Colombia, with its breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity, stands as one of the most captivating places I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. The warmth and generosity of its people is truly unrivalled. However, like any destination, it's wise to stay informed about safety considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Here are some safety tips for travellers visiting Colombia.
Check travel warnings & vaccine recommendations:
Be aware of any current safety concerns but don't fixate on sensationalised warnings from countries like the United States because safety is relative and I personally feel much safer in Colombia than I do in many parts of the US. Look into factors that are important to you if you have specific concerns. The best place to check for vaccines and other recommendations for international travellers entering Colombia is on the Colombian Ministry of Health website.
Add smaller towns to your itinerary
Spending time in smaller towns in Colombia can be safer and more enjoyable than navigating bigger cities like Medellin & Bogotá The experience is often more authentic, the people are friendlier, the food is incredible and the towns move at a much slower pace than the busy cities.
Towns that I would recommend visiting in Colombia are Guatapé, Filandia, Salento, Villa de Leyva, Guaduas, Honda, Mompox, Popayán etc. But if your goal when visiting Colombia is to be immersed in nightlife, arts, and culture such as museums and galleries, live music and so on, the bigger cities, Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali etc. will provide everything you are looking for.
Understand the History
If you are not too familiar with the history of Colombia, but you have been exposed to exaggerated movie references or narco related shows on Netflix, most of which are not made in Colombia or by Colombians by the way, - try not to let these narratives skew your perceptions about the country before you even arrive. Keep and open mind and you will soon find out that Colombia is so much more. Read here about Why You Shouldn't Mention Pablo Escobar to a Colombian Person.
It is absolutely true that Colombia's past has been marked by periods of conflict, political instability, corruption and drug-related violence, which have shaped its present social and security landscape. Familiarising oneself with this history helps travellers to understand local sentiments and appreciate the progress made towards peace and stability.
The resilience of the Colombian people is astonishing, especially considering the many challenges they have faced both historically, from Spanish colonisation which brought the decimation of the indigenous population and the transatlantic slave trade, and in recent history where new challenges arose like navigating the civil war and the peace process, gang violence, and narcotrafficking which is fuelled by an insatiable demand for drugs in regions such as Northern America and Western Europe.
Knowledge of historical and current events can guide travellers in making informed decisions about where to travel in Colombia. It can also faciliate runderstanding and respect of local customs. Knowledge is power and having some context about this history of Colombia will be useful in navigating conversations both sensitively and meaningfully, ultimately contributing to a more authentic travel experience.
Use ride-sharing apps
It's best not to flag taxis down in the street, especially if you do not speak Spanish well. Using ridesharing apps, like DiDi and Uber, will help to avoid any mix-up in communication with the driver and add an extra layer of safety to your trip since your location, car, driver, route etc. are on record. Always check that the license number on the app matches the license number of the car picking you up and don't accept any excuses if it does not! Cancel the car and order a new driver and report the driver in the app to avoid getting charged and to flag Uber or Didi about the driver.
If you prefer to support local taxi drivers, you can order registered Colombian yellow taxis via the Uber and Didi apps. It's important to note that Ubers are often not allowed to get as close to the airport as taxis can so you may need to go outside of the airports to get picked up by your driver.
While public transport services such as the TransMilenio in Bogotá are frequent, good value and can help to avoid a lot of heavy traffic due to dedicated lanes, the buses are often crowded and I have heard various reports of people getting robbed and women getting groped as well as altercations and incidents at the bus stops and on the buses. So,if your budget allows for it, i recommend that you opt for Didi or Uber.
Be aware of your surroundings:
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, leave the area immediately or step inside a local business while you order a DiDi or Uber to pick you up. Know where you are going and try not to look lost or need to rely on your phone for navigation.
"No dar papaya" is a popular Colombian phrase which literally translates to "Don't show papaya" which alludes to not unnecessarily putting yourself in dangerous or vulnerable situations. Basically, don't let your guard down. In bigger cities like Medellín & Bogotá, I personally always lock my door when I get in a car and avoid using my phone while walking in the streets or when I am stopped in traffic, for example.
Keep your valuables safe:
Keep your valuables safe by using an inside pocket or a money belt or by keeping them in a secure location, perhaps the safe in your accommodation, for example. Avoid using backpacks that can be easily opened in crowded areas like public transport or simply carry it on the front of your body until you are away from the crowds.
It is common to get asked for identification in Colombia for things as simple as a bus ticket. So bring a second form of photo ID other than your passport so that you can keep it on your person and not have to carry your passport around with you.
Stay connected:
If you are travelling from an international destination to Colombia, there is a chance your sim card won't work when you arrive. If you do need to put a Colombian sim card in your phone when you arrive, it is very important that your phone is not locked to your phone network in your home country. The best thing to do if you are unsure is to contact your current phone company to check if your phone will work in Colombia and if not, ask them to make sure the phone is unlocked so that it can accept a Colombian sim card on arrival.
