Top Tourist Scams in Medellín During December and How to Avoid Them

The festive streets of Medellín dazzle in December, illuminated by the famous Alumbrados Navideños (Christmas lights) and filled with the sound of traditional music and laughter. The city’s warm hospitality and vibrant culture make it a popular destination for both national and international tourists during the holiday season. However, as in any bustling city, the influx of visitors can create opportunities for scammers to take advantage of tourists. While most locals embrace tourists with genuine warmth, a few bad actors may try to take advantage of those unfamiliar with local customs. Here’s a rundown of common December scams in Medellín and how to avoid them while still enjoying the magic of the season.

1. Taxi Overcharging: Know Before You Go

During the festive season, many visitors rely on taxis to navigate Medellín’s neighborhoods. Unfortunately, some drivers may take advantage of tourists by overcharging, especially during December when demand is high.

How It Works:

• Drivers might avoid using the meter (taxímetro), claiming it’s broken or unnecessary.

• Others may take unnecessarily long routes or add mysterious “holiday surcharges.”

How to Avoid It:

• Use Apps: Opt for ride-hailing apps like InDriver or DiDi, which allow you to negotiate or see estimated prices before the ride starts.

• Insist on the Meter: If you use a traditional taxi, politely request the meter be turned on. If the driver refuses, consider finding another taxi.

• Know Your Route: Familiarize yourself with your destination on Google Maps beforehand to ensure the driver isn’t taking you on a detour.

• Stick to Designated Taxi Zones: If possible, use taxis from official taxi stands, especially at bus terminals, malls, or the airport.

• Avoid the Airport overcharge: In no way should a ride from the airport cost anymore than 120,000 COP. The taxi driver will not use the meter, but this is normal. Also, the "Peaje" (toll before the tunnel) is included in the ride to Medellin.

2. Tipping Abuse in Restaurants: Clarify Your Bill

Colombian restaurants generally include a suggested tip (propina sugerida) on the bill. While tipping is customary and appreciated, some establishments may exploit tourists’ unfamiliarity with local customs.

How It Works:

• Servers might add the suggested tip without asking for consent, even though Colombian law requires them to confirm it with the customer.

• Occasionally, unscrupulous waitstaff might double-charge tourists by adding the tip automatically and also requesting it verbally.

How to Avoid It:

• Check Your Bill: Always review the breakdown of your receipt. The suggested tip should be clearly labeled as “Propina sugerida.”

• Ask Before Paying: If it’s unclear whether the tip is included, ask the server directly. Use polite phrases like, “¿Está incluida la propina?” (Is the tip included?).

• Feel Free to Decline: If the service wasn’t satisfactory, you’re within your rights to refuse the suggested tip, though this should be done respectfully.

3. Retailers Not Giving Change: Watch the Pesos

Shopping in Medellín’s bustling markets and small stores is part of the city’s charm. However, some retailers—especially in busy holiday shopping areas—may take advantage of tourists by “forgetting” to give back the correct change.

How It Works:

• Vendors might claim they don’t have smaller denominations or coins and hope the customer won’t notice.

• In some cases, they may intentionally shortchange tourists who aren’t familiar with Colombian pesos.

How to Avoid It:

• Count Your Change: Always double-check the amount you’re handed before leaving the counter.

• Carry Smaller Bills: Break larger denominations (like $50,000 COP or $100,000 COP notes) at supermarkets or banks to avoid relying on vendors to provide change.

• Stay Alert in Crowded Areas: If you’re shopping in busy markets or tourist hotspots, take your time with transactions and avoid distractions.

4. Begging and Manipulation: The Power of a Kind “No”

The holiday season often brings an increase in begging, as locals and visitors alike are seen as potential sources of generosity. While many beggars are in genuine need, others may use manipulation or even accomplices to scam tourists out of money, and yes, this includes the natives who are 'selling jewelry' on the streets on Calle 10. Many of these are professional victims, and preying on the kindness of tourists.

