Safety

Safety in Colombia

Colombia's reputation still lags its reality. The country has transformed dramatically, but smart precautions remain essential.

Current Safety Situation

The transformation:

• Medellin's homicide rate dropped from 375/100,000 (1991) to under 25/100,000 today
• Bogota's homicide rate (15/100,000) is lower than Washington DC (27/100,000)
• Major cities have invested heavily in police presence and public safety
• Tourist areas are well-protected

However:

• US State Department maintains Level 3 advisory ("exercise increased caution")
• Petty crime (pickpocketing, phone theft) remains common
• Express kidnappings still occur (taxi-related)
• Some rural areas have armed group activity

"No Dar Papaya"

The Colombian phrase "no dar papaya" (don't give papaya/opportunity) is the essential safety philosophy:

What this means in practice:

• Don't display expensive items (flashy jewelry, new phones)
• Don't walk around looking lost or distracted
• Don't get extremely drunk in unfamiliar areas
• Don't take taxis hailed on the street
• Don't go to isolated areas alone
• Don't accept drinks from strangers

Safe Neighborhoods

Medellin:

• El Poblado - upscale, well-patrolled, safest area
• Laureles - local feel but safe, good infrastructure
• Envigado - residential, family-oriented
• Avoid: Comunas (except guided tours), downtown at night

Bogota:

• Usaquen - trendy, safe, walkable
• Zona T/Zona Rosa - nightlife area, security presence
• Chapinero Alto - improving, popular with young professionals
• Parque 93 - upscale, central
• Avoid: La Candelaria at night, southern areas

Common Crimes to Avoid

Express kidnapping:

Criminals (sometimes posing as taxi drivers) take victims to ATMs to withdraw cash.

Prevention: Only use ride apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) - never street taxis.

Scopolamine (Devil's breath):

Drug that incapacitates victims, sometimes administered through drinks, cigarettes, or even paper flyers.

Prevention: Never leave drinks unattended, don't accept items from strangers.

Phone/bag snatching:

Common on streets, especially while using phone.

Prevention: Keep phone in pocket, bag secured, stay aware.

Dating app scams:

Criminals use dating apps to set up robbery situations.

Prevention: Meet in public places, tell friends where you're going.

Practical Safety Tips

1. Use ride apps exclusively - Uber, DiDi, Cabify. Never street taxis.
2. Don't flash valuables - expensive phones, jewelry, cameras
3. Stay aware - especially when using ATMs
4. Learn some Spanish - helps in emergencies
5. Share your location - with trusted friends/family
6. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave
7. Keep copies of documents (photos on phone)
8. Get local phone number - for emergencies and app access

Areas to Avoid

Specific areas with higher risk:

• Rural areas in Choco, Cauca, Valle de Cauca, Nariño (armed groups)
• Venezuelan border areas
• Downtown areas of major cities late at night
• Unfamiliar comunas in Medellin
• La Candelaria (Bogota) after dark

Emergency Contacts

• Police: 123
• Medical: 125
• Fire: 119
• General emergency: 112

Perspective

Most expats live in Colombia for years without serious incidents. The key is understanding the environment and taking appropriate precautions - which aren't dramatically different from any major city worldwide. The Colombia of Netflix shows is largely history. Modern Colombia, while not without challenges, is far safer than its reputation suggests.