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Some scams

South America

Tourist scams in Colombia

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.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi fare overchargingA 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.Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, Manizales 3Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonTaxi detours and waiting-charge tricksSome drivers take a roundabout route or use waiting charges to increase the bill. If you stop during a journey, the driver may reset the meter and charge you the total of several fares.Manizales 2Read
  3. 3 ShoppingCommonShop referrals that raise your priceA street hawker leads you to a shop that pays them a large commission. The shop recovers that payment through a higher price charged to you.CartagenaRead
  4. 4 On the streetCommonUnasked-for help followed by a tip demandSomeone walks with you to a shop or performs another small task that you never requested. They then ask for a tip and may follow you aggressively.Cartagena 1Read
  5. 5 On the streetCommonAggressive begging and demands for coinsPeople follow visitors and repeatedly demand money. Some ask shoppers to buy food despite already having a full shopping cart. Outside tourist areas, groups of young people may surround visitors and demand coins.Cartagena 2Read
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalPickpocketingA thief takes belongings without you noticing. Some areas have more problems after dark, particularly parts of La Candelaria on weeknights.Bogotá 3Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalStreet mugging and robbery targeting visible valuablesRobbers threaten visitors and take their belongings. In Bogotá, muggers may carry knives or guns. In Cali, using a phone in the street or showing jewellery and cash can attract robbers.Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali 2Read
  8. 8 TaxisOccasionalPaseo Millonario taxi robberyA taxi picks up armed accomplices who rob the passenger. They may force the passenger to withdraw money at several ATMs. Drugging is also described as a possibility. Separate incidents still occur in Bogotá.Street-hailed taxis in major cities, with specific warnings for Bogotá 3Read
  9. 9 TheftOccasionalBeing followed and robbed after an ATM withdrawalSomeone watches you withdraw cash, follows you and then robs you.Bogotá 1Read
  10. 10 TheftOccasionalRobbery on intercity bus routesPassengers can be robbed on some routes. The warnings advise daytime travel and avoiding areas of unrest.Some intercity bus routes 3Read
  11. 11 TaxisOccasionalTaxi driver leaving with luggageA driver leaves as soon as the passenger gets out, while the passenger's luggage is still in the boot.Cali 2Read
  12. 12 TaxisOccasionalCounterfeit cash or incorrect taxi changeA passenger may receive incorrect change or counterfeit coins and banknotes after paying a taxi fare.Bogotá 2Read
  13. 13 Airport and borderOccasionalAirport bag helpers expecting paymentSomeone offers to lift your bags into a taxi or car, then expects payment for the help.Bogotá 1Read
  14. 14 TaxisOccasionalTaxi referral toutsA tout offers to find you a taxi and leads you to a particular cab. The driver then pays the tout a small tip. This referral arrangement is not itself evidence of a scam, but the tout is being paid by the driver.Some taxi pickup areas 1Read
  15. 15 ShoppingOccasionalFake or misrepresented jewelleryA buyer may be sold fake or enhanced emeralds, or gold-plated metalwork presented as more valuable jewellery. Even genuine items may cost more than at reputable shops elsewhere.Cartagena 2Read
  16. 16 Fake officialsOccasionalDrug offer followed by fake police and ATM demandsA gang lures a visitor into buying illegal drugs. Other gang members then appear as police. They force the visitor to an ATM to pay a supposed fine. The incident may also lead to kidnapping.Cartagena 2Read
  17. 17 Changing moneyOccasionalMoney-changing sleight of handA street changer offers a very good rate but hands over slightly too little money. When you complain, they add the missing amount while secretly removing larger notes from the bottom of the bundle.CartagenaRead

