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Some scams

South America

Tourist scams in Bolivia

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.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi fare overchargingSome 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.Cochabamba, La Paz, Potosí 2Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonPickpocketing in crowdsThieves 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.La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonFake taxis and taxi robberyFake cabs are common. Some drivers take tourists to places where accomplices rob them. Violent taxi muggings are reported in La Paz, especially after leaving Fin Del Mundo or Route 36.Street pickups at night, especially journeys from after-hours bars in La Paz. 3Read
  4. 4 Changing moneyCommonUnfavourable money-exchange quotesA changer offers a less favourable rate to a visitor who has not compared quotes. A displayed rate may differ from the rate available when you ask. In Cochabamba, some street changers offer worse rates for US$20 notes or smaller bills. A poor rate alone does not prove fraud.Exchange agencies and street money changers. Businesses accepting foreign cash may also offer poor rates. 1Read
  5. 5 TheftCommonSpill-and-clean distraction theftOne person spills something on your clothes. While you or that person wipes it away, an accomplice steals your wallet or slashes your bag.La Paz 3Read
  6. 6 Hotels and roomsOccasionalHotel check-in diversionA thief acts as if they work for the hotel. A diversion draws your attention away, and an unattended bag is taken.La PazRead
  7. 7 Buses and trainsOccasionalDrugged snacks or drinks on overnight busesA nearby passenger offers food or drink containing a drug. The traveller is then robbed while unable to protect their belongings.Overnight interdepartmental bus journeys. 2Read
  8. 8 Fake officialsOccasionalPlain-clothed police impersonationA person in ordinary clothes poses as a police officer. The exact demands and sequence of the scam are not described.La Paz, Cochabamba 3Read
  9. 9 Changing moneyOccasionalCounterfeit notes during money exchangeAn exchange may leave you with fake banknotes. Check the notes you receive before completing the transaction.La Paz 1Read
  10. 10 Changing moneyOccasionalShort-changing during money exchangeThe changer gives you less money than the agreed rate requires. A calculation error or missing notes may go unnoticed if you leave without checking.La Paz 2Read
  11. 11 Buses and trainsOccasionalPrivate-transfer upsell at KonaniInstead 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.Quime 1Read
  12. 12 Buses and trainsOccasionalBus journey sold only as far as a roadblockSome companies know a roadblock is in place but still carry passengers as far as it. You may then need to pay again for onward travel after the blockage. This is a risk of an incomplete journey, rather than proof that every affected service is fraudulent.CochabambaRead

Where to stay alert

  • La Cancha, CochabambaPickpockets are fairly common in this large market.
  • Bus terminal and the busy streets outside, CochabambaThe area is hectic. Travellers handling lots of luggage are easier targets for pickpockets.
  • Jorge Wilstermann International Airport taxi rank, CochabambaDrivers may ask for more than the fixed fares shown on the airport sign.
  • Fin Del Mundo, La PazTaxi journeys from this after-hours bar are specifically linked to muggings.
  • Route 36, La PazTaxi journeys from this after-hours bar are specifically linked to muggings.
  • El AltoTheft is the main crime highlighted here. Keep valuables close and bags in front of you.
  • KonaniTravellers connecting to Quime may be steered towards a much more expensive private transfer.
  • Cala Cala bridge, 25 de mayo and Sucre, and Plaza Colón, CochabambaStreet money changers operate around these places. Street exchanges are described as riskier than more reliable exchange businesses.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use radio taxis at night and ask your accommodation or venue to call one.
  • Agree on the total fare, passenger count and destination before entering.
  • Keep the doors locked and decline additional passengers.
  • In Cochabamba, ask the radio-taxi dispatcher to confirm the fare if needed.

Money

  • Compare exchange quotes and confirm the exact amount you will receive.
  • Check the calculation, count the money and inspect the notes before leaving.
  • Carry small notes for everyday payments. Notes larger than Bs. 50 can be hard to change.
  • A poor exchange rate is not automatically fraud. Ask about rates and fees before agreeing.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check the exchange rate and any fee before withdrawing cash or paying by card.
  • Card payments and ATM withdrawals can use a less favourable rate than cash exchanges.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed, close to your body and in front of you in crowds.
  • Keep a hand on your luggage during hotel check-in.
  • Move somewhere safe before dealing with a spill on your clothes.
  • On overnight buses, decline food and drinks from other passengers.
  • Check roadblock information before travelling and wait for blockades to clear.

Nights out

  • Arrange your return taxi through a trusted venue or your accommodation.
  • Take particular care with taxis leaving Fin Del Mundo or Route 36.
  • Stay aware enough to check the car and keep control of your belongings.

Where you stay

  • Keep every bag in sight while checking in.
  • Ask reception to confirm anyone who offers to handle your luggage.
  • Ask your hotel or hostel to arrange a radio taxi when needed.

Tours and guides

  • Choose travel guides carefully.
  • Confirm the guide's identity and the agreed service before paying.
  • Do not accept medication from an unverifiable source.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm if someone claims to be a police officer.
  • Verify an unfamiliar official's identity independently.
  • Keep copies of important documents separate from the originals.
  • Consider registering with your country's consulate on arrival.

What travellers say about Bolivia

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams in Bolivia?

Take practical precautions, especially in crowds and when choosing transport. Main concerns include theft, taxi problems and dishonest money exchange. Serious taxi robberies and drugging incidents are also reported.

How do I choose a safer taxi?

Use a radio taxi, especially at night. Ask your hotel or venue to call it. In La Paz, look for roof-mounted company telephone and call-centre details. Do not let strangers join the ride.

How can I avoid an argument over the taxi fare?

Agree on the total before entering. Ask whether it covers the whole car or each person. At Cochabamba airport, photograph the posted fares. In a Cochabamba radio taxi, ask the dispatcher to confirm the price.

Where should I watch most closely for pickpockets?

Be especially careful at La Cancha in Cochabamba, around its busy bus terminal, in crowded parts of La Paz and in El Alto. Keep your bag closed and in front of you.

What should I do if someone spills something on me?

Hold your bag and protect your pockets. Decline help with cleaning and move somewhere safe. An accomplice may try to steal your wallet or slash your bag while you are distracted.

Is it safe to accept a snack on an overnight bus?

Decline food and drinks from other passengers. There have been cases of travellers being drugged and robbed on overnight journeys. Bring your own supplies and say 'no, gracias'.

What should I check when exchanging cash?

Compare quotes, confirm the final amount and check the calculation yourself. Count the notes and inspect them before leaving. In La Paz, warnings include counterfeit notes and short-changing.

What if someone in ordinary clothes says they are police?

Stay calm and verify their identity independently. Police impersonation is reported in La Paz and Cochabamba. Keep control of your belongings and seek help from an established police office if unsure.

Can my bags be stolen inside a hotel?

Yes. In La Paz, thieves may pretend to work for a hotel and create a distraction during check-in. Keep a hand on your luggage and ask reception to confirm anyone offering help.

What should I check when connecting from Konani to Quime?

Ask whether you are buying one seat or hiring a private vehicle. Shared onward transport is quoted at about Bs. 20–25, while a private journey may be offered for Bs. 150–250. Confirm the service and price before agreeing.

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