Scam in BoliviaHotels and rooms
Hotel check-in diversion in Bolivia
How it works
A thief acts as if they work for the hotel. A diversion draws your attention away, and an unattended bag is taken.
Warning signs
- Someone whose role is unclear approaches your bags.
- A distraction pulls you away from your luggage.
- A bag is left unattended while you complete check-in.
How to avoid it
- Keep a hand on your bags during check-in.
- Keep all luggage together and within sight.
- Ask reception to confirm who is handling your belongings.
If it happens to you
Alert reception immediately. Note the time and description of the person, then report the theft to police.
- 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.
Questions
What is the hotel check-in diversion scam in Bolivia?
A thief acts as if they work for the hotel. A diversion draws your attention away, and an unattended bag is taken.
How can I spot it early?
Someone whose role is unclear approaches your bags. A distraction pulls you away from your luggage. A bag is left unattended while you complete check-in.
How do I avoid hotel check-in diversion in Bolivia?
Keep a hand on your bags during check-in. Keep all luggage together and within sight. Ask reception to confirm who is handling your belongings.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Alert reception immediately. Note the time and description of the person, then report the theft to police.
Where in Bolivia does this happen?
Hotel and hostel reception areas during check-in. It has been reported in La Paz.
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.
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