Safety Advice for Visiting Colombia
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- čas přidán 17. 05. 2024
- Are you heading to Colombia and worried if it is safe to visit? Well, don't worry! Colombia is actually quite safe to visit. It is not the 1980s or 1990s anymore. You and your family can enjoy Colombia. Of course there are still some safety issues you should be aware of and scams and tourists traps as well, but we want to give you honest travel information on Colombia so you can make your own decision on visiting this beautiful country with extremely friendly people.
Filmed in Cartagena, Colombia
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I grew up in Bogota, it makes us very proud to see you visiting our country
Beautiful city
Always be aware of your surroundings
Always listen to locals. If they tell you doing something/going somewhere is unsafe, don't do it!
When you do take ur phone out in public, hold it very tightly!
Someone on moto tried to rob me yesterday in Bogotá.
They failed because it was so tight in my hands
Be safe 🙌🏻
😳
There is even a saying in Colombia related to this I believe. It's an odd one along the lines of "don't show your grapes" and means never absent mindedly have anything valuable on show
@@user-bv8fr4to8k yes never! Sadly, everyone needs to take their phone for a second as I did to check my uber was arriving. And that 3-5 seconds -bam!
I’m glad I hold it so tight always 🙏🏼
@@user-bv8fr4to8k "No dar Papaya." Don't show sweet things.
I went to Colombia 2 years ago (Carabean coast and Medellin, which were overall OK). I meet people from Bogota and they told me they do not feel safe in their own city. Generally speaking, big Latin American cities are not the safest place. I would go to Bogota, but just to see the main attractions and I would go out ASAP.
A few weeks ago I returned from my fifth--yes, fifth--trip to Colombia. It's one of my favorite countries.
Unfortunately TV series like "Narcos" make people believe that everyone who goes to Colombia gets killed, or worse.
Cartagena isn't my favorite city. It's the one city that feels overtouristed and the street vendors can be aggressive. In most of Colombia that doesn't exist.
I love Bogotá or as Colombians call it "the refrigerator", because it almost never goes above 20C (68F). It's a very real city and only in a very few areas does it feel touristy. Medellin has become almost too popular with foreigners for its own good, but it shouldn't be missed. Cali receives far fewer tourists but it's lovely. Especially the San Antonio neighborhood.
Colombia is wonderful. And remember. Pablo Escobar is every bit as dead as Al Capone is.
What would you recommend for a sort of sightseeing, laid back holiday? My girlfriend and I are debating between Mexico and Colonbia and can't decide!
@@user-bv8fr4to8k Really that would depend on your interests. I love both.
Maybe do one this year and the other one next 😉
Such a beautiful country, ppl treat you like family!
If you’re a foreigner, good people treat you like family and bad people wanna screw you up. If you’re from there, bad people wanna screw you up and good people just don’t care about you.
Went to Colombia for my birthday in 2022 October. Bogota and Medellin and I felt perfectly safe, especially Medellin
Soooo glad you finally went to Colombia!! 🇨🇴 I’ve been going to Colombia with my Colombian wife for 23 years and never had a problem. Do bad things happen in Colombia? Yes. Be very careful! But enjoy the people and culture. The people are wonderful and generous.
Mark, I'm a big fan of your videos and specially of your openness towards cultures different than your own.
But this video touched me deeply because Colombia is where I grew up and live, and you were quite respectful and evidently intent on showing that Colombia in regards to travel safety is not that different from many other countries.
Whenever you're back in Bogotá, you and your family have a friend in me and my wife!
Heading to Medellin in Aug 🙌
Been waiting on some colombia content! I wouldn’t say it’s 100% safe for the average traveler that doesn’t know Spanish. This isn’t a place for beginners, but it can be amazing if you do your research and don’t be flashy.
My son is heading there on the 20th for his first solo trip. I wanted to go but also have travel plans so it didn’t work out. It’s hard to find good Columbia travel videos so I thank you for posting.
