Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in El Alto, Bolivia

All Topics about El Alto All Cities in Bolivia

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxis by using reputable companies or negotiating fares in advance.

Reputable Companies: Recognizable and licensed taxi companies ensure safe and fair pricing.
Metered Taxis: Ensure your taxi has a working meter to avoid overcharging.
Negotiating Fares: Agree on fares before starting your journey to prevent unexpected charges.

Be cautious when exchanging money at street vendors; use authorized exchange booths or banks for best rates.

Authorized Booths: Official exchange booths display their rates clearly and have the necessary licensing.
Bank Exchange: Banks offer competitive exchange rates and can provide a secure transaction.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may give you a poor exchange rate or counterfeit bills.

Beware of bus conductors asking for more than the actual fare; always carry small Bolivian notes.

Carry Small Notes: Having small Bolivian notes makes paying the correct fare easy and avoids confusion.
Avoid Overcharges: Conductors may try to overcharge you, so be vigilant about the proper fare.
Know the Fare: Research bus fares before your trip to know what you should pay.

Bargain hard at markets; be wary of vendors who claim items are 'special' or 'one-of-a-kind'.

Bargain Hard: Tourists can often negotiate prices down significantly.
Be Skeptical: Claims of rarity or uniqueness may be exaggerated to inflate prices.
Check Quality: Inspect items carefully to ensure they are well-made and worth the price.

Find local eateries for authentic and affordable meals; be cautious of tourist traps serving expensive food.

Local Eateries: Locally-owned restaurants offer traditional Bolivian dishes at fair prices.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Restaurants located near tourist attractions may overcharge for their food.
Talk to Locals: Ask local residents for recommendations on good, affordable places to eat.

Book tours through reputable agencies; be wary of unlicensed guides who approach you unsolicited.

Reputable Agencies: Tourist agencies have proper licensing and offer reliable services.
Licensed Guides: Legitimate guides will be able to provide identification or a license number.
Research Tours: Read reviews and research tour itineraries before booking.

Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit areas; be cautious of ATMs with suspicious features such as cameras or card skimmers.

Bank ATMs: ATMs inside banks are safer and have better surveillance.
Well-lit Areas: ATMs in well-lit areas reduce the chances of someone watching you enter your PIN.
Inspect ATM: Check for any signs of tampering or unauthorized devices before using the machine.

Appreciate street performers but be cautious of those who insist on payment or pressure you for money.

Spontaneous Performances: Performers who approach you out of nowhere may be trying to scam you.
Don't Feel Obligated: You are not required to pay unless you truly enjoy the performance and choose to do so.
Give Spontaneously: If you wish to give, offer a small amount when it feels appropriate.

Avoid coin-operated machines in isolated or dimly lit areas; ensure the machine is functioning properly before use.

Isolated Locations: Coin-operated machines in remote locations may be rigged to steal your coins.
Proper Functioning: Check that the machine accepts coins properly and returns change correctly.
Beware of Prizes: Be wary of machines offering valuable prizes; they may not deliver on their promises.

Avoid street food that isn't cooked in front of you or appears unhygienic; always eat freshly-cooked food.

Freshly Cooked Food: Ensure your food is fresh and hasn't been sitting out for extended periods.
Cooking in Front of You: Watching your food being cooked increases the chances it is safe to eat.
Avoid Unhygienic Conditions: Street food vendors who don't follow proper sanitation practices may make you sick.

Be wary of overly friendly locals who offer help or ask for directions; they may lead you to scams or high-pressure sales.

Avoid Overly Friendly Strangers: Friendly strangers may have ulterior motives and could be trying to scam you.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels wrong, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.
Ask Multiple Sources: If you need directions or advice, ask multiple people to ensure you are getting accurate information.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies; be cautious of private rentals that seem too good to be true.

Reputable Websites: Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb are trustworthy websites for finding accommodations.
Avoid Private Rentals: Private rentals may not have the proper licensing or safety standards in place.
Read Reviews: Reviews from past guests can provide valuable insights into a property's quality and service.

Be aware of pickpockets on crowded buses; hold your belongings close and keep an eye on them.

Hold Belongings Close: Keep a tight grip on your personal items to prevent theft.
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Use a Money Belt: Consider using a money belt or hidden pocket to secure your valuables.

Book tours through reputable agencies; be cautious of unlicensed guides or operators who offer cheaper prices.

Reputable Agencies: Tourist agencies have proper licensing and offer reliable services.
Cheaper Prices: Unlicensed operators may offer lower prices, but their tours could be unsafe or unreliable.
Research Tours: Read reviews and research tour itineraries before booking.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods; they may be of poor quality or pose safety risks.

Poor Quality: Counterfeit goods are often poorly made and may break or malfunction quickly.
Safety Risks: Counterfeit electronics, for example, could have faulty wiring that poses a fire hazard.
Support Local Economy: Buying genuine goods supports the local economy and ensures fair compensation to producers.