Bogota - Is it safe?
 

My husband is headed to Bogota for a week on Tuesday. He is a white American.

What precautions should he take (other than don't talk to strangers or hail cabs)....

Should I be worried or is the area not as bad as I have read?

Serach for U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories for Colombia.

Dont let him go! The hottest women in the world are everywhere... Be carefull...

Don't take taxis, very dangerous. yes there are pretty women everywhere nd the city is delicious. Shopping is great, restaurants amazing and varied.

Give me a break! I have only just signed onto this travel talk - but Bogota is far safer than say caracas and arguably Quito. Just use common sense.

I have traveled extensively around the world for 20 years, and never had a problem until I visited Colombia. Don´t go. It is incredibly dangerous. My friend and I were mugged in broad daylight, 2 in the afternoon, sun shining brightly, just a half block away from a busy thoroughfare in the downtown Bogota area with several security guards who ignored our screams for help in Spanish. I might add that we are both big men who have traveled the worst areas of the major cities of the world without incident. This country has travel warnings posted for a reason.

I spent a day and half in Bogota this year. I thought it was was of the most beautiful cities I have visited. Can't wait to go back.

However, you do need to be careful there on the streets. But just use good sense like you would in any big city. Don't go into crummy neighborhoods wearing gold watches and jewelry with your LV handbag.

Bogota is safer and far more culturally rich than Quito and Caracas. You will have problems if you stray into the wrong places, but then, why would you do this. Stick to the Candelaria by day and then hang out in the Zona T and the Parque 96 at night. Bogota is a great city that is constantly being dicsovered by tourists and business traveller alike.

And to answer you questions - hail cabs from legitmate taxi ranks and from your hotel, or call for one and talk to all and every Colombian, they are wonderful, welcoming and genuine.

Ditto to all that EMP99 says. I would give you exactly the same advice. La Candalaria should not be missed. Don't forget the cable car up to the top of the mountain.

Perhaps I was unclear.

1) This happened during the day, at 2 P.M. in the afternoon, not at night. We *thought* we were in La Candelaria, but apparently we were ONE block outside of it in "Las Aguas." What a difference one block makes, apparently. It was 1st Avenue and 22nd Street, to be specific. And it happened on our way back from taking that cable car lift up to Monserrate.

2) We *did* stick to Zona Rosa at night and had no problems there.

3) We *did* use the "called" cabs to go back to L.C. at night (earlier we used Transmilenio), which were quite expensive since they charge you an extra surcharge for being "secure" as well as for being nighttime, so two extra charges. We had no problems there either except for the price gouging. (When we complained, in Spanish, about the exorbitant price, the guy yelled "So go take your chances on a cab off the street then.")

4) We followed all the recommendations mentioned above, yet we were still mugged in broad daylight. The residents of the street went inside and ignored our yells. The security guards half a block away pretended not to notice. We did not feel "welcomed" in the least and will not be returning.

Several people warned me against traveling to Colombia . . . I didn't listen to them. With over 100 trips under my belt, this is the first time I've ever had a problem. I'm savvy and know the precautions to take, but this was just out of left field.

P.S. Cartagena was slightly better, more police presence, but it was still unnerving at times. While I was walking back to my hostel one night someone actually yelled out to me in English, "Welcome to the jungle!"

Couldn't have said it better myself.

We are two senior women who went to Colombia (Bogota & Cartagena) a couple of years ago during our spring break . . . . our families were sure we would never return.

We had a great time and never felt nervous or unsafe. We found the people to be very helpful. . . and we had no problems with taxis.

I typed up my travelog and would be happy to email it, if interested. Let me know at [email protected].

We just returned yesterday from 16 days in Israel, another place we were "warned" about going . . . again, we felt perfectly safe. A few days before we left, 5 people were gunned down and killed in Milwaukee . . . we're afraid to go to Milwaukee!

Buen viaje,
Sandy (in Denton)

Some of the most common methods used by criminals in Colombia are noted below:

Robberies of ATM customers: Tourists and others have been robbed after using automatic teller machines (ATMs) on the street. In some cases, robbers have used motorcycles to approach their victims and later flee the scene. Americans are urged to use ATMs only inside shopping malls or other protected locations. Driving to and from the location – rather than walking – provides added protection. When using an ATM, you should be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you.