Its Colombia, WTF, so easy.😵💫
@@alexRM58maybe her son is going to South Carolina.
if hes going to medellin ...then hes going for the women
👍
@@commanderclaude8781 Cartagena is the same if not worse
I just got back from Colombia and was really worried about the safety issues before I went as well.
- For getting around I'd recommend downloading apps such as Uber or cabify. These saved me many times.
- Aside from a few select areas such as the historic centre (Getsemani area) in Cartagena, and maybe the main streets of La Candelaria in Bogota and El Poblado in Medellin, try not to walk around too much, especially if it's by yourself or at night. Just take an Uber, they are dirt cheap. I averaged about $3/ride.
- Be super aware of your belongings and don't walk around with/have your phone out.
- Visit Salento, it was my favorite place in Colombia and is completely safe, even walking around at night.
Following some of these precautions and the ones in the video, Colombia turned out to be my absolute favorite country I've been to so far. Colombians are some of the most genuine and most hard working people I've ever met. Can't wait to visit again!
Been to Cartagena and Medellin. Both lovely and I felt very safe
Greetings from Guaviare Colombia.
Geotours del Guaviare
We lived in Cartagena for 5 years in the late 90s and even then it wasn’t unsafe. We traveled to Bogotá as well without any problems. The same general travel rules that are good to follow elsewhere should be applied in Colombia. It’s a spectacularly beautiful country and the people are among the friendliest you’ll find anywhere. (It’s definitely helpful to know at least a little Spanish; even being able to speak a few words or phrases helps.)
I had to reschedule my trip from March 2020 to December 2021 due to Covid. I loved Cartagena. I agree with what you said. I hope to return soon. I heard a few nightmare scenarios about the druggings.
I love to travel and have been to many places. I was in Columbia a few weeks ago, and it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had. Everything about the country exceeded my expectations. I felt very safe. I will definitely go back! I’m also impressed with Walter’s World videos. I checked this video out just to see if it was accurate compared to my personal experience, and Walter is spot on.
I just was granted a 3 year Colombian retirement visa last week.
Very accurate and balanced video - nice job. Some good Colombia-specific advice, but most of it is something all travelers should habitualize.
Hi Mark, thanks a great video, I have been living in Barranquilla for the last 10 years so Cartagena is just down the road and I visit often. Your observations are totally accurate and your recommendations are right on point, thanks again for a great video.
I visited Pereira and Manizales in 2014 with a Colombian friend.
Hi as an American retired and living i Colombia.I recomend not visit south of cali due to miliary activity..also the Venuzuela border and near the darian gap should be avoided.Just use you head in other areas of Columbia and enjoy the beauty of the county and the wonderful helpful people.
Mark, this video comes at a great time as our family will be visiting Pereira in the coming months. We’ll be staying with and going out and about with family over there. We’re excited to visit the axis of coffee region as we’ve been told is gorgeous and a smaller city. Don’t know yet if we’ll head to San Andreas, but thanks very much for this.
I liked in Pereira for a little less than a year. It’s a great city with very kind people, I rarely felt unsafe. Enjoy :)
I felt very safe in Cartagena in December when I was there on windstar excursions, both daytime and evening. I generally prefer to be on group excursions as a solo cruiser
Very useful Video!
Hey Mark, awesome video
I went to Colombia in the 90s and than in 2022. It is a country I really like and I think in general people are amazing. First, it is much safer than in was during the 90s, no question. I find place like Cartagena very safe. But there is a big difference between the gringo trail (places where tourists typically go) and other places. I went to Ciénaga (Gabriel Garcia Márquez place between Cartagena and Santa Marta but not touristic in itself). I asked people if it was safe at night and people told me know. I can tell you then after sunset (6pm) it was just like Colombia in the not so good old days. I just went out with $5 on me to buy food from the grocery next door. It was just enough time to see there were grids closed everywhere and only young men out. In surface, Colombia is safe and in touristic places, it is decent, but just be mindful things can change quickly and it is not true everywhere. For e.g., I noticed our guide was really working hard to make sure nothing bad happen to us when visiting the Comuna 13 in Medellin. Go to Colombia, it is an amazing country, but don't be naive, ask locals what is safe and listen to what they tell you.
