Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
1. Taxis from Airport Scam
Some taxi drivers at Viru Viru International Airport overcharge or take circuitous routes. To avoid this, pre-book a licensed taxi through your accommodation or use regulated taxis.
- Pre-Booking: Ensures fixed pricing and eliminates overcharging
- Licensed Taxis: Legitimate taxis have official identification, unlike unauthorized ones
- Regulated Routes: Reduces the risk of being taken on a longer route to inflate the fare
2. Bus Station Scam
Some individuals at the Santa Cruz Bus Terminal offer assistance with tickets or directions in exchange for money. Stick to buying tickets from the official booths and follow posted signs.
- Official Booths: Provides legitimate, priced tickets
- Posted Signs: Helps navigate the bus terminal and find the right destinations
- Avoiding Solicitors: Prevents wasting money on unnecessary services or overpaying for tickets
3. Marketplace Counterfeit Goods Scam
Some vendors at Mercado de las Brujas sell counterfeit goods. Ensure you are purchasing authentic items by only buying from reputable stores or well-known brands.
- Reputable Stores: Sells legitimate, high-quality goods
- Well-known Brands: Ensures authenticity of the products and provides customer support
- Check for Quality: Inspect goods before purchase for signs of poor craftsmanship or materials that indicate counterfeits
4. Exchange House Scam
Some exchange houses in Santa Cruz charge high commissions or offer poor exchange rates. Use reputable exchange houses and compare exchange rates between various establishments.
- Reputable Exchange Houses: Provides fair exchange rates and reasonable fees
- Compare Rates: Ensures the best possible exchange rate when converting currency
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer unfavorable rates or use unsecured methods for exchanging money
5. Restaurant Overcharging Scam
Some restaurants in Santa Cruz charge tourist prices for regular menu items. Ask for the local menu or find recommendations from locals to dine at affordable establishments.
- Local Menu: Offers lower priced dishes meant for residents
- Local Recommendations: Ensures you dine at places popular with locals, which often results in more affordable pricing
- Avoid Peak Hours: Restaurants may charge higher prices during tourist-heavy hours or peak dining times
6. Overpriced Tour Scam
Some tour companies in Santa Cruz overcharge tourists for popular activities. Research and compare prices for tours ahead of time to find the best deals.
- Research Tours: Enables you to find affordable, high-quality tour options
- Compare Prices: Ensures you are getting the best value for your money on tours
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Helps find reputable tour companies and avoid overpriced scams
7. Accommodation Scam
Some accommodations in Santa Cruz charge inflated prices for tourist season or offer poor conditions. Book ahead and read reviews to find affordable, high-quality lodging options.
- Book Ahead: Ensures availability of affordable accommodations
- Read Reviews: Helps identify issues with the accommodation or poor guest experiences
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer substandard accommodations at inflated prices
8. ATM Skimming Scam
Some ATMs in Santa Cruz are rigged with skimming devices to steal card information. Use ATMs located inside banks or major retail establishments and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Inside Banks: Reduces risk of skimming devices on ATM
- Major Retail Establishments: Provides additional security measures against skimming devices
- PIN Coverage: Prevents shoulder surfing or camera-based skimming by covering the keypad while entering your PIN
9. Street Performers Scam
Some street performers in Santa Cruz ask for money and then demand more or become aggressive when refused. Limit interactions with street performers to avoid unwanted attention or financial pressure.
- Limit Interactions: Prevents aggressive behavior or demands for excessive payment
- Avoid Eye Contact: Minimizes interaction with performers who may aggressively request payment
- Give Small Tips: Shows appreciation for the performance while limiting financial exposure
10. Fake Police Scam
Some individuals posing as police officers may attempt to extort money or valuables from tourists. Always ask for official identification and verify their status with a real officer if you are unsure.
- Official Identification: Helps confirm the officer's legitimacy
- Verify Status: Ensures you are not being victimized by an imposter
- Stay Calm and Collect Information: Allows you to assess the situation while gathering relevant details about the officer
11. Lost Item Scam
Some individuals may find your lost item and offer to return it in exchange for money or a favor. Report any lost items to the authorities or a trusted location to avoid being scammed.
- Report Lost Items: Ensures items are properly recorded and increases chances of recovery
- Trusted Locations: Helps protect your lost item from being stolen or used in a scam
- Verify Identification: Ensures the finder is legitimate before handing over money or personal information
12. Fraudulent Guide Scam
Some guides may provide inaccurate information or charge excessive fees for their services. Research guides and compare prices ahead of time to find reliable, affordable options.
- Research Guides: Ensures you are hiring a knowledgeable, trustworthy guide
- Compare Prices: Avoids overpaying for guide services
- Check Reviews and Recommendations: Helps identify guides with a history of positive experiences
13. Bogus Charity Scam
Some individuals may solicit donations for fake charities or use your contribution inappropriately. Research legitimate organizations and donate through official channels to ensure your money goes towards a worthy cause.
- Research Legitimate Organizations: Ensures your donation supports a genuine charity
- Donate Through Official Channels: Avoids misuse of your contribution and ensures it reaches the intended recipient
- Check for Offical Identification: Verifies the collector's affiliation with a legitimate charity organization
14. Unlicensed Guide Scam
Some unlicensed guides may provide inadequate or misleading information while charging high fees. Verify a guide's licensing and qualifications to ensure you receive accurate, reliable advice.
- Verify Licensing: Ensures the guide has the necessary training and credentials
- Check Qualifications: Verifies the guide's knowledge and expertise in the field
- Ask for Recommendations: Helps identify reputable, licensed guides with a history of positive experiences
15. Bogus Souvenir Shop Scam
Some souvenir shops in Santa Cruz sell low-quality or counterfeit items. Research shops and read reviews to find reputable, affordable options for authentic souvenirs.
- Research Shops: Ensures you are purchasing high-quality, authentic souvenirs
- Read Reviews: Helps identify shops with a history of positive experiences and quality products
- Check for Quality: Inspect souvenirs before purchase for signs of poor craftsmanship or materials that indicate counterfeits