Robberies of taxi passengers: Robbery of taxi passengers is a serious problem in Bogota. Typically, the driver – who is one of the conspirators – will pick up the passenger and then stop to pick up two or more armed cohorts, who enter the cab, overpower the passenger, and take his/her belongings. If the passenger has an ATM card, the perpetrators may force the passenger to withdraw money from various ATM locations. Such ordeals can last for hours.

In almost every case of taxi-related crime, the victims have been riding alone and have hailed taxis off the street. Rather than hailing a taxi, you should use the telephone dispatch service that most taxi companies offer. Many hotels, restaurants, and stores will call a taxi for you, and the taxi usually arrives within minutes. When a taxi is dispatched by telephone, the dispatcher creates a record of the call and the responding taxi.

Robberies while departing airports: U.S. citizens arriving at major Colombian airports have occasionally been victimized by armed robbery while en route from the airport to their hotel or home. The perpetrators typically scout out victims at the airport, and then follow their vehicles before robbing the occupants at a stoplight. Travelers should remain vigilant at airports and report to local airport police if they suspect they are being observed.

Robberies on Hiking Trails: Several U.S. citizens were robbed in 2007 while hiking on nature trails in and around Bogota. Because hiking trips generally take place in isolated settings, participants are especially vulnerable. Hikers in Colombia are more protected if they travel in large groups.

Use of disabling drugs: The Embassy continues to receive reports of criminals in Colombia using disabling drugs to temporarily incapacitate tourists and others. At bars, restaurants, and other public areas, perpetrators may offer tainted drinks, cigarettes, or gum. Typically, victims become disoriented or unconscious, and are thus vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault, and other crimes. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant, and be suspicious if a stranger offers you something to eat or drink.

Counterfeit money scam: U.S. citizens in Colombia routinely fall victim to a scam in which purported undercover police officers approach them on the street and request to examine their money, supposedly to determine if it is counterfeit. The “officers,” who are in fact criminals, then flee with the money. In a variation of this scam, the thieves may ask to see jewelry. Legitimate Colombian police officers do not make such requests.

Overall Kidnapping and violent crime
have diminshed a lot.If he stays in
tourist areas and is careful he should be fine.I use a money belt worn to the front low under clothing
have never had a problem.If confronted give robbers my dummy wallet with an old cc and few bills
out of my pocket.

Works great.

This is an old thread, but I thought I'd bump it up and update it for the sake of travellers wondering the same thing as the original question.

My husband has worked in Colombia as a geologist for 2 years. He loved the country so much, when the opportunity arose, he moved the rest of our family down to Bogota to join him. This was in early January of this year (2009).

I was terrified of the thought of being mugged, kidnapped, or murdered, and even more frightened for the safety of our 2 year old daughter. However, Bogota (not speaking for the rest of Colombia) is a lovely city and I don't regret the move at all.

The people are friendly and love kids. The streets are packed with cars and pedestrians ALL the time, so the greatest worry is possibly pickpocketting or being hit by a car, definitely not being mugged. As a normal precaution, there are parts of town one simply doesn't visit, but with everything this civilized behemoth of a city has to offer, why would you want to go to dangerous parts of town that even the locals avoid?

As for transportation, we walk or take taxis everywhere. Taxis are unbelievably safe. Whoever says otherwise either got really unlucky or has never ridden in one. We've even taken the buses despite not knowing the transit system routes. No big deal... they're cheap, slow, and safe enough even with a toddler and bags falling off your arms after shopping or whatever.

Stay in safe parts of town. Don't go alone with a stranger (except your cab's driver, I guess). Don't flash wads of cash about or dress provocatively. Do the exact same things as you would in ANY big city, and you'll find Bogota a wonderful experience.

Otra vez:

here is my travel blog from my travels through Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena last year. Great trip. Can't wait to go back

you can read my blog on Colombia here:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer

click on "Colombia Travels" at the top of the page and it will take you to my trip report and analysis.

BTW, I was inspired by Sandy b (above)to go to Colombia because of her "travelog" that she mentions. She was "spot on". You should read it.

