Scam in CubaChanging money
Money-changing helper who disappears in Cuba
How it works
Someone claims locals can get a better exchange rate. They ask you to wait outside because your presence would supposedly reduce the rate. Once you hand over your money, they disappear.
Warning signs
- A stranger promises a special rate available only to locals.
- You are told to stay outside while someone exchanges your money.
- The arrangement requires handing over cash before seeing the exchange.
How to avoid it
- Do not give money to a stranger to exchange for you.
- Handle the exchange yourself at a bank or established exchange office.
- Confirm the rate and count the money before leaving.
If it happens to you
Do not chase the person into an unfamiliar area. Record their description and the location, then report the theft to police.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who threatens you.
- If a card is involved, contact the issuer immediately. Freeze or block it and report unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, contracts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location, amount lost and a description of those involved.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance purposes.
- Contact your insurer if you may have a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the money-changing helper who disappears scam in Cuba?
Someone claims locals can get a better exchange rate. They ask you to wait outside because your presence would supposedly reduce the rate. Once you hand over your money, they disappear.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger promises a special rate available only to locals. You are told to stay outside while someone exchanges your money. The arrangement requires handing over cash before seeing the exchange.
How do I avoid money-changing helper who disappears in Cuba?
Do not give money to a stranger to exchange for you. Handle the exchange yourself at a bank or established exchange office. Confirm the rate and count the money before leaving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase the person into an unfamiliar area. Record their description and the location, then report the theft to police.
Where in Cuba does this happen?
Unsolicited offers to exchange money through a local bank
How common is this scam in Cuba?
Common. Cuba is generally safe, but scams targeting tourists are common. The main risks are inflated taxi fares, costly invitations from strangers, dubious cigars, money-changing tricks and card fraud. Theft is also possible, including night-time muggings in parts of Havana.
Who can I report it to?
National Revolutionary Police: call 106 in an emergency. For a non-emergency theft or fraud report, seek help from a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer: use your issuer's official app or published contact number to block a compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Business management: for disputed restaurant bills, missing change or rental surcharges, show your receipts or written agreement and ask a manager to resolve the charge. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Your embassy or consulate: contact its official consular service if your passport is stolen or you need urgent consular assistance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Cuba?
National Revolutionary Police: 106, SIUM ambulance services: 104, Fire Department: 105.
Reviewed by @snuck