Where to stay alert

  • El Dorado and Puente Aéreo airport terminals, BogotáUnsolicited bag helpers outside the airport may expect payment.
  • La Candelaria, BogotáSome parts have pickpocketing and occasional mugging, especially after dark on weeknights.
  • Santa Fé, BogotáSmall parts of the neighbourhood have pickpocketing and occasional mugging.
  • Southern Chapinero near Avenida Caracas, BogotáSome parts have pickpocketing and occasional mugging.
  • El Centro backstreets, CaliThese streets are described as especially dangerous and should be avoided.
  • Sucre neighbourhood backstreets, CaliThese streets are described as especially dangerous and should be avoided.
  • Avenida Sexta, CaliWalking alone at night can be unsafe.
  • Getsemaní, CartagenaAt night, visitors may encounter aggressive begging, persistent followers and demands for tips for unwanted help.
  • City outskirts and isolated streets, CartagenaThere is a risk of robbery away from the main tourist areas, especially in quiet places at night.
  • City centre, ManizalesThe area is described as unsafe at night.
  • Area around the bus terminal, ManizalesVisitors are advised to avoid the area after sunset.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Book through an app or by phone, or use an official taxi rank.
  • Check the registration number supplied by the taxi company.
  • Confirm the fare before boarding a taxi without a meter.
  • Check that a fitted meter starts and ask about surcharges.
  • Keep your luggage under your control when getting out.

Money

  • Use banks or established exchange bureaux rather than street changers.
  • Count all cash again if another person handles it after your first count.
  • Check taxi change for missing money and suspicious notes or coins.
  • Carry only the cash you need for the day.

Cards and ATMs

  • Choose an indoor ATM where possible.
  • Check whether anyone is watching before and after a withdrawal.
  • Cancel if you feel watched; enter a shop or restaurant if someone follows you.
  • Compare any offered ATM currency conversion with your own bank's rate. You can reject the ATM's rate if it is worse.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables difficult to reach.
  • Avoid displaying cash, jewellery or expensive devices.
  • In Cali, avoid using your phone while walking in the street.
  • On intercity buses, avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Nights out

  • Arrange a booked taxi for the journey home.
  • Avoid isolated streets after dark.
  • Do not buy illegal drugs or follow someone offering them.
  • Take extra care around persistent strangers in Getsemaní at night.

Police and officials

  • Be alert if supposed police appear immediately after a drug offer.
  • Treat a demand to withdraw an ATM fine as a serious danger sign.
  • When safe, seek help through an independent police contact.
  • Avoid physical confrontation if threatened.

What travellers say about Colombia

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 Colombia?

Stay alert without assuming every interaction is a scam. Taxi overcharging, touts and theft are the main concerns covered here. Risk varies by area and time of day, and some robberies involve violence.

What is the safest way to get a taxi?

Book by phone or app, ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange one, or use an official taxi rank. Street-hailed taxis carry a robbery risk. Check the registration details supplied with your booking.

How do I avoid an inflated taxi fare?

In Cartagena, agree on the full fare before getting in because taxis have no meters. In Bogotá, Cali and Manizales, check that a fitted meter starts. Ask about surcharges and use the fare card where available.

Where should I be careful about pickpockets in Bogotá?

Take extra care in parts of La Candelaria, Santa Fé and southern Chapinero near Avenida Caracas. Parts of La Candelaria need particular care after dark on weeknights. Keep bags closed and valuables out of easy reach.

What should I do if someone watches or follows me at an ATM?

Cancel the withdrawal if you feel watched. If someone follows you afterwards, enter a shop or restaurant and stay there. Choose indoor ATMs where possible.

Is changing money on the street a good idea?

Avoid it. In Cartagena, a changer may correct a small shortage while secretly removing larger notes. Use a bank or established exchange bureau and recount money after anyone else handles it.

How should I deal with persistent touts and unwanted helpers?

Decline politely and early. Gracias with a small wave can deter sellers, and No quiero nada means you do not want anything. In Getsemaní, someone may demand a tip for walking with you even though you never asked for help.

Can I trust emerald and gold jewellery offers in Cartagena?

Be cautious if you cannot judge the quality yourself. Some shops may sell fake or enhanced stones or gold-plated items. Hawker referrals can also raise the price through commissions. Compare reputable shops before buying.

What is the fake-police drug scam?

In Cartagena, a gang may offer drugs and then send accomplices posing as police. They demand ATM withdrawals for supposed fines and may threaten or kidnap the visitor. Avoid drug purchases and put your safety first if threatened.

What should I do during an armed robbery?

Do not fight or risk your safety for belongings. Hand over what is demanded. Once safe, report the crime, freeze affected cards and contact your insurer. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.

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