We were walking back from Monserrate to downtown and took 1st instead of 3rd. We didn't realize we had crossed from the "safe" part of town to the "dangerous" section by detouring two blocks, about 3 minutes of walking. Taxis seemed totally safe and we had no issues with those. Walking from one tourist area to another tourist area at 2 PM in broad daylight shouldn't be a hazardous ordeal, and in most cities, it wouldn't be. In Bogota, it is.

Like any other big city, there are good and bad places. If you are unfamiliar with the city, get a cab or someone local (that you know). The first time I returned from Bogota, a friend asked me, how was it? I replied, I feel safer in Bogota than Miami! It is a beautiful city, great restaurants, hard working people and plenty of nice places to visit. You have to get used to the security. When entering a public parking lot, do not be surprised if the security guard ask you to open the trunk and searches your car. Some office buildings takes your picture and your fingerprint. The cost of piece of mind just like TSA.

I can only talk about our personal experiences. My wife, 12 year old son and I were in colombia in July 2009. We absolutely loved it, and there was not one moment where we felt remotely uncomfortable about security. We are seasoned travellers and use a lot of common sense but even so, we felt remarkably secure. We were in Bogota, cartagena and San andres island, touristy areas, but even so our experience was 100% positive.

I'll be going there from July 18th to Aug 2nd... by myself since my room mate cancelled on me so Im a little worried going now. I"ve read and heard mixed reviews. Ive traveled a lot and to Morocco but bogota just seems to sounds worse.

I'm 24, tall white guy. I know the precautions to take but I still worry myself.

Can anyone tell me the names of the areas I should stay out of...

And what part is known as downtown mainly, what is the most safe and vibrant part of Bogota...

and if anyone happens to be going around that time maybe we can link up and tour a little till we feel more confident..

Anything helps, thanks a lot.

evanjrmy.. i will be in bogota july 26 for 6 days. been there 4 times.. you will love city. where are you staying..

I am headed to Bogota on 5 Aug 10. Looking to spend a couple of weeks in a La Calandaria hostel. I am well traveled and aware of the advisories. I would advise anyone who is wary to visit the State Dapartment home page for advisories. Having said that, I would welcome contact with fellow Americans who will be in the same place at the same time. It's always better to know someone to reach to if trouble crops up. Feel free to respond if interested.

colombia gets a really bad rap.. obviously its south america and you should watch your back. its a major city, but at the same time I have cousins who live there (white with blue eyes look nothing colombian) and they never have a problem. Bogota is much better now compared to before

-marcello
http://www.wanderingtrader.com

Just got back from a road trip arount Colombia

It has gotten A LOT better in the years since

this original post..usual petty theft issues

nothing major FARC is on the run folks

are VERY friendly...still wise to review

www.travel.state.gov Colombia for a heads up and

www.insuremytrip.com cheap wise but it has improved

by leaps and bounds with increasing political stability...

Thank you for saying best!... I am from Chile, lived in Bolivia and Colombia for many years, our family is a rainbow, dark skin blond gren eyes, mixture of a Hindu and Swiss in 1800's, in America they call us Hispanics or brown, As soon as I read the white husband I had to read all responses, I go to Bogota often and have a great time, most friends in America ask me if I am not afraid, people need to travel more to enjoy the amaizing world we have.

I agree. Bad places and Good places just like anywhere else, yet, if I'm one to say it, it has a whole lot more of good places rather than the other kind. You just gotta stay in the places you'd been told to stay. I for one, wouldn't go to the Candelaria (nor nearby places) alone for the world. That's kind of tourists' center, meaning places where "people who'd do bad things" know you'd be.
Overall, if you know where to be and stick to what you know, I bet you'd be fine. I wouldn't go alone though, but that's not because it's Bogota, but simply because it's a big city, and like any big city you don't know, you really shouldn't be alone.

And onto the cabs...Those are Expensive. Whether you come from the States, Europe, or a fellow South American country. If you take them in the airports, extra fee is a quite expensive. If you take a cab after 6pm, then that's another extra you should pay. In Colombia those are expensive despite Nationality. I will however, stick to the ones you call (those most of the times you don't have to pay anything extra) It is safer indeed.

