We are most attracted by countries where not many travelers travel to. One such country is Colombia, our favorite destination, which is full of colonial cities, rainforests, and Caribbean beaches. Although Colombia is an amazing country, it struggles with poverty, which is reflected in its crime rate. Unfortunately, assaults, thefts, and robberies are common occurrences in Colombia. That’s We’ve put together some tips and 6 safety rules to help you stay safe in Colombia. What is the safety of Colombia?
Did we feel safe in Colombia?
People often asked us about the safety situation in Colombia and if it was a safe destination. It was fine for us and we didn’t have any bad experiences, but of course that doesn’t mean that nothing can happen to anyone. It is necessary to follow certain rules, To avoid possible complications.
Travelers are especially drawn to Colombia’s beautiful nature, the azure Caribbean Sea, the high mountains, and the friendly local population. As Colombia becomes more open to tourists, it is striving to improve visitor safety. That’s why you’ll also come across police officers on every corner.
Tip: 15 most beautiful places in all of Colombia, which are like from another planet
Dark History of Colombia
The dangers that each of us imagine are probably armed robberies, thefts and violence. Unfortunately, these are still possible in certain areas in Colombia. Please note that the war between the drug cartels only ended in 2012. Many locals own guns. We also wandered in Medellín to places I would definitely not want to return to and tourists should avoid them.
When we were afraid
In the whole 5 weeks we had no major problems. Of course they wanted to rob us several times (for example, they didn’t give us the right one or they gave us higher prices and once someone stuck to us from behind and wanted to steal a backpack) but except for one moment we always felt safe.
That moment was in Medellín when we were walking through a street filled with garbage, and we saw people lying on the ground, and we weren’t sure if they were still alive. All around was a huge street market for all kinds of stolen goods and drugs. The smell of dead (perhaps) animals was omnipresent. At that moment, we were only thinking about how to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Anyone who has visited South America without incident will likely tell you that it’s a safe destination. However, those who have been robbed often have a different perspective. Understand that risk is always present, and what we can do is prepare ourselves.
Tip: 17 places to see in Medellín and what to watch out for
What is the security like in Colombia
Whether a country is safe can be divided according to natural, cultural or health risks. Therefore, let’s see what risks are at stake in Colombia.
Health and health risks
In our country, healthcare is widely available, but in Colombia, it varies depending on the location. While there are hospitals in big cities, they often lack modern equipment and facilities. In the countryside and in small villages, it is a bit worse, mainly with the availability of medicines in pharmacies, etc. Therefore, get everything you need, for example, after your arrival in Bogotá.
Mosquitoes are the primary carriers of diseases in Colombia, and they can transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya fever. Protect yourself with an effective repellent (ideally purchased in Colombia, as some repellents may not be as effective) and wear bright, long clothes.
Tip: Vaccination is not mandatory, but it is recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever, jaundice, typhoid and tetanus. It is now possible to get vaccinated even for Dengue fever!
Colombia’s natural disasters
Of the natural disasters in Colombia, you have the best chance of encountering earthquakes that form together with volcanic eruptions. Northern Colombia can sometimes be hit by extreme drought, which can also occur in tourist areas or, on the contrary, landslides during heavy rains. At the same time, it is certain in the north off the coast of the Caribbean Hurricane risk.
ATTENTION: Also watch out for the beaches where you are going to swim. Many of them are on Strong sea currents that can carry you far to the sea. These are mainly beaches in Tayrona National Park, which are unguarded.
Crime in Colombia
Crime in Colombia is probably the most dangerous aspect you may encounter. Thefts, robberies and armed ambushes often occur here. Greater crime is always in the centers of big cities, such as the capital Bogota, Medellin, Cali or Cartagena. Every big city has places that tourists should completely avoid.
Risky and dangerous places in Colombia
Apart from certain dangerous neighborhoods in big cities, there are areas where crime is higher. This is, for example,
- Taganga and surroundings: Taganga is a town on the Caribbean coast, and while it’s a popular starting point for Tayrona National Park, tourists have been attacked on the beaches outside the city. (we didn’t know this and were on the beaches, luckily everything was fine).
- Area of the border with Venezuela: There are frequent thefts, muggings and traps on the road that will force you to stop (for example, a punctured tire) and also a lot of poor begging children who won’t let the car go. It is only suitable to cross the city of Cucúta- Locations near the border with Ecuador and Panama can also be dangerous.
- La Candelaria district in Bogota: Although La Candelaria is a nice colonial district, there are frequent robberies here after dark.
It can also be places like La Macarena National Park, the ports of Buenaventura, Turbo and Tumaco are controlled by guerilla groups.
