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Common in Bolivia

Scam in BoliviaTaxis

Taxi fare overcharging in Bolivia

City journeys, airport taxi ranks and bus terminals.

How it works

Some drivers ask tourists for more than the usual fare. This is especially noted in Cochabamba. La Paz taxis have no meters, so an unclear agreement can lead to a higher bill. In Potosí, some drivers charge per person, which can cause a dispute if you expected one price for the car.

Warning signs

  • The driver avoids agreeing on a price before you enter.
  • It is unclear whether the quote covers everyone.
  • An airport fare is higher than the posted price.

How to avoid it

  1. Agree on the total fare and number of passengers before boarding.
  2. In La Paz, compare quotes from two or more drivers for longer trips.
  3. At Cochabamba airport, photograph the sign showing fixed fares.
  4. In a Cochabamba radio taxi, ask the driver to confirm the price with the dispatcher.

If it happens to you

Refer to the agreed fare or posted price. In Cochabamba, ask the dispatcher to confirm it and report overcharging to 800-14-0201. Avoid a confrontation if you feel unsafe.

  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.
What it can costReference fares: La Paz downtown Bs. 6–8, with a normal journey within the city up to Bs. 20. Cochabamba airport to the centre Bs. 25–35; central journeys Bs. 6 for one person, plus Bs. 2 for crossing bridges and Bs. 1–2 per extra passenger. Potosí main bus terminal taxis Bs. 3–5. These are reference fares, not guaranteed current prices.
Where it happensCity journeys, airport taxi ranks and bus terminals.Cochabamba, La Paz, Potosí

What travellers report

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

More scams in BoliviaPickpocketing in crowds: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi fare overcharging scam in Bolivia?

Some drivers ask tourists for more than the usual fare. This is especially noted in Cochabamba. La Paz taxis have no meters, so an unclear agreement can lead to a higher bill. In Potosí, some drivers charge per person, which can cause a dispute if you expected one price for the car.

How can I spot it early?

The driver avoids agreeing on a price before you enter. It is unclear whether the quote covers everyone. An airport fare is higher than the posted price.

How do I avoid taxi fare overcharging in Bolivia?

Agree on the total fare and number of passengers before boarding. In La Paz, compare quotes from two or more drivers for longer trips. At Cochabamba airport, photograph the sign showing fixed fares. In a Cochabamba radio taxi, ask the driver to confirm the price with the dispatcher.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Refer to the agreed fare or posted price. In Cochabamba, ask the dispatcher to confirm it and report overcharging to 800-14-0201. Avoid a confrontation if you feel unsafe.

Where in Bolivia does this happen?

City journeys, airport taxi ranks and bus terminals. It has been reported in Cochabamba, La Paz, Potosí.

How much can it cost me?

Reference fares: La Paz downtown Bs. 6–8, with a normal journey within the city up to Bs. 20. Cochabamba airport to the centre Bs. 25–35; central journeys Bs. 6 for one person, plus Bs. 2 for crossing bridges and Bs. 1–2 per extra passenger. Potosí main bus terminal taxis Bs. 3–5. These are reference fares, not guaranteed current prices.

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: fake taxis and taxi robbery.

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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