Travel tipsters: Bad change and whales

Never accept worn-out notes in change from shop-owners or traders in Italy or Greece. Tourists are used by traders to get rid of old notes that are then not accepted by other traders or the banks.

We experienced this on more than one occasion. We got wise and wouldn't accept old notes after being caught once.

On one occasion we said we would not proceed with the purchase unless the shopkeeper would give notes in reasonable condition in change.

In Madrid we were approached by young people with a petition to "Save the whales". After you sign it they ask for a small donation. A list of previous signees showed the donation they had made - the equivalent of $NZ3 in every case.

Scams like this and begging are well orchestrated, we found - they are run like businesses wherever there are tourists.

Pamela.

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