I stayed out late on many nights and partied in Parque Lleras and La 70 areas of Medellin. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. Most travelers who've encountered problems in Colombia have likely broken this simple rule. If you want to build relationships and get to know the locals as people, get off the tourist path. The bottom line: if you're street smart, aware of your surroundings, and at least a little vigilant, you'll probably do just fine here. I was in a "nice" area, but I couldn't help but wonder Is Colombia safe? She can literally get anything she wants from you after you take the stuff, and people who know you wont even be able to tell youve been drugged. There are thousands of foreigners that have ultimately made Colombia their home just like Laura did, because of its beauty, it's people, it's culture, it's food, etc etc. I've lived in Moscow for 8 months and it was very safe too (though there are places a black person such as myself should take great care and use common sense). And no I'm not a careless person. Youll probably find one of us here too. However, though the civil war officially ended in 2016, drug trafficking and militias are still active. Westayed in nice hotels attached to malls. I lived in Colombia most of my life and never got robbed or kidnapped (although I got pickpocketed various times). I visited Bogota last year. So, unfortunately, scams do happen in Colombia and scammers target tourists. The comments here have been even more informative than the article. Sure, if youre staying off in the slums, youll probably have some issues. They called the relative but she refused to pay so after a few weeks they let me go in who knows where. Safety and security - Colombia travel advice - GOV.UK But today its another story. So decide your balance between major cities and small towns. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Head to Tayrona. This was a first. Going back to Cartagena this fall, the place is magical. Colombia is working on their water systems and water treatment is improving. Sadly due to overall poverty in Colombia + still ongoing conflict with the militias in the jungles, despite the Catholic religious ethics - every Colombian praises Jesus Christ, there are many Colombians ready to kill you for your wallet or your brand new iPhone. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 5 Safety Tips. Something went wrong. I rode a motorcycle in Colombia and I loved it. Im talking about how youdress. Whether youre thinking about backpacking through Colombia alone or long-term, or if youre just worried about an upcoming two-week trip, its ok. Ive got you! Violent crimes are nearly non-existent in these areas. You can spend nights in a jungle treehouse, play around on beach havens, and trek through cloud forests, amongst other things. I have been everywhere in Colombia. Dont worry. The criminals operate especially in places where there are lots tourists who can't imagine how cruel the others can be especially when it comes to US$ or the last high-tech gadgets. Lol getting robbed for $1.25 is a pretty fantastic story! Plus, youll be able to defuse potential confrontations a little easier with an understanding of the local language. Petro will be the country's first leftist leader, and his election has given hope to millions of young, struggling Colombians desperate for change. All these statements do not give me a point of reference, as I live in a smaller town in Europe (thank God!). Does anyone have any tips for how to hold on to my camera? In Necocli, the Police, Fiscalia, personeria, notaria and judge all work together to see the gringo who has less than them in money, screwed completely over. Avoiding drugs and prostitutes will help to ensure you stay safe in Colombia. Thank you in advance for any advice. In 2019 (before the worldwide travel disruption caused by the pandemic), it saw over 4.5 million visitors a huge increase in the past two decades. With this guide, you have an even safer destination. its very cheap in Colombia! Colombians dont like sloppy looking gringos. "keeping our travelers safe on the road is more than just about providing great travel insurance. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread. There are Colombians living all over the world, I bet if you ask around you know someone who is Colombian or that has been to Colombia who can give you some answers to where to go, stay, eat, party etc etc. Luckily, it was just a crackhead who had made his way out of the El Bronxneighborhood and into Zona T. He was damn near out of breath, but way too energized for 2 AM. So is Colombia safe? Used to live in South Florida until they sent me back here.. I went to Colombia and my wallet was pickpocketed at the airport. Most visits to Colombia are trouble-free. Also learn some Spanish before you come. Even finding just one more person to walk around with is his better than alone. . Stick to the main routes or go with a reputable tour company. Companies vary in levels of quality, so do your research. Hi :) Here are some of those places: Its important to know that you CAN be safe in Colombia, but you need research. Did they teach proper English without slang and vulgar language in your education system. Photo by Wikimedia Commons The Colombian borders are some of the most dangerous places in Colombia, areas where drug rings and paramilitary groups are still strong. After searching so much about the modification policy, finally, I got a solution by {Airlinespolicy.com}. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. I am traveling to bogota on the 9th of April.I will be there till the 14th.If no one hears from me here on the 15th you might want to send a search party.lol Just kidding. Lol .. Maybe I am over thinking. So how do you avoid them? Is Colombia safe? Is Medelln still dangerous? - YouTube Learn more about safety in Colombia here. In Colombia and anywhere. The question of Is Colombia Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. Avoid Calle 9 area at night, as there are lots of muggings in that area. I live near Detroit Michigan.They don't kidnap you here for money,they just shoot you so they can brag to their friends they did.People here have been killed for the shoes they wear.Peoe have been killed here for a hamburger from McDonald's.I still go to McDonald's,I just don't order hamburgers.lol Lighten up people,the world is a dangerous place but if we live scared,they win. 3. Avoid ANYWHERE at night (unless locals tell you otherwise) and always ask locals which areas you should avoid. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, is common. Avoid these things in Colombia to stay safe: Avoid standing out or looking rich Hand over the goods if youre being robbed Say no to illegal cabs Dont use ATMs after dark. You can walk around many streets at night and never have to worry. Also known as devils breath. Illegal taxis are active and you dont want to find out the consequences of using them. Everybodys welcome and that goes for families too. There are pickpockets, fraudulent taxis, occasional muggings, and people posing as local authorities. My mom thinks I'm crazy but I think because she's born in 1948, she believes Pablo and his crew are going to kidnap me. The girl isnt anywhere to be found. Hey Mario, But these cities are so big that its not making a huge difference. As with basically any city or country worldwide, there is always the chance of something happening if you are careless or unlucky but if you avoid clearly dangerous neighbourhoods like some of the poorer barrios in Medellin for example, and you don't walk around at night by yourself in a dark, unpopulated area waving your expensive phone around, you will be fine. Just use your head, keep your head on a swivel and do not act like a dumb and lost tourist. You have to be cautious and mindful of where you are and who you are with. It would be such a shame to miss out on Colombia because of scary stories that have come out of this country, based on an outdated reputation. It is very nice and safe in the shopping area around Andino Shopping Mall at night. Youll want to avoid wearing fancy jewelry and watches here. If I may ask a question to travelers: I'll be spending a day in Bogota in August and my only real concern is that I'll be there to shoot a model in that beautiful setting, and so I'll be using what will obviously be a nice camera. Exercise increased caution in Colombia due tocrime, terrorism,andkidnapping. How Sound of Freedom Misrepresents Its Subjectand Why the Movie Is So Watch out for drink spiking at bars and clubs. It's normal to wonder. Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice. Don't be stupid, don't do drugs, don't drink til you fall, don't flash your money, don't wear expensive jewelry or Rolexes, don't take a cab off the street(they have Apps for taxis or call a taxi company) they have millions of honest taxi drivers who get a bad rep cuz a few thieves, don't do anything you wouldn't do if you were in the bad side of your home town, I don't close my windows or lock my car in front of my house, but I can assure you I hide my stuff and lock my car if I'm parking in the next town over. The transition of power has put a pause on anti-government strikes, and there is presently no major civil unrest in Colombia. The nicest Colombians we interacted with were at our hotel, this was mostly the activities and acquatics workers. Be cautious, ask the locals, never take a random cab and dont flash your valuables! Remember the emergency number: 123. Most people make an honest living but there are some who don't. