Staying Safe in Colombia
Local Laws
When traveling to Colombia, it's important to know that bringing firearms or ammunition into the country is strictly forbidden. If you're carrying over $10,000 USD in cash or similar financial items when entering or leaving, you must declare it and show where the money came from legally. If you don't, your funds could be seized, and you might face an investigation.
Colombia takes drug offenses very seriously. Possession, use, or dealing in drugs can lead to significant prison time, often served in difficult conditions.
For identification purposes, it's a good idea to have a color copy of your passport's main page and your visa with you. Keep your original passport and visa in a very safe place.
When you're chatting with people in Colombia, it's polite to use formal Spanish terms like "usted." It's best to steer clear of conversations about sensitive subjects such as drug trafficking, politics, or human rights.
Also, try not to slam taxi doors; the drivers really care about their cars. You'll find that smoking is generally not allowed in most indoor public places. While the water in cities is usually okay to drink, it's a safer bet to stick with bottled water, especially if you're outside of urban areas.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Colombia has established a progressive legal framework for LGBTQ+ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2016 and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. However, despite these legal protections, social attitudes can be more conservative, particularly outside of major cities, where instances of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals have been reported.
While larger urban centers like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena generally offer a more welcoming environment with visible LGBTQ+ communities, travelers should exercise discretion, especially in rural areas, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Navigating Colombia as an LGBTQ+ traveler requires balancing its advanced legal standing with an awareness of varying social acceptance.
Scams
Be aware that some people might pretend to be police officers and ask to see your money or papers. This is a common trick to steal your cash.
You might also run into distraction thefts, where someone will try to get your attention with something like spilling a drink or handing you flyers, all while an accomplice tries to pickpocket you or grab your belongings. It's also not uncommon for prices to be inflated for tourists, sometimes called 'gringo pricing.'
When it comes to taxis, be cautious of drivers taking unnecessarily long routes, trying to swap your real money for fake bills, or even participating in 'express kidnappings' where you're forced to withdraw money from an ATM. Criminals are also using dating apps to meet people, then drug and rob them.
Lastly, keep an eye out for offers of 'free gifts' that later require payment, be mindful of devices that can skim your ATM card information, and never leave your drinks unattended.
Crime
When you're out and about in major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, you might encounter petty theft such as pickpocketing, phone snatching, and muggings. These incidents tend to happen more often in busy places and on public transport. You should also be aware that armed robberies, which can involve firearms or knives, do take place.
While kidnapping incidents have generally gone down, there's still a risk of 'express kidnappings,' which often involve taxis. Some regions, particularly those close to the Venezuelan and Ecuadorian borders, and departments like Arauca, Cauca (though Popayán itself is generally safer), and Norte de Santander, have a higher risk due to the presence of armed groups and ongoing violence.
To help keep yourself safe and avoid becoming a target, it's wise to follow the local advice of "no dar papaya," which essentially means don't make yourself an easy mark. Try to blend in by dressing simply, and avoid showing off expensive items like jewelry or phones when you're out in public. It’s also a good idea to only carry the cash you absolutely need.
When it comes to getting around, stick to official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps, and steer clear of hailing taxis directly from the street.
It’s best to avoid walking alone after dark, especially in areas that aren't well-lit or that you're not familiar with. For ATM transactions, use machines located inside banks or shopping centers during their operating hours.
Also, be a bit wary of strangers who seem overly friendly and offer help or food and drinks out of the blue. If you do find yourself in a robbery situation, the safest course of action is not to resist.
