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Cartagena Tourist Scams

Colombia

Cartagena tourist scams are annoyances — Old Town flower ladies, pushy Rappi drivers, restaurant menu overcharge. Real safety risks are lower than Rio but Getsemaní nightlife has some pickpocket risk.

Moderate overall risk
Jump to scam
Palenqueras (fruit ladies) photo demandRestaurant no-price menu (tourist menu)

Palenqueras (fruit ladies) photo demand

Very common — every tourist should know this
AnnoyanceCost USD 5-20
Trigger

Colourful fruit ladies (Palenqueras) offer to pose for photo.

How it works

Photo taken → demands COP 20,000-50,000 per person per photo.

Where it clusters
Plaza Santo DomingoCalle del Estanco Aguardiente
How to avoid
  • ✓Agree price BEFORE taking photo (COP 5,000-10,000 = USD 1-2).
  • ✓Or don't engage.
If it happens to you
  • →Pay small amount to end.

Restaurant no-price menu (tourist menu)

Common — likely to encounter
Moderate financial riskCost USD 30-100
Trigger

Restaurant near Torre del Reloj presents menu without prices.

How it works

Bill at end 3-5x expected.

How to avoid
  • ✓Insist on prices BEFORE ordering.
  • ✓Google reviews for restaurant before entering.
If it happens to you
  • →Pay + review negatively.

Cartagena emergency contacts

General emergency
123
Tourist Police
+57 5 660 8813
Community

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More Cartagena safety + travel

Pickpockets
Cartagena pickpocket hotspots
Destination
Cartagena travel guide
Directory
All city scam guides