Scam in BoliviaBuses and trains
Private-transfer upsell at Konani in Bolivia
How it works
Instead of the lower-cost onward transport, someone may try to take you privately and charge much more. The problem is accepting a private journey without understanding the price difference.
Warning signs
- You are steered towards a private vehicle.
- The quote is far above the shared-transport price.
- It is unclear whether you are buying a seat or hiring the whole vehicle.
How to avoid it
- Ask specifically for a seat on shared onward transport.
- Confirm whether the price is per person or for a private vehicle.
- Compare available options before agreeing.
If it happens to you
If you have not left, decline the private journey and seek another option. If already travelling, avoid a heated dispute and keep a record of the agreed price.
- 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.
Questions
What is the private-transfer upsell at Konani scam in Bolivia?
Instead of the lower-cost onward transport, someone may try to take you privately and charge much more. The problem is accepting a private journey without understanding the price difference.
How can I spot it early?
You are steered towards a private vehicle. The quote is far above the shared-transport price. It is unclear whether you are buying a seat or hiring the whole vehicle.
How do I avoid private-transfer upsell at Konani in Bolivia?
Ask specifically for a seat on shared onward transport. Confirm whether the price is per person or for a private vehicle. Compare available options before agreeing.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you have not left, decline the private journey and seek another option. If already travelling, avoid a heated dispute and keep a record of the agreed price.
Where in Bolivia does this happen?
Konani, when connecting to Quime. It has been reported in Quime.
How much can it cost me?
Onward transport from Konani to Quime is quoted at about Bs. 20–25. A private journey may be offered for Bs. 150–250.
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: drugged snacks or drinks on overnight buses, 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