Is Colombia Safe to Visit?
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about safety in Colombia. The biggest question we get from our followers is, “is Colombia safe?” If you were around in the 70s or 80s, it’s a logical question. Colombia has not always been the safest country to visit, but thankfully that has changed. Yes, it is safe to visit Colombia, and we’re sharing our tips for staying safe during your trip to Colombia.
There are some safety issues to consider when visiting Colombia, but it’s not what you think!
The Sun is one of the biggest safety concerns in Colombia! Cartagena is hot and humid, and Bogota is at high elevation, so the sun is super strong there. Make sure you are prepared with lots of sunscreen, a hat that offers sun protection, and if you are fair-skinned, lightweight long sleeves and pants. Heat stroke and sunburn are two of the biggest dangers in Colombia.
The altitude in some parts of Colombia can be dangerous. Bogota sits at 8,661 feet above sea level, which is high enough to cause problems for some travelers. When you are visiting any high-altitude destination, always take it easy on the first day so your body can acclimate to the elevation. Follow our tips for high-altitude travel, and listen to your body!
Driving in Colombia is not for the faint of heart; we don’t recommend it. But even as a pedestrian, you have to watch out for cars at all times. Crossing a street in Colombia can be a real safety concern if you are not paying attention.
Old cobblestone streets can also pose a safety issue for you. Make sure you have good shoes that are comfortable for lots of walking, that also have good tread so you don’t slip on the street!
Of course, there are safety concerns in Colombia just like any other popular travel destination. It’s not the overhyped kidnapping capital people would have you believe, but you do have to keep your wits about you and use common sense.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended! This includes leaving valuables in your rental car, or setting your phone on a cafe table.
- Leave the bling at home! Don’t flash expensive jewelry, watches or handbags. Showing off expensive items can make you a target.
- When getting cash, use the ATM inside the banks and at the airport. It’s just safer; you might have to wait in a line at the bank, but there’s less chance of getting scammed or robbed.
- Pickpockets are not unheard of at some of the busier tourist attractions. This isn’t unique to Colombia; pickpockets will go where the tourists are!
- If you’re enjoying the nightlife in Colombia, keep an eye on your drink; make sure nobody can put something in your drink.
Shocks to Expect When Visiting Colombia
Should the worst happen and you are robbed or mugged, don’t fight back! They just want your money, so there’s no need to get physically hurt, too. Again, this can happen anywhere and is not more likely in Colombia than anywhere else, so don’t spend time worrying about it. Just take your usual travel precautions.
While not necessarily dangerous, there are some scams aimed at tourists that you should be aware of. These aren’t specific to Colombia, but if you’re worried about safety in Colombia, you should be aware of these travel scams.
- Dating app scams are common in Colombia. Be careful who you talk to and who you meet up with. And don’t give anyone money!
- Nothing is free! If someone tries to give you something for free, it’s most likely a scam. Whether it’s a street performance, a free bracelet, or a massage on the beach, you are going to be asked for money at some point. Even if it’s “free.”
- A distraction scam involves someone distracting you while their partner picks your pocket or runs off with your bag. They might try to clean bird poop off your shirt, or cause a commotion to distract you.
- Likewise, when locals are overly helpful, or offer unsolicited advice. Colombians are super friendly, so this is a tough one to detect.
- Cell phone thefts are common. Keep your phone tucked away at all times. Don’t set it on your table at the restaurant.
- Taxis are an easy way to scam tourists, so we recommend pre-arranging your transportation, either through an app or through your hotel. If you’re dining out, the restaurant can also call a car for you. This reduces your chances of being taken the long way. If you do grab a taxi on the street, negotiate your price before you get in.
There are some things in Colombia that seem like a scam, but actually aren’t.
- Street vendors are everywhere in Colombia. They are there for photo opportunities, or they may be selling fruit or offering carriage rides. It’s how they make a living, so if you want to get a photo, make sure you tip them.
- Haggling over prices can feel scammy, but that’s just part of the culture here.
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I can’t emphasize enough how much we loved visiting Colombia. It’s safe, historic, beautiful, and affordable. There is a lot of variety in the things to see, and the food is amazing, too! Looking for more Colombia travel tips? Check out these other blog posts: