Is La Paz Safe in December 2026?

Individuals in fake uniforms or with counterfeit police ID stop tourists near the Witches' Market and San Francisco church demanding to inspect passports or wallets for "counterfeit bills," pocketing cash during the inspection.

How to avoid: Bolivian law requires fines to be paid at a bank, never on the street. Ask to go to the nearest police station — real officers will agree.

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists in the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) on Calle Linares and on nearby Sagárnaga Street, claiming to be investigating counterfeit currency or drug trafficking. They demand to inspect wallets, passports, and bags. Once the wallet is in their hands, cash is palmed or swapped for worthless notes before it is returned. Accomplices may distract the victim during the handover.

How to avoid: Legitimate Bolivian police do not conduct random wallet inspections on the street. If approached, refuse politely and move toward a busy public area or enter a nearby shop. Ask to see a uniformed officer or request that any inspection takes place at an official police station. Never hand over your wallet, passport, or bag to anyone claiming to be plainclothes police.

Scammers pose as licensed tour companies offering discounted Salt Flat day trips, then use unreliable vehicles, skip advertised stops, and demand extra fees mid-tour for "fuel" or "entry permits."

How to avoid: Book only through operators with a verified physical office and reviews on TripAdvisor. Avoid walk-up deals near the bus terminal.

Tourists who hail unmarked taxis, especially at night, risk being driven to ATMs and forced to withdraw cash by the driver and waiting accomplices before being released.

How to avoid: Only use marked radio taxis or app-based rides. Never get into an unregistered vehicle regardless of how official it looks.

Individuals claiming to represent tour companies approach you at your hotel offering "last-minute tour deals." They collect payment and disappear, or arrange a pickup that never materializes. Some variants involve taking you to a money exchange first, where you lose money on rates before realizing the tour is non-existent.

How to avoid: Book tours only through your hotel concierge or directly from established agencies. Never pay cash to strangers at your hotel entrance. Ask for written confirmation and company contact details before any payment. Verify tour details with your hotel before departure.