How to tell if a travel agency is trustworthy: 7 checks before you pay

Scams involving fake agencies and cloned profiles have grown along with online travel sales. A few minutes of checking prevents most problems.

1. Check Cadastur

Cadastur is the official register of tourism service providers kept by Brazil's Ministry of Tourism, and it is mandatory for travel agencies. The lookup is free and public.

2. Check the company's tax ID (CNPJ)

Look the CNPJ up on the Federal Revenue website and confirm the company is active and works in tourism.

3. Pay only in the company's name

For Pix and bank transfers, the payee must be the company, never an individual. Credit cards add protection because you can dispute the charge.

4. Ask for the booking code or voucher

Every real booking produces proof: the airline's booking code, the hotel voucher, the insurance policy number. With the booking code you can check your ticket on the airline's website.

5. Be wary of prices far below the market

Deals exist, but very deep discounts combined with pressure to pay immediately are the most common scam pattern.

6. Verify the official channels

Confirm that the social media profile and WhatsApp number match those on the agency's website.

7. Read the rules before you close

A serious agency tells you what is included, the fees and the change and cancellation conditions before payment.