Scam in Trinidad and TobagoShopping
Higher prices for visitors at outdoor stalls in Trinidad and Tobago
How it works
Outdoor vendors may quote foreigners a higher price than locals. Some suggest or demand payment in US dollars. Shops and stores generally display fixed prices.
Warning signs
- The vendor asks for payment in US dollars.
- You are quoted a higher price than other customers.
- The price or payment currency is unclear before you buy.
How to avoid it
- Agree on the full price and currency before accepting anything.
- Compare prices at several stalls or shops.
- Try bargaining before you commit.
- Walk away if the price is unclear or too high.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly for the agreed price. If you have not paid or accepted the item, decline the purchase and leave.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or argue with anyone threatening you.
- If there is immediate danger, call police on 999. For an ambulance, call 811. Police may not always answer or attend.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer through its official app or phone number. Report unfamiliar transactions.
- Save receipts, messages, photographs and any vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or copy for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your country's diplomatic mission.
Questions
What is the higher prices for visitors at outdoor stalls scam in Trinidad and Tobago?
Outdoor vendors may quote foreigners a higher price than locals. Some suggest or demand payment in US dollars. Shops and stores generally display fixed prices.
How can I spot it early?
The vendor asks for payment in US dollars. You are quoted a higher price than other customers. The price or payment currency is unclear before you buy.
How do I avoid higher prices for visitors at outdoor stalls in Trinidad and Tobago?
Agree on the full price and currency before accepting anything. Compare prices at several stalls or shops. Try bargaining before you commit. Walk away if the price is unclear or too high.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly for the agreed price. If you have not paid or accepted the item, decline the purchase and leave.
Where in Trinidad and Tobago does this happen?
Outdoor vendors and stalls
How common is this scam in Trinidad and Tobago?
Common. The main tourist pricing problem described is outdoor vendors charging visitors more than locals, sometimes asking for US dollars. Other risks include robbery linked to unlicensed taxis and theft from parked cars, including at high-end hotels. There is no clear measure of how often visitors encounter these problems.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 999 for an emergency. Police do not always answer or attend, so seek another safe way to reach help if needed. Report non-urgent theft or fraud at a police station. Police after a taxi or maxi crash: report the crash as soon as possible, in person at the police station responsible for the area. Ask a local which station covers the location. Card issuer: use your bank's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card, report unauthorised payments and ask about a dispute. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its official claims channel. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of your loss. Your country's diplomatic mission: use your government's official website to find contact details. Ask for help with a lost passport or a serious incident. For an extended stay, consider registering with your nearest mission. Rental company or hotel: tell the rental company about vehicle damage or theft. Notify hotel staff if the incident happened on hotel grounds, and ask them to preserve any relevant records.
What number do I call in an emergency in Trinidad and Tobago?
Police: 999, Fire: 990, Ambulance: 811.
Reviewed by @snuck