Good advice !
This is a great video. I visited Colombia about 3 years ago and it was a wonderful trip!
I've travelled all over Colombia. Choose the Caribbean coast over the Pacific. Leticia is also a great spot for tourists. Its a small city deep into the Amazon jungle. The borders aren't recognized, so you can walk across the street and enter Brazil, or take a boat tour down the Amazon river to visit Peru.
I was waiting for this video!!! I’m going to Colombia next week!!!
Ty for this video!! I’m planning a trip for next year, so the timing of this is great for me ☺️. Love your videos!
Thank you!!! ❤ 🇨🇴
Hi i went to colombia last year with my friends (4 23 yo men at the time). Were all mexican so no language barriers at all. People are warm, girls are beautiful. Some places you’re perfectly safe like the wealthier areas in medellin or the coffee towns like salento. However in other areas like cartagena you need to watch out for scams and in central medellin i rlly felt sketchy vibes. Many eyes staring at us (i think this is how americans feel in tijuana but yeh first time ive ever felt a 6th sense for danger in latin america) so watch out for obvious signs. Plan ahead and your’re good. But do stay aware. Eyes on your back!
Go to Jardin Antioquia! You will love it!
So beautiful 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴 So in love with that country! The people always with a smile!
Welcome to my country! Go to San Andres. That’s our island. 🏝️
I would love to go to Colombia! Never been to South America. Beautiful! (I'm poor, but someday I will go!)
Great video! Met a crazy, fun, forever Columbian friend in Spain, lovely people!
You make everything convincing
My beach excursion at Cartagena was at a nice beach resort which was gated and had security. Felt very safe
Great safety tips! But never going there unless I have my own security detail haha
That sounds miserable 🥺
I travel all over the world as a solo woman and have never had trouble. Colombia is wonderful!!
I'm colombian, and i've been scamed more times in Europe than Colombia. Everything should be fine as long as you follow security advices.
Go to Colombia all the time. My biggest safety tips are... "Don't be an idiot. If you don't think you belong, you don't." Do that and you'll be perfectly fine.
Basically: No dar Papaya!
this video makes me think of this couple i follow on youtube. naick and kim. they're from belgium and are currently trying to travel the pan-american highway. they're in columbia right now. it's been fascinating because they had to ship their van from belgium to canada, drive from new foundland across to alaska and then start to drive south. lots of headaches with the van breaking down and lots of tears but also really amazing adventures. haha i know a lot of people have been and continue to be worried for their safety since they often sleep in the van and have to find safe places to park for the night.
Hi, I've been watching your videos for a long time. I'm from Colombia. What do you think of the food?
Colombia is overall safe, but as long as you don't go out of the beaten track. See for e.g. the video of Alina Mcleod "I ALMOST GOT ROBBED AND SHOT AT IN SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA". If for e.g. nobody walk near the highway, there is probably a good reason. I don't want to discourage people from going to Colombia, but on the other hand, they most know that travelling in Latin America in general is much more of an adventure than travelling to Europe. Colombia is not the hell it used to be, but it is not a place for naive and carefree tourists.
I was born in Cali, been living here for 25 years, I'll add, don't walk late at night, even if your destination is only a few blocks away, just pay for an Uber
It is true for most places in Colombia. However, I found that walking at night in the touristic part of Cartagena, Santa Marta and even some part of Medellin was OK. But I would not try in Bogota or Medellin.
Basically it all comes down to “No dar papaya”. Always apply that motto and you’ll be safe.
I've been to Colombia many times, and was curious on Mark's take on it. Although post pandemic, Colombia has gotten a little crazier.
thank you for the post. can you give more detail. im thinking of going back. Last time i was there was in 2018. (still little crazy at night lol, i def dont recommend people to walk at night in boogta,medellin or cartenganna)
@@Andrew-cg2zl I haven't been back since 2019, but I do have family there. There has been a lot of tension between the Colombian residents and the Venezuelan migrants, from what I heard.
