Question 1

What is the "Short-Changing at Busy Market Stalls" scam in Ghent?

Accepted Answer

At the Vrijdagmarkt Friday market and during festival food stalls, some vendors short-change tourists by counting back change quickly or handing back fewer notes than owed, relying on the noise and pace of transactions to avoid scrutiny. Count your change before moving away from the stall. Hand over the exact amount where possible to reduce the complexity of change-giving. If you believe you have been short-changed, calmly request a recount before the transaction is complete.

Question 2

What is the "Currency Exchange Spread Overcharge" scam in Ghent?

Accepted Answer

A small number of currency exchange booths near the Ghent city center offer euro exchange rates with spreads of 8–12% against the interbank rate, significantly worse than withdrawing from an ATM using a travel card. Some booths display a favorable buying rate prominently while the selling rate — relevant to tourists converting foreign currency to euros — is posted in smaller print. Use your debit or travel card at a bank-affiliated ATM to obtain euros at interbank rates rather than using exchange counters. If you must use an exchange counter, ask for the exact euros you will receive for your specific amount before handing over any money — you are entitled to know the all-in rate before committing.

Money & ATM Scams in Ghent

Short-Changing at Busy Market Stalls

Currency Exchange Spread Overcharge

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