Question 1

What is the "Friendship Bracelet Ambush" scam in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Near Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, at the entrance to Alfama, and around Praça do Comércio, individuals approach tourists and quickly tie a coloured string bracelet onto their wrist without asking permission. Once the bracelet is secured, they demand payment — typically €5–20 — claiming it is a traditional gift or good luck charm. Refusing to pay can lead to aggressive confrontation. Victims who pull away may find the bracelet is deliberately knotted tightly to make removal difficult. Keep your hands in your pockets or crossed when walking through tourist areas. If someone starts to touch your arm or wrist, pull away immediately and say "Não, obrigado" firmly. Do not make eye contact or engage with individuals holding bracelets or string.

Question 2

What is the "Rental Car Petrol Station Overcharge" scam in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

At petrol stations on the IC19 and A5 motorway approaches west of Lisbon — commonly used by tourists driving to Sintra or Cascais — attendants at full-service pumps fill the tank without stating the price per litre and then charge significantly above the posted rate, or add an undisclosed "service fee" to the total. Some scammers target tourists returning rental cars to Lisbon Airport by claiming the fuel gauge was not returned to the agreed level and charging a punitive top-up fee far above standard pump prices. Always confirm the litre price and whether the service is included before allowing a pump attendant to fill your tank. For rental car returns, photograph your fuel gauge and the station receipt immediately before dropping off the vehicle. Use the rental company's recommended refuelling station.

Other Tourist Scams in Lisbon

Friendship Bracelet Ambush

Rental Car Petrol Station Overcharge

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