Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia

All Topics about Ibagué All Cities in Colombia

1. Calle Real Scam

Street vendors offering cheap goods may overcharge tourists. Be aware of their pricing.

Know the Local Prices: Research prices for common items before shopping to avoid overpaying.
Negotiate Wisely: Always negotiate prices when buying from street vendors.
Avoid Alone Areas: Shop in busy, populated areas to minimize the risk of scams.

Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take longer routes. Use only licensed taxis.

Recognize Licensed Taxis: Look for official signs and markings on licensed taxis.
Use Prepaid Taxis: Prepay your taxi fare at the airport booth to avoid overcharging.
Ask for Route before Getting In: Always ask about the route before getting in the taxi.

Fraudulent bills may be introduced into your wallet. Inspect and count your money frequently.

Inspect Bills Carefully: Check the texture, size, and watermarks of bills for authenticity.
Count your Money Frequently: Regularly check your money to ensure no counterfeit bills have been introduced.
Use ATMs Wisely: Only use ATMs at banks or in well-lit, populated areas.

Airline staff may claim your luggage exceeds the weight limit and charge you extra. Pack light or weigh your bags beforehand.

Weigh Your Luggage Accurately: Always weigh your luggage at home to avoid unexpected fees.
Pack Light: Minimizing the weight of your luggage can help you avoid excess baggage fees.
Check Airline Luggage Policies: Familiarize yourself with airline luggage policies before traveling.

Unlicensed guides may offer their services and overcharge or take you to unwanted locations. Use only licensed tour guides.

Recognize Licensed Guides: Look for official licenses and ask for recommendations from trusted sources.
Prebook Your Tours: Prebook your tours with reputable tour companies to avoid unlicensed guides.
Ask for Itinerary Before Tour: Always ask about the itinerary before committing to a guided tour.

Fraudulent police officers may claim you have broken a law and demand payment. Stay calm and ask for identification.

Ask for Identification: Legitimate police officers will always show identification upon request.
Do Not Pay on the Spot: Never pay a fine on the spot; instead, report the incident to the embassy or local authorities.
Travel with Copies of Important Documents: Carry copies of your passport, visas, and other important documents in case you are asked for identification.

Restaurants near tourist attractions may overcharge. Find local eateries or ask locals for recommendations.

Ask Locals for Recommendations: Speak to locals about recommended restaurants to avoid overpriced eateries.
Stay Away from Tourist Areas: Avoid eating near tourist attractions to minimize the risk of overcharging.
Check Menus Before Sitting: Always check menus before sitting down at a restaurant to avoid unexpected high prices.

Unlicensed gold shops may sell counterfeit or low-quality jewelry. Buy from reputable stores or ask for certification.

Buy From Reputable Shops: Purchase jewelry from well-known, reputable jewelry shops.
Ask for Certification: Always ask for certification of gold and precious stones before purchasing.
Research Gold Quality: Learn about gold quality and testing methods to avoid buying counterfeit or low-quality jewelry.

Unlicensed accommodations may overcharge or provide poor services. Book through reputable channels.

Book Through Reputable Channels: Always book your accommodation through a well-known, reputable booking website.
Check Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews to ensure the accommodation meets your expectations.
Ask for Certification of Accommodation: Always ask for certification of the accommodation before booking.

Unlicensed mobile operators may sell faulty or overpriced SIM cards. Use only licensed providers.

Use Licensed Providers: Buy your SIM card from an official retail store of the local mobile operator.
Check Your Balance Regularly: Regularly check your balance to ensure you are not being overcharged.
Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy a SIM card from street vendors or unlicensed mobile operators.

Thieves may target tourists in crowded areas. Keep your belongings close and avoid displaying valuables.

Keep Your Belongings Close: Always keep your belongings within reach and do not leave them unattended.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Minimize the display of valuables, such as jewelry or electronics.
Use a Hidden Money Belt: Carry your money and important documents in a hidden money belt to minimize theft risk.

Unlicensed money exchangers may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Use only licensed providers.

Use Licensed Providers: Exchange your currency at a bank or an official money exchange office.
Check Exchange Rates Beforehand: Research current exchange rates before exchanging your currency to avoid unfavorable deals.
Count Your Money Carefully: Always count your money carefully after an exchange to ensure you received the correct amount.

A seemingly friendly local may offer help but then ask for money. Be cautious of overly helpful strangers.

Be Wary of Overly Helpful Strangers: Always be cautious when dealing with overly friendly strangers.
Avoid Giving Money to Strangers: Never give money to strangers unless you are certain they need it and you want to help.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

Fake charities may approach you for donations. Verify the legitimacy of a charity before giving.

Verify Legitimacy of Charity: Research charities before making a donation to ensure they are legitimate.
Ask for Identification and Proof: Ask for identification and proof of the charity's legitimacy before making a donation.
Give to Established Charities: Donate to well-known, established charities instead of unknown organizations.

Accidents may be staged to extort money from tourists. Be cautious and avoid getting involved.

Avoid Getting Involved: If you witness an accident, do not get involved unless it is safe to do so.
Report the Incident: Always report any incidents or suspicious activities to local authorities.
Stay Away from Suspicious Areas: Avoid areas known for scams or where accidents may be staged.