Columbia, or officially the Republic of Colombia, is located in South America.
The country known for the best coffee in the world, emerald, infamous Pablo Escobar, kidnappings and Gabriel Garcia Marquez – it is the goal for many tourists.
It is a country where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches in Cartagena during the day and go dancing when night falls.
There is a great chance that you will make friends for life here since the people are welcoming and warm.
If you are a coffee lover, here you will feel at home – learn the secrets from the people who know this their whole lives.
Warnings & Dangers in Colombia
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Columbia is pretty safe, but tourists still need to be careful. Withdraw money on the ATMs in the shopping malls or the banks. Carry with you only a copy of your passport and don't attract too much attention with expensive items.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is safe to a certain extent. You can find yourself sitting beside the road because the bus broke down. Also, protect yourself from pickpocketing while you are trying to explore Columbia. When taking the taxi, arrange for a price in advance to avoid overcharging.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing is frequent in crowded areas and it is necessary to take precautions to protect yourself. Make sure you don't put all the money in your wallet - use several pockets, so in case someone steals your wallet you have enough to go back to the hotel.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
Colombia is susceptible to many natural hazards, including river flooding, landslides, volcanoes, and cyclones. Even though there are efforts of the government to protect its citizens, there are still many casualties and financial losses. Make sure you stay informed about the possible dangers.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Be careful when withdrawing money on the ATMs since that's usually when mugging occurs. There are also cases of express kidnapping when tourists get forced to withdraw money and give it. Make sure you don't withdraw money on the street or at night.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
The risk of terrorist attacks is high in Colombia. There are real threats from various armed groups. It is necessary to stay informed during your vacation in Colombia and act according to the recommendations of the government. Make sure to follow the security protocol.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
There are some common scams for tourists in Colombia, so make sure you know them and protect yourself from them. When taking a taxi, turn on your navigation to make sure you are going the right direction. Count your money twice when you get the change.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Colombia is pretty safe for female travelers. However, take some basic precautions. Make sure you don't go alone at night and don't except food or drinks from strangers, even if it's just gum. There have been cases of drugging before the theft.
How Safe Is Colombia for Tourists?
There are many con artists in Colombia trying to trick the tourists.
Make sure not to attract too much attention while on the street by carrying expensive items or showing money.
If you get stopped by policemen requesting to search you, insist to go to the police station, because that can be a corrupt cop or a fake one.
They may steal from you or plant drugs into your pockets so you have to pay a large sum of money to get out of this situation.
Lots of people offer all sorts of things on the bus and everywhere you turn.
That is often the tactic to distract you and steal your money.
Stay alert all the time.
Be careful when buying souvenirs on the street because there is a great chance that you will be paying too much for fake goods.
Ask the hotel staff about the places where you can buy legitimate locally produced items.
The kidnapping rate dropped by 90%, but there is still that 10 % you have to be careful about.
Don’t walk alone at night and avoid withdrawing money on the ATMs in the secluded areas.
Stay alert during your entire stay and there shouldn’t no issues.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Colombia?
U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to enter Columbia if they plan to stay less than 90 days.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa, so it is advised to check your visa status before making arrangements.
Which Currency Is Used in Colombia?
The official currency is Colombian peso.
The symbol is $. One U.S. dollar equals 3.386,00 Colombian Pesos.
Plan to prepare pesos for your stay in Colombia since they don’t use other currencies.
How's the Weather like in Colombia?
Colombia has an isothermal and tropical climate.
This means that the temperature varies very little throughout the year.
The average temperature depends on the region, so in Bogota, you can expect a temperature around 20°C.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Colombia?
Colombia has 168 airports.
The main one is El Dorado.
It is located in Bogotá and it serves over 32 million passengers a year.
Almost half of Colombia’s air traffic goes through this airport.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Travel insurance is recommended for all tourists no matter how long or short the trip may be.
The unpredictable things may happen, so protect yourself by taking the basic coverage.
What Are Some Things to Do in Colombia?
When in Colombia, don’t miss to visit the Lost City.
It is hidden deep down in the Sierra Mountain jungle.
You’ll need four days to reach it, but it will be worth it.
Is the Water in Colombia Safe to Drink?
Tap water is safe for drinking in big cities.
However, if you are not sure, ask the locals about the quality of water.
If they buy bottled water, make sure you do too.
Is Uber Safe in Colombia?
Uber is available in Colombia and most people use it.
It is sometimes safer than using a local taxi.
You can order it via the app or even hail it on the street in the bigger cities.
