Montevideo Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Uruguay)
Montevideo is one of South America's most livable and relaxed capitals, but tourists still face pickpocketing in markets, fake police, counterfeit bills in change, and airport taxi overcharging.
Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Montevideo — 4 of 10 reported incidents fall in this category. See all 4 →
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Last updated: April 2, 2026
Fake Vacation Rental with Photos
Scammers post luxury apartments and beachfront chalets on Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental sites with stunning photos stolen from real listings. Travelers transfer deposits but the property is either non-existent, occupied, or completely different from advertised. This is especially common for summer bookings along Pocitos and Carrasco beaches.
📍Pocitos beach area, Carrasco neighborhood, Punta Gorda waterfront listings, properties advertised on Airbnb and Vrbo
How to avoid: Book through verified platforms only and verify properties by calling the landlord directly. Request video tours before paying. Check Google Street View to confirm the address exists. Use escrow payment options offered by legitimate platforms.
This scam type is also documented in Buenos Aires and Lima.
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High Risk
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Medium Risk
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Low Risk
Montevideo · Uruguay · South America
Open map →📍Where These Scams Are Most Active in Montevideo
Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents.
Fake Vacation Rental with Photos
Pocitos beach area, Carrasco neighborhood, Punta Gorda waterfront listings, properties advertised on Airbnb and Vrbo
Fake Police Identity Check in Ciudad Vieja
Around Calle Sarandí and Calle Ituzaingó in Ciudad Vieja, near the Mercado del Puerto entrance on Rambla 25 de Agosto, and along Calle 25 de Mayo near the Palacio Taranco.
Airport Taxi Overcharging
Carrasco International Airport taxi ranks in eastern Montevideo, and the road corridor leading into the Pocitos, Centro, and Ciudad Vieja neighborhoods
Pickpocketing in Markets and Buses
Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo in the Buceo neighborhood, the Ciudad Vieja historical district along Calle Sarandí, and crowded bus routes through the city center
Fake Police Fines
Tourist areas of Ciudad Vieja including Plaza Independencia and Calle Sarandí, and near the Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo
Counterfeit Bills in Change
Taxi pickup areas throughout Montevideo including the Tres Cruces bus terminal, the Old City (Ciudad Vieja), and the Mercado del Puerto waterfront area
These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
Street-level scams are most common in Montevideo
4 documented street scams target tourists near major attractions. Unsolicited approaches, "free" gifts, and distraction techniques are the main patterns — confidence and pace help.
How it works
Scammers post luxury apartments and beachfront chalets on Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental sites with stunning photos stolen from real listings. Travelers transfer deposits but the property is either non-existent, occupied, or completely different from advertised. This is especially common for summer bookings along Pocitos and Carrasco beaches.
How it works
In the Ciudad Vieja historic district, individuals dressed in plain clothes or partial uniform claim to be plainclothes police conducting a routine document check. They ask to inspect your wallet for counterfeit bills, then pocket cash or credit cards during the inspection. A variant involves two people — one distracts while the other handles documents and removes valuables. Uruguayan police do not conduct random street document checks of tourists in this manner.
How it works
Unofficial taxis at Carrasco International Airport charge tourists far above standard rates or take long detours. Some drivers claim the meter is broken to justify a flat rate.
How it works
Teams of pickpockets operate in the Mercado Agrícola, the Ciudad Vieja, and on crowded buses, using distraction techniques like shoulder-tapping or manufactured bumping.
How it works
Individuals impersonating police officers approach tourists and demand on-the-spot fines for invented infractions, flashing unofficial-looking ID.
How it works
Taxi drivers and market vendors sometimes include fake 200 or 500 Uruguayan peso notes in change, which are refused by shops and banks.
How it works
At informal currency exchange booths and among street changers operating near Avenida 18 de Julio and the Mercado Ferrando area, visitors exchanging US dollars or Argentine pesos are shortchanged through sleight of hand or miscounted bundles. A common technique involves the exchanger counting the bills openly before handing them over, then palming several notes in the final exchange. The rate offered is typically better than official rates as an initial lure.
How it works
Social media ads target tourists with deals on electronics (laptops, cameras, phones) at massive discounts. Payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency is requested but items never arrive. Scammers use fake storefronts and stolen credit card photos to create legitimacy.
How it works
Street vendors near bus terminals and the Buquebus ferry port sell discounted tickets to events, tours, or transport that turn out to be fake or non-refundable.
How it works
In Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja historic district, a handful of restaurants near the main tourist drag keep two sets of menus — one in Spanish at local prices, and a glossy tourist version with inflated prices. Visitors who do not speak Spanish or who ask for the English menu are handed the more expensive version as a matter of course. The price gap can be 30–60% higher than what locals pay at the same table.
Montevideo Safety — Frequently Asked Questions
What scams target tourists in Montevideo?
Are taxis safe in Montevideo?
Is Montevideo safe at night for tourists?
Which areas of Montevideo should tourists be most careful in?
How can I avoid being scammed in Montevideo?
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Filter scams in Montevideo by category, or read our worldwide guides for each scam type — taxi scams, street scams, restaurant scams, and more.
If you're visiting more than one destination
Similar scam patterns are active across the South America region. Before visiting Cusco, Bogotá, and Medellín, review each city's guide — tactics vary and local setups differ even for the same scam type.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Montevideo are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →