Is Colombia Safe for Travelers? 6 Essential Safety Tips

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Is Colombia dangerous? Should you worry about protests and express kidnappings? We debunk the myths to show you Colombia's safe side.

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Colombia is a South American country with a bad reputation for drug wars and kidnappings. Despite its history of violence and insecurity, Colombia is – and has been for a while now – a favorite travel destination for adventure travelers.

From the charming culture and friendly locals to the vibrant nightlife and breathtaking natural landscapes, it's hard not to fall in love with this magical country.

So is Colombia safe for travelers? The short answer is yes – as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America.

The bad news about safety in Colombia

While Colombia's crime and kidnapping rates have significantly reduced over the last decade, you still need to use common sense and caution to stay safe.

Petty crime, such as mugging, pickpocketing and cell phone snatching, is common, especially in busy areas and on public transport in major cities. Keep your valuables out of sight when you're out and about. If you need to use your phone, don't whip it out in the middle of the street. Instead, go into a nearby shop or bank.

The number of kidnappings is down hugely from its peak in 2000, but it's a threat that you need to be aware of.

Certain regions of the country, especially Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments and the borders with Ecuador and Venezuela, are dangerous. Many foreign governments recommend against travel to those regions because of the risk of kidnap. terrorism, or detainment. Don't travel anywhere your government tells you not to. 

Civil unrest in Colombia

Colombians elected Gustavo Petro as their president in June 2022. Petro will be the country's first leftist leader, and his election has given hope to millions of young, struggling Colombians desperate for change.

The transition of power has put a pause on anti-government strikes, and there is presently no major civil unrest in Colombia. That said, things could change, and protests and demonstrations can start up. Monitor local news reports and avoid all protests or demonstrations, which may turn violent quickly.

The good news about safety in Colombia

Government travel advisories have declared several regions of Colombia to be safe for travel. These include Bogotá, Tunja, Bucaramanga, Medellín, Cali, the Coffee Zone departments of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas, San Andres, the Caribbean cities of Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Capurganá, and the Pacific coast towns Nuquí and Bahía Solano.

Bogotá has its dodgy areas, but stay clear of them, and you'll find that the capital city is an exciting – and safe – place to explore. 

When we speak to travelers who have been to Colombia and foreigners who live there, they only have good things to say about the country. They say it's beautiful and much safer than what the media make it out to be. However, that's only true if you stick to the well-known tourist destinations. 

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. And when you're in major cities, ask your hostel staff, a friendly local or other backpackers which areas to avoid.

Common sense safety rules apply when traveling in Colombia:

  • Don't wear expensive
  • Keep your phones, cameras and bank cards out of sight
  • Only carry enough money for the day
  • Avoid taking your passports out with you.

If you show excessive signs of wealth, you'll stand out and increase your chances of getting robbed or mugged.

Colombians dress nicely in the cities. So try to blend in, and you'll avoid looking like a tourist – and a target for criminals. Don't wear shorts, hiking pants, or flip-flops – wear jeans and a nice t-shirt. And if possible, wear clothing with hidden pockets to stash your valuables.

Kidnapping in Colombia

With increased security measures along major roads and the ceasefire agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC, the risk of being kidnapped in Colombia nowadays is very low. 

Criminals aren't waiting at the airport or outside restaurants to kidnap you and ask for ransom. However, if you venture into remote areas controlled by still-in-operation rebel groups, such as the ELN and dissidents of the FARC, you do place yourself at risk of being kidnapped. Stick to tourist spots, and you will be fine.

What are express kidnappings?

Secuestro express (express kidnappings), also known as paseo millonario (millionaire's ride), happens when you are kidnapped for an hour. Or however long it takes for the criminals to drive you around town visiting ATMs, emptying your bank account, and maxing out your credit card.

The ordeal usually begins when the victim gets into a taxi they flagged in the street. The driver will go around the corner where the bandits jump in. They persuade you to cooperate with knives, guns, or a punch of two.

Although express kidnappings don't happen often, criminals are opportunists and randomly select their victims. Stay safe by never hailing a taxi from the street. Nor enter an already occupied taxi or car you ordered on a ride-hailing app. 

You could take a second credit card with a low limit to South America and leave the main card at home. 

If this happens to you, your travel insurance may cover medical expenses for injuries caused by them. 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. But, you'll have to argue with your bank about the credit card bill.

How to avoid crime in Colombia

Ask any Colombian the best tactic to avoid being a victim of a crime, and they'll tell you "no dar papaya" (don't give papaya). 

This local saying means don't put yourself in a vulnerable situation where someone can easily take advantage of you. For example, don't walk alone late at night or flash valuables in public areas. 

Most travelers who've encountered problems in Colombia have likely broken this simple rule. 

Here are a few other ways to avoid crime in Colombia:

  • Try to keep a low profile
  • Don't use illegal taxis
  • Don't drive on rural roads at night at all
  • Don't ask for drugs
  • Lock the doors of the car, and keep at least a half a tank of fuel
  • Watch out for drink spiking at bars and clubs.

Video: Why you shouldn't do cocaine in Colombia

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41 Comments

  • Ethan said

    Fantastic article!!!

    Reply

  • Jay & G said

    Hey my boyfriend and I are currently on a round the world trip and I have to say Colombia is our favourite place so far! I agree so much so with what I read on this blog in terms of how to stay safe. From my experience and from what I saw in our 5 weeks in Colombia (especially in Cartagena) I still would not recommend Colombia to single female travellers but that just me. There were a couple of occasions where I felt unsafe and I was with my partner. We were both very careful when out and about but I definitely still sensed a certain amount of unease especially at night. If you do decide to go as a female traveller always be extra careful at night and try and stick with other groups. Even finding just one more person to walk around with is his better than alone. Other than that it is a beautiful country and must be explored now whilst it is not over run with tourists. Check out our blog for where we enjoyed and for info on where else we travelled in Colombia.

    www.2becomejuan.wordpress.com

    Happy Travels Everyone. Jay & G

    Reply

  • Annette said

    Just came home from Cartegena. 13 family members went on the trip for 8 days. If you do not speak Spanish, you will struggle. The country does not cater to Americans and Europeans but does cater to other South American visitors. The nicest Colombians we interacted with were at our hotel, this was mostly the activities and acquatics workers.

    Several times during the trip we felt uncomfortable in the old city. I would never recommend an American woman travel to Cartegena alone. Please take a few friends on the trip with you. There are a lot of scammers in Colombia, so you have to be smart and cautious or you will lose your money. We were scammed by an English speaking tour guide, but we booked our tour through the hotel, so we got our money back.

    The beach is dirty, the Atlantic Ocean water is very cloudy, and Cartegena and the surrounding areas are extremely dirty. There is trash everywhere. Dogs and cats are treated like rodents. The number of underfed dogs and cats we saw on the trip was overwhelming. If you love animals, seeing the horrible way dogs and cats are treated will break your heart!

    Overall the trip was fun and interesting, but we are not in a big hurry to return to Colombia any time soon!

    Reply

  • Yi Rui said

    I was drugged and robbed in Bogota a few years ago during my naive fist trip to Colombia/South America. When I think back I feel happy that I wasn't killed I was robbed - my wallet, my rolex, all my credit cards. I recall even giving them my pin numbers. I recall vaguely how I walked back to my hotel room. Next morning I overslept and missed my flight and people waiting for me at the LAX went crazy when my plane landed and I didn't show up. I returned safely on the same day with an afternoon flight. However, I had short term memory problems for several months after the incident. When seeing my friends or colleagues, I could not recall their names. Later, I gained my normal memory. I've been to many places in Colombia and South America since my first trip in 2010. All major cities in Colombia still have serious crime issues. I would say Colombia is much more dangerous than Rio de Janeiro's favelas because the Colombians use drugs and all kinds of "sophisticated" techniques to spike your drinks in bars and discos, or it could be a street beggar, or a senior/handicapped person, and so on. Even South Central Los Angeles will seem much safer. 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. I would not recommend Colombia for single travellers at all. Never should go out alone, always with friends you trust. 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. The article refers to the French government's lift of travel ban to certain regions. I'm not sure how safe is the french ok.

    Reply

  • Joe Mancini said

    When you say use common sense would you mind being a little more specific. My lady friend (she lives in Cali) will be with me. We are staying at a place I got on AirBNB. Thanks, Joe Mancini

    Reply

  • Andreas said

    Thank you Laura and Brent for setting a few things right.. For those who think Colombia is some kind of dumping ground where only thieves, rapists and murders live, I feel sorry for you. There is crime in Colombia but just as much or less as there is in NYC, Cleveland or San Francisco. if you walk alone in the middle of the night anywhere in the world, you are asking for trouble. You have to be cautious and mindful of where you are and who you are with. 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. it all comes down to where you go or stay. If you come to visit NYC and want to be cheap, you can stay in Jamaica Queens or some parts of the Bronx where you are not going to feel safe at any time of the day. But if you stay on 5th 6th Park Ave or any of the expensive areas in Manhattan, I can guarantee you will feel safer. It's the same in any city of Colombia. If you have never been there, do some research on the city you are visiting. I can tell you I have traveled my whole life, and visited areas of Colombia that I probably shouldn't have, but everywhere I went, people were amazingly friendly and cordial. Most people make an honest living but there are some who don't. So how do you avoid them? 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. Colombia has an infinite amount of activities your whole family can enjoy. My sister lives in Bogota, and my 10 year old boy travels by himself every summer since he was 7. He stays for a month, goes all over the country with my sister's family and comes home 4 weeks later or my wife and I come down to meet him. My 18 year old son sometimes goes with us, sometimes he goes by himself. Yes I have a sister there, who knows what to do and not to do, but that goes for everyone else. Do your homework, ask questions, do some research. 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. Please don't just listen to the ignorant people who nothing but bad things to say about Colombia or any other place in the world.. I can tell you some horror stories of Italy, Germany, New Jersey, NYC, California, Barcelona, etc etc but I won't because my time at any of those beautiful places of the world, was so much more amazing than any bad experienced I had usually due to a lack of good judgement on my part.. Enjoy your stay in ????????Colombia????????

    Reply

  • Ian McAllister said

    Colombia is a dangerous country to visit.If you are desparate to be able to say you've gone there,go ahead and good luck.There are many many beautiful places to visit in the world.The need to go to a high risk destination is odd,especially if you're armed with the knowledge before hand.I guess its the cool thing for hipsters to do.

    Reply

  • zuza said

    We would like to visit some smaller, but safe places in Colombia. Villa de Leyva and Barichara are recommended by LP. What would be the best way to get there? Bus? Car rental?
    Any other similar places worth visiting on a short trip? We will arrive in Bogota, and will probably fly to Cartagena or Santa Marta as well.
    Thank you in advance for any advice.

    Reply

  • Andrew said

    Is cartAgene safe? I am talking to a Colombian woman who wants me to fly down there. I do speak Spanish because I'm half Cuban.

    Reply

  • Rosita said

    I have a loving Colombian friend, and she always invite me to go to Medellín - 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? Wha' do y'all think?
    Looking forward,
    R

    Reply

  • cis said

    That Colombia is as safe or even safer than the US (which it isn't, as someone else pointed out) is not saying much!
    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...).
    All these statements do not give me a point of reference, as I live in a smaller town in Europe (thank God!).

    Reply

  • Antonio said

    Rosita, Cebu is great. Lovely people. But just like anywhere else you have to be street smart. They have the best lechon in the Philippines

    Reply

  • Ross johnson said

    Why risk it? There are enough places to enjoy that are not high risk. So what's the point.

    Reply

  • Andrea said

    Hello. I'm an American that lives in Bogota. If you have never visited Colombia then you don't really have any idea about it's safety. It is a big city, it has crime, and there is a big divide between rich and poor. I was scared before coming here that I would be robbed constantly because of all the negative things you hear. There are parts of the city that I would avoid, but as a whole I feel very safe here. You use common sense and you will be fine. Also learn some Spanish before you come. You will need it!

    Reply

  • bernie sanders said

    I went to Colombia and my wallet was pickpocketed at the airport. Alarmed, I called the us embassy and they sent a car to pick me up. Unfortunately, the car I got into was only pretending to be the embassy car, and they drove me to who knows where and beat me until I gave them a relatives number who would pay a ransom. They called the relative but she refused to pay so after a few weeks they let me go in who knows where. I found my way to a hospital and they contacted the embassy again which arranged for me to be flown back to Washington DC. I'm thinking that I might not travel to Colombia again,

    Reply

  • Paul said

    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.
    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.

    Reply

  • Justin said

    I have lived in Medellin, Colombia for almost 4 years now and while reading this article and seeing some of the ridiculous comments I felt compelled to write something... those people saying things like "Colombia is too dangerous to visit", "why risk going there when there are other beautiful places to visit" etc have clearly not been to or lived in Colombia and have some sort of mental problem that forces them to write uninformed nonsense about a wonderful country for some unknown reason. At the risk of repeating the same sentiment once again, Colombia is completely safe to visit and nobody should have any fear of visiting here if you use common sense while you are here. 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. In almost 4 years in the country, and having travelled to cities like Bogota, Cali, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Bucaramanga, Cucuta and a few other small towns (Guatape, Villa de Leyva, Tunja, Zipaquira, Santa Fe de Antioquia etc) I have not once felt unsafe, threatened or had anything happen to me other than being pickpocketed on the street during a big football game in Parque Lleras (a very touristy area in Medellin) when there were crowds of people everywhere and I naively left my camera in a side pocket. If you are careful and act like you would in any city, you will have an amazing time here. Do not listen to idiots commenting here who say it is too dangerous, you will be kidnapped/robbed/raped bla bla bla. Colombia is a beautiful, welcoming and safe country to visit.

    Reply

  • Benji said

    Hi! The comments here have been even more informative than the article. 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. I plan to stick to La Candelaria in the afternoon and then head to Zona Rosa for dinner. Does anyone have any tips for how to hold on to my camera?

    Reply

  • Frank Vitolo said

    I'm going there with my cousin and staying in Bogota. 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. Being that she showed me this post, can anyone give me a little backing and make her feel at ease?

    Reply

  • Leonard said

    Brent says thousands of foreigners die in Germany every year? Might be true but are they killed or kidnapped? 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. Comparing it to Colombia in any way is just insane.

    I could walk just about anywhere at any time day or night without even the slightest worry that someone might try robbing or harming me.

    In fact is is so safe, I remember one time I was going on a trip with a friend and happened to meet a long lost friend just outside the train station at Bochum (a small city sandwiched between Dusseldorf and Dortmund) . He suggested to have a drink before I continue with my journey. Since my backpack was heavy I opted to just leave it on the floor outside the train station (yes it is so safe I didn't even think much about doing this). When we got back we found the police had cordoned off the area to inspect my backpack. I explained it was mine and I had left it to go have a quick drink with a friend. They asked a few questions, took my details and explained about the various terrorist threats they have to guard against. I got my bag back, bid my friend goodbye and continued with my journey up north.

    And no I'm not a careless person. 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). Despite Moscow being rather safe, I would never even think of leaving my belongings unattended.

    I've never been to Colombia but judging from the above comments, comparing its safety to Germany's is beyond hyperbole.

    Reply

  • Juliette said

    Some great posts on here.. But no mention of Cali where I will be going for surgery. After healing and rest I plan to visit the museums and historical places (with my partner btw) , also maybe enjoy some shopping. I don't want to risk taking my debit card out and obviously will need enough cash to buy a few goodies. I am confused at how to juggle this now. Do I hide my card/cash in my shoes, down my pants? I don't intend to take anything like an expensive watch , apart from my mobile phone which I would be scared to take out now! Lol .. Maybe I am over thinking. Will definitely put the app on my phone re taxi . Are restaurants safe at night in tourism areas?

    Reply

  • Tex said

    Went to Medellin and Cartagena the fall of last year. Never had a problem and i have taken a few risks out there, like hanging out with questionable women and walking alone at dark. However, i try to keep up a high level of situational awareness ( always looking to the sides and behind me, crossing the street if there is a large group of people ahead, etc). The same things i do in big cities in America. I am African American so i am at lower risk, I can pass easily for a colombian until i open my mouth. Going back to Cartagena this fall, the place is magical.

