Bolivia Airport Taxis: Safe Or Risky?

Bolivia is a beautiful country with a diverse geography, including highlands, lowlands, forests, deserts, and waterfalls. However, when it comes to airport taxis, there are some safety concerns that travellers should be aware of. While most taxis will get you to your destination safely, there have been reports of robberies and tourists being set up by waiting thieves, especially at night. This is a common issue in central La Paz and other popular tourist destinations. To ensure your safety, it is recommended to use established companies and order taxis by phone, as these radio taxis are more reliable and can be tracked. Additionally, airport taxis tend to be comfortable, safe, and reliable, but they can be pricey. It is also important to check for markings or stickers that indicate a registered taxi and to avoid those with only a taxi sign in the front. Overall, while airport taxis in Bolivia can be safe, it is crucial to take certain precautions to reduce the risk of encountering any issues.

How to identify a licensed taxi in Bolivia

Bolivian taxis do not have a uniform colour, so it can be challenging to distinguish between official and unofficial taxis. However, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for when identifying a licensed taxi in Bolivia.

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of taxis operating in Bolivia. There are four main types: "taxis particulares" (privately-owned cabs), "radiomóviles" or "radiotaxis" (company or fleet-operated taxis), "trufis" (taxis with fixed routes), and "app taxis" (such as Uber).

To identify a licensed taxi, look for the following indicators:

• A placard, small green or blue light above the front passenger seat, side door magnets or stickers with a taxi company name, logo, and phone number.
• A registered taxi company will have a radio installed, so ask the driver if they have a ham radio.
• A licensed taxi will have the licence plate number painted on the side of the vehicle.
• Official airport taxis will have "Aeropuerto" markings on the sides and will be parked right outside arrivals.
• Bus terminal taxis will have "Terminal" markings on the sides, but these are generally not considered safe.
• Avoid taxis with only a "taxi" sign in the front, especially at the bus terminal.
• If using an app, InDriver and Yango are recommended by travellers in Bolivia.

When in doubt, ask your hotel or restaurant to call a reputable taxi company for you. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your safety and security while travelling in a foreign country.

Safety tips for taking taxis in Bolivia

• It is recommended to use a licensed taxi company, especially when travelling to and from the airport.
• At El Alto airport, airport taxis are parked right outside arrivals and are painted the same. Other taxis will be painted in random colours.
• If your hotel provides an airport pickup service, this is even safer than official airport taxis.
• Airport taxis are marked "Aeropuerto" on the sides, are comfortable, safe, and reliable, but can be pricey.
• Radio taxis are recommended. They have markings on the sides, usually including their phone number. They are cheap and reliable.
• Radio taxis often have a sign on the roof and the name of the company on the doors.
• Ask if radio taxis have a ham radio in the car; usually, only serious companies will supply their taxi drivers with one.
• Avoid sticker taxis (those with nothing but a sticker saying "taxi") if possible. Most will take you to your destination safely, but there have been reports of robberies by waiting thieves on the route the driver takes, especially at night.
• If you must take a sticker taxi, choose one with a black and yellow checker on the side – these are registered.
• Seek local advice and use established companies.
• Order taxis by phone.
• Check for a sticker on the windscreen or windows – registered taxis should display one.
• Do not get into a taxi already carrying other passengers.
• Ignore anyone offering help at taxi stands and bus terminals and watch your belongings. Thieves work in teams to distract their victims.
• Do not hail taxis off the street.
• Use ride-sharing apps such as InDriver, which vets its drivers, or Uber and Yango, which are also available in some areas.
• If you use an app, be aware that you may be overcharged.
• If you are taking a bus, it might be safer to get a taxi using an app as there have been reports of muggings near the taxi area at the main bus terminal.
• If you are travelling alone, be aware that you are at risk of 'express kidnapping'. These are short-term, opportunistic abductions aimed at extracting cash from the victim.
• Always look at the taxi driver in the eyes before boarding – if you think they look untrustworthy, do not get into the taxi.

The cost of airport taxis in Bolivia

La Paz

According to a traveller, a taxi ride from the airport in El Alto to the city centre of La Paz costs around 70 Bolivianos (approximately 10 Euros). Another traveller mentions that the cost should be less than 90 Bolivianos and that it is important to set the price with the driver before getting into the taxi.

There is a board with set prices for different districts outside the airport terminal, but travellers report that these are often ignored. It is also recommended to pay in loose bills, as some drivers may claim they don't have enough change and ask for a higher amount as a tip.

Other Cities

Although specific prices are not mentioned for other cities in Bolivia, it is stated that La Paz is the most expensive city for taxis in the country. Therefore, you can expect to pay less in other locations.