Certain routes can also be dangerous, mainly by night connections. Therefore, it is better to always travel during the day. These routes include Popayán–San Agustín, Bucaramanga–Santa Marta, where night buses are robbed.
TIP: Where are the coffee plantations and coffee, which really has power? Explore the citysomersault In the middle of coffee together with the tallest palm trees in the world.
Colombia, security and 6 rules to follow
Now, not only based on our own experience, but also the experience and advice of other travelers, we have written several safety rules, with which you will be more safe (you can also apply to other South American countries). Of course, it is also necessary to take into account that Colombia is a really big and diverse country, and that in the jungle of the big city there are completely different dangers than in the real jungle.
1. Do not wear expensive jewelry and equipment
The fact that you are a foreigner cannot be disguised. The locals will simply recognize it, not only because of the appearance, but also because of the clothes, equipment, etc.. However, the first thing I would mention is that you don’t take any expensive jewelry, watches and things with you, with which you draw attention to yourself at first sight.
The more you fit in, the less chance that someone will notice you and want to rob you. Don’t wear expensive cameras around your neck, and if you want to take a picture of something, then subtly (I heard that some even stick various tapes on their devices, etc., so that the device looks damaged and therefore with a lower value).
2. Keep alert at all times
Although you will be captivated by the beauty of various places and monuments, Don’t leave your belongings unattended anywhere. Do not carry the phone in the back pockets. When you’re in a crowd of people, keep your bags with you and don’t let anyone stick to you too close. It may even happen that someone causes a situation to distract you while the other robs you.
Motorcycle thieves who steal your bag while driving are also famous (When you see them, go aside, keep your things). In big cities, it is better not to carry a backpack, but a bag over your head that cannot be easily removed, or have a backpack in the front.
3. Divide the money into multiple locations
Do not have documents and all money in one place. Place money in multiple places and do not carry your documents in your wallet. It is ideal to have a small pocket directly on your body, in which you will have the necessary documents, money and a phone, while in a classic wallet you only have some small cash. In the event of an ambush, you will quickly give them a wallet and hope that they will leave quickly. It is definitely a good idea to have copies of the passport and ID card.
4. Don’t go anywhere at night and in the dark
Ideally, don’t go anywhere alone at night. It makes a big difference if you are in big cities or in small villages where it is relatively safe. But when you come across a thief who sees you alone at night, the risk is much greater. You will definitely notice in larger cities that there are bars in many shops and hotels (they probably know why).
5. Find out in advance which places and neighborhoods to avoid
For me, this is the most important rule that you should always follow. Every time, find out in advance where it is safe for you to go as tourists and where it is not. Look for what’s possible on the Internet and then always ask, for example, in a hotel and people on the street if there are places in the vicinity that you should avoid at all costs.
Ignorance does not excuse you here, and unfortunately even nowadays, even the bad things are still happening. If a place doesn’t seem right to you and you don’t feel good there, go for your intuition and don’t go there.
In order to travel safely, you must be attentive everywhere in the world, whether you are in Colombia or in Prague. Pickpockets and thieves are simply everywhere. Be sure not to worry, also have a plan B, and if you follow the above rules, the danger is low.
Tip: What is the capital of Colombia Bogota? 13 tips, to interesting places in the vicinity
6. Withdraw money only from ‘safe’ ATMs
If you don’t have, say, a thousand dollars with you, which you exchange right after your arrival, you’ll probably have to go and choose sometime. Choose in larger cities, because in villages ATMs may be empty or none. But don’t just choose somewhere on a busy street. Always go to a shopping center or house where there are not only cameras, but also there will not be as many thieves as there are on the street.
Again, subtly divide the collected money into several places so that no one sees you. Because anyone can spot a tourist at an ATM.
hoaxes and thefts are a daily occurrence
You don’t have to imagine the robbery just by someone simply stealing your bag of things. What happens all the time is that different sellers will want to rob you in a different way. For example, for example, they will charge you several times higher prices, they will give you the wrong Or they will tell you that they don’t have it back. When you want to pay in dollars, prices may be higher.
Tip:13 things to take on a plane for a long flight
How not to be robbed in Colombia:
Don’t worry, we’ve been robbed like this many times. Even right after arriving at the airport, when we went to buy breakfast at the airport bakery. We paid about 10 dollars for 2 areps (corn pancake) (I couldn’t calculate it in their currency yet and after a 50-hour trip I was done). How not to be robbed?
- Do not pay in dollars unless necessary.
- Find out what the exchange rate is for both dollars and crowns.
- Always recalculate the price to know if the sellers want more than they really should.