    Reply

  • Mark said

    The stupidity from snowflakes here is amazing. I work in Medellin and I watch these kids walking around at night at 1 am like they are in South Dakota. I know 4 people this month that have been robbed. Two at knife point. Street crime is up 300 percent, look it up. The State dept put out a new travel warning June 16th. Parents are downright ignorant. This girl above Monica says she lives there now, they are also going to be working until they are 90.

    Murder is going down because the gangs did a deal where they will look the other way on robbery. If they elect the Marxist running for President next year, watch the exodus. Venezuela thought it wouldn't not happen also. Most of the comments here are downright nuts.

    Reply

  • Darya said

    Pakistan is the safest country niw in the world...

    Reply

  • adam said

    Wow I really want to come on vacation to Colombia with my family, this is an aspiration I hahaha, thanks for the information you provide. For those of you who are preparing a holiday to Bali do not forget also to prepare lodging at Latalianavillas.com very comfortable and best in Bali

    Reply

  • Sean said

    So far this year, I have been to Medellin, Colombia twice. I absolutely LOVE that city and have nothing but great experiences. Since I know basic Spanish, I had no issues with getting around, ordering food and interacting with the locals. In terms of safety, I felt no danger and I mostly traversed the city and surrounding department of Antioquia solo. The same street smarts that used in places like New York City, Chicago and DC, I used in Medellin. No problems. I stayed out late on many nights and partied in Parque Lleras and La 70 areas of Medellin. Again, nothing but great stories.

    Just use your head, keep your head on a swivel and do not act like a dumb and lost tourist. You'll be fine.

    Oh, and I interacted with a ton of solo women travelers in Medellin. They loved it.

    If anyone need any information on Medellin, email me at hilltop202@icloud.com

    Reply

  • Tim said

    I visited Bogota last year. I felt very safe traveling alone. It is an amazing city with great museums, shopping and restaurants. I stayed on the main streets and main areas. 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. It seems people have the most problems who: 1) go out in the areas where there are not a lot of people at night, 2) or don't use an app to hail cabs, 3) or hang out at night clubs and act like they are in their home country or 4) are looking for drugs. It is very nice and safe in the shopping area around Andino Shopping Mall at night. Avoid Calle 9 area at night, as there are lots of muggings in that area. I stayed at an Airbnb with doorman on Calle 24 and it is great. I'm headed back again this year, and not worried. Last year I also took a bus for a day trip to Zipaquira to see the Salt Cathedral, and had no problems traveling alone.

    Reply

  • Carlos Chaves Bustos said

    Hello friends, if you decided or should come to Colombia and feel insecure or want to know more about Colombia I can help you, my name is Carlos Chaves I am Colombian I know the country its cities the airline lines hotels according to the budget tourist sites restaurants land transport everything they need to help them on their trip.
    If you prefer, I can accompany you on your trip
    My contact is:
    Carlos Chaves
    cell phone.573108308371
    americanaderines@gmail.com

    Reply

  • Shannon Yearwood said

    Interesting article! It is true that some years ago Colombia was considered a dangerous place to visit but now it is not true! Nowadays Colombia is a safe country with so many beautiful places to explore! Of course, as a foreigner, you have to be careful but nothing you have to worry about! I share with you an article that shows why Colombia is now a safe place to travel as a tourist: https://colombiabybus.co/things-to-know/is-it-safe-to-travel-around-colombia-as-tourist/

    Reply

  • Phil Sylvester said

    Hey Mario,
    if you think we've exaggerated the danger you should take a look at someone who really has - the US State Department. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html

    I think we've hit the right spot between acknowledging the potential dangers and recognizing that travelers are smarter than they're given credit for by many.

    I think the advice is well balanced and it adheres to our philosophy as a travel brand:
    "keeping our travelers safe on the road is more than just about providing great travel insurance.
    We’ve created language guides for your iPhones, travel blogs so you can share your stories and travel insights to keep you informed, educated and safe when traveling.
    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.
    And we believe you too can help change the world by giving a little back when you travel."

