Taxi fare overcharging in Colombia: how to avoid it

How it works

A driver takes advantage of unclear fares or does not start the meter. In Cartagena, taxis have no meters and drivers may demand a very high fare if you did not agree on it first. In Manizales, some taxis also have no meter. In Bogotá and Cali, meters show units rather than the price in pesos. Some surcharges are legitimate.

Warning signs

The driver avoids agreeing on a fare in a taxi without a meter.
The meter has not started when the journey begins.
The final demand does not match the agreed fare or displayed fare card.

How to avoid it

In Cartagena, confirm the full fare before getting in.
In Bogotá, Cali and Manizales, check that the meter is running when one is fitted.
Check the fare card and ask about surcharges before setting off.
At Bogotá airport, use the taxi stand and keep the printed price ticket.

If it happens to you

For a taxi problem in Bogotá, call 123 and the taxi company. In Cali, drivers may refuse to let passengers leave during a fare dispute. Avoid a confrontation and put your safety first.

Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone has a weapon or threatens violence, do not resist.
If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer and mobile provider promptly. Freeze affected cards and secure your accounts.
Write down what happened while you remember it. Save receipts, booking details, vehicle information and relevant messages.
Report the incident to police. For a taxi problem in Bogotá, call 123 and the taxi company.
Contact your insurer and ask what evidence they need. Tell your card issuer about any disputed or forced transactions.
If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document guidance.

What travellers report

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

Questions

What is the taxi fare overcharging scam in Colombia?

A driver takes advantage of unclear fares or does not start the meter. In Cartagena, taxis have no meters and drivers may demand a very high fare if you did not agree on it first. In Manizales, some taxis also have no meter. In Bogotá and Cali, meters show units rather than the price in pesos. Some surcharges are legitimate.

How can I spot it early?

The driver avoids agreeing on a fare in a taxi without a meter. The meter has not started when the journey begins. The final demand does not match the agreed fare or displayed fare card.

How do I avoid taxi fare overcharging in Colombia?

In Cartagena, confirm the full fare before getting in. In Bogotá, Cali and Manizales, check that the meter is running when one is fitted. Check the fare card and ask about surcharges before setting off. At Bogotá airport, use the taxi stand and keep the printed price ticket.

What should I do if it happens to me?

For a taxi problem in Bogotá, call 123 and the taxi company. In Cali, drivers may refuse to let passengers leave during a fare dispute. Avoid a confrontation and put your safety first.

Where in Colombia does this happen?

City taxis It has been reported in Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, Manizales.

How common is this scam in Colombia?

Common. Travellers can face taxi overcharging, pushy touts, dishonest money changers and theft in Colombia. Cartagena has several tourist-focused tricks, while Bogotá has warnings about pickpockets and taxi robberies. The risk varies by area and time of day, and some incidents involve threats or violence.

Are there similar scams in Colombia?

Yes: taxi detours and waiting-charge tricks, paseo Millonario taxi robbery, taxi driver leaving with luggage.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or fraud once you are safe. For a taxi problem in Bogotá, call 123. Ask how to obtain a record of your report. Taxi company: for a taxi complaint in Bogotá, also contact the company with which the taxi is registered. Provide the booking details and vehicle registration if available. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a stolen card and report disputed or forced withdrawals. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Mobile provider: report a stolen phone and ask the provider to block the SIM.

What number do I call in an emergency in Colombia?

Police: taxi problems and complaints in Bogotá: 123.