Expat Community > Colombia

soystar1
Joined 2012
Posts: 504

Funny money

10 years ago

I have always been careful with money. But I am still susceptible, to funny money scams. Mainly, because I am rather confident in my opinion that it can not happen to me. Wrong! And yes, it can occur at any time. One of the first experiences of 'funny money' was in Santa Marta. It was night and I handed the taxi cab driver 20k pesos and he handed me back my change and sped off. No doubt laughing all they way as this Gringo had been given money with a mixture of sand paper.

Here in Armenia, I have also fallen prey to the two thousand peso trap several times. It appears that most Colombians will hold up the two thousand peso bill up to the light and if the water mark of the president does not appear. It is then considered funny money and they will abruptly tell you this.

It has taken me some time to check any two- k note's before the person speeds off or acts if they know or doesn't know that it's funny money.

TIP: always hold the money up to the light and have the driver or the person wait for you to check the bills. No watermark. No dice. The locals also tell me to rub the watermark area for a gradient feel to it. I really can't tell you if this holds true or not with with bills being so worn out.

Also, do not accept any money that is on the fringe of falling apart. Most people will not accept this type of money. I have heard that you can exchange such bills in the bank but it's such a waste of time for small bills.

William Russell

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Expat Community > Colombia

Funny money

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