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This section is to inform visitors of current scams, past problems and give general safety advice. The majority of travellers have no problems in La Paz but you should take basic precautions to help avoid any problems. Don’t be paranoid – if you are aware of the issues you can avoid them quite easily.

Many people arrive in La Paz expecting a dangerous and violent city and they are often pleasantly surprised to find it is a far cry from the terrifying place they had been expecting. Of course, like any large city, crime is a problem and petty crime against tourists is on the rise (partly because more and more tourists are visiting), but with sensible precautions and an awareness of current scams the vast majority of visitors should not have any problems.

The most common crime in La Paz is pick pocketing and/or bag slashing. Tourists, who are regarded as rich, are often targeted by thieves in areas near plaza San Francisco, El Prado, the markets and other busy areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and take extra care in crowded places.

The following are some suggestions to help you avoid problems during your visit.

• Only take out what you need with you for the day to minimise any loss should you fall victim.

• Carry a photocopy of your passport (this is sufficient for ID purposes) and not your actual passport.

• Use a money belt or neck pouch to carry cards and the bulk of your cash for the day. A cheap wallet or purse with some small bills/coins is handy for quick access and can act as a ‘decoy’ should you be targeted.

• Make sure your camera is secure. Don’t have it hanging around your neck, clipped onto your belt or in an accessible part of your bag – thieves will watch where you place it and may steal it quickly by unzipping or slashing you bag. The best tactic is to keep your hand on it at all times or at least when other people are nearby.

• Wear your daypack/bag on your front and use small padlocks on the zip(s). Choose a bag that is not easy for thieves to steal from. Even using the wire twist type sandwich bag closers can slow down and deter thieves from opening a zip.

• If you suspect thieves are targeting you, often all it takes is to stare at them to make them aware of your suspicions and they will disappear looking for another victim. It is not advisable to confront them particularly as they often work as small gangs. Seek the assistance of the tourist police or other police whenever possible.

There are several scams that have been reported – if you are aware of them you should be able to avoid being a victim.

Fake Police  - This scam varies and in some cases is it is quite sophisticated. At its most basic it involves a man claiming to be a policeman (maybe with a fake ID) approaching a tourist and stealing from them by conducting a search or fining them. It can also involve someone else pretending to be a fellow tourist, who has recently befriended you, who will comply with the fake policeman requests and encourage you to do the same. You should be suspicious of anyone claiming to be a plain clothes policeman or immigration official. Plain clothes police in Bolivia are under strict instructions not to approach tourists. Under no circumstances should you get into a car with someone claiming to be policeman and there have even been cases of fake police stations being set up to make this scam more convincing. Police in La Paz will not approach you for random checks.

Distraction Thieves  - This scam is common in many places around the world and La Paz is no exception. Somebody spits on the intended target or smears some substance like mustard, ketchup or similar and leaves the scene quickly. A seemingly concerned passer by offers to help clean your clothing and whilst you are distracted by this an accomplice steals from you bag and/or pockets. If something along these lines happens refuse any help and quickly make yourself aware of who is near you. You can clean yourself later. This scam can happen very quickly and the ‘smearer’ can sometimes be someone as seemingly innocent as an old lady or a small child.

Unlucky Traveller – ‘’Do you speak English?’ is a common opening line of this scam and is very effective at initially attracting your attention (unless you don’t speak English if course!). Whilst not dangerous, or strictly speaking even illegal, the scammer opening with this line will quickly try to gain your sympathy with a tale of misfortune that has befallen him/her. Often pretending to be a fellow traveler the stories told are often very convincing and contain detailed story lines. Stolen passports, closed embassies/lost passport, all money stolen / waiting for money transfers, been in an accident and just got out of hospital etc are all common themes and are designed to gain your sympathy in the hope you will give some money to help them out.  There are a few regular scammers in La Paz making a living from these elaborate lies and will usually appear around the Calle Sagarnaga, Calle Illampu and El Prado areas where tourists frequent. Also be aware around San Pedro plaza of people promising tourists they can get them in for prison tours for a fee – they usually cannot.

Fake Taxis - Unfortunately there has been a problem with ‘fake’ taxi drivers working with gangs to rob tourists.  The taxi will pickup up unsuspecting tourists and drive them to an area where a gang will quickly appear and rob the tourists. This can involve violence and in some cases tourists have been kidnapped and held whilst their bank accounts are emptied. Never take unmarked taxis and try to use radio taxis with numbered signs on the roof. Calling a taxi is an even safer open. See the travel section for a list of reputable radio taxis. There have been some reports of a gang working with some fake radio taxis in Sopacachi and targeting tourists drinking in that area. Ask establishments to call you a radio taxi to be on the safe side.

POLICE

There are a number of different police units you will see around La Paz plus some municipal security guards. If you are in trouble any of these would be willing to assist you but you should try to use the tourist police as they are trained in dealing with tourists. Few of the tourist police on the street speak English but there are some English speaking staff in the tourist police station. In the areas most frequented by tourists there is a notable tourist police presence which can act as some deterrent to thieves. Like all of Bolivia’s police they are under funded and are unlikely to investigate, never mind solve, any reported thefts. They will supply police reports for insurance purposes should you require them.

Don’t be scared if you see machine gun toting armour plated police patrolling with riot gear in the streets , this is quite normal especially near government buildings or when there are protests (usually peaceful). Armed police are also often stationed outside banks and large businesses.

PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

If you stay in La Paz for more than a few days you are likely to witness some kind of protest. In such a poor country with such diversity amongst its peoples it is not surprising there is so much disagreement. To visitors it can be a bit alarming at first but the vast majority of protests in the streets are peaceful, short lived and often just a way for people to make themselves heard. There are some though that are more serious and it is best to avoid getting close to anything that could potentially turn violent – ask your hotel or locals for advice about current situations.