    We have never hidden the fact we fund all of that through insurance sales. Travel insurance is front and center on our home page.

    We strive to be impartial, but we also need to be informative. We're are always open to feedback and encourage travelers to contribute. If you think something here is wildly inaccurate we're happy to hear from you and set about the process of verifying those suggestions and changing the content accordingly.

    We don't keep our content for "members only" nor put it behind a paywall, you are free to read as much as you want, take the advice, enter a scholarship, download a guide. Buying insurance is not mandatory to be part of the Nomads community.

    Reply

  • Dajiu said

    I rode a motorcycle in Colombia and I loved it. You can see more about my trip at ExhaustNotes.us.

    Reply

  • Gloria said

    I'm SO glad there lots of you out there that speak in behalf of Colombia.
    It's a wonderful place to live and visit.
    As many pointed out, common sense is your best safety. In Colombia and anywhere. (By the way, why do detractors mispell Colombia? It's ColOmbia, not ColUmbia). Maybe they are mistaken and it's ColUmbia which is dangerous.

    Reply

  • Diego said

    Hi :)
    I think is a matter of being really cautious and wise. I lived in Colombia most of my life and never got robbed or kidnapped (although I got pickpocketed various times). I have been robbed (or attempted to) in Ecuador, Chile, Indonesia, South Africa and even Australia and the Netherlands! Most of the times because I was were I was not supposed to be, or alone or going back home after partying.
    Be cautious, ask the locals, never take a random cab and don’t flash your valuables! Wear your backpack in front on the public transport and beware of pickpocketers.

    Diego :)

    Reply

  • Luis Varela said

    Thank you for publishing this. This side of our story never gets told. Gracias!

    Reply

  • Daphne Jane Molson said

    Thank you for your honesty criminal murders were done in Medellin andanymore occur. My young son, George Paul Molson, was
    gunned in Heredia, Costa Rica and run over by a
    bus and ruptured his organs and removed his spleen.
    He wants to live in Bogota for someone offered
    him cheap money. He likes walking on streets
    at night. Do you think he should live and work in
    Bogota, is the water sewage and work pay good?
    I have advised psychiatrists to not release him of
    an institution he put himself in for fear he will
    be abused and never earn enough money to survive well.
    Thanks for persuading me to look after him.
    Daphne Molson, his 73 year old cancered mother.

    Reply

  • henry b said

    i took my 17 yo daughter to Bucaramanga for a month in 2018. She volunteered at a hospital daily and i had a little fun and explored the city.

    Westayed in nice hotels attached to malls. After dark, no walking around outside. The malls were safe and i enjoyed the city immensly. I golfed, I hiked, I met nice folks and lunched with them....

    heck, i am thinking about renting an apartment next mall for a year and take a long vacation. its very cheap in Colombia!

    Reply

  • KC said

    Never go to Bucaramanga. The city smells absolutely awful. In fact, the city smells so bad that it actually woke me up from a dead sleep just now. I cannot emphasize just how terrible this city smells.

    Also, the people here are the most discourteous of anywhere I have ever been in my entire life, and I have been to some pretty bad locations around the world. However, that is a secondary concern compared to the godawful, horrendous stench that often pervades the entire city.

    Reply

  • ALEX THOMPSON said

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  • Kelvin Acevedo said

    I went to Colombia for a bachelor party. Unfortunately, the groomsmen were all hungover, so I ended up going on an excursion with only the best man and his brother. Everything went well and when it came time for us to be picked up, the car could not make it up the mountain. We were pissed and at the same time, a little scared as the guide told us there were lions in the area. We tried not go show fear cuz although we’re Hispanic, we’re not Colombians. As we were waiting there a guy on a motorcycle was riding in our direction. We were so lucky that we had money on us, that we offered him money to take us back to “civilization.” He agreed and started with my boy who is overweight, then came back for us. I really think we are lucky to be here today, but it just shows how dangerous these third world countries could be. Never again.

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  • Javk said

    Colombia sounds horrible. Just say no.

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  • Tom said

    Druggies deserve to lose their shit anywhere to go.

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