Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
posed to strong sun all day. Many photo shops cluster around Plaza Venezuela (El Prado);
some of these do digital processing.
For all kinds of backpack protection - plastic sacks, chains, padlocks etc - check the
street stalls along Calle Isaac Tamayo.
Artesanía Sorata
(
www.artesaniasorata.com
;
Sagárnaga 363)
A community-focused project that special-
izes in export-quality handmade dolls, original alpaca products and other beautiful items.
ARTS & CRAFTS
DANGERS, ANNOYANCES & COMMON SENSE
La Paz is not a safe city, especially at night. For years we've been saying that crime in Bolivia is no worse than in
large US cities. Today, this is no longer true, and travelers should exercise caution while in La Paz. A little com-
mon sense goes a long way.
Simple Rules to Keep You Safe
Travel in groups, take cabs after 8pm (make sure it's a radio taxi with a bubble on top), don't walk down dark al-
leys, carry small amounts of cash, and leave the fancy jewelry and iPods at home or in the hotel safe. Also re-
member that you likely don't know anybody in Bolivia. It's sad to say, but you should be wary of strangers here.
What's Happening?
Fake police officers and bogus tourist officials exist. Note: authentic police officers will always be uniformed (un-
dercover police are under strict orders not to hassle foreigners) and will never insist that you show them your
passport, get in a taxi with them or allow them to search you in public. If confronted by an imposter, refuse to
show them your valuables (wallet, passport, money etc), or insist on going to the nearest police station on foot. If
physically threatened, it is always best to hand over valuables immediately.
In the last few years there have been many incidents of 'express kidnappings' by taxi drivers, where the driver
and his accomplices (who board later or jump out from the trunk) kidnap you and beat you until you provide your
ATM PIN details. The best way to prevent express kidnappings is to take a radio cab; these have a radio in the car
and a promo bubble on the roof (do not take the informal cabs which merely have a 'taxi' sticker). At night, ask
the restaurant or hotel to call a cab - the cab's details are recorded at a central base. Don't share cabs with
strangers and beware of accepting lifts from drivers who approach you (especially around dodgy bus areas).
Violent attacks, including strangling victims and assault with weapons like clubs, is on the rise.
Petty theft and pickpocketing is not uncommon in restaurants, bus terminals, markets and internet cafes. Keep a
close eye on your stuff.
One popular scam involves someone spilling a substance on you or spitting a phlegm ball at you. While you or
they are wiping it off, another lifts your wallet or slashes your pack; the perpetrator may be an 'innocent' granny
or young girl. Similarly, make sure that you don't bend over to pick up a valuable item which has been 'dropped.'
You risk being accused of theft, or of being pickpocketed.
