Scam in CuraçaoShopping
High tourist prices and questionable product quality in Curaçao
How it works
Visitors can pay very high prices for food, drinks and goods. Products may have uncertain quality or originality. High prices alone do not prove fraud, but a purchase may offer poor value.
Warning signs
- The same item costs much less at another shop.
- The product's quality does not match its price.
- The price is unclear before you order or buy.
How to avoid it
- Compare prices before buying.
- Check menus and confirm prices before ordering.
- Inspect goods before paying.
- Check happy-hour times and which drinks qualify.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised receipt. Raise any difference from the agreed price with the business and request a correction.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid chasing or confronting the person.
- If a card or payment details were stolen, freeze the card and contact the issuer immediately.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and photos. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy.
- Contact the business, rental agency or booking provider involved. Explain the problem and request a remedy.
- Contact your insurer if covered. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the high tourist prices and questionable product quality scam in Curaçao?
Visitors can pay very high prices for food, drinks and goods. Products may have uncertain quality or originality. High prices alone do not prove fraud, but a purchase may offer poor value.
How can I spot it early?
The same item costs much less at another shop. The product's quality does not match its price. The price is unclear before you order or buy.
How do I avoid high tourist prices and questionable product quality in Curaçao?
Compare prices before buying. Check menus and confirm prices before ordering. Inspect goods before paying. Check happy-hour times and which drinks qualify.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised receipt. Raise any difference from the agreed price with the business and request a correction.
Where in Curaçao does this happen?
Bars, restaurants and shops, especially Punda's main tourist district. It has been reported in Willemstad.
How common is this scam in Curaçao?
Common. Curaçao is generally safe for visitors, but car break-ins are a recurring problem. Tourist shopping can involve high prices and goods of uncertain quality or authenticity, especially in Punda. Tourists may also receive unwanted drug offers.
Are there similar scams in Curaçao?
Yes: possibly counterfeit luxury goods.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, car break-ins or suspected fraud. Provide the location, time and any evidence. Ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze a stolen card, report unauthorised payments or ask about a payment dispute. Car rental agency: use the contact details in your rental agreement to report a break-in or damage and ask what to do next. Shop, restaurant or other business: show your receipt and explain any difference from the agreed price or product description. Request a correction or refund. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, police reports and evidence of the loss. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need consular help.
Reviewed by @snuck