I've had 8 cards compromised in 5 years here.I pay for my shopping, bills and alsort with a credit/debit card, have done for about 6 or 7 years. Never had an issue this side. I was paranoid and didnt for quite a while, but after moving to the big city i realized the amount of money i can go through does not make it realistic to pay for everything with cash. How I avoid issues is I shop at La Sirena, Plaza Lama, Bravo. Established shops in the big malls. I never ever pay for restaurant bills (unless I'm paying a stupid amount or which is easy in the capital) gas, or smaller establishments with any cards. Infact I lie, I did have an issue with PriceSmart around Xmas, they double taxed my credit card, but it was put back on within 10 days.
That's the way to go. And be aware of the big differences when you need cash: fees of Banco Popular at counter for visa 4,5%, fees of Banco Progreso at ATM = 0 (not even the usual 1,5%).I pay for my shopping, bills and alsort with a credit/debit card, have done for about 6 or 7 years. Never had an issue this side. I was paranoid and didnt for quite a while, but after moving to the big city i realized the amount of money i can go through does not make it realistic to pay for everything with cash. How I avoid issues is I shop at La Sirena, Plaza Lama, Bravo. Established shops in the big malls. I never ever pay for restaurant bills (unless I'm paying a stupid amount or which is easy in the capital) gas, or smaller establishments with any cards. Infact I lie, I did have an issue with PriceSmart around Xmas, they double taxed my credit card, but it was put back on within 10 days.
I am not speaking specifically about anyone on this forum, but I do think a lot of people put blame on certain companies firstly rather than secondly. Yes ultimately the company is to blame, but the individual still has to be responsible enough to use good judgement on where and when to use the cards and if it is even necessary.
La prof- -If your card was genuinely cloned and proven that staff had cloned the card, what followed? That would have created a small storm would it not, La Sirena is not exactly a small boutique that may be dismisses with a slap on the wrists.
That doesn't even mean it had anything to do with La Sirena. I once got charged out of the blue for purchases on a Thompson flight, I'd never even flown on a Thompson flight or any flight for almost a year at the time, and the only time I'd used that particular card was at Heathrow airport even prior to that. These clones are clever, they will let your card sleep for a while and then start milking it hoping you don't notice.