Did you guys see the new NatGeo series - Scam City (Mondays @ 9pm)? The first episode was on Buenos Aires. The passing of counterfeit money around the tourist areas from taxi drivers to street vendors is big business. Then there are the black widows - prostitutes that slip something into your drink (Sto Dgo style) that would put you to sleep in 2 mins. She would then clean you and your room out. The last piece was on how they pick your pockets/wallet. Masters at what they do. Re counterfeiting - everyone from the police to the judges to the politicos are in.
No wonder we consider DR to be 'safe'.
Next episode, Monday, 5/6, at 9 (I think) is on Prague.
I have spent a decent amount of time in BA. For a few years we "lived" there for a month or two each year.
I have only ever had CC clones twice. Both times in BA. I am 85% sure Marriott Hotel Plaza was where it took place.
We have gotten fake bills a few times.
The last time was the worst. We booked an apt online and they required 1,000 USD deposit for security, in CASH, in USD.
I explained that we were coming from Brasil and would not have dollars, and could we just do equivalent in Pesos. They said sure. Then when we got there, the actual owner of apartment said no, needs USD. It sure seemed strange as they would just be giving it back in 30 days or so..
We check out, and the owner peels off a grand to y novia. Novia gets home and tries to change it for pesos and deposit. One of the hundred dollar bills was fake.
As for hookers drugging people, never heard of that but many of the hookers are from DR, or at least they were. Now dominicans require visa.