Destinations › Brazil › São Paulo › Scams
São Paulo, Brazil
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in São Paulo, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Unlicensed drivers touting at the airports and bus terminals quoting inflated fares. Apps and licensed ranks quote in advance.
'Quicknapping' at cash machines, where victims are forced to withdraw from multiple accounts. Use machines inside banks and during the day.
Phone snatching by motorbike pairs from pedestrians and from vehicles stopped in traffic, a citywide pattern rather than a tourist-district one.
Resold football and event tickets sold outside venues that are counterfeit or already used.
Individuals presenting identification and demanding document checks and wallet inspection from foreign visitors.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or misrepresented on arrival.
Counterfeit branded goods and electronics sold in the large street markets as genuine.
Restaurants adding a service charge that is optional by law but presented as compulsory, plus items not ordered.
Card cloning at compromised terminals and standalone machines, with charges appearing after departure.
Counterfeit notes given as change by street vendors, and dynamic currency conversion at card terminals at poor rates.
