Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

All Topics about Cali All Cities in Colombia

1. Taxi Scams in Cali

Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxis. Always use registered and licensed cabs from official ranks.

Registered Taxis: Taxis should have a license plate with red numbers and be part of a recognized taxi company.
Official Ranks: Always hail taxis from official taxi ranks or app-based services like Easy Taxi or Cabify.
Avoid Street Hails: Never accept street hails unless the cab is clearly marked and registered.

Check bills for security features such as watermarks, microprinting, and holograms. Exchange large amounts at banks.

Security Features: Real Colombian bills have specific security features including watermarks, microprinting, and holograms.
Exchange in Banks: Banks provide the best exchange rates and can verify the authenticity of large amounts.
Use ATMs for Smaller Amounts: ATMs are generally safe to withdraw smaller amounts, just ensure you're using one in a secure location.

Keep valuables hidden and secured. Be aware of crowded areas where pickpockets often operate.

Secured Valuables: Use a money belt or neck pouch to keep your valuables concealed and secure.
Avoid Crowded Areas: Avoid overcrowded areas like markets, bus terminals, and sporting events when possible.
Stay Alert: Maintain situational awareness and stay alert to any suspicious activities around you.

Negotiate prices before purchasing souvenirs. Compare prices at multiple shops.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate the price of your purchase to get a fair deal.
Multiple Shops Comparison: Visit multiple shops to compare prices and find the best deal for your desired souvenir.
Haggling Culture: Understand that haggling is a common practice in Cali's markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate.

Ask for the menu with prices. Confirm the bill before paying.

Menu with Prices: Always ask for a menu with prices to ensure you know what you're ordering.
Confirm the Bill: Double-check your bill before paying to make sure there are no unexpected charges.
Avoid Street Food Vendors: Street food vendors might not always follow proper hygiene practices, and prices could be inflated.

Book tours through reputable agencies. Check the tour guide's badge for an official seal.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours through well-known and trusted travel agencies in Cali.
Official Tour Guide Badge: Legitimate tour guides will have an official badge with their picture, name, and agency information.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Don't accept offers from unofficial tour guides who approach you on the street.

Stay calm and ask to see their ID. Real police officers will not demand money or valuables.

Ask for Identification: Always request to see the officer's identification if you are stopped.
Real Police Officers: Real police officers wear uniforms with their name and ID number, and carry badges.
Don't Provide Information: Never share your personal information or valuables with anyone claiming to be a police officer.

Ignore lottery offers from strangers. The Colombian lottery doesn't require advance payment or personal information.

Avoid Strangers: Never accept offers for lottery winnings from people you don't know.
No Advance Payment: The Colombian lottery doesn't require any upfront payment to claim your winnings.
Check Official Lottery Website: Verify winning numbers on the official Lotería de Colombia website or at an authorized retailer.

Stay away from suspicious individuals offering drugs. Report any suspicions to the authorities.

Avoid Suspicious Individuals: Never engage with strangers who approach you offering drugs.
Report Suspicions: Inform the authorities if you suspect any drug-related activities.
Know the Laws: Be aware of local drug laws to avoid any unintentional violations.

Stick with trusted friends. Don't accept drinks from strangers and keep your belongings safe.

Trusted Friends: Always stick with friends you trust when going out at night.
Don't Accept Drinks from Strangers: Never accept drinks from strangers, as they could be spiked or overpriced.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft at nightlife venues.

Use well-lit, secure ATMs during daylight. Check for any signs of tampering before using the machine.

Daylight Use: Use ATMs only during daylight hours for increased security.
Check for Tampering: Look for any signs of tampering, such as unusual card readers or broken parts, before using an ATM.
Use Well-Lit, Secure Locations: Choose well-lit and secure locations to use the ATM to minimize the risk of theft or fraud.

Book accommodations through reputable platforms. Compare prices and read reviews before booking.

Reputable Platforms: Book your accommodation through reliable travel websites or agencies.
Price Comparison: Compare prices on multiple booking platforms to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Read Reviews: Read guest reviews to get an idea of the quality and service offered by the accommodation.

Buy alcohol from reputable stores or vendors. Check bottles for tamper-evident seals.

Reputable Stores or Vendors: Always buy alcohol from trusted stores or vendors.
Tamper-Evident Seals: Check for tamper-evident seals on the bottles to ensure they haven't been opened or replaced.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit alcohol, so it is best to avoid purchasing from them.

Buy gold from reputable jewelers. Check the purity and price before purchasing.

Reputable Jewelers: Always buy gold from well-known and trusted jewelers in Cali's Gold Market.
Check Purity and Price: Ensure the gold you are buying is of the correct purity and price by asking for a certificate or appraisal.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Don't accept unsolicited offers to buy gold, as they may be scams or counterfeit products.

Book car hire through reliable agencies. Check the vehicle for damages before driving.

Reliable Agencies: Always book your car hire through reputable rental companies in Cali.
Check Vehicle for Damages: Inspect the vehicle for any damages before signing the rental agreement and driving away.
Understand Fuel Policy: Clearly understand the fuel policy to avoid any additional charges when returning the car.