Destinations › Puerto Rico › San Juan › Scams
San Juan, Puerto Rico
15 reported scam patterns travellers run into in San Juan, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Reader overlays on standalone cash machines in the old town and along the beach strip, and cards taken out of sight to be processed at bar counters.
Bills in the old-town bars carrying rounds that were not ordered, on top of the service charge already applied.
Drivers steering cruise passengers to jewellery and souvenir shops that pay them per head, presented as the recommended place to buy.
Men presenting as officials asking to inspect documents or a wallet in the old town, and levying an immediate cash fine for an invented infraction.
Unofficial drivers soliciting at the cruise piers, quoting well above the posted fixed zone fares that are issued at the official stand.
Rainforest and bay excursions sold from street pitches and hotel lobbies that are resold on to another operator, running with a larger group and a shortened itinerary.
Short-let bookings cancelled at short notice in high season and relisted at a higher rate.
Bioluminescent bay and El Yunque tours sold for dates when access is closed or reservations are unavailable.
Automatic service charges added to bills in Old San Juan and a further tip line left blank, effectively charging twice.
Rental-car damage claims for pre-existing marks, and high insurance excesses not explained at the counter.
Bag and phone theft in Old San Juan on cruise days and along the Condado beachfront.
Kerbside offers at the airport above the posted fixed zone fares issued at the official taxi desk.
Men attaching themselves to visitors at the forts and along the old-town streets, presenting a fee for commentary that is free or included with entry.
Imported goods sold as local artisan work at craft-market prices.
Unofficial 'parking attendants' collecting fees on public streets in the old city.
