Scam in BoliviaChanging money
Short-changing during money exchange in Bolivia
How it works
The changer gives you less money than the agreed rate requires. A calculation error or missing notes may go unnoticed if you leave without checking.
Warning signs
- The final amount does not match your own calculation.
- The changer discourages you from counting the notes.
How to avoid it
- Calculate the expected amount yourself.
- Count every note before leaving.
- Resolve any difference before treating the exchange as complete.
If it happens to you
Point out the difference immediately and recount the money together. Leave and report the incident if the situation becomes threatening.
- Get somewhere safe. During a violent robbery, put your safety ahead of your belongings.
- Seek medical help promptly if you are injured or think you were drugged.
- Block stolen cards. If your phone is missing, use another device to lock it and secure important accounts.
- Write down the time, place, agreed price and what happened. Save receipts, messages and any vehicle or company details you already have.
- Report the incident to police. For taxi problems, also contact the company; in Cochabamba, report overcharging to 800-14-0201.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need help, your embassy or consulate. Keep copies of reports and receipts.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorHotel Casa De Sal reviews2025HOTEL CASA DE SAL - Updated 2026 Prices & Reviews (Uyuni, Bolivia) - Photos of Specialty Hotel - TripadvisorA guest reported that a hotel staff member tried to short-change them when exchanging dollars for local currency.Read on Tripadvisor
- WebChapter IIThe Bolivia travel guide cautions that unscrupulous street money changers may give customers less money than agreed.Read on Web
Questions
What is the short-changing during money exchange scam in Bolivia?
The changer gives you less money than the agreed rate requires. A calculation error or missing notes may go unnoticed if you leave without checking.
How can I spot it early?
The final amount does not match your own calculation. The changer discourages you from counting the notes.
How do I avoid short-changing during money exchange in Bolivia?
Calculate the expected amount yourself. Count every note before leaving. Resolve any difference before treating the exchange as complete.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Point out the difference immediately and recount the money together. Leave and report the incident if the situation becomes threatening.
Where in Bolivia does this happen?
Money exchanges with unofficial vendors or exchange agencies. It has been reported in La Paz.
How common is this scam in Bolivia?
Occasional. Tourist theft and scams are a concern in Bolivia, especially in crowded areas and around tourist transport. Main risks include pickpockets, fake taxis, fare overcharging, dishonest money exchange and distraction theft. Some incidents are more serious, including taxi robberies and passengers being drugged on overnight buses.
Are there similar scams in Bolivia?
Yes: unfavourable money-exchange quotes, counterfeit notes during money exchange.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, impersonation or suspected fraud once you are safe. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report for insurance. Cochabamba municipal taxi-overcharging service: call the toll-free number 800-14-0201 to report taxi overcharging. Taxi company or dispatcher: give the company the journey details and any vehicle information. In Cochabamba, a radio-taxi dispatcher can also be asked to confirm the fare. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's verified contact number to block a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a stolen passport or serious incident. Embassies are based in La Paz, and some countries also have consulates in Santa Cruz. Travel insurer: report the loss through your insurer's claims or assistance service. Keep police paperwork, receipts and other evidence. Hotel or hostel reception: report a bag theft during check-in immediately. Ask staff to record what happened and help you contact police.
Reviewed by @snuck