How It Works:

• You might be approached by someone with a dramatic story about losing their belongings or needing food for their children.

• Some may ask for money and then escalate the situation if you refuse, using guilt or aggression.

How to Avoid It:

• Be Mindful, Not Naive: It’s okay to feel compassion, but avoid handing out cash directly. Instead, donate to reputable charities or buy food if you want to help.

• Stay Polite, But Firm: Practice saying “No, gracias” (No, thank you) with a smile, and keep walking if approached.

• Avoid Flashing Wealth: Don’t openly display large amounts of cash or expensive items, as this can make you a target for scams—or worse, theft.

  I will be writing a separate article about how tourists are targeted by cultural manipulation. IE - meeting people and them constantly asking for 'loans' and assistance accompanied with a sad, dramatic story. This is such a huge topic that it needs to be covered in it's own article.

5. Short Term Stay scams

(Updated 11.25.2024) If you are staying for an extended period of time in our fair city, you may be considering one of the multiple short term apartment rentals with companies such as AirBnB, Travelocity or VRBO. Another popular option is to rent from an agency that specializes in short term rentals, such as Liv Realty. I want to reiterate, Liv Realty is an incredible company to rent from, they are not a scam at all, and if you want to rent from them, Lorena is incredible to work with. Often times, the scams look like legit companies such as them, and they often spoof their site, and steal their listings. Always be skeptical of deals that look too good to be true, and do your due diligence with this.

How It Works:

• Often you will see a beautiful apartment on a site, at a price that is far less than what you see on the sites such as AirBnB. Often these will be listed on various Facebook groups. Please don't assume the groups administrators can vet every post on the site. Often these scammers use brute force of posting the same ad many times when they get removed from the groups.

• The scammer will insist you talk to them on Whatsapp, and never divulge any information about the apartment, and try and get you to Whatsapp as fast as possible. There are many reasons for this, the main reason is that this way there is nobody in public to discredit them.

• They will tell you that this apartment was just cancelled, or there is someone else interested, requiring you to act fast and put a deposit down ASAP.

How To Avoid It:

• ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS do your research of who you are giving your money to. Ask for the name of the person as well as the name of their company. Search for both on the Facebook groups, any reputable real estate companies will have other posts with happy clients singing their praises. Even one report of them being a scam is too many. If you don't find anything or a cookie cutter response, that is way worse. Run the other way. Fast.

• Paying up front is not normal. Don't do it. A deposit is normal, but if the value of the deposit is more than 25% of the apartment cost, run.

• NEVER pay the deposit to a personal account without doing a ton of research first. There is no resource for this better than the Facebook groups - GringoPaisa, Medellin for Non-Jerks, Medellin Short Term Rentals are great places to start your search. Ask if anyone has done business with them.

General Tips to Stay Safe and Respectful

1. Blend In Where You Can: Medellín is a casual city, so try to dress modestly and avoid obvious “tourist” giveaways like fanny packs or oversized cameras.

2. Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing simple Spanish phrases like “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?) or “No entiendo” (I don’t understand) can help you navigate situations more confidently.

3. Celebrate Responsibly: December is a time for joy and community in Medellín. Be respectful of local traditions, such as La Novena (Christmas novenas) or Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles). Participate where invited but stay mindful of your surroundings.

Celebrating the Season in Medellín

Despite these potential pitfalls, Medellín remains a city full of warmth, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. The December festivities showcase the best of Colombian culture, with colorful parades, delicious food, and a lively spirit of togetherness. By staying informed and exercising a little extra caution, you can enjoy everything Medellín has to offer without falling victim to common scams.

So, as you sip on aguardiente, admire the glowing Alumbrados, and savor buñuelos (fried dough balls) and natilla (custard), keep these tips in mind. Celebrate the season respectfully, embrace the city’s charm, and most importantly, stay safe!