Money & ATM Scams in Tamarindo

ATM Card Cloning and Withdrawal Fraud

Tamarindo has several ATMs serving a high volume of tourists, and card skimming devices have been documented on machines at the Tamarindo bus stop area and near the main beachfront strip. Thieves use skimming hardware combined with micro-cameras to capture card data and PINs, then execute withdrawals from tourist accounts within hours. Tamarindo is a cash-heavy destination for surf schools, restaurants, and local transport, creating pressure to withdraw large sums.