Why We Don’t Take Taxis in Bogotá—And What We Do Instead

We love a sense of adventure, but in Bogotá, we always follow one rule: we don’t take street taxis.

It’s not about being picky or overcautious—it’s about being informed. While yellow cabs may look harmless and convenient, they come with real safety concerns that many first-time visitors simply aren’t aware of.

Why Taxis in Bogotá Raise Safety Concerns

If you’ve been to other major cities, you might be used to hailing taxis without much thought. But in Bogotá, things work a little differently—and not necessarily in a good way.

Sure, the classic yellow taxis have meters and fare charts posted on the dashboard. But what they often lack are the features that truly make a ride safe and traceable: GPS tracking, verified drivers, and digital ride logs. That means if something goes wrong—whether it’s a theft, overcharge, or worse—there’s no easy way to report it or follow up.

Colombian news reports and traveler forums are full of cautionary tales, many involving a well-known scam called el paseo millonario, where passengers are taken on a terrifying detour to multiple ATMs and forced to withdraw large sums of cash.

Even many Bogotá locals avoid flagging taxis from the street, especially at night or when alone. That tells you all you need to know.

Street Taxis and Known Risks

It’s not just paranoia—there are documented patterns of risk associated with street taxis in Bogotá. Here are a few of the most frequently reported issues:

• ATM scams: Drivers (often working with accomplices) take passengers to cash machines and coerce them into making large withdrawals.
• Collusion with criminals: In some cases, drivers pick up passengers only to let in armed robbers or accomplices mid-route.
• Zero traceability: With no GPS tracking or digital records, it’s difficult to report incidents or identify the driver after the fact.
• No official recourse: Unlike app-based platforms, there’s no customer support line to contest a fare, report misconduct, or recover lost belongings.

International embassies—including the U.S. and U.K.—have long included warnings about Bogotá taxis in their travel advisories. The issue has also been flagged repeatedly in expat communities and travel blogs.

This is unusual because in many other world capitals, street taxis are a safe and even iconic part of city life. But in Bogotá, the lack of regulation and digital infrastructure creates a level of uncertainty that simply isn’t worth the risk—especially when better alternatives exist.

Bogotá Is Better When You Feel Safe

Bogotá has so much to offer: vibrant art, delicious food, Andean views, and warm, welcoming people. But none of that shines through if you’re constantly on edge about how you’re getting around.

Avoiding taxis isn’t about being overly cautious—it’s about reducing stress and minimizing risk so you can focus on what matters: enjoying the experience.

When you use safer transport options, you feel more confident, more relaxed, and more open to the joys of travel. And that confidence can truly transform your time in the city.

Car Services Locals Trust

So what do we use to get around in Bogotá? The same thing most locals and long-term residents use: app-based ride services.

Here are the top options we recommend:

Cabify: Known for professionalism, real-time GPS tracking, and fixed fares
DiDi: Often cheaper and very reliable
InDriver: You name your price; drivers can accept or counteroffer
Uber: Still in use despite its unofficial status in Colombia

Why these are safer:

• You can see the driver’s name, profile, and license plate before pickup
• Every trip is logged and trackable via GPS
• You can share your trip status in real time with a friend or family member
• Cash-free digital payments eliminate the risk of being overcharged or needing to pull out a wallet
• There’s customer support if something goes wrong

Importantly, these apps aren’t just used by cautious tourists—they’re the default choice for many Bogotá locals, including professionals, families, and solo commuters. That speaks volumes.

Skip the Taxi Line at El Dorado Airport

If you’re arriving in Bogotá at El Dorado International Airport, you’ll likely see a long, chaotic taxi line waiting outside Arrivals. It’s tempting to hop in for convenience—but there’s a better way.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Use the free airport Wi-Fi to request a ride via DiDi, Uber, or Cabify
• Follow the app’s directions to the designated pickup zone
• Or pre-arrange a private airport transfer through your hotel

Why does this matter? After a long flight—especially one that lands late at night—the last thing you want is to negotiate fares or worry about driver legitimacy. An app-based ride is quicker, safer, and trackable. It also gives you a few quiet moments to decompress while someone else takes care of the driving.

Let Your Hotel Help with Safe Transport

Many hotels in Bogotá understand the safety landscape and offer their own transport services—or will help you book rides through trusted platforms.

Here’s why that’s helpful:

• Hotel drivers are pre-screened and verified
• You can schedule pickups in advance for peace of mind
• Staff can help confirm the driver and license plate before you leave

Even when we use apps, we sometimes ask the front desk or concierge to double-check the ride before we hop in—especially late at night or when arriving somewhere unfamiliar.

Pro Tip: Let your hotel know your arrival time. A trusted driver waiting for you takes all the stress out of navigating the airport alone.

Tips for Safer App-Based Travel

App-based rides are a major improvement over street taxis—but there are still some smart precautions to follow:

• Book from indoors whenever possible to avoid standing alone on the curb
• Double-check license plates and driver names before getting in
• Share your trip in real time with a friend or travel companion
• Use in-app payments to avoid dealing with cash or change
• Have your destination written in Spanish, or enter it in the app ahead of time

These are simple, quick steps—but they can make a big difference in how confidently and safely you get around Bogotá.

Explore Bogotá Safely with Cielo Travel

Bogotá is a city that rewards curiosity, and there’s always something to explore. And while taxis might seem like the obvious way to get from point A to point B, take our local advice and avoid this option. 

Let the experts at Cielo Travel help you plan your Bogotá experience, ensuring safe transportation so you can squeeze every drop from your vacation without fear.