable Restaurants: Dine at established restaurants with good reviews to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal.

Watch your belongings carefully in crowded places like markets, festivals, and popular tourist attractions.

Crowded Locations: Pickpockets often target tourists in crowded areas.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings close and consider using a travel bag with a lock or anti-theft features.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Minimize the visibility of valuable items, such as smartphones and wallets, to discourage theft.

Be wary of shore excursions organized by unofficial vendors at the dock. They may overcharge or take you to fraudulent attractions.

Unofficial Vendors: Vendors not affiliated with your cruise line may offer shore excursions.
Overcharging: Prices significantly higher than standard rates for services.
Fraudulent Attractions: Excursions may take you to attractions not worth your time or money.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering help or advice. They may be trying to distract you while a partner steals from you.

Distraction Technique: Friendly strangers may distract you while a partner pickpockets you.
Criminal Pair: Overly friendly locals often work in pairs or groups to maximize their chances of success.
Stay Alert and Aware: Maintain awareness of your surroundings and be cautious when accepting help from strangers.

Be wary of people posing as police officers asking for documents or money. Legitimate officers will not ask for these in public.

Impersonation: Criminals may pose as police officers to scam tourists.
No Requests for Documents: Legitimate police officers will not ask for personal documents or money in public.
Contact Your Embassy: If you suspect a scam, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.

Some charity collectors may be fraudulent, soliciting money under false pretenses. Research legitimate charities before donating.

Fraudulent Solicitations: Charity collectors may ask for money without providing evidence of their cause.
Research Before Donating: Verify the legitimacy of charities before donating to avoid being scammed.
Avoid Cash Donations: If possible, donate to legitimate charities through secure online platforms instead of cash.

Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial vendors outside event venues. They may sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Counterfeit Tickets: Unofficial vendors may sell fake or expired tickets.
Overpricing: Tickets sold by unofficial vendors can be significantly more expensive.
Purchase from Official Outlets: Buy tickets directly from the event venue or official ticket outlets to avoid scams.

Avoid unlicensed spas and salons offering discounted services. They may use substandard products or equipment, which can lead to health issues.

Substandard Products: Unlicensed businesses may use low-quality products that can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.
Poor Equipment: Lack of proper equipment and sanitation increases the risk of infections and other health issues.
Verify Licenses: Always verify that a spa or salon is licensed and has good reviews before booking an appointment.

Be cautious when using cybercafes. They may install keyloggers to steal your personal information.

Keylogger Installation: Cybercafes may install keyloggers to record your keystrokes and steal your passwords.
Virus-Infected Computers: Computers at cybercafes may be infected with viruses that can harm your devices or steal your data.
Use Secure Connections: Consider using a VPN or secure connection when accessing sensitive information online.