Thinking about visiting Bogotá, Colombia? Excellent choice! The city’s vibrant mix of colonial history, modern culture, and awe-inspiring mountain views makes it an adventure you won’t forget. But, here’s the thing—getting around Bogotá can make or break your experience. Whether you’re wandering the colorful streets of La Candelaria, savoring a meal in Zona G, or rushing to catch your flight, transportation in Bogotá comes with its own unique set of challenges.
I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre of Bogotá’s transportation scene. Let me take you behind the scenes with a wild story about one particular DIDI ride, and show you how to avoid making the same mistakes I did.
The DIDI Disaster: A Ride You’ll Never Forget
Imagine this: It’s a Monday evening, Bogotá’s infamous rush hour is in full swing, and my friends and I are trying to get back to our hotel. Earlier in the day, we had explored the stunning Salto del Tequendama, a majestic waterfall just outside the city. We even stopped in Mosquera, where we indulged in empanadas, arepas, and agua de panela con queso—a Colombian staple of sugarcane tea with a slice of cheese melting in the cup.
We enjoyed all this from a wooden terrace perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the roaring waterfall. The weather was crisp, the skies were clear, and the moment felt magical. Sadly, we later learned that the terrace burned down just a week after our visit, making the memory even more poignant.
But the perfect day took a sharp turn when we got into our DIDI.
The driver showed up, and within seconds, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a smooth ride. He drove like a man on a mission—darting between cars, slamming on the brakes, and acting like the yellow light was a personal insult. At one point, he even FaceTimed a friend, balancing his phone on the windshield while dodging traffic. Oh, and he also spent part of the ride texting women. Not exactly the comforting professionalism you hope for in a driver.
When we finally reached our destination, things got even worse. He tried to charge us one-third more than the app fare, claiming it was for a toll fee. Here’s the kicker: earlier in the ride, when we dropped off a local friend, we’d already paid him cash for the toll. Feeling uneasy, I called our friend, who confirmed what I already suspected—the driver was trying to scam us.
When I confronted him, his excuses came fast and loose. First, the extra charge was for the toll. Then, it was for his “return trip.” Finally, he said it was “customary.” Customary? Please.
The situation got tense, and I won’t lie—I called him a scammer. We paid him the app’s fare (and nothing more), threw in a small tip to de-escalate, and walked away. He tried to intimidate us by pretending to call the police, but we knew better.
Lesson learned? Never let your guard down, and always know how to recognize when you’re being overcharged.
How to Know If You’re Being Overcharged
Here are some quick tips to help you avoid falling into the same trap I did:
- Check the App Fare:
Apps like Uber and DIDI display the total fare at the end of the ride. If a driver asks for more, firmly but politely point out the app’s total.
2. Toll Fees:
While tolls are common in Bogotá, they’re small and straightforward. If you’ve already paid cash for a toll during the ride, don’t let the driver charge you again at the end.
3. Google Maps Is Your Friend:
Keep an eye on your route. If your driver takes a strange detour without explanation, they may be trying to inflate the fare.
4. Know Taxi Regulations:
Taxis in Bogotá use a taximeter that calculates the fare based on distance and time. If your driver isn’t using the meter or quotes a suspiciously high price, you’re likely being overcharged.
5. Ask a Local:
If you’re unsure, call or text someone local—your hotel concierge, an Airbnb host, or a friend. They can usually confirm whether you’re being scammed.
Taxis vs. Ride-Hailing Apps: What’s Best for You?
Taxis: Reliable but Old-School
Bogotá’s taxis are highly regulated, which makes them a safer bet in many situations. You can hail one on the street, call a company, or order through apps like DIDI (choosing the “Taxi” option).
• Pros:
• Drivers are licensed and fares are regulated.
• Good for tourists who prefer cash transactions.
• Cons:
• Some drivers may take longer routes to inflate fares.
• Many taxis only accept cash.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Convenient but Risky
Apps like Uber and DIDI offer convenience and cashless payment but operate in a legal gray area in Bogotá.
• Pros:
• Easy to use and track your ride.
• Often cheaper than taxis.
• Cons:
• Drivers may try to add extra fees.
• Legal uncertainties can sometimes lead to issues.
Pro Tips for Getting Around Bogotá
- Carry Small Bills:
Many drivers don’t have change for large bills. Keep smaller denominations (20,000 COP or less) on hand to make paying easier.
2. Use Google Maps:
Always check the route before and during the ride to avoid unnecessary detours.
3. Consider a Private Driver:
Feeling overwhelmed? Let ByeByeBoredom.com handle it. We can arrange for a private driver to meet you at the airport with a sign, ensuring a smooth arrival.
4. Speak Up:
If something feels off, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns—or even end the ride early if necessary.
Why Choose ByeByeBoredom.com for Your Bogotá Adventure?
At ByeByeBoredom.com, we specialize in stress-free travel experiences. From airport pickups to private tours, we handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Let us navigate Bogotá’s traffic for you—you’ve got better things to do, like exploring this incredible city.
Final Thoughts: Bogotá is Worth the Ride
Bogotá has its quirks, but with a little preparation, you can avoid the pitfalls and enjoy everything the city has to offer. And trust me, once you’ve tackled Bogotá’s transportation scene, you’ll leave with stories you’ll tell for years.
When you’re ready to plan your trip, ByeByeBoredom.com is here to make sure your Bogotá experience is as unforgettable as the stories you’ll bring back.
