19/10/2025
🚨 Planning a trip to Lima? Don’t fall victim to tourist scams! 🚨
Lima is full of history, culture, and incredible food—but like any big city, there are pitfalls that can catch visitors off guard. Every year, travelers lose money to fake taxis, counterfeit currency, bogus guides, and street scams.
If you’re a foreign tourist, knowing the tricks ahead of time can save you money, stress, and frustration.
Here’s a sneak peek of the 5 most common scams in Lima:
1️⃣ Fake Taxi Fare & Tour Guide Tricks – Fares suddenly change from soles to dollars. Some “guides” near historic sites like the San Francisco Convent add hidden costs after your tour.
2️⃣ Distraction & Vendor Cover Tactics – A spilled drink or vendor placing items on your table can distract you while an accomplice grabs your valuables.
3️⃣ Counterfeit Currency Swap – Fake Peruvian soles are handed as change or swapped in street exchanges.
4️⃣ Fake Officials & Donation Collectors – Scammers impersonate police or charity workers to steal cash from tourists.
5️⃣ Milk/Diaper Appeal Scam – Someone asks you to buy items for a child. Often, they return the product for cash or resell it.
How to Stay Safe:
Use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Cabify, or InDriver.
Book tours only via verified platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Limit cash, verify bills, and keep your belongings secured.
Stay calm—scams rely on panic and distraction.
📌 Don’t get caught off guard!
Read the full guide and learn exactly how each scam works and how to avoid them:
👉 https://pueblolibrelima.com/tourist-scams-in-lima/
Travel smart, stay safe, and enjoy all the beauty, food, and culture Lima has to offer!
Discover the top 5 tourist scams in Lima, Peru, and learn practical tips to stay safe while exploring the city’s attractions and streets.