Scam in GuatemalaTheft
Road robbery and carjacking in Guatemala
How it works
Criminals target cars and tourist vans for robbery or carjacking. Travelling in a tourist vehicle does not remove the risk.
Warning signs
- Your journey would take place at night.
How to avoid it
- Plan road journeys for daylight.
- Use a trusted transport provider.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
If it happens to you
Do not resist or try to protect the vehicle. Follow the robbers' demands and report the incident once safe.
- Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone threatens you with a weapon, do not resist.
- Check whether anyone is injured. Seek medical help if needed.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed withdrawals. Lock a stolen phone remotely and contact your mobile provider.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, vehicle details and amounts. Save receipts and screenshots without confronting the person involved.
- Report the incident to police. In Antigua, ask the Tourist Police for help. Request a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need serious assistance, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceGuatemalaNew Zealand reports armed robberies and carjackings affecting tourists on highways and airport roads, including roadblocks set up by criminals posing as police.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Guatemala travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice identifies carjacking as common and warns that gangs pose a greater threat on quieter roads.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the road robbery and carjacking scam in Guatemala?
Criminals target cars and tourist vans for robbery or carjacking. Travelling in a tourist vehicle does not remove the risk.
How can I spot it early?
Your journey would take place at night.
How do I avoid road robbery and carjacking in Guatemala?
Plan road journeys for daylight. Use a trusted transport provider. Keep valuables out of sight.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist or try to protect the vehicle. Follow the robbers' demands and report the incident once safe.
Where in Guatemala does this happen?
Roads across Guatemala, including the road from La Aurora International Airport and roads used by tourist vans It has been reported in Guatemala City.
How common is this scam in Guatemala?
Common. The main risks in Guatemala are theft, armed robbery, unsafe taxi rides and inflated fares. Phone theft is especially common, while some cash machines in Flores have reported fee and withdrawal problems. Risk varies by place: Antigua's centre is safer in daylight, and Flores island is described as very safe.
Are there similar scams in Guatemala?
Yes: phone theft, armed robbery, pickpocketing in crowds.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft, kidnapping or fraud once you are safe. Ask your accommodation to help you reach police and request a written report or reference number. Tourist Police in Antigua: ask for help with an incident in Antigua. Your accommodation can help you find them. Card issuer or bank: use the contact details in your banking app or on your card. Freeze stolen cards and report ATM debits without cash or other disputed transactions. Taxi Amarillo / Amarillo Express: for a complaint about a booked ride, contact 1766 or servicioalcliente@amarilloexpress.com. Keep your booking and trip details. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen, someone is being held or you need serious assistance. Travel insurer: use your policy's assistance or claims contact. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses.
Reviewed by @snuck