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Tourist scams and rip-offs in São Paulo, Brazil: how to avoid them
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São Paulo is a huge, busy city where most visits pass without incident, but it has real tourist concerns in crowded spots and on transport. The main things to manage are unofficial airport drivers, pickpocketing in crowds, card skimming and fare/second-ticket tricks. Book airport transfers through the official rank or an app and keep valuables close.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in São Paulo, Brazil and how to avoid them
1. Unofficial airport drivers
How it works: Inside the GRU terminal, unauthorized drivers approach arriving passengers offering rides at inflated flat rates, often far above the official meter fare.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank or book through a ride-hailing app such as Uber or 99. Decline anyone who approaches you inside.
2. Pickpocketing in crowds
How it works: Thieves work in pairs in packed areas, creating a distraction such as a bump or spill while one steals from pockets, bags or phones.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front, avoid showing phones, and stay alert in dense stations and markets.
3. Card skimming at ATMs
How it works: Skimmers fit over ATM card readers to copy card data while hidden cameras record PINs, especially on standalone or street machines.
How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside bank branches, cover the keypad, and always choose to be billed in reais.
4. Fake police or official helpers
How it works: Someone posing as police or an official asks to check your documents or money, then takes cash or card details during the inspection.
How to avoid it: Real officers rarely handle your money. Insist on going to a police station or official office for any check.
5. Second ticket switch
How it works: A stranger offers to help feed a turnstile or buy a ticket, then hands back a used or invalid card instead of your paid one.
How to avoid it: Buy and validate your own ticket and do not hand your card to strangers.
Official tickets for the top sights in São Paulo, Brazil
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 85 R$ - 110 R$ (€15 - €20). Use only the official taxi rank or a ride-hailing app such as Uber. Ignore drivers approaching inside the terminal; those are typically unlicensed with inflated prices.
Best alternative: Airport Bus Service (Executive bus) to Tietê or Paulista terminals (55 R$ (€9.83), about 50 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 5 R$ (€0.89) (Single Metro/CPTM journey ticket (one ride within the paid area).)
- Validation rules
- Tap the ticket or card at the turnstile at entry to the paid area. Buy a return too, and validate both before travelling. Inspectors fine passengers without a valid tapped ticket.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 170 R$ (€30.37). Fine for travelling without a valid ticket, applied on the spot by inspectors in the paid area.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards work at many turnstiles; some riders also use the official QR ticketing options. Check the operator's tap-to-pay signage at each station.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: A 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills and is appreciated but not mandatory. Taxis do not need a tip; rounding up is fine. Tour guides may accept a small tip.
Cover and service charges: The 10% service charge, called "serviço", is common and usually shown on the bill. It is optional; ask for it to be removed if you prefer. Be wary of menus without prices, which can signal inflated charges.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in Brazilian reais and decline dynamic currency conversion. Prefer ATMs attached to banks over standalone machines in tourist areas, where fees are higher. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Central station area (Sé, Luz): Around the main stations late at night, keep bags closed and valuables out of sight, and use ride-hailing rather than walking alone.
- Paulista Avenue fair days: On busy weekend markets along Paulista, keep wallets and phones in front pockets and be alert to pickpockets.
Emergency number
190
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Frequently Asked Questions about São Paulo, Brazil
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.