Street Scams in Funchal, Portugal
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Funchal — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Funchal
How it works
A liquid is squirted on a tourist's back or shoulder. A stranger immediately offers to help clean it up. While one person distracts, an accomplice steals a wallet, phone, or bag.
How it works
Mercado dos Lavradores is Funchal's main covered market and a prime location for sellers pushing machine-made textiles labeled as authentic Madeiran embroidery. Genuine Madeira embroidery carries a lead seal and certificate from IBTAM, the official quality institute; items without this seal are almost certainly imported mass-produced goods sold at handcraft prices. Sellers may claim items are handmade by local artisans and price them accordingly, but quality and origin rarely match the story. Once purchased, items are non-returnable.
See all scams in Funchal
10 total warnings across all categories