WARNING: ATM Rip-Offs at Rio International Airport
I think somebody already mentioned this.
There are 2 types of ATMs at the Rio international airport; "Service" type of ATMs. There were no Brazilian bank branded ATMs, which I found odd. Now I know why. At least one, probably both are TOTAL rip-offs. I've used these type of ATMs previously in other countries without problems.
That ATM asked the normal question about the service charge. I typed YES without really examining the numbers. The numbers came with a comma. It must have said 300 something instead of 30 something. The ATM charged me approximately US $60. Wow! I called Schwab Bank, and we both never heard of such a thing. Luckily when the refund at the end of the month came, Schwab bank refunded me that US $60 fee. If you do it too often, the bank might take away that refund privilege.
Even the currency conversion is a scam. It asked me twice if I wanted the conversion. That I read carefully, because Schwab will not give you a refund for that. You have to DISAGREE to the first time they ask. Then you have to AGREE the second time they ask. Pisses me off that the Rio Airport Authorities allow that kind of scam / rip-offs.
A weird experience with a booking site
Hi everyone,
This is my very first posting on ISQ. I'm not new to the game, but next month will be my first time in Rio.
I had a bizarre experience with a Rio-based escort site that I'd like to share and get feedback on. Some time ago I was searching for escort agencies in Rio, and found four websites that are all linked together: Leblon Escorts, Barra VIP Escort Girl, Rio Escort Guide, and Ipanema Escorts (site in Portuguese). Most of the escorts on all four sites have the same phone number for bookings. It's a Rio number (I'm not certain if posting the number is allowed so I won't). One of the sites, Leblon, has a contact email for booking.
Since I had questions in advance of actually making a booking, I emailed Leblon and asked for more detail on rates and for advice on love motels (nothing else). I got no reply.
A week later, I called the phone number via WhatsApp (since the sites say they use it). I heard a very short recording in Portuguese, then the call was disconnected. I sent the following message via WhatsApp: "Hello, I am planning to make some bookings in December, but I have some questions first. I tried to call but I got voicemail. When would be a good time to call again?" I got an immediate response: "Hi" (nothing further). Ten minutes later I called again. The call was declined. I then got another immediate response: "Hi" (nothing further). I messaged back, "I am trying to call you about a booking. " A minute later I got the reply, "no" (nothing further).
I know I reached the right phone number because after initial contact a photo of a teddy-clad woman appeared next to the number in WhatsApp. (But after the "no" message, that photo was removed.).
Has anyone else dealt with these people, or had any similar experience? What's going on? Did I do something wrong? (If so, I have no idea what.)
Hoping someone can enlighten me.