Travel tips to Colombia

May 31, 2014

Colombia

Don’t let what Colombia was like 10 years ago keep you from visiting now. Colombia is no longer a scary place. Use common sense, as you would anywhere else.

Make sure your Spanish is up to par. If you are a foreigner, you are subject to danger. Either speak it or have someone with you that does.

Always beware of thieves and pickpockets. You will automatically be singled out for attention if you have light skin and/or have cameras etc. Poverty is rife and what you have is very attractive for people that have little.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Be extremely vigilant when in crowds. For instance, markets , crowded streets, railway and bus stations are a “ red flag” as these are extremely targeted as travellers are focused on other things.

Try and carry any bag with valuables in front of you, not just over your shoulder but around your neck.

Do not put your bag down without some form of personal restraint; it will be gone in a minute!

Always have a back-up card and cash in a “stash” on your body, maybe a body belt.

Beware of friendly hugs by strangers, it happens before you realise!

Never hail a taxi from the street. What happens is you get into the cab, go to a taxi stand and make sure you get a price before you enter the cab.

For your own safety, do not ever wear ‘khaki’ (green, military-like) clothes out especially in most of the remote areas and off-the-beaten tracks. This is quite a serious issue in Colombia, since the guerillas wear khaki as their trademark and whenever the police suspect someone (in that colour), he has a permission to shoot!

Avoid getting into political discussions, because you do not know who is who. Overall, Colombia is a very beautiful country. The people are very nice and are trying to make the best of a very difficult situation.

As a big city, Bogota may get a bit dangerous in the night time. Please consider that soldiers are always around the tourist area during the whole day but there is less control in the night time. Basically, stay in the tourist area of La Candelaria and Plaza de Bolivar. The night life is quite busy with many options in different parts of the city, but always take a taxi to go back home after your fun.