Local telecommunications companies like Claro, provide sim cards with prepaid plans with large data allowances (80GB of data) for around COP $100.000 (€24.00). Other reputable phone companies including Movistar, ETB and Virgin Mobile all have varying plans depending on your needs and budget.
Know the local emergency number:
It is always a good idea when travelling to make sure you know the local emergency services number in case of an emergency. Save the number in your phone contacts and write it down in a notebook if you think you might forget it in a stressful situation. In Colombia, the emergency services number is 123.
Always carry cash:
While most businesses in Colombian towns and cities accept card payments there are several scenarios where you might need cash. This could be for buying food & drinks, using the bathroom, paying tolls etc. on long drives between two destinations. There are many variables when taking public transport in Colombia, sometimes old buses on challenging roads can break down for example, so always having cash and being prepared for situations like this is important. Sometimes you might even need cash when dealing with problems with the police.
Getting cash:
There is no need to bring pesos with you into Colombia, you can simply withdraw the local currency, Colombian Pesos COP from a local ATM on arrival into the country. When using an international bank card the best ATM to use in Colombia, in my opinion, is Servibanca because it has a much higher withdrawal limit of $2.000.000 COP (€475.00 approx.) for international cards, compared to other banks which usually only allow withdrawals of $600.000 COP (€145.00 approx.) at a time. The fee is around $22.5000 COP (€5.50 approx.) for every withdrawal.
Tip: Always decline the currency conversion rate offered to you by the ATM, the rate will defer back to your own bank's rate which is always better than the rate offered by the ATM. I recommend downloading the XE app to check conversions when taking out cash.
When withdrawing cash from an ATM in Colombia, use machines inside shopping centres or at the airport and similar locations rather than withdrawing cash from ATMs on the street which are more susceptible to being tampered with and expose you to a higher degree of danger since there are no security guards and security cameras around. Remember, no dar papaya!
Getting around the country:
When getting around the country you can rent a car, use bus & colectivo services, use shared door-to-door services, book private drivers or fly to many destinations. If you plan to drive in Colombia, you should learn more about the rules of the road, the cost of road tolls (peajes) and how to manage any problems with the police etc.
Frequent and reliable bus services are available between most of the big cities and towns in Colombia and are the best value for travelling within the country.
Tip: if you are using the Colectivo services ask the driver if you can sit up front and avoid the crowded bus while getting a great view of the landscapes along the roads.
Managing the police:
Understanding Colombian laws and your rights is important when interacting with the police to ensure you are both adhering to regulations and able to assert your rights confidently. Assess the situation; if an officer exaggerates a minor offense and proposes excessive actions like taking you to the police station instead of issuing a fine, they might be looking for a bribe.
Be cautious with alcohol:
As always, exercise caution when it comes to alcohol consumption in unfamiliar environments. One of Colombia's most renowned spirits, enjoyed by locals in small shot glasses, is known as Aguardiente or "Gauro" is a must-experience during a visit to Colombia, but be mindful because they drink the liquor neat and it packs a punch!
Stay in reputable accommodations:
When it comes to accommodation, opt for places with a solid track record on booking platforms like hotels, hostels, or Airbnb. Ensure the accommodation booking is fully confirmed by communicating with the host in the app. It is common for Colombian hosts to ask for a deposit via local financial apps like Nequi or Banco Colombia, so you may need to explain that you are a foreigner and send them a copy of your identification, approximate arrival time etc. to assure them of your upcoming arrival.
Research local cultures & customs:
Before you travel to Colombia, research the destinations you plan to visit and familiarise yourself with the local culture and customs (and a little Spanish if possible). The food, norms and culture on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia differ greatly from that of the Pacific Coast and to that of the Andean and Amazonian regions, so search for information specific to the destinations you are planning to visit in Colombia. Understanding nuance will help you to be respectful of the locals and will help you avoid any misunderstandings while making your trip more enjoyable and immersive.
Let someone know your plans:
Let someone know your travel plans while travelling in Colombia, including where you’ll be staying and when you plan to return. This will provide peace of mind and ensure that someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
Use common sense:
In general, use common sense and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home. Avoid drunk people, walking alone at night, and avoid dark and deserted areas. Don't bring all of your ATM cards with you at the same time. Write down the phone numbers of your emergency contacts friends or family and so on. Ask a local for help if you are unsure. Remember to trust your instincts and take the necessary precautions to stay safe while exploring.
If you would like to book a personalised travel planning session and get a customised PDF itinerary for your upcoming trip to Colombia click here or email me info@sineadstravels.com
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