What is the "Money Exchange Shortchanging" scam in Montañita?

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Accepted Answer

Informal money changers operating near the main strip in Montañita offer USD to Ecuadorian rates but use sleight-of-hand during the counting process to shortchange tourists. Because Ecuador is dollarized, the scam usually involves giving fewer bills than stated while appearing to count correctly. It is most common around the bus stop and the entrance to the main strip where new arrivals exchange money. Use ATMs rather than informal money changers. If exchanging cash, count every bill yourself slowly before walking away — do not let the changer count twice or take the money back to "recount." Ecuadorian dollars are US dollars, so no exchange is needed from USD.

Money & ATM Scams in Montañita

Money Exchange Shortchanging

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