Money & ATM Scams in San José, Costa Rica
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons. Below are the money & atm scams scams reported in San José — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Willemstad, Havana, and Montego Bay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Money & ATM Scams Scams
10
Total in San José
How it works
Informal money changers ("coyotes") operating along Avenida Central in downtown San José offer exchange rates that appear competitive but use sleight of hand to deliver fewer colones than agreed upon. Common tactics include miscounting notes quickly, palming bills during the handover, or using a distraction to swap the stack. Some operate near legitimate banks to appear more credible. While street currency exchange is technically legal in Costa Rica, it carries significant risk and zero consumer protection.
How it works
Counterfeit Costa Rican colones are occasionally passed to tourists as change in busy market or street vendor transactions, particularly in the downtown area.
See all scams in San José
10 total warnings across all categories