Scam in BoliviaTaxis
Fake taxis and taxi robbery in Bolivia
How it works
Fake cabs are common. Some drivers take tourists to places where accomplices rob them. Violent taxi muggings are reported in La Paz, especially after leaving Fin Del Mundo or Route 36.
Warning signs
- The car only has 'taxi' written on its side, with no roof board.
- There is no visible company telephone number or call-centre information.
- The driver tries to let another person join your journey.
How to avoid it
- Use a radio taxi, especially at night.
- Ask your hotel, restaurant or bar to call the taxi.
- In La Paz, look for the company telephone number and call-centre details above the cab.
- Lock the doors and do not share the journey with strangers.
If it happens to you
Put your safety first. Do not fight over belongings during a violent robbery. Once safe, contact police and seek medical help if needed.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Bolivia travel advice - GOV.UKThe UK government reports robberies involving taxis in Santa Cruz, La Paz and Rurrenabaque and recommends established radio-taxi companies.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Bolivia travel adviceCanada describes criminal taxi drivers collecting accomplices and forcing passengers to withdraw cash or arrange ransom payments.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/travel2026Tourist scam in BoliviaA traveller described being trapped in a taxi during a staged police search before the group stole their valuables and drove away.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the fake taxis and taxi robbery scam in Bolivia?
Fake cabs are common. Some drivers take tourists to places where accomplices rob them. Violent taxi muggings are reported in La Paz, especially after leaving Fin Del Mundo or Route 36.
How can I spot it early?
The car only has 'taxi' written on its side, with no roof board. There is no visible company telephone number or call-centre information. The driver tries to let another person join your journey.
How do I avoid fake taxis and taxi robbery in Bolivia?
Use a radio taxi, especially at night. Ask your hotel, restaurant or bar to call the taxi. In La Paz, look for the company telephone number and call-centre details above the cab. Lock the doors and do not share the journey with strangers.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Put your safety first. Do not fight over belongings during a violent robbery. Once safe, contact police and seek medical help if needed.
Where in Bolivia does this happen?
Street pickups at night, especially journeys from after-hours bars in La Paz.
How common is this scam in Bolivia?
Common. 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: taxi fare overcharging.
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