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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 numbers
- General emergency: 123
- Police: 112
- Fire: 119
- Medical: 125
- Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
Travel resources
Beach scams in Colombia
7 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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….
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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,…
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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…
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Snatch thefts in Colombia
6 1How 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:…
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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…
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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:…
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San Andreas jet-ski scam in Colombia
4 0How it works: You can “lose out” on your jet-ski ride here either by overpaying or by underutilizing – i.e. you sign a 30 minutes package, but only get to…
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Unofficial guides in Colombia
4 0How it works: Opening: while walking around, you may be approached by a friendly local who engages and then follows you. Version 1: as you walk, he starts pointing at…
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Gold/emerald shopping scams in Colombia
3 0How it works: Version 1: You may encounter this if you order custom jewelry pieces. There are shops which try to confuse tourists by using the term “Bono” instead of…
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Pickpockets in Colombia
3 0How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Product swap shopping scam in Colombia
3 0How it works: Opening: after you pay, the shop assistant heads to the back of the shop to swap your item. Set-up: when you unpack your item back in your…
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