
I sort of got scammed into trading for fake money at the border. Upon entering the country by bus,I was the only reason the bus had to wait at the border because I had to get my passport stamped. Normally, I take my time and ask security guys what to do, but since the bus was waiting, I rushed with some of these jokers that can help expedite the process. I got my stamp, the bus continued, and the guy was going to help me get the next stamp upon entering Peru. I went with him, asking where I could get Peru money from an ATM. The first warning light went off when the money I got was dollars and not Soles (peru money). He then told me that I needed to have Peru money when I get stamped because the border guys need to see it. That was warning light number 2, but I asked the nearest taxi guy, and he agreed that it was often the case.

Then, I asked for a paper to see the current exchange rate, and actually got a street exchanger to match the rate, which was my 3rd warning light, and I even asked how it was possible he didnt make commision, and they explained black market blah blah and I looked at the money, and it was all nice an new, and it had the pictures of the presidents or whatever in the water marks, and the fancy shiny threads. In any case, I then took the cab, asked several more times about the exchange rate with others on the street, and they always quoted a worse rate. I even asked a cop, and everything seemed in order. Anyway, when I got on a cramped 22 hour bus ride, I asked the lady next to me to check my money, and she said it was fake. I knew it for some reason, and I realized the exchange guy, the expeditor, and the cab driver all worked together. I was upset, but others on the bus assured me they were really good fakes, and that I could pass them on because everyone trusted tourists and werent as critical. I was successful with 3 50 sole notes before I felt bad thinking the locals wouldnt be able to use them, and figured I would only use the money in bars, as they have enough money. Long story short, the guide from the Macchu Picchu trek used them to buy train tickets down for everyone, and then proceeded to tell me the money was taken by the train company. Not until later did another guide tell me he had no problems using the money, and that he pocketed the cash.

So in reality, I was scammed twice. Oh well, I complained to the Tourism board about the guide, and will also complain with the company. Who cares if he has 3 kids with 3 different women. I hate when people violate my trust.
The folks in the pictures are a friend I met on the bus who got a kick out of my fake money, and coached me on where to use. I spent the day with him and his son in Lima. They buy things in Peru, get back on the bus, and sell them in Ecuador. Can you tell which of the bills are fake?
3 Comments:
Me da mucho gusto que estes conociendo todos estos lugares. Yo tuve la oportunidad de vivir en Sudamerica y estos paises y su cultura no tiene comparacion, la unica forma de darse cuenta es visitandolos.
Avisame si vas a visitar Lima o Bogota para ponerte en contacto con amigos mios locales.
Saludos!
Cesar.
cesar@motorola.com
You got scammed? I thought you would be the one doing the scamming
Fritz
fake money? scammed? I have to agree with fritz
Big Mike
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