Question 1

What is the "Cambista Currency Exchange Fraud" scam in San José?

Accepted Answer

Street money changers known as cambistas operate illegally around Avenida Central, Parque Central, and near the central post office (Correos de Costa Rica) on Calle 2, offering USD-to-colones exchange rates slightly above the official bank rate to attract tourists. Common techniques include short-counting the colones handed over, switching bills for lower denominations during the count, or passing counterfeit colones mixed in with legitimate bills. The transaction happens quickly and in public, making it difficult for tourists to recount accurately. Never exchange currency with street vendors — it is illegal and systematically exploitative. Use Banco Nacional, BAC Credomatic, or Scotiabank branches on Avenida Central for official exchange, or simply withdraw colones from an ATM at the interbank rate. USD are accepted at most tourist businesses at a fair rate anyway, making street exchange unnecessary.

Question 2

What is the "ATM Skimming on Avenida Central" scam in San José?

Accepted Answer

Card skimming devices have been repeatedly documented on ATMs along Avenida Central pedestrian zone and in the downtown banking district, particularly at standalone ATMs in convenience stores and near tourist-facing businesses. Criminals install overlay devices on the card slot and a small camera or PIN pad overlay to capture card data, which is then used to clone cards. Victims typically do not realize the theft until unauthorized charges appear days later. Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours rather than standalone street ATMs — Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic branches on Avenida Central and Paseo Colón are most reliable. Always cover the PIN pad with your hand when entering your code. Check the card slot for any looseness or unusual attachments before inserting your card. Notify your bank of travel before departure and enable transaction alerts.

Question 3

What is the "Counterfeit Bill Passing" scam in San José?

Accepted Answer

Counterfeit USD $20 and $50 bills and fake high-denomination colones notes (₡10,000 and ₡50,000) circulate in San José's informal economy, with tourists frequently targeted as recipients in cash change transactions at markets, street food stalls, and informal businesses. The bills are often passed as change for large-denomination notes, particularly in the Mercado Central, around Parque Central, and in nightlife areas. Some counterfeit USD bills used in San José are sophisticated enough to pass casual inspection. Examine change carefully before leaving any transaction — hold bills to the light and check for the security thread and watermark on USD bills. Learn to recognize the holographic stripe and color-shifting ink on Costa Rican colones. Pay with small denominations when possible to minimize change received. Be particularly cautious accepting change from street vendors and informal stalls.

Money & ATM Scams in San José

Cambista Currency Exchange Fraud

ATM Skimming on Avenida Central

Counterfeit Bill Passing

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