Money & ATM Scams in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons. Below are the money & atm scams scams reported in Guayaquil — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Valparaíso, Mendoza, and Salvador.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
1
Money & ATM Scams Scams
8
Total in Guayaquil
How it works
Ecuador uses the US dollar, which removes exchange rate risk but creates a short-change vulnerability because tourists assume dollar transactions are straightforward. Market vendors and informal traders short-change tourists paying with larger USD notes, relying on the assumption that a familiar currency will not require careful counting. Counterfeit USD notes are also in circulation in informal markets.
See all scams in Guayaquil
8 total warnings across all categories