Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia

All Topics about Villavicencio All Cities in Colombia

1. Taxi Scam at Airport

Avoid overpriced and unofficial taxis outside the airport. Use authorized taxi stands or arrange transportation in advance.

Official Taxi Stand: Taxi stand designated by the airport authority.
Pre-Arranged Transportation: Booking a taxi, shuttle or transfer service before arriving in Villavicencio.
Avoiding Unofficial Taxis: Refusing offers from individuals outside the airport who offer to help with transportation.

Be cautious when exchanging money at unofficial exchange points. Use authorized exchange offices or banks for safe transactions.

Authorized Exchange Offices: Exchange points approved by local authorities.
Bank Exchange Services: Banks offering currency exchange services in Villavicencio.
Inspecting Bills Carefully: Checking the authenticity of banknotes before accepting them.

Choose street food vendors with a good reputation and follow basic hygiene guidelines to avoid getting sick.

Reputable Street Food Vendors: Vendors who have a good track record and positive reviews.
Hygiene Guidelines: Checking for clean food handling practices and proper storage conditions.
Avoiding Undercooked Foods: Steer clear of foods that look undercooked or raw.

Research tour operators and guides thoroughly to ensure they are reputable and reliable. Book tours through trusted sources.

Trusted Tour Operators: Tour companies with a good reputation, positive reviews, and proper licensing.
Reviewing Licenses: Ensuring the tour operator has the necessary permits and licenses to operate in Villavicencio.
Avoiding Unsolicited Offers: Refusing offers from individuals who claim to be guides or tour operators outside tourist attractions.

Bargain and shop around for souvenirs to get a fair price. Be cautious of vendors trying to overcharge tourists.

Negotiating Prices: Haggling with vendors to reach an agreeable price.
Shopping Around: Visiting multiple souvenir shops to compare prices and find the best deals.
Avoiding Pressure Tactics: Declining offers from vendors who use high-pressure sales tactics.

Stay vigilant when shopping at night markets. Be cautious of vendors trying to overcharge or scam tourists.

Avoiding Dark Corners: Shopping in well-lit areas and avoiding secluded corners.
Negotiating Prices: Haggling with vendors to reach a fair price.
Avoiding Strangers Offering Help: Refusing help from strangers who approach offering assistance.

Use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas. Be cautious of people watching or attempting to interfere with your transaction.

Secure Locations: ATMs located in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
Covering the Keypad: Placing a hand or cloth over the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitoring Account Balance: Regularly checking account balances and monitoring for unauthorized transactions.

Ask for identification if approached by police officers. Never share personal information or hand over valuables.

Verifying Identification: Police officers should have proper identification and be able to produce it upon request.
Refusing to Share Personal Information: Declining to share sensitive information such as passport number, credit card details, or other personal data.
Reporting Suspicious Incidents: Contacting local authorities if an interaction with a police officer feels suspicious or unsafe.

Avoid restaurants with few customers and check for menu prices before ordering. Be cautious of overpriced or unusual items.

Busy Restaurants: Restaurants with a good number of patrons indicate popularity and reliability.
Checking Menu Prices: Reviewing the menu before ordering to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoiding Unusual Items: Steer clear of dishes that seem overpriced or unfamiliar.

Keep personal belongings secure and close to your body. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas such as markets and tourist attractions.

Securing Belongings: Using a bag with a secure zipper or wearing clothing with hidden pockets.
Avoiding Distractions: Staying aware of your surroundings and not being easily distracted by strangers.
Using a Money Belt: Wearing a money belt to store important documents and valuables securely under clothing.

Inspect rental cars thoroughly before leaving the lot. Read contracts carefully to avoid hidden fees or charges.

Thorough Car Inspection: Checking for damage and reporting any issues before driving away.
Reading Contracts Carefully: Reviewing the rental agreement to understand all terms and conditions.
Returning the Car in Good Condition: Leaving the rental car in the same condition as it was when received, minus reasonable wear and tear.

Book accommodations through reputable sources. Inspect rooms thoroughly before settling in to ensure the listed features are present.

Reputable Booking Sources: Using well-known online booking platforms or contacting hotels directly.
Inspecting the Room: Examining the room for any discrepancies between the listing and the actual condition.
Reviewing Contracts and Policies: Reading the accommodation contract and policies to understand the terms and conditions of your stay.

Research charities before donating. Be cautious of individuals asking for money on the streets or at tourist attractions.

Reputable Charities: Donating to well-known, established charities with a good track record.
Avoiding Street Solicitation: Declining to donate money to individuals who approach you on the street or at tourist attractions.
Checking with Local Authorities: Inquiring about local charities and their legitimacy with local authorities.

Be cautious when meeting someone online. Verify the person's identity before revealing personal information or sending money.

Verifying Identity: Asking for video chats or phone calls to confirm the person's identity.
Not Sending Money: Refusing to send money, gifts, or personal information to individuals you meet online.
Meeting in Public Places: Arranging to meet new acquaintances in public places and informing a friend or family member of the plans.

Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers. Be cautious of SIM card vendors outside airports or in tourist areas.

Authorized Retailers: Buying SIM cards from official stores or approved retailers.
Checking Coverage and Prices: Verifying the coverage area and comparing prices with other authorized retailers.
Avoiding Unofficial Vendors: Refusing to buy SIM cards from unauthorized vendors outside airports or in tourist areas.