Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A third scam, usually used at
bus terminals
, involves thieves posing as plainclothes police
officers, complete with fake documents, asking to see your money to check for counterfeit
notes or something similar. Often, an accomplice (usually a taxi driver) will already have
engaged you in conversation and will vouch for this being normal procedure. It isn't. If ap-
proached by people claiming to be
undercover police
, don't get in a car with them or show
them your documents or valuables, and insist on the presence of a uniformed officer - you
can call one yourself on 110.
The police
With any luck, most of your contact with the police will be at
frontiers and road check-
points
. Sometimes, particularly near borders and in remote regions, you may have to register
with them, so carry your
passport
with you at all times (though a photocopy may be enough
if you're not travelling far). Generally the police rarely trouble tourists, but in any dealings
with them it's important to be polite and respectful, as they can make problems for you if
you're not. Anyone claiming to be an
undercover policeman
is probably a thief or confid-
ence trickster; don't get in a car with them or show them your documents or valuables, and
insist on the presence of a
uniformed officer
.
If you are the victim of theft, you'll probably need to go to the police to make a report (
de-
nuncia
) and get a
written report
for insurance purposes - this is rarely a problem, though it
may take some time. In La Paz you should go to the
tourist police
if you are the victim of
any crime - their office (open 24hr; 022225016) is at Edificio Olimpia 1314, Plaza Tejada
Sorzano, opposite the stadium in Miraflores.
Occasionally, the police may search your bags. If they do, watch carefully, and ideally get a
witness to watch with you, to make sure nothing is planted or stolen - a rare but not impos-
sible occurrence. Possession of (let alone trafficking in)
drugs
is a serious offence in Bolivia,
usually leading to a long jail sentence. There are a fair number of foreigners languishing in
Bolivian jails on drugs charges, and many wait a long time before they come to trial. It's not
unusual to be offered an opportunity to
bribe
a policeman (or any other official, for that mat-
ter), even if you've done nothing wrong. Often they're just trying it on, and there's no need to
pay. But in some circumstances it can work to the advantage of both parties. In South Amer-
ica bribery is an age-old custom, and paying a bribe is certainly preferable to going to jail.
Finally, bear in mind that all police are armed, and may well shoot you if you run away.
Political demonstrations
Political unrest
is a constant in Bolivia, and demonstrations are a regular event in La Paz
and the other major cities. Though usually peaceful and interesting towatch, these sometimes
turn violent, so keep your distance and make sure you can get out of the area fast if things
turn nasty.