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own. Avoid taking your passports out with you. I did not go out at night after 8 or 9 pm, except one night, and that night I did get harassed by a guy telling me to give him my money, but he left me alone when I told him I was going to call the police. Going off the beaten path to more remote areas will only be safe if you do so with a reputable tour agency and expert guide. It is an amazing city with great museums, shopping and restaurants. I dunno about you, but that doesnt sound too charming to me. bus and ruptured his organs and removed his spleen. Your safety is always more important. Hello. That said, things could change, and protests and demonstrations can start up. You'll have access to an emergency assistance helpline that will connect you with consular officials and experts who can help you deal with the psychological trauma. Every year we offer travel scholarships to provide unique learning experiences for travelers looking to further their experience in travel photography, travel film, and writing. While there may be paramilitary groups in the jungle areas, most of them dont strive to cause havoc in the major cities. Full Affiliate and Legal Disclosure Privacy Policy Contact. However, that is a secondary concern compared to the godawful, horrendous stench that often pervades the entire city. Big on beaches, rumba, and rum. I went to Colombia for a bachelor party. El Salvador Iraq Jamaica Honduras Colombia Venezuela Guatemala South Africa Sri Lanka Lesotho The report, which analyzes the effects of armed violence on development, revealed that the rate of violent deaths per capita in Colombia is the fifth highest in the world. Never go to Bucaramanga. Its probably the biggest safety issue in Colombia. Colombia is a beautiful, welcoming and safe country to visit. But its not dangerous like many would have you to believe. I would never recommend an American woman travel to Cartegena alone. i took my 17 yo daughter to Bucaramanga for a month in 2018. I typically roll around in an outfit like this: While theres nothing too fancy about my attire, these type outfits look good and will help you blend in while traveling around Colombia. And we believe you too can help change the world by giving a little back when you travel." Travel to Venezuela is an extremely bad idea in the current climate. The US (particularly large cities) have the highest crime rates and certainly the most guns in the world as a nation (look where that gets you). We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. From bill switching to fake goods, our expert uncovers the most common tourist scams in Colombia and how to avoid them. If you prefer, I can accompany you on your trip You stay safe, dont have to deal with scamming taxi drivers, and its cheap. Sure, a couple of cities in Colombia arent thrilled about Uber being in the country. While the tourism industry is exploding here, there arent many English speakers. Is it safe to go to Colombia with your kids? For that matter, a lot of women (despite audible concerns) travel to Colombia anyway. I have a loving Colombian friend, and she always invite me to go to Medelln - where is she from -, but I'm, as most non-Colombians, afraid of gonna there.I wish I knew San Andres, but I'm afraid of getting sequestrated by FARCs or being killed, I'm originally from Bermudas, but I live in Brasil since I was 11 and people says brasil isn't very different from Colombia, and I heard this from many Colombian ppl, but I'm not sure. Are Cebu, Palawan and Boracay safe for tourism? From the Midwest, but often based in Latin America. There were a couple of occasions where I felt unsafe and I was with my partner. If you love animals, seeing the horrible way dogs and cats are treated will break your heart! I plan to stick to La Candelaria in the afternoon and then head to Zona Rosa for dinner. How to Stay Safe In Colombia | 5 Tips and Tricks. The Darin Gap: "A dangerous, inhumane route" Is Colombia Safe for Travelers? 6 Essential Safety Tips - World Nomads Heres the full story: I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Not completely, but its certainly not as dangerous in years past. Heres what generally happens: You go out to a bar or nightclub with some friends you met at the hostel/hotel or whatever. I'm going there with my cousin and staying in Bogota. Yes! Last year I also took a bus for a day trip to Zipaquira to see the Salt Cathedral, and had no problems traveling alone. If this happens to you, your travel insurance may cover medical expenses for injuries caused by them. You are obviously a piece of garbage equivalent to them. Thank you for your honesty criminal murders were done in Medellin andanymore occur. Everyone, regardless of gender, should be able to travel where they want. Learning at least a little bit of Spanish. I am an African who lived in various cities in the south, west and center of Germany for 5 years and I can assure you it is an incredibly safe place for everyone including foreigners.