Question 1

What is the "Currency Exchange Robbery" scam in Prague?

Accepted Answer

Exchange offices in the Old Town Square and near tourist sites advertise excellent rates on large boards. Once tourists hand over foreign currency, the cashier performs calculations quickly and returns far fewer crowns than the advertised rate would indicate. Always calculate the expected amount before handing over any money. Use ATMs or Česká spořitelna bank for fair rates. Avoid any exchange office with a commission or "0% commission but bad rate" sign near the main tourist areas.

Question 2

What is the "Currency Exchange Bad Rate Bureau" scam in Prague?

Accepted Answer

Exchange bureaus on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square advertise "0% commission, best rates" but apply a buy/sell spread that costs tourists up to 20% more than a bank ATM rate. Use Raiffeisenbank or Komerční banka ATMs for cash. Never exchange money at kiosk bureaus in tourist areas.

Question 3

What is the "Currency Switcharoo at POS Terminals" scam in Cappadocia?

Accepted Answer

Vendors and restaurants switch the currency on card payment terminals from Turkish Lira to USD or EUR at the last moment. 100 TL becomes $100 USD — a difference of thousands of percent. Before tapping or inserting your card, confirm the terminal shows ₺ (TL/TRY). If it shows a foreign currency, refuse the transaction and insist on Turkish Lira.

Question 4

What is the "Currency Exchange Shortchange" scam in Bali?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial money changers in Kuta and tourist areas offer rates better than banks, but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists. They may count notes quickly, fold bills, or use distracting chatter to palm money. Always use official bank ATMs or licensed money changers (PT Dirgahayu and similar). Count every note yourself before leaving the counter. Avoid street-side changers offering rates that seem too good to be true.

Question 5

What is the "ATM Inside Clubs/Bars High Fee" scam in Mykonos?

Accepted Answer

ATMs installed inside Mykonos's famous beach clubs and nightlife venues charge exorbitant transaction fees (€5–10) and offer poor dynamic currency conversion rates, knowing customers are intoxicated and in a hurry. Withdraw cash at a bank branch ATM before going to beach clubs. Always select the local currency (EUR) option on any ATM or terminal.

Question 6

What is the "Currency Note Switching" scam in Phu Quoc?

Accepted Answer

Vendors and taxi drivers swap your 500,000 VND note for a 20,000 VND note (both blue) during the payment exchange, then claim you underpaid. The difference is 25x. Keep large and small notes in separate pockets. Count your change before accepting it. Pay with exact change when possible at markets and taxis.

Question 7

What is the "ATM Skimming" scam in Playa del Carmen?

Accepted Answer

Fake ATMs and skimming devices in tourist areas along 5th Avenue steal card data. Fraudulent withdrawals are often made hours or days later. Use ATMs only at Scotiabank, Santander, or BBVA branches inside the bank. Cover your PIN and decline dynamic currency conversion.

Question 8

What is the "Unauthorised Money Changer Short Count" scam in Bali?

Accepted Answer

Unauthorised money changers in Ubud and Kuta display attractive exchange rates on large boards. The cashier counts notes back in a fast, confusing bundle while palming several notes, resulting in less money than the displayed rate should give. A hidden "service fee" is sometimes added after the fact. Use only Bank Indonesia-licensed money changers displaying the official "Authorized Money Changer" sign, or withdraw from ATMs. Count every note yourself slowly before leaving the counter. If the cashier rushes you, restart your count from scratch.

Money & ATM Scams Targeting Tourists — Worldwide Warning Guide

Most Common Money & ATM Scams

Currency Exchange Robbery

Currency Exchange Bad Rate Bureau

Currency Switcharoo at POS Terminals

Currency Exchange Shortchange

ATM Inside Clubs/Bars High Fee

Currency Note Switching

ATM Skimming

Unauthorised Money Changer Short Count

Destinations with Money & ATM Scams

Other Scam Guides