Is Colombia safe right now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, thanks. Even the anecdotal comments about it being "safe" in Colombia speak of being careful about cell phones, purse snatching, complying with "strong arm robbers," and taking "normal precautions" to remain safe. As to the comparisons with NY, DC, Baltimore, NOLA, all of those cities have deteriorated in recent years, plus SF, LA, Seattle and Portland. I would not recommend them to families either until there is some improvement. It also sounds like many of the positive respondents are travelers with family in Colombia and/or speak fluent Spanish, which probably helps with their comfort level. I guess it depends on whether you want a vacation in which you have to watch your back or one where you can relax and be comfortable.

I’m not planning to vacation in West Baltimore, either. Nor New Orleans, even though I went there at least annually up until last year. It’s just not fun. Being familiar with a place makes a huge difference. If you live in DC, you know where to go and which neighborhoods to stay away from. I have no clue about any of that in a city in Columbia.

Besides, the people who argue that the “problem” is dumb Americans who don’t cooperate with the inevitable armed robbers aren’t helping their case.

[Anonymous]

I just went to Bogota for work. I stayed in Zona T, and there are several upscale restaurants and stores in the area. Gucci, etc. It was like an outdoor Tyson’s II.

If you’ve been to other parts of Latin America, Colombo won’t shock you. I found it charming. There are great coffee shops everywhere too.

Most Americans idea of Colombia is 1980s drug cartels and Medellin. Then again, most Americans are not very worldly.

When I said I was going to Colombia for work, people I knew said ,”be safe”! They didn’t say this when I went to Frankfurt.

It’s reslly just xenophobia or racism, however unintentional it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I’m not planning to vacation in West Baltimore, either. Nor New Orleans, even though I went there at least annually up until last year. It’s just not fun. Being familiar with a place makes a huge difference. If you live in DC, you know where to go and which neighborhoods to stay away from. I have no clue about any of that in a city in Columbia.

Besides, the people who argue that the “problem” is dumb Americans who don’t cooperate with the inevitable armed robbers aren’t helping their case.

Stop being so ignorant and have the decency to spell the country right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just went to Bogota for work. I stayed in Zona T, and there are several upscale restaurants and stores in the area. Gucci, etc. It was like an outdoor Tyson’s II.

If you’ve been to other parts of Latin America, Colombo won’t shock you. I found it charming. There are great coffee shops everywhere too.

Most Americans idea of Colombia is 1980s drug cartels and Medellin. Then again, most Americans are not very worldly.

When I said I was going to Colombia for work, people I knew said ,”be safe”! They didn’t say this when I went to Frankfurt.

It’s reslly just xenophobia or racism, however unintentional it is.

Zona T is great. You can do both 20-something party scene or upscale and more relaxed. Love the restaurant options in Zona T.

[Anonymous]

The fact all these basic morons go there is why I no longer spend time in Colombia.

Someone mentioned the beautiful women but the men are also very sexy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fact all these basic morons go there is why I no longer spend time in Colombia.

Someone mentioned the beautiful women but the men are also very sexy.

It's not so bad in some of the smaller cities like Manizales or Bucaramanga. Cartagena and some parts of Medellin are best to avoid if you are staying there long term. There is now definitely a stigma associated with Americans that you have to overcome. Speaking Spanish and avoiding areas with lots of ex-pats is critical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have plans to go to Colombia for spring break this year but now I'm wondering if it's safe- we're flying into Cartagena and out of Medellin. Is this a good idea? And any suggestions for things to do. places to stay?

Who’s we, you and young kids?
Do you speak Spanish or do you look totally non Latino?

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Yep, other places with the same rating as Colombia -- according to State Department travel advisories -- include Hong Kong, Macau, and the UAE. Scary.

Anonymous wrote:Those of you saying Americans are ignorant think the State Dept is ignorant, I guess.

“Reconsider travel due to crime and terrorism. Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

Arauca, Cauca (except Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.


Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

On June 23, 2016, the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary…”

From:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html

[Anonymous]

Agree that if you speak Spanish, look Hispanic, and are not a solo woman traveler you are safer in Latin America.

Also if you are used to traveling outside the US and have been to developing countries before, or at least not just London or Canada, it is probably easier to acclimatize.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just went to Bogota for work. I stayed in Zona T, and there are several upscale restaurants and stores in the area. Gucci, etc. It was like an outdoor Tyson’s II.

If you’ve been to other parts of Latin America, Colombo won’t shock you. I found it charming. There are great coffee shops everywhere too.

Most Americans idea of Colombia is 1980s drug cartels and Medellin. Then again, most Americans are not very worldly.

When I said I was going to Colombia for work, people I knew said ,”be safe”! They didn’t say this when I went to Frankfurt.

It’s reslly just xenophobia or racism, however unintentional it is.

Why would you travel all that way to go to Tysons II? We have that here.

[Anonymous]

Reconsider travel due to crime and terrorism. Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory

Per the US government website or magic box Google.