Destinations › Uruguay › Montevideo › Scams
Montevideo, Uruguay
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Montevideo, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Bag and phone snatching in the old town and along the coastal promenade, particularly after dark.
The ATM 'helper' approach with card swapping at street machines in the tourist districts.
Summer-season coastal lets taking deposits for properties unavailable or misrepresented on arrival.
Imitation leather goods and 'artisan' crafts sold as locally handmade when imported.
Unlicensed guides in the old town charging for commentary on public streets and squares.
Restaurants adding a cubierto and service charge plus items not ordered, with menus that do not show the cover.
Shortchanging at market stalls and unlicensed changers, and dynamic currency conversion at card terminals.
Drivers taking extended routes with visitors and applying tariff schedules outside their applicable hours.
Unofficial parking attendants demanding payment at free spaces near the promenade.
Resold event and football tickets sold outside venues that are counterfeit or already used.
