VFC's Travels says:
"The most important thing to remember is that Colombia is open to tourism and is an absolutely beautiful travel destination with great prices, beautiful beaches, splendid hotels, so many outdoor activities and such welcoming people!"
One of the questions I get asked most regarding my travels to Colombia is "Is it safe?"
Many people remember the old stories of Colombia - the cartels, the FARC, the paramilitary groups and the violence that dominated the news reports of 20-30 years ago. Books were written about those times and TV programs such as NARCOS imprint those memories on people that probably paid the area little attention back then, if they were even old enough.
While there are still concerns and dangers involved with traveling around Colombia - as with anywhere in the world you travel - that should not be enough to keep you from exploring this absolutely beautiful country. Tourism is taking a bigger and bigger role in the economy and that is a benefit to all - especially since prices are still far less expensive than most other popular tourist destinations, including Europe.
For a sample of the fantastic adventures to be had in beautiful Colombia, take a look at the "Colombia" playlist on my YouTube channel. For the sake of this blog post, tho, we will keep it simply to safety.
For the video version of this post, visit the video I've recently posted to my channel.
Regarding safety in Colombia, common sense plays the biggest role in staying safe, as it does anywhere you travel - the key points will sound familiar, and these were all learned based on personal experiences or on the advice of locals:
- Don't be alone at night. That's one you here anywhere, yeah? In any big city or even small town, it's not recommended to go out alone at night. Early evening is one thing, but no matter where you are, riff raff tend to haunt the streets the later it gets at night into the early hours of the mornings. Don't be alone during these times and if you are out, stick to comfortable surroundings and travel by taxi or Uber. You don't really want to be in a taxi alone at night either, so it's that much more important to stay with your group or have someone with you.
- Don't be a baller. If you usually wear a bunch of bling, fair enough, but be smart about it. Especially if you are out at night, take the bling off. The key is to not make yourself a target. If you carry yourself like you are a baller and you've got a lot of value to what you have on, you may be making yourself a target. Demonstrate modesty, no reason to walk around town looking like Mr. T - unless you are Mr. T and can whoop some ass if you're going to get mugged. Doesn't mean to take everything off, just don't be excessive. Apply common sense. Leave the valuables in a hotel safe or at least in your pocket if you are walking around town.
- Cell phones and wallet: Keep your cell phone and wallet secure. Don't be one of those who is walking around with their eyes glued to the cell phone screen and not paying attention to your surroundings. Robbers will zip up on you and snatch your cell phone from you if given the opportunity. That includes leaving the phone on the counter of a store if you are doing streetside shopping. Be smart, keep in clenched in your hand or even better, in your pocket. If you are in a vehicle, keep the window at least half up and pay attention to your phone, as well. Be conscious that if you are stopped at a red light and your window is down, your phone is a target to someone zipping by on a moped. Regarding the wallet, I usually only take out the cards and cash I will need and one form of ID. Leave the rest in a hotel safe. Again, apply common sense - if your wallet gets stolen, are you losing everything? Would suck to be stranded in a foreign country and you have no forms of ID or any cards left because you carried everything in your wallet and lost it. That is one thing that many amateur travelers do that I like to call "dipshit traveling ideas." Just take what you need.
- Restaurants: Don't sit streetside, sit to the interior of the outside dining area or sit inside. This is especially applicable at night. Sitting streetside makes you easy prey on someone slipping by on a moped and grabbing some valuables before disappearing into the night. Again, be consious of what you are leaving on the table, but even better, sit somewhere that does not leave you easily accessible.
Prices: Your biggest danger while traveling around Colombia is getting torched by gringo pricing. The locals have on price and gringos have another. This does not include regular stores in shopping malls or established restaurants with regular menus, but it does apply just about anywhere else. Always ask for your pricing up front, even at beach bars and cafes. Any time you are buying anything from a street vendor or street store, always try and negotiate down, especially if there are no prices on what you are trying to buy. If you know a local, get a good idea of what things cost before you go out, or let the local do the negotiating for you. Definitely be aware of gringo pricing, it is a thing!
Taxis and Ubers: Taxis and Ubers are dirt cheap in Colombia. See above for pricing, tho, as taxis will definitely give you gringo prices if you are unaware of what you should be paying. Negotiate a price with the taxi before you start the trip. Ubers are pretty much stuck with what the app gives you for price, so it is a little bit more stress-free to utilize an Uber. Be aware that Ubers in Colombia are not necessarily legal, so at least one from you party should sit in the front seat so it looks like a normal ride. Don't be alarmed if the Uber driver requests that you sit up front. Also, and this is key, DO NOT SLAM TAXI DOORS!!! The only time I got yelled at by a Colombian (aside from my prometida yelling at me) is because I shut the taxi door too hard. I'm not kidding. These guys think their taxis are made of glass I think, but they take it seriously if you close the door too hard. Gently close the taxi doors!
These are the basics. There will be more to come and if you have any questions, please ask in the comment section or email!
The most important thing to remember is that Colombia is open to tourism and is an absolutely beautiful travel destination with great prices, beautiful beaches, splendid hotels, so many outdoor activities and such welcoming people!
Live life and enjoy!
