£600 for cheese? The Brazilian beach scams that cost visitors dear
Scam vendors targeting tourists on Brazilian beaches are increasingly common, with incidents of significant overcharging reported. One tourist was charged £590 for two slices of cheese due to a manipulated card reader. Authorities warn travelers to be cautious and recommend using cash to avoid such scams.
- ▪Scam vendors on Brazilian beaches are exploiting tourists unfamiliar with the local currency.
- ▪One tourist was charged £1,500 for a kebab and another £3,000 for corn on the cob due to similar scams.
- ▪Travelers are advised to pay in cash or hold the card reader themselves to prevent overcharging.
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Scam vendors on Brazil’s popular tourist beaches are a growing phenomenon. Photograph: marchello74/AlamyView image in fullscreenScam vendors on Brazil’s popular tourist beaches are a growing phenomenon. Photograph: marchello74/AlamyScam watchScams£600 for cheese? The Brazilian beach scams that cost visitors dearTravellers warned to beware of debit card cons after one was charged £1,500 for a kebab and another £3,000 for corn on the cobAnna TimsSun 24 May 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 24 May 2026 02.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhen Lisa Selby* used her debit card to pay for two slices of barbecued cheese from a beach vendor in Rio de Janeiro, she expected to pay 40 reais (£5.90) for the snack.But shortly after the payment had gone through, she realised that she had been…
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