Safer than the USA. You’re right, I went in January to Bogota and no sunscreen. Even with it being cloudy I got a sunburn.
Please do one for Peru!
We have several Peru videos!
I was going to ask about the water but you beat me to it.
I love this country but water is very unsafe (at least on the Caribbean coast). Believe me, they have some of the nastiest bacterias there (much worst then Mexico).
Thank you for this video! I’m Colombian and watching this made me happy ❤
How u doing?! like- amazing - )
The parts of Bogotá and Cartagena I went to seemed extremely safe.
Bogotá usually isn’t sunny enough (nor do you want to show enough skin) to worry about sunburns.
The closest thing to a crime I was a victim of was being extorted for extra money to go to the airport. You can’t even trust Uber drivers. I didn’t report one of the Uber guys because he was a good driver who went fast though. I did report a cab driver who wanted an extra 20 mil (about $6 at the time) to get my luggage. I would have given him a comparable tip, but I didn’t like how he got an aggressive tone and tried to gaslight about what we agreed to. I think he wasn’t sure I was a foreigner at first.
One good thing is I think it’s against the law for street people to ask for handouts. That only happened once or twice in multiple trips… less often than the shady drivers.
Went years ago to Cartagena, enjoyed all of it, just don’t go to some areas
I was impressed by the amount of police presence in Bogota.
When is the best time of year to go to Colombia?? Really want to go
I don't think there is a "Best time." The weather is the same pretty much year round in my experience. Just pay attention to local events. As an example, go to Barranquilla during Carnaval and... it's going to be EXPENSIVE!
@@necigrad got it, appreciate it!
I get the not so great things being able to happen anywhere, but wow, I have seen a few things happening even in places like cities in Spain, where families have been attacked! Scary.
I've lived and worked in Colombia since the 90s various times and never had any problems worth mentioning--none more than in L.A. People who perceive the world only through movies and TV shows have no clue. The only problem is when you go to any country--even the U.S.--in tourist mode. Then you become a more visible target for rip-offs.
Ive never been but I know a few people that have, and its safe to go with people that live in Colombia and you already know for good time as friends. Heard is not safe to go by yourself as a solo traveler if you have never been there before. I would definitely like to go to Colombia and I know some friends that can guide me and take me places they know already. Dominican Republic its the same way, go with people who are from there and are familiar with placesa nd have family where you can stay with.
I went there as solo traveller (young woman) in the 90s and 2 year ago. The gringo trail is generally safe, but it is like pretty much everywhere in Latin America - you need to watch your back. I found men were respectful and not annoying as they can be in other countries.
It is probably fine in Bogotá hotels, but DO NOT EVEN TASTE TAP WATER in Cartagena. I had to have two rounds of harsh antibiotics when I came back to the U.S. because I only got the water hot and didn’t wait for it to boil.
It’s hard to find a family friendly itinerary for families either young kids (5-8 years old).
Also booking tours helps
The only tour I took was to visit Comuna 13 in Medellin. I took it as it was quoted as the world's best free tour (I obviously gave a generous tip). Our guide was amazing. Unless you need transport, for e.g. to go on islands near Cartagena, you do not really need a tour, especially if you speak Spanish.
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Liam's getting big. Really hoping to visit sometime soon a friend
I spent two weeks in Bogota, and I had a great time. The people were cool. However, I went through a few places on Uber rides that I would probably avoid at night.
I’ve noticed when you talk about sun protection, you never mention sunglasses… Isn’t protecting your eyes from ultraviolet important as well?
Wow you get around, even with having kids
Its fun taking them
@@woltersworld yeah it looks like fun
I went to Santa Marta and on the beach my girlfriend asked a police officer if it was safe and he said one of the worst things he saw at the beach was when someone stole someone’s things, and everyone beat up the thief.
As long as you don't go out of the beaten track, it is generally ok, especially daytime. However, don't try to walk near the highway between Santa Marta and El Rodadero, it is not safe at all. And keep in mind that in Latin America, police officers are not the best source of information as they are often corrupted.
How about the ya yo?
