We have seen an increasing number of signs, especially in the small kioskos stating “No hay monedas” – we have no coins. There has been such a shortage of coins in the past few weeks that small entrepreneurs have sprung up selling people coins for more than their face value. The government has been involved in trying to investigate the mafia de monedas and the subway system was forced to let riders ride for free last Monday because they could not provide change to people buying tickets. Read more from the International Herald Tribune.

Everyone guards their coins. When you buy something – even at large groceries, they always ask you if you are sure you don’t have any smaller bills or maybe some coins. When we do provide exact change the thanks we get is so enthusiastic – as if we have done them a HUGE favor.