Bogota Airport (BOG) Taxi Service

In addition to advising you never to take an unofficial airport taxi, IHateTaxis advises you to be cautious about your use of taxis during your stay in Bogota. 

Flagging a taxi on the street in Bogota is dangerous. Sadly, one of the things that Botoga is famous for is a crime nicknamed the "Express Kidnap" or "Paseo Millonario" (Millionaire Ride). Here's how it works: Once you are in the taxi, the driver will stop and pick up accomplices (sometimes taking a detour to do so) and together they rob you. But they do not stop there. They will demand that you withdraw cash from your debit card and credit card at ATMs, and they will drive you around until your withdrawal limit is reached.

A few tips for staying safe: 

• While this crime most frequently begins when a taxi is flagged down on the street, you can also be at risk taking an unofficial or pirate taxi at the airport, getting a taxi outside a bar, etc. 
• Ask your hotel to arrange your taxi, or
• Call the dispatcher (599-9999, 311-1111 or 411-1111 - make a note of the last 2 digits of the phone from which you call the taxi; this is called the "clave" (key) and your driver will ask you for it)
• In a pinch, ask security at the bar for assistance
• Be careful how much you drink, as you need to keep your wits about you (also, never let your drink out of your sight, drugging is common)

• Lock the doors of the taxi, especially after dark.

• Never agree to taking a short cut if the driver suggests it

• Better yet, avoid taxis if you can
• If you are a victim of this crime, co-operate, as they may be armed

As common, but less dangerous taxi crime in Bogota is petty theft:

• There have been instances of tourists being scouted by criminals upon arrival at Bogota Airport, then followed and robbed at traffic lights
• It is also common for street thieves to brazenly reach in through an open taxi window to steal your valuables
• Lock the doors, keep the windows, hold onto your purse/wallet - and stay alert

Luggage Loaders

Missing Rate Card

Sometimes taxi drivers don’t post the guide and rattle the price from the top of their head, rounded up to the next thousand or so. The rate card won't be needed for your ride from the airport (as you are using the regulated taxi ticket system), but when you take taxis in the city, look for the rate card when you get in a taxi, and ask if you don't see it.

Fake Surcharge

Some drivers will add a COP 2,000-2,500 surcharge (recargo) to the fare for unsuspecting passengers. Always insist on the seeing the rate card and ensuring each surcharge is valid.

Taximetro Clicker

A trick employed by some taxi drivers to use a hidden clicker that tthey use to manually adjusts the meter upwards. Keep your eyes on the meter, and if you see it jump unusually quickly, consider complaining once the car is stopped. Dishonest drivers may well back down when confronted. This is less likely to happen if you only take official taxis. 

The Fast Change

Counterfeit Money

Be on the lookout for both counterfeit coins and notes.

Tip: as you will know your fare before leaving the airport, due to the official taxi ticket system, consider buying something at the airport so that you have exact change, and don't need to worry about the last 2 scams.

Slow Down!

Not a scam, per se, but there have been complaints of dangerous driving at high speeds by some taxi drivers, although this is not likely in an official taxi. Regardless, learn this phrase:

• You are driving too fast. Please slow down.
• Maneja demasiado rápido. Vaya más despacio por favor.

If you experience a problem with a taxi or driver, you can report a complaint with the police by dialing 123. You should also call the taxi company.