Skip to content
Occasional in Gibraltar

Scam in GibraltarChanging money

Poor exchange rates when paying in euros in Gibraltar

Shops that accept euros

How it works

A shop accepts euros but uses an exchange rate that gives you poor value. You may pay more than you would in pounds. This is a pricing risk, not proof of fraud, and its frequency is not established.

Warning signs

  • The euro price or exchange rate is unclear.
  • You are asked to pay before being told the total in euros.

How to avoid it

  1. Ask for the price in pounds and euros before paying.
  2. Check the exchange rate the shop will use.
  3. Pay in British or Gibraltar pounds if the euro rate gives poor value.

If it happens to you

Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the exchange rate. If the amount differs from what you agreed, ask the shop to correct it.

  1. Move to a safe place. Avoid confrontation or chasing anyone.
  2. If you are in danger or injured, call the emergency services. In Gibraltar, call 199 for police or 190 for fire and ambulance. From a mobile, 112 reaches all emergency services.
  3. If a card is missing or has been used without permission, contact your card issuer immediately to block it and dispute the payment.
  4. Save receipts, payment records and messages. Write down the time, location and what happened.
  5. Report suspected fraud or theft to the police. Ask for a report reference, and contact your insurer or embassy if you need help with a claim or lost travel documents.
Where it happensShops that accept euros

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 when paying in euros scam in Gibraltar?

A shop accepts euros but uses an exchange rate that gives you poor value. You may pay more than you would in pounds. This is a pricing risk, not proof of fraud, and its frequency is not established.

How can I spot it early?

The euro price or exchange rate is unclear. You are asked to pay before being told the total in euros.

How do I avoid poor exchange rates when paying in euros in Gibraltar?

Ask for the price in pounds and euros before paying. Check the exchange rate the shop will use. Pay in British or Gibraltar pounds if the euro rate gives poor value.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the exchange rate. If the amount differs from what you agreed, ask the shop to correct it.

Where in Gibraltar does this happen?

Shops that accept euros

How common is this scam in Gibraltar?

Occasional. Gibraltar has a low crime rate. The main money concern described is a poor exchange rate when paying shops in euros; this alone does not mean a shop is dishonest. There are also reports of attacks on people walking back to Gibraltar from the Spanish side of the border late at night.

Who can I report it to?

Royal Gibraltar Police: dial 199 for police assistance in Gibraltar. Give the location, a clear account of what happened and any evidence you have. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a lost card and report unauthorised payments. Shop or restaurant: show your receipt and explain any difference between the agreed price and the amount charged. Ask for a correction. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts and any police report reference. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.

What number do I call in an emergency in Gibraltar?

Police assistance in Gibraltar: 199, Fire and ambulance in Gibraltar: 190, All emergencies from mobile phones: 112.

Reviewed by