Question 1

What is the "Mercado 4 Bag Snatching on Motorbike" scam in Asunción?

Accepted Answer

Around Mercado 4, Asuncion main informal market, motorbike riders operate in pairs and snatch bags, phones, and cameras from pedestrians walking on the pavement. The approach is from behind and the theft takes seconds, making pursuit impossible. Avenida Pettirossi and surrounding streets are known hotspots for this pattern. Carry bags on the shoulder away from the road and keep phones in a front pocket or zipped compartment. Avoid using your phone while walking along kerbside pavements near Mercado 4. If you are targeted, do not resist — the physical risk is higher than the value of most stolen items.

Question 2

What is the "Ciudad del Este Counterfeit Electronics Return Fraud" scam in Asunción?

Accepted Answer

Tourists who buy electronics at Ciudad del Este (Paraguay main shopping destination, 1 hour from Asuncion) sometimes find the sealed box contains a cheaper model, a brick, or defective goods. The swap happens at the point of sale using a sleight-of-hand box exchange, particularly in unlicensed stalls in the main market buildings on Avenida San Blas. Open and test every electronic item before leaving the shop, regardless of pressure from the seller. Check the serial number on the box matches the device. Buy from shops that provide a printed receipt and have a physical storefront rather than a temporary stall. Keep the receipt for any warranty claim.

Question 3

What is the "Mercado 4 Pickpocketing" scam in Asunción?

Accepted Answer

Mercado 4 is Asunción's largest informal market and one of South America's biggest street markets, drawing large crowds daily. Pickpockets and distraction thieves operate in the densely packed aisles, often working in pairs — one engages the target while the other lifts wallets, phones, or bag contents. Bag slashing has been reported on the outer perimeter of the market. Carry only essential cash in a front pocket or money belt. Keep phones out of sight and bags zipped and held in front of the body. Avoid displaying expensive cameras or electronics. Visit during daylight hours and leave before dusk.

Question 4

What is the "Fake Collectible Guaraní Coins" scam in Asunción?

Accepted Answer

Street sellers near tourist sites sell old or novelty guaraní coins as rare collectibles or genuine historical currency, often claiming significant monetary or collector value. The coins are typically worthless novelty items or common low-denomination pieces with no collector market. Some sellers use fake certificates of authenticity. Do not purchase coins or currency items from street sellers. If you are interested in Paraguayan numismatics, visit the Banco Central del Paraguay museum or a licensed coin dealer.

Street Scams in Asunción

Mercado 4 Bag Snatching on Motorbike

Ciudad del Este Counterfeit Electronics Return Fraud

Mercado 4 Pickpocketing

Fake Collectible Guaraní Coins

Experienced a scam here?