Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia

All Topics about Manizales All Cities in Colombia

1. Taxi Scams in Manizales

Avoid overpriced or dishonest taxi rides by agreeing on a fare before starting your journey.

Fixed Rates: Know the standard rates for common destinations to avoid overcharging.
Official Taxis: Choose licensed taxis with a visible meter to ensure fair pricing.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Don't accept rides from unlicensed drivers approaching you without being asked.

Bargain for fair prices when shopping at local markets to avoid paying over the odds for souvenirs.

Know the Standard Price: Research common prices of popular items before visiting the market.
Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate and walk away if you can't agree on a fair price.
Avoid Busy Periods: Visit markets during off-peak hours to find less crowded stalls where the seller may be more willing to negotiate.

Avoid exchange rate scams by using reputable money changers and checking the rate before exchanging your currency.

Choose Reputable Exchange Centers: Opt for exchange centers with good reviews or recommendations from locals.
Check the Rate: Compare the rate offered with online rates to ensure fairness.
Count Your Money: Count your changed money immediately to avoid receiving less than agreed.

Avoid inflated bills or unauthorized charges by checking menus and receipts carefully.

Check the Menu Prices: Verify the prices of dishes before ordering to avoid misunderstandings.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt and check it carefully before leaving the establishment.
Stick to Popular Restaurants: Choose well-known dining establishments with good reviews to reduce the risk of scams.

Avoid tour scams by researching guides and tour operators carefully before booking tours.

Research the Company: Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from locals, or use reputable tour companies.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other tour operators to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Ask for Recommendations: Speak to locals or fellow travelers about their experiences with tour guides and operators.

Avoid counterfeit products by purchasing from reputable vendors or authentic brand stores.

Know the Authentic Brand: Research popular brands and their logos to avoid purchasing counterfeits.
Purchase from Reputable Vendors: Choose vendors with good reviews or recommendations from locals.
Avoid Overly Cheap Items: Be wary of overly cheap items as they may be counterfeit or low quality.

Avoid accommodation scams by booking through reputable platforms and reading reviews.

Book Through Reputable Platforms: Use well-known accommodation booking sites to minimize the risk of fraud.
Read Reviews: Check reviews from past guests to ensure a positive experience.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Book your accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute scams and ensure availability.

Avoid donating to fake charity collectors by verifying the legitimacy of charities before giving.

Check the Charity's Legitimacy: Research charities online or ask locals about reputable organizations.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt when donating to ensure your contribution is going to the right place.
Be Wary of Street Collectors: Donate through official channels or established organizations instead of giving to street collectors.

Avoid ATM scams by using well-lit, secure ATMs and being cautious of your surroundings.

Choose Well-Lit ATMs: Use ATMs in well-lit areas with CCTV surveillance for maximum security.
Cover Your PIN: Cover your PIN when entering it to prevent others from seeing it.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity after using an ATM.

Avoid overpriced sim cards by purchasing them from reputable stores in the city instead of at the airport.

Purchase in the City: Buy your SIM card in the city to take advantage of cheaper prices.
Check Reviews: Read reviews and compare prices before choosing a store.
Ask for Recommendations: Speak to locals or fellow travelers about their experiences with SIM card providers.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing tickets from reputable outlets or authorized vendors.

Buy From Official Outlets: Purchase tickets from the venue or official ticketing websites to avoid fake tickets.
Check the Ticket's Authenticity: Ensure your ticket has all necessary details and holograms for authenticity.
Ask for Advice: Speak to venue staff or fellow travelers about ticket scams and how to avoid them.

Avoid friendship scams by being cautious of strangers offering help or friendships and verifying their identity.

Be Cautious of Strangers: Avoid sharing personal information with strangers, especially if they ask for money.
Verify Identity: Contact the embassy or use local resources to verify the identity of anyone asking for your help.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and avoid engaging with the person.

Avoid street performance scams by offering a fair tip instead of giving large sums to performers.

Offer a Fair Tip: Give a reasonable amount based on the quality and length of the performance.
Be Wary of Aggressive Performers: Avoid performers who are overly aggressive or insistent on receiving large tips.
Enjoy the Performance: Enjoy the street performance as part of the cultural experience, without feeling obligated to give a large tip.

Avoid fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots by using secure networks and avoiding public Wi-Fi where possible.

Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect your privacy.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Limit the use of public Wi-Fi and opt for secure, password-protected networks instead.
Update Your Device: Keep your device updated with the latest security patches to protect against malware.

Avoid pickpocketing by keeping your belongings secure and being aware of your surroundings.

Secure Your Belongings: Use a travel pouch or keep your valuables in a hidden, hard-to-reach pocket.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that may put you at risk.
Keep Your Valuables Limited: Carry only essential items to minimize the chance of losing valuables.