Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bucaramanga, Colombia

All Topics about Bucaramanga All Cities in Colombia

1. Sim Card Scam at the Airport

Unscrupulous vendors may offer overpriced SIM cards or sell fake ones. Stick to official stores.

Official Store Location: Avoid buying from unofficial vendors near the airport.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with what is offered inside the airport.
Check SIM Card Before Leaving: Ensure your SIM card works before leaving the official store.

Unfavorable exchange rates and pickpocketing are common at unofficial exchange points. Use banks or authorized exchange houses.

Use Authorized Exchange Points: Avoid exchanging money on the street.
Check Exchange Rate: Compare exchange rates with multiple vendors before making a decision.
Secure Your Money: Keep your money in a secure location and be cautious of your surroundings.

Some taxis don't use meters; they may overcharge you. Always request a taxi with a meter.

Request Taxi with Meter: Ask for a taxi with a functioning meter.
Download a Trusted App: Use a trusted taxi app like EasyTaxi or Uber to ensure fair pricing.
Negotiate Price Beforehand: If you must take a non-metered taxi, negotiate the price before starting your journey.

Unlicensed tour guides may overcharge or lead you to scams. Only hire licensed guides.

Check for License: Ask to see the guide's official license before hiring.
Research Tour Companies: Choose reputable tour companies with positive reviews and recommendations.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Don't hire guides approached on the street without prior research.

Buying counterfeit goods supports illegal activity. Avoid markets known for selling them.

Avoid Suspicious Markets: Stay away from markets with a reputation for selling counterfeit items.
Buy From Authorized Dealers: Purchase goods only from authorized dealers or stores.
Check Quality of Goods: Inspect the quality of items to ensure they are genuine.

Skimming devices can steal your card information from fake ATMs. Only use ATMs inside banks or reputable businesses.

Use Bank ATMs: Prefer using ATMs located within banks for safety.
Check ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Cover PIN Input: Cover your PIN when entering it at an ATM to prevent others from seeing it.

Prices of souvenirs in touristy areas can be inflated. Visit local markets for cheaper items.

Visit Local Markets: Find better deals by visiting local markets instead of tourist spots.
Haggle for Prices: Negotiate prices with vendors to get a better deal.
Avoid Street Vendors Near Tourist Attractions: Street vendors near popular tourist attractions often charge higher prices.

Locals pretending to be friendly may try to take advantage of you. Be cautious and keep your valuables safe.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Avoid Giving Out Personal Information: Don't share personal information with strangers who approach you unexpectedly.
Stay Informed About Local Scams: Research common scams in Bucaramanga before traveling to avoid falling victim.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists. Choose reputable eateries and check prices before ordering.

Choose Reputable Restaurants: Select well-reviewed restaurants to avoid potential overcharges.
Check Menu Prices: Study the menu prices before making your order.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations on good restaurants.

People may pretend to find an item you lost and demand payment for its return. Keep your belongings secure.

Keep Valuables Safe: Store valuables in a safe location to minimize the chance of losing them.
Avoid Giving Money for Returned Items: Don't give money to strangers claiming they found your lost item.
Report Lost Items Immediately: Report lost items to the local authorities as soon as possible.

Fraudulent police officers may try to extort money from you. Always ask for identification and call the local police if unsure.

Ask for Identification: Request to see an officer's identification badge.
Call the Local Police: Contact the local police station if you are unsure about an officer's legitimacy.
Stay Calm and Don't Resist: Remain calm and comply with the officer's requests without resisting, but do not give them money unless it is a legitimate fine.

Public Wi-Fi networks may be used for data theft. Avoid using them for sensitive transactions.

Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Do not perform sensitive transactions (banking, shopping) on public Wi-Fi.
Use a VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
Check Network Names Carefully: Be cautious when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, especially those with misspellings or suspicious names.

Some lodgings may offer substandard accommodations or overcharge. Research accommodations and read reviews before booking.

Research Accommodations: Check multiple websites for prices and available options.
Read Reviews: Review previous guests' experiences to make an informed decision.
Pay Through a Trusted Platform: Use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb for secure payment transactions.

Some street performers may demand payment after you've taken photos or videos. Ask permission before recording.

Ask Permission Before Recording: Always ask for permission before taking photos or videos of performers.
Negotiate Payment Upfront: If you choose to give a donation, negotiate the amount beforehand.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings during performances and in crowded areas.

Some bars may overcharge drinks or add extra charges. Stick to reputable establishments.

Choose Reputable Bars: Select well-reviewed bars to avoid potential overcharges.
Check Drink Prices: Study the drink prices before ordering to avoid surprises.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations on good bars.