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Common in Bolivia

Scam in BoliviaTheft

Pickpocketing in crowds in Bolivia

Crowded streets, markets and busy transport areas.

How it works

Thieves take wallets, phones or other belongings while people are distracted or pressed together. Pickpockets are fairly common at La Cancha. Carrying several bags near Cochabamba's bus terminal makes it harder to watch your belongings.

Warning signs

  • Crowds press closely around you.
  • Your backpack or pockets are out of sight.
  • Handling several bags leaves your valuables unattended.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds.
  2. Keep valuables close to your body.
  3. Avoid taking valuables you do not need into El Alto.
  4. With heavy luggage at Cochabamba's terminal, use the associated radio taxis at the north end.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft. Block stolen cards and secure accounts on a stolen phone.

  1. Get somewhere safe. During a violent robbery, put your safety ahead of your belongings.
  2. Seek medical help promptly if you are injured or think you were drugged.
  3. Block stolen cards. If your phone is missing, use another device to lock it and secure important accounts.
  4. Write down the time, place, agreed price and what happened. Save receipts, messages and any vehicle or company details you already have.
  5. Report the incident to police. For taxi problems, also contact the company; in Cochabamba, report overcharging to 800-14-0201.
  6. 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 happensCrowded streets, markets and busy transport areas.La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba

What travellers report

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

More scams in BoliviaFake taxis and taxi robbery: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing in crowds scam in Bolivia?

Thieves take wallets, phones or other belongings while people are distracted or pressed together. Pickpockets are fairly common at La Cancha. Carrying several bags near Cochabamba's bus terminal makes it harder to watch your belongings.

How can I spot it early?

Crowds press closely around you. Your backpack or pockets are out of sight. Handling several bags leaves your valuables unattended.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in crowds in Bolivia?

Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep valuables close to your body. Avoid taking valuables you do not need into El Alto. With heavy luggage at Cochabamba's terminal, use the associated radio taxis at the north end.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft. Block stolen cards and secure accounts on a stolen phone.

Where in Bolivia does this happen?

Crowded streets, markets and busy transport areas. It has been reported in La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba.

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: spill-and-clean distraction theft.

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.

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