Colombia isn't tourism on easy mode. Cities are sketchy, need to follow his advice (and defo get the taxi app, ALWAYS use it to avoid the "Million Dollar Mile.) Smaller towns like Salento, Jardin, Pasto... I felt perfectly safe.
Bogota Tap Water - HUGE WARNING - it's treated and is "safe". For most people. Apparently for something like 1 in 8 gringos or something, it triggers, uh gastrointestinal urgency. Sadly, am one of that percentage... even boiling the hell out of water to make ramen was not safe. So brush yer teeth with it, shower, but be sure to buy and drink bottled water during your visit just in case you are unlucky enough to be in my group.
For all the warnings and doom & gloom, lived there (Bogota) for three years, saw a lot of the country and we avoided any issues beyond the agua.
😊😃👍❤
No, you can go to Columbia, and the rest of us can virtually visit, thanks to you.
But... It's the Capital of South Carolina!
I recommend if you can get exchange your dollars 💸 for the pesos in your country before going to Colombia.
i have a friend who i took to nyc years ago. she got really freaked out over the heavily armed police? i think they're police. let's say law enforcement. in the times square area. she started to panic and ask why are they here? is there something going on? their presence actually scared her. i told her it's perfectly safe except the crazy characters who we avoided and that the law enforcement is there for our safety. i actually feel safer that they're there in case something does happen. i guess it's all perspective.
"Its safe" proceeds to tell you lots of unsafe things 😂
Its safe to my experience at least. Never go to bar to meet girls and have drink with them or good luck on that.
My favorite SouthAm country, great people, places and towns. Nice people if you know how to respect culture and people; then beautiful women, great food and music and atmosphere ! 😉3 times there, enjoy all times and any problems at all: but you know, I'm Italian speaking proficient Spanish! Que te vaja bien parce! 😁
Thanks for making it easy for us. No, Colombia is not safe. Matter of that, none of central or south america is. Wanna go so bad? Stick with Uruguay and Argentina….ONLY.
I am Colombian. I would know, bro.
did u forget chile
Lived in Bogota for three years, Bogota and any of the big cities are definitely sketchy but safe enough if you know basic rules, like what he said in regards to avoiding bling, keep your head on a swivel, etc. I will say whenever we visited a small town like Salento, Jardin, Pasto, etc, never felt unsafe.
Those plus Chile are the only South American countries I would visit.
What are you even talking about? if you stay away from sketchy neighborhoods, be aware of your surroundings and be street smart (like everywhere else in the world lol) you can have a good time, big cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena obviously aren't as safe as cities in Europe, but if you have common sense is still worth visiting
Pasto is definitely not a small town, its a medium sized city. But those smaller towns that you mentioned do sound and look nice. Ive only been to santa marta cartagena and the city on san andres island @@oldbittercraig3513
If you’re a guy looking for love, you really have to worry about the scope amine.
Well, look through Active Self Protection for the real take on what is going on in various non USA countries.
My sister in law comes from Columbia and she told me as a woman you have to be careful there! But nowadays it's everywhere dangerous for us women!
I went there in the 90s (at 24 years old) and then 2 years ago. I found men where generally respectful, much more then for e.g. in Mexico. Of course, women have to be more careful, it is like this pretty much everywhere. It is a very good idea to watch your drink, but I don't think it is worse than in other countries.
Mark,
I would answer those questions by asking, "have You ever been to the United States?"
or...i just wont go,,,
I do NOT recommend driving there. It’s extremely dangerous the way they drive. They make extra lanes even on narrow mountain roads.
All countries have their own share of shitbags, even Australia, I've never felt un safe here, in my nearly 50 years,and I've hitch hiked all over the country, but there are still places to avoid, and you always need to keep yours wits about you!
I would love to visit Colombia one day
Sure, if you're on the tourist track, you'e probably safe. Just remember the usual petty crime BS. Take off by yourself in the countryside or even in the city and good luck.
Of course it is safe BUT in a Colombian perspective!
It is not as safe as let’s say: Germany, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Russia or any of the big players. So take his advice: enjoy but do not FULLY relax unless you’re in your hotel room or in a very trustworthy space.
