Menu
Colombia
32 scams
In Colombia, you can spend time in gorgeous enclaves like Cartagena, tour the Amazon jungle or trek tombs pre-dating the Inca period!
Although the country once had a difficult reputation due to the drugs trade, it is now much safer though there is still crime and tourist targeted scams to watch for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- General emergency: 123
- Police: 112
- Fire: 119
- Medical: 125
- Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
Travel guide
Beach scams in Colombia
6 0How it works: Version 1: a crab seller offers you a crab leg claiming it is a free sample. He will keep forcing you to have more and you will…
Read more…
Ferry day tour scams in Colombia
7 0How it works: Opening: after you alight from a ferry, you may encounter touts offering cheap day tours with grand claims and promises. Set-up: after you pay however, you will…
Read more…
Longhauling taxis in Colombia
7 0How it works: Situation: in Bogota, a confusing tariff/pay band system (laminated sheet is provided) is used to determine the final fare. Set-up: as such, some drivers take a longer…
Read more…
Shoe shine scam in Colombia
6 0How it works: Situation: there are plenty of shoe shiners in the cities. Some areas are fine while others are out to scam. Opening: when you enquire about the price,…
Read more…
Fraudulent hiking tours in Colombia
6 0How it works: Version 1: rogue guides take you to a remote area and then rob you of your valuables. Version 2: some threaten to leave you in the middle…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in Colombia
6 5How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Street, mall, market, shop, park, transportation hub:…
Read more…
Playa de Bocagrande food, service scams in Colombia
6 0How it works: Situation: Playa de Bocagrande is packed with vendors but in their midst are also many con artists: Version 1: letting you eat lots of oysters seemingly for…
Read more…
Cartagena boat tour scams in Colombia
6 0How it works: Version 1: a boat tour tout claims that you need to pay the full fee upfront as they need to buy gasoline in advance of the trip….
Read more…
Bosques de Cocora entry fee scam in Colombia
4 0How it works: The place is free to enter. However, there is a scammer posing as an official who will block your path and demand you pay 2,000 peso to…
Read more…
Lost City mule riding scam in Colombia
4 0How it works: There have been some rogue mule drivers who double the initially agreed upon price midway through the trek. Places to beware: Santa Marta:Lost City What to do:…
Read more…