Question 1

What is the "Currency Exchange Sleight of Hand" scam in La Paz?

Accepted Answer

Street changers near the markets swap bills during the count using sleight of hand, or include counterfeit boliviano notes that are rejected in shops. Exchange money only at licensed casas de cambio or bank branches. Count every note individually at the counter.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit Boliviano Notes in Market Change" scam in La Paz?

Accepted Answer

Counterfeit 100 Boliviano notes circulate heavily in La Paz markets, particularly in the Mercado Rodriguez and El Alto markets. Traders sometimes offload fake notes as change when tourists pay with larger denominations. The counterfeits are visually convincing but lack the correct watermark and security thread. Tourists who accept them cannot use them and lose the amount. Familiarize yourself with genuine Boliviano security features: the metallic security strip, color-shifting ink on the numeral, and microprinting around the border. Carry smaller denominations to avoid needing large-note change in markets.

Money & ATM Scams in La Paz

Currency Exchange Sleight of Hand

Counterfeit Boliviano Notes in Market Change

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