A British tourist paid the equivalent of around 1,700 euros for a kebab in Rio de Janeiro, after falling victim to a scheme involving the manipulation of a payment terminal, raising warnings about the importance of checking values before completing any transaction. The case occurred in one of the busiest areas of the city and is part of a series of similar situations that have been recorded in recent months, involving foreign tourists.
According to the newspaper, the tourist ended up paying 10,000 reais (around 1,700 euros) for a meal that should have cost around 10 reais (around two euros), after the terminal was manipulated. According to the same source, the scheme was carried out by two individuals, and one of them has since been detained by the authorities.
Beachside detention
The newspaper writes that the suspect was intercepted on Copacabana beach, close to hotels frequented by tourists. The publication adds that the arrest occurred following an investigation related to other similar episodes in the same area.
This case is not isolated and is part of a series of scams targeting foreign visitors. It is known that in recent situations, other tourists were tricked into paying high prices for simple products sold on the beach.
According to the same source, two Argentine tourists were reportedly charged around 1,000 euros for two glasses of açaí. Another visitor, of Colombian nationality, would have paid around 400 euros for a drink, in a similar situation.
According to The Guardian, an Argentine tourist paid around 3,000 euros for an ear of corn that would normally cost just a few euros. These episodes have been gaining visibility in the media and generating concern among authorities and tour operators.
Language barriers facilitate the scheme
The newspaper writes that the difficulty in understanding the local language has contributed to tourists not understanding the prices presented in the terminals. “I don’t understand the numbers in Portuguese. I don’t speak Portuguese”, said one of the victims mentioned. The same source cites that the Rio de Janeiro tourist police have intensified actions to curb this type of crime.
The person in charge Patricia Alemany indicated that the lack of supervision contributes to a “disorganized” environment on the beaches, making it easier for fraudsters to operate. Despite these cases, most visits to Rio de Janeiro go without incident. The city continues to attract tourists, driven by events and its cultural and natural offerings.
Growth in the number of visitors
It is worth noting that Brazil received around 9 million visitors last year, a record number. According to the same source, this growth reflects a trend of increasing demand for destinations associated with leisure and events.
Large concerts have contributed to reinforcing the city’s international attractiveness. The publication adds that shows with high attendance have placed Rio de Janeiro in the spotlight on the global tourist scene.
A favorable international context
Furthermore, economic factors also influence the choice of destination by foreign tourists. Visitors from neighboring countries, such as Argentina, benefit from exchange rate conditions that make travel more affordable.
In these cases, the recommendation is to always check the amount presented in the terminal before confirming the payment. The recommendation is also applicable to those in Portugal, as this habit increases payment security. Small gestures of attention can avoid similar situations, especially in contexts with greater tourist affluence.
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