Question 1

What is the "Currency Confusion Shortchange" scam in Punta del Este?

Accepted Answer

Some restaurants, market stalls, and informal vendors on Avenida Gorlero and near Playa Brava deliberately confuse Argentine pesos with Uruguayan pesos when making change — the bills look superficially similar to hurried tourists. A vendor may quote a price in USD, accept payment in USD, but return change mixing in Argentine peso bills worth a fraction of the Uruguayan peso equivalent, profiting from the confusion. The Argentine peso trades at roughly 1,000+ ARS per USD while the Uruguayan peso trades around 40 UYU per USD. Familiarize yourself with Uruguayan peso (UYU) banknote designs before arrival — they feature portraits of Uruguayan historical figures and clearly state "Banco Central del Uruguay." Count your change immediately and do not pocket it while still at the counter. If you receive bills you don't recognize, ask the vendor to identify them. Use card payments wherever possible to avoid change disputes.

Question 2

What is the "ATM Card Skimming" scam in Punta del Este?

Accepted Answer

Card skimming devices have been reported on standalone ATMs in Punta del Este, particularly machines on Avenida Gorlero and those in standalone kiosks away from bank branches. Criminals attach a thin card reader overlay to the machine slot and a miniature camera above the keypad to capture PIN entry. The skimmed data is later used to clone cards and drain accounts. Risk is elevated during high season when machine maintenance cycles lengthen and tourist volume spikes. Use only ATMs located inside bank branches (Banco República, Scotiabank, BBVA, Itaú all have branches on or near Gorlero) during banking hours when staff are present. Inspect the card slot for any overlay by pressing firmly on the edges — legitimate slots are flush and rigid. Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN. Notify your bank before travel to allow international transactions and set a daily withdrawal limit.

Money & ATM Scams in Punta del Este

Currency Confusion Shortchange

ATM Card Skimming

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