Scam in ChileChanging money
Poor exchange rates at hotels, airports and tourist businesses in Chile
How it works
An unfavourable exchange rate gives you fewer pesos or makes a purchase cost more. Some tourist businesses accept foreign currency at poor rates. A poor rate alone does not prove fraud.
Warning signs
- You are changing money at a hotel or airport.
- A tourist business offers to accept foreign cash.
- You have not checked how many pesos you will receive or what the purchase costs in pesos.
How to avoid it
- Compare the displayed rates at established exchange bureaus.
- Avoid changing currency at hotels and airports where possible.
- Check the peso price before paying a tourist business in foreign currency.
If it happens to you
Keep your receipt and check the rate used. Ask the business to explain any difference from the rate you were shown.
- Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, follow instructions and hand over valuables rather than resisting.
- Call 133 if you need emergency police help. Seek urgent medical care if you are injured or suspect drink spiking.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your card issuer about any payments or withdrawals you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, transaction records, booking details and messages. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer promptly. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock tools and secure the accounts it could access.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the poor exchange rates at hotels, airports and tourist businesses scam in Chile?
An unfavourable exchange rate gives you fewer pesos or makes a purchase cost more. Some tourist businesses accept foreign currency at poor rates. A poor rate alone does not prove fraud.
How can I spot it early?
You are changing money at a hotel or airport. A tourist business offers to accept foreign cash. You have not checked how many pesos you will receive or what the purchase costs in pesos.
How do I avoid poor exchange rates at hotels, airports and tourist businesses in Chile?
Compare the displayed rates at established exchange bureaus. Avoid changing currency at hotels and airports where possible. Check the peso price before paying a tourist business in foreign currency.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep your receipt and check the rate used. Ask the business to explain any difference from the rate you were shown.
Where in Chile does this happen?
Hotels and airport exchange counters; some businesses serving tourists in Punta Arenas. It has been reported in Punta Arenas.
How common is this scam in Chile?
Common. The main risks for visitors to Chile are pickpocketing, robbery, card fraud and drink spiking. Crowded city areas need extra care, while street money changers and poor exchange rates can also put your money at risk.
Are there similar scams in Chile?
Yes: street money-exchange approaches.
Who can I report it to?
Carabineros — National Police: call 133 from any phone for emergency assistance. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud to police and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and proof of loss. Bar or club staff: tell staff immediately if you suspect drink spiking. Ask for help and stay with a trusted companion.
What number do I call in an emergency in Chile?
Carabineros — emergency police assistance: 133.
Reviewed by @snuck