Factors Affecting Cost

Several factors can influence the cost of a taxi ride in Bolivia, including:

• Time of day: Taxi fares may increase during nighttime hours.
• Number of passengers: The price may be higher if there are more passengers or a lot of heavy luggage.
• Demand: Taxi fares can be subject to surge pricing during times of high demand.
• Appearance: The fare may vary depending on how "gringo" or wealthy a passenger looks.

Alternative Options

If you're looking for cheaper alternatives to airport taxis in Bolivia, here are a few options:

• Minibus: At the La Paz airport, you can take a minibus for less than $1 to San Francisco Cathedral or El Prado, from where you can connect to other parts of the city.
• Ridesharing Apps: Apps like InDrive, Yango, or Easy Taxi offer more affordable options than taxis, but you will need a local mobile number to use them.
• Cable Car: La Paz has a modern and efficient Teleferico Cable Car system that is safe and cheap. It offers panoramic views of the city and can be a faster way to get around than dealing with traffic congestion.

Taxi alternatives in Bolivia

If you're looking for alternatives to taxis in Bolivia, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions for navigating the country without relying solely on taxis:

Shuttle Services and Tour Operators

Bolivia offers a range of shuttle services and tour operators that provide transportation to popular destinations. These services often include airport transfers and day trips to nearby attractions. Some highly-rated options include Shuttle Safe Bolivia, Airport Shuttle Santa Cruz, and Easy Way Tours Bolivia. These companies typically provide comfortable vehicles, knowledgeable guides, and efficient transportation to your desired locations.

Public Transportation

While it can be chaotic, utilising public transportation in Bolivia is an option. The Teleferico Cable Car system in La Paz, for example, is modern, safe, efficient, and affordable. Additionally, Bolivia has a limited internal train network that offers a comfortable and safe alternative to road travel. There are two main rail hubs, one in western Bolivia (Oruro) and another in the eastern city of Santa Cruz. The trains provide different classes of service, with varying amenities and costs.

App-based Transportation

App-based transportation services like Uber and other taxi apps are available in some parts of Bolivia. However, it's important to note that some foreign mobile phones may not work with the local mobile phone system. In such cases, using a calling and texting app like Whatsapp can be a solution. Additionally, some apps may require an additional "international calling plan" to function properly in Bolivia.

Car Rental

While car rental in Bolivia is possible, it is not always convenient. Most airports do not offer on-site car rental services, and vehicles need to be reserved in advance for delivery to the airport or your hotel. Rural roads can be poorly maintained and hazardous, while traffic in large towns and cities is often congested. If you are unfamiliar with the road system, it is generally recommended to opt for a taxi or coach instead.

Buses

Bolivia has a nationwide bus network that is widely used by tourists, especially backpackers. Numerous companies provide transportation to almost every spot in the country. However, buses can be significantly delayed due to poor road or weather conditions. Therefore, if timely arrival is a priority, it is advisable to consider other transportation options.

Safety issues with taxis in Bolivia

There are several safety issues to be aware of when taking taxis in Bolivia, particularly in La Paz and Santa Cruz. Here are some of the key concerns:

Unlicensed Taxis

It is important to use licensed or "radio" taxis in Bolivia. Unlicensed taxis, which may have no markings or just a simple "taxi" sticker, pose a higher risk. These taxis are more likely to be involved in robberies, with thieves waiting on the route to target passengers, especially at night. In La Paz, airport taxis with "Aeropuerto" markings on the sides are considered safe and reliable, whereas bus terminal taxis with "Terminal" markings are deemed unsafe and unreliable.

Taxi Scams

Criminals sometimes pose as taxi drivers or work with them to target tourists. There have been reports of express kidnappings, where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs to secure their release. In other cases, fake police officers work with taxi drivers to target foreigners, robbing them or taking them to ATMs to withdraw cash. It is recommended to seek local advice, use established companies, and order taxis by phone.

Violent Crime

Violent crime, including armed robbery and assault, is a risk in Bolivia, and it can occur in taxis. Tourists are often targeted, and food and drink spiking have been reported, followed by robbery or assault. It is crucial to remain vigilant and avoid leaving food or drinks unattended.

Civil Unrest and Roadblocks

Civil unrest and political tension are common in Bolivia, and roadblocks, demonstrations, and strikes can occur without warning. These events can lead to travel disruptions and violence. It is important to avoid crossing roadblocks set up by protesters and stay away from large crowds.

Poor Road Conditions and Vehicle Maintenance

Road travel in Bolivia can be dangerous due to poor road conditions, low driving standards, and poorly maintained vehicles. This includes taxis, which often do not meet European safety standards and rarely have seatbelts. Broken-down vehicles without warning lights are a frequent hazard on roads at night.

Frequently asked questions