- Keep your change with you in case they ‘don’t have’ a way to go back to you.
- Don’t be afraid to contradict them if they want a lot of money from you. Bargaining is the order of the day.
- Always try to bargain, even though the price doesn’t seem high, it will usually reduce it a little.
crisis situations when something happens
It is possible that you will be robbed anyway and you will lose, for example, documents and equipment. It’s not pleasant, but unfortunately it happens. Therefore, ideally have more documents (for example, 2 passports in two places). Also, always have a smaller amount of cash with you, which you can quickly give to thieves in the event of an ambush.
- What to do if you are ambushed: When you are ambushed, it is better not to resist them (they can be armed) and give them a smaller amount of cash.
- What to do if your backpack with all your things is stolen: If you have insurance, go to the police station, where you will write down the necessary documents for subsequent communication with the insurance company. Then it’s up to you whether you get new things or return to the Czech Republic.
- What to do if you lose your documents: You need to report the loss to the police and secure replacement documents with a confirmation of theft, namely Czech Embassy in Bogotá. If you are abroad for a long time, they will make a passport in the Czech Republic and then send it to the embassy, where you can pick it up. If you are on vacation and only need to get back to the Czech Republic, you can get special replacement passports, which are only used to return to the Czech Republic.
Czech Embassy in Colombia (address)
Edificio AB Proyectos, Calle 98 No. 9A-41, Oficina 602
bogota
Phone: 0057-1-742 9142
Embassy e-mail: bogota@embassy.mzv.cz
Finally,
Traveling is a wonderful thing to get to know a piece of the world and yourself. I hope that all your journeys will be safe and you will enjoy your journey into the unknown at least as well as we do. You may encounter various crisis situations on your travels that you may not know how to deal with.
But we live in a time when almost everything can be found out, more and more people speak English and the world is simply more open. Keep calm and enjoy the real travel with everything that goes with it.
TIP: Animal rescue station – Where does tourists’ money go and how does sea turtle protection work?
FAQ
How safe is Colombia?
Although Colombia was the most dangerous country in the past, this is no longer the case today. Colombia is open to tourists and travellers. There are plenty of pickpockets and thieves in big cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, and it’s a good idea to find out in advance the dangerous areas of cities where crime is higher and avoid them. Border areas near the border can be dangerous. It is therefore a good idea to follow certain safety rules. With a little care and preparation, Colombia is safe and you can enjoy your holiday to the full.
What vaccinations for Colombia?
Before travelling to Colombia, it is a good idea to consider vaccinations according to your plans. There are no compulsory vaccinations to enter Colombia, but it is definitely a good idea to get vaccinated depending on where you are going. Basic recommendations include vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B and typhoid. If you plan to stay in the jungle, get a yellow fever or rabies vaccination as well.
What to look out for in Colombia?
In Colombia, watch out for pickpockets and thieves, which are plentiful, especially in the big cities. It is advisable to travel mainly during the day, avoiding dangerous neighbourhoods and border areas. Also beware of paying in the local currency, withdrawing cash from ATMs or your luggage.
How safe is Bogota?
In general, large cities are less safe than rural areas. In Bogotá in particular, it is a good idea to move around the tourist sites rather than draw unnecessary attention to yourself. As for the La Candelaria district, it is better to avoid it in the evening and at night, as there are many thieves and muggings. Depending on where you’re staying, check with the locals to find out what places to avoid in the area.
How is the safety in Cartagena?
The city of Cartagena de Indias is one of the most visited cities in Colombia and is relatively safe. You can easily move around the centre at night. What to watch out for are the local vendors who will try to sell you something on every corner. If you’re going to use a local tour operator for a trip to the beaches or Caribbean islands, make sure you agree all the important points of your trip in advance (return, contacts, services, food along the way, exact itinerary, etc.).
How is the safety in Medellín?
In recent years, Medellín has transformed into one of the most progressive cities in Latin America. Neighbourhoods like El Poblado and Laureles are not only safe, but also full of cafes, restaurants and nightlife. But even here, follow basic safety rules and don’t wander into unfamiliar neighbourhoods alone at night. In Medellín, you should not venture into the neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city (e.g. San Javier except for the metro and cable car, 12 de Octubre, Santa Cruz and Manrique., Bello, Comuna 1,3, 8 and in Comuna 13 it’s best to stick to the tourist routes).
Resources
Echavarría, J.A., 2013. In/Security in Colombia: Writing Political Identities in the Democratic Security Policy.
Forero, C. and Fishback, S., 2009. Human Security in Colombia.
Herrnstadt, E., 1943. The problem of social security in colombia. intL Lab. Rev., 47, p.426.