Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bello, Antioquia, Colombia
1. Fake Taxis
Unlicensed taxis charging higher fares or taking longer routes. Avoid by only using licensed taxis or apps like EasyTaxi.
- Licensing Issues: These unlicensed taxis operate illegally and can charge excessive prices.
- Route Manipulation: They may take longer routes to inflate the fare.
- Safety Concerns: Using unlicensed taxis can put your safety at risk.
2. Counterfeit Currency
Be wary of receiving fake Colombian Pesos in change. Check the bill's security features for authenticity.
- Security Features: Knowing the security features of Colombian peso bills can help you spot fakes.
- Changing Money Scams: Some exchange places may give you counterfeit money in change.
- Penalties for Possession: Possessing fake currency can lead to legal problems.
3. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use low-quality or expired ingredients. Stick to reputable and busy stalls.
- Ingredient Quality: Low-quality or expired ingredients can cause health problems.
- Reputation: Busy stalls are often popular for a reason - they serve quality food.
- Hygiene Standards: Ensure the food is prepared in hygienic conditions to avoid illness.
4. ATM Skimming
Criminals use skimmers on ATMs to steal your card data. Use ATMs in banks or well-lit areas and avoid ones that look tampered with.
- Tampered ATMs: Criminals may install skimmers on ATMs, making them look like the original machine.
- Data Theft: Your card data can be stolen and used for fraudulent transactions.
- Bank ATMs: ATMs inside banks have better security measures in place.
5. Overpriced Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops may charge inflated prices. Bargain or shop around for better deals.
- Inflated Prices: Prices of souvenirs can be significantly higher than the average.
- Bargaining: Negotiating prices can help you get a better deal.
- Multiple Shops: Shop around to find the best deals on souvenirs.
6. Overbooked Hotels
Some hotels may overbook and not have a room available upon arrival. Book with reputable establishments or use online booking sites.
- Reputation: Booking with established hotels reduces the risk of overbooking.
- Online Bookings: Using online booking sites can help secure your reservation in advance.
- Arrival Preparation: Having a backup plan, such as another hotel or hostel, can ensure a place to stay if the first choice is overbooked.
7. Dining Scams
Some restaurants may serve smaller portions or overcharge. Research popular and well-reviewed eateries before dining.
- Portion Sizes: Restaurants may serve smaller portions than expected.
- Overpriced Menus: Menus can sometimes be overpriced compared to the quality of food served.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Reading reviews from other travelers can help you find good restaurants.
8. Buskers' Scams
Some musicians or performers may ask for a fee to take photos with them. Be wary and only pay for genuine performances.
- Asking for Payment: Performers may request payment for taking photos or videos.
- Genuine Performances: Only pay for performances that are truly enjoyable and entertaining.
- Tipping Appropriately: When a performance is enjoyed, it's appropriate to tip the performer.
9. Guidebook Scams
Some locals may offer to show you around for a fee. Use reputable tour companies or follow mapped routes in your guidebook.
- Locals Offering Guided Tours: Unlicensed guides may offer their services but not be knowledgeable about the area.
- Reputable Tour Companies: Tour companies have trained, licensed guides who can provide valuable information.
- Mapped Routes: Following mapped routes in your guidebook can help you explore safely and efficiently.
10. Car Rental Scams
Some car rental companies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Research companies thoroughly and inspect the vehicle before driving off.
- Hidden Fees: Car rental companies may add unexpected charges to your bill.
- Vehicle Condition: Inspect the vehicle before driving off to avoid being charged for damage that wasn't present initially.
- Reputable Companies: Researching and choosing a reputable car rental company can help ensure a smooth experience.
11. Unsafe Exchanges
Exchanging money on the street may result in receiving counterfeit bills or unfavorable exchange rates. Use established exchange bureaus instead.
- Counterfeit Bills: Street exchanges can provide counterfeit bills.
- Unfavorable Rates: Rates on the street may be worse than those offered by exchange bureaus.
- Exchange Bureaus: Exchange bureaus are regulated and offer fair exchange rates.
12. Fraudulent Wi-Fi Hotspots
Public Wi-Fi hotspots may be set up to steal your data or install malware on your device. Only use secured networks and avoid accessing sensitive information.
- Data Theft: Cybercriminals can intercept your data over unsecured Wi-Fi.
- Malware Installation: Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be set up to install malware on your device.
- Secured Networks: Using secured networks or a VPN can help protect your data and device.
13. Fake Police Officers
Criminals posing as police officers may ask for bribes or rob you. Stay calm, verify their identity, and contact local authorities if needed.
- Bribes: Fake police officers may demand a bribe.
- Identity Verification: Authentic police officers can provide identification upon request.
- Local Authorities: Contact local authorities if you suspect someone is posing as a police officer.
14. Overpriced Accommodation Bookings
Some accommodation booking websites may show higher prices for the same room. Compare prices across multiple platforms before booking.
- Higher Prices: Accommodation booking sites may inflate prices.
- Multiple Platforms: Comparing prices across multiple platforms can help you find the best deals.
- Reputable Websites: Booking with reputable accommodation websites reduces the risk of scams.
15. Street Performers Scams
Some street performers may ask for money upfront and not deliver a good performance. Watch the entire act before paying.
- Upfront Payments: Street performers may request payment upfront.
- Quality of Performance: Watching the entire act can help determine if it's worth paying for.
- Tipping Appropriately: Tip only if the performance was enjoyable and entertaining.