Other Tourist Scams in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Galapagos Islands — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Buenos Aires, Cusco, and Lima.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Other Scams Scams
10
Total in Galapagos Islands
How it works
Arriving travelers must purchase a Transit Control Card for USD 20. Unofficial individuals outside the payment area offer to process the card for a higher fee, keeping the difference.
How it works
Individuals outside the Charles Darwin Research Station collect donations claiming affiliation with the station's tortoise conservation program. The station does not solicit street donations.
See all scams in Galapagos Islands
10 total warnings across all categories