Question 1

What is the "ATM skimming and card cloning" scam in Guatemala City?

Accepted Answer

Skimming devices and pinhole cameras are placed on street-level ATMs and on POS terminals at informal vendors, capturing card data and PINs that are then cloned for fraudulent charges. Travelers report mysterious charges appearing days after using machines in Guatemala City and Antigua. Standalone after-hours ATMs are the highest-risk. Use ATMs inside bank branches or guarded malls (Oakland Mall, Fontabella, Pradera) during business hours, tug the card slot and inspect for loose parts before inserting, always cover the keypad, prefer tap-to-pay, and watch statements closely during and after the trip.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit quetzal notes in change" scam in Guatemala City?

Accepted Answer

Market vendors, street stalls and some informal taxis pass fake Q100 and Q200 notes as change, betting tourists won't check security features. Because visitors are unfamiliar with the currency, a counterfeit slipped in with a fistful of change often goes unnoticed until a bank rejects it. Breaking large bills at informal stalls is the riskiest moment. Learn the watermark, color-shifting ink and security thread on Q100/Q200 notes and inspect change before walking away. Pay with smaller denominations to avoid receiving large notes as change, and break big bills at banks or established restaurants rather than market stalls.

Question 3

What is the "Unofficial street money changers" scam in Guatemala City?

Accepted Answer

Freelance changers near the airport, bus terminals and tourist zones wave cash and promise rates better than the banks, then short-count the stack, fold in counterfeit notes, or work with a pickpocket accomplice who marks your wallet. The 'great rate' never materializes once the bills are counted properly. Change money only at banks (Banrural, Banco Industrial, BAM), inside hotels, or at licensed casas de cambio, or simply withdraw quetzales from a bank ATM. Decline anyone offering to exchange cash on the street, however good the rate sounds.

Money & ATM Scams in Guatemala City

ATM skimming and card cloning

Counterfeit quetzal notes in change

Unofficial street money changers

Experienced a scam here?