Drugged snacks or drinks on overnight buses in Bolivia

Overnight interdepartmental bus journeys.

How it works

A nearby passenger offers food or drink containing a drug. The traveller is then robbed while unable to protect their belongings.

Warning signs

A passenger you do not know offers a snack or drink.
Someone encourages you to consume something you did not buy or prepare.

How to avoid it

Bring your own food and drinks.
Decline snacks and drinks from other passengers.
Use 'no, gracias' to refuse politely.

If it happens to you

If you suspect you have been drugged, alert the driver or another trusted person and seek medical help promptly. Once safe, check your belongings and report any theft.

Get somewhere safe. During a violent robbery, put your safety ahead of your belongings.
Seek medical help promptly if you are injured or think you were drugged.
Block stolen cards. If your phone is missing, use another device to lock it and secure important accounts.
Write down the time, place, agreed price and what happened. Save receipts, messages and any vehicle or company details you already have.
Report the incident to police. For taxi problems, also contact the company; in Cochabamba, report overcharging to 800-14-0201.
Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need help, your embassy or consulate. Keep copies of reports and receipts.

Where it happensOvernight interdepartmental bus journeys.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in BoliviaPlain-clothed police impersonation: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the drugged snacks or drinks on overnight buses scam in Bolivia?

A nearby passenger offers food or drink containing a drug. The traveller is then robbed while unable to protect their belongings.

How can I spot it early?

A passenger you do not know offers a snack or drink. Someone encourages you to consume something you did not buy or prepare.

How do I avoid drugged snacks or drinks on overnight buses in Bolivia?

Bring your own food and drinks. Decline snacks and drinks from other passengers. Use 'no, gracias' to refuse politely.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If you suspect you have been drugged, alert the driver or another trusted person and seek medical help promptly. Once safe, check your belongings and report any theft.

Where in Bolivia does this happen?

Overnight interdepartmental bus journeys.

How common is this scam in Bolivia?

Occasional. Tourist theft and scams are a concern in Bolivia, especially in crowded areas and around tourist transport. Main risks include pickpockets, fake taxis, fare overcharging, dishonest money exchange and distraction theft. Some incidents are more serious, including taxi robberies and passengers being drugged on overnight buses.

Are there similar scams in Bolivia?

Yes: private-transfer upsell at Konani, bus journey sold only as far as a roadblock.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, robbery, impersonation or suspected fraud once you are safe. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report for insurance. Cochabamba municipal taxi-overcharging service: call the toll-free number 800-14-0201 to report taxi overcharging. Taxi company or dispatcher: give the company the journey details and any vehicle information. In Cochabamba, a radio-taxi dispatcher can also be asked to confirm the fare. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's verified contact number to block a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a stolen passport or serious incident. Embassies are based in La Paz, and some countries also have consulates in Santa Cruz. Travel insurer: report the loss through your insurer's claims or assistance service. Keep police paperwork, receipts and other evidence. Hotel or hostel reception: report a bag theft during check-in immediately. Ask staff to record what happened and help you contact police.

Reviewed by @snuck