If you are using dating apps in Colombia:
1) take his advice be careful who you’re talking with. Make sure is a real person always! (I mean how can you be fooled so easily💀)
2)Why TF are you coming here for a date, reconsider your motives 😑. Come to visit, come to enjoy, come to get drinks, come to wonder with landscapes, come to have adventures, but DO NOT COME looking for wife or just to use people in your personal sexual benefit. There’s a trend of banning people who come here looking for underage people for sexual pleasure, and you’d be lucky if you’re just banned from the country and not from this reality 💀.
In short: don’t do what you don’t want to be done in your country
Pro tip: you won't find your dream wife in a shady place.
don't go there if you want to be 'scoped
Disagree. many fatalities as of late to foreigners. I prefer east or southeast asia. Way safer there
Don't go to Columbia
Short answer no. Long answer noooooo.
This is not what my Colombian friends say. They do not recommend visiting Colombia.
Really?, because most of colombian people I know try to encourage others to visit their country.
Depends where in Colombia. Cartagena is pretty safe, I think San Andres is pretty safe too. Santa Marta and El Poblado in Medellin are ok too. For the rest, it depends...
you keep saying "like you have everywhere" but you say atrocious things like warning against the simplest things like drinking at night clubs and then go on to say "don't freak about your safety". this place sounds like a toilet...
This is because of recent events in Medellin. It's a real threat, but only for those... looking for easy dates.
Dont go. Not very safe!
Don't do it
As a solo female traveler, I would/will never travel to the US BOARDER AREA AND MOST DEFINITELY NEVER EVER SOUTH OF THE USA! Europe is nicer, full of relevant history etc.
What a weird comment.
@@CarrieJamrogowicz Why? I have lived among the people who inhabit the south of the US boarders countries for more than 25 years and I learned first hand exactly why “NO ONE COULD PAY ME ENOUGH TO EVER TRAVEL THERE”!
*border
@@bougiebohemian5393 Thank you! Often when dictating it doesn’t come out correctly
There are a lot of interesting places (museums, archeological sites, etc.) to see in Mexico. I am back from Greece and I must say that compared to Mexico, archeological sites and museums were quite deceiving. But the bad thing is that with the narcotrafic, Mexico is now quite unsafe.
Mark, THANK YOU! I go to Colombia all the time (my fiancee lives there) and people are... freaked out at the idea of me going there all the time. As you said it is NOT the 80s or 90s. A couple of things though. For intercity travel, it's perfectly fine to go from Cartagena to Barranquilla to Santa Marta or Medellin to Guatape. Other cities... I'm not going to say "Don't do it" but you may want to just buy a ticket on Avianca or Latam. Second, about banks. I recommend Socatiabank. They allow larger withdrawals and slightly lower fees.
I'm probably going to ruin Colombia by saying this but... GO TO COLOMBIA! Seriously, it's a beautiful country and the people are GREAT! They also really do need the money. OFFICIALLY about 25% are in poverty. As in the US though the numbers lie; it's MUCH higher. Americans need to get past the... taboo of Colombia. It's completely unwarranted. GO! Have a good time! Just be safe. As with anywhere, including most "hometowns," if you feel like you don't belong there... you don't.
Also, the dating app warning is REAL! If you're going to Colombia for... that reason, BE CAREFUL! The dating apps have real safety problems, and "short... hookups" can lead to very dangerous situations.
Lastly, Uber is illegal, but works in Colombia. I use it all the time. It's probably comparable to taxis, maybe slightly cheaper, but you get the price in advance, so no games.
I went to Colombia in the 90s and 2 year ago and I totally agree with your comment. I took the bus between Tayrona, Santa Marta and Cartagena, and also between Guatape and Medellin. I took Uber a couple time in Barranquilla. I would strongly recommend to not take a random taxi on the street - using an app is much safer. Instead of risking my life on the road, I decided to take a flight between Medellin and the Caribbean coast. Colombia is not super dangerous but it is not totally safe either. It is somewhere in between.