Hello, hello! It’s me again, here to tell you a bit about Cartagena’s culture—and Colombian culture in general—and how you can handle certain people who might try to take advantage of you just for being a foreigner, simple: how to deal with hustlers!

It’s unfortunate that I have to talk about this, but it’s a reality, and I want to give you all the advice and possible scenarios in case you ever visit Cartagena and have to deal with scammers, swindlers, or opportunistic people.

Of course, Cartagena, Colombia, isn’t the only place in the world where you might encounter people trying to overcharge you or sell you something of lesser quality than what they advertise, but I feel it’s important to share some situations that many tourists have experienced here—which, unfortunately, have sometimes been negative.

Places like the beaches, islands, or areas such as the Historic Center or Getsemaní are tourist magnets—and clearly also attract ill-intentioned individuals looking to take advantage of certain situations.

It may happen that someone follows you for a few blocks offering services like tour packages, clothes, bracelets, etc. In these cases, the best thing to do is to avoid eye contact or simply respond with a polite but firm “No, thank you”—that’s usually enough.

For example, it’s very common to be charged an excessive amount for lunch, beach loungers, or umbrellas—especially on the urban beaches of Cartagena, like Bocagrande or El Laguito. ALWAYS ASK BEFORE USING ANY SERVICE OR EATING ANYTHING.

A typical lunch on the beach can cost anywhere from 10 USD TO 25 USD depending on whether it’s seafood, fish, or something grilled. If you’re charged significantly more than that—WALK AWAY.

Another common scam we’ve seen is people offering oysters on the beach as if it’s a free sample or a gift, and then they pressure you into paying for it. They can do the same with other products or services. In Cartagena, NOTHING IS FREE.

Maybe I’m not telling you anything new—because I know we’re not the only country where people try to take advantage—but this information can be really helpful, especially if you’re an introverted person who doesn’t know how to deal with scammers.

TIPS: How to Deal with Hustlers?

I’m telling you all of this so it doesn’t happen to you. These are some tips that can really help you deal with scammers—or better yet, avoid them altogether:

• Ignore them: Avoid eye contact and keep walking as if they’re not talking to you.
• Be kind but firm: You can respond with a polite “Thanks, maybe another time.”
• Take good care of your belongings: I recommend using a fanny pack or a secure bag to keep your most important items like your phone, wallet, and documents. Always keep them in sight, and avoid putting things in your pants pockets—they’re usually wide open and easy to access. Try not to leave your phone on the table either; it can be tempting for thieves.
• Always ask the price before consuming anything: Especially on the beach or from street vendors. Keep small bills handy to avoid issues with change.
• Book your transportation, accommodations, and tours in advance through trusted websites: Here at La Carta, we work with reliable partners so you can enjoy a safe and worry-free stay. Check out our recommendations for the best hotels in Cartagena.
• Confirm the price of your ride before getting into a taxi, Uber, InDriver, or any other means of transportation: You can check average prices for the most popular routes [here] to get a general idea.
• Ask the hotel staff any questions you have before heading out: Ask about average prices, tour recommendations, directions—anything you need. The hospitality in Cartagena is top-notch, and they’ll always be willing to help you out.

If you need to know where to exchange your money, click here and read everything we’ve researched for you. Avoid exchanging money at unofficial places or anywhere that doesn’t feel trustworthy.

Don’t buy drugs — the dealers might scam you too:

I’m not here to tell you what you can or can’t do for fun or entertainment, but I do have to warn you that among the scammers, you might come across people selling drugs in street stalls, plazas, or even on the beaches.

This can be much more dangerous than you think. Buying drugs on the street from strangers can put your life at risk.

I’ve heard of scams where someone sells you drugs for a low price, and then others show up to extort you or demand a more “fair” price for what you just bought. You could end up caught in the middle of turf wars and not even realize it.

There have also been reports of police officers working with dealers to bribe or entrap tourists.

Honestly, I believe you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary risks by buying drugs, and I strongly suggest finding another way to enjoy yourself—Cartagena has so much to offer you.

We don’t just want to show you the best places to visit in Cartagena on your next vacation—we want to keep you informed so your stay is safe, fair, and worry-free.

I’m Natalia, and I’m thrilled to help you plan your next trip to the Colombian Caribbean and let you know How to Deal with hustlers.

Contact us if you need any extra help or tips.

La Carta: Quick Guide — How to Deal with hustlers.