Tourist scams in Brasilien — and how to avoid them
These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Brasilien, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Wie es funktioniert: Roving vendors sell drinks, snacks or trinkets on the sand without listed prices, then charge tourists far more than the normal rate.
Wie man es vermeidet: Ask the price before accepting anything, carry small notes, and note that fixed kiosks usually display clearer prices than walking vendors.
Fake police document check
Wie es funktioniert: People posing as plain-clothes police stop you to 'check' your wallet, passport or money for counterfeits, then remove cash or cards.
Wie man es vermeidet: Real officers do not inspect your cash on the street. Do not hand over your wallet, offer to walk to a police station or busy area, and keep documents secured.
ATM skimming and tampering
Wie es funktioniert: Machines in quiet spots are fitted with card skimmers or hidden cameras, or a 'helper' offers assistance to capture your card and PIN.
Wie man es vermeidet: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres during the day, cover the keypad, decline any help, and check the card slot for anything loose.
Taxi meter and route tricks
Wie es funktioniert: A driver claims the meter is broken, runs a higher night tariff by day, or takes a long detour to inflate the fare.
Wie man es vermeidet: Prefer a ride-hailing app with the price shown in advance. In a street taxi insist on the meter, watch the route on your phone, and pay with small notes.