All the recommendations people has told here are quite valid though. ATM's, but really, just use your head a bit, do not flash money in the streets just because, or dress stressing the fact that you come from the States. I bet your eyes and skin would do the job for you, so just be careful and make sure you have a great time.

Be careful and do not think you are safe there. I know people from there who will tell you it is not safe. I know plenty of people who have gone there and come back safe but many precautions were taken for safety. They were escorted everywhere by the locals they were visiting. They were never roaming around without them. They were coached by them as to how to stay safe and not draw attention to themselves. Plenty of people go and return safely. However, this is not because it is a safe place. I recently heard one of the locals that I know from there tell an American who had just returned and said that he felt he was safe the entire time, that it was because he was being naive. He was not safe, he was fortunate and a part of a group that was taking all the safety precautions. She said that you may not always see the dangers but that they are very real and very close to you if you are out and about. Being aware of this will more likely keep you safe. I've been told by locals to be with a group who are also being smart and aware. Blend in. Do not wear expensive looking clothes or walk around looking like a tourist. Do not carry a camara, iphone, ipod, anything that might make you a target. One evening, a friend of mine was with a group of locals and others who were traveling and she went to pull her camera out to take a picture. One of the locals said "NO keep it put away. That will make it dangerous for you." They were not in a bad part of town or anything. Also, Do not wear jewelry that looks like it might be worth something. Be even more cautious at night. Do not accept food or drinks from anyone. Watch your own drink. It is very common to drug people's drink there. Be leary of seemingly nice people. (yes I was told that) Never hail cabs. Call cabs from your hotel. Spend a little more money to stay in a nicer, safer, hotel, in the better parts of town. Know where you should be and shouldn't be, how to get where you are going (the safest route) when you are walking. One block makes a big difference in safety. Do the extra work to be smart and cautious and enjoy the sights.

I will say something about the "white american" thing, because you can be white and be a Latin American, I don't think that changes things much, you should take care as any other person, keeping it in mind this is South America, not Western Europe.
As for the being mugged thing, these things happen, sometimes it's not even because it's a bad neighborhood, but things like these really can happen anytime or place, independently if you are in Colombia or in someplace else, I don't think you should judge a place from the bad things you've heard about it, just saying, considering I am a Latin American and I'm used to my continent.

For everyone who is interested in this topic: i am a local, please be wise not to listen to patriotic citizens and lucky people who made it without a scratch.. Bogota and Colombia in general are not safe, i repeat it is not safe here. Just because someone does not get mugged does not mean it is a peaceful place... What would you think if someone gets killed for a mobile phone somewhere? Or in a traffic satan himself approaches u and violently steal your rear mirrors? Or in a bus in broad daylight someone sits next to u and forces u to give they your mobile? What about getting abused, mugged and raped by a cab driver?Just read any newspaper and see i am not lying, i am just tired of hearing some locals thinking they are doing a good deed to the whole country by saying stupid things and lie... Absolutely everyone i know family, friends, colleagues have been mugged in colombia. You can come here but keep in mind what i say and what "be_smart" is talking about, cannot be more precise...

Ok, where do I sign up?

cold - as mugger or muggee?

I plan to visit Colombia later this year, and will pay more attention to the UK Foreign Office's travel advisory than to this posting.

I'm looking at this post because I'm curious just how high the risk is. I have been in Bogotá for two months. The first month I stayed with locals who were older and played it safe as they were not interested in night life. Since then, I've been living alone.

I have not had a problem. I've walked miles and miles around the city during the daytime without consequence. As I get more comfortable I'm seeking more situations though and I do want to be aware of the risk of being mugged. I sense an undercurrent that the risk is real, but still no problems.

I have a unique situation. I was born in Bogotá, but adopted by American parents. So, I look Colombiano even if I am a gringo. I don't know how that impacts my risk, but I do know nobody knows I'm a gringo. I'm just part of the mix. It may be different for others.

Also, I have a lucky streak. The only time I've been extorted, in Bucharest, I ended up negotiating with the extorters on the price of extortion. I was so broke, we had to plea for a $75 charge and then the guys drove us back to our destination because they realized the situation was a wash and we said our peace and moved on. Scary situations seem to work themselves out.

So, back to Bogotá. I say it is safe. The important part is always knowing where you're at which is easier than American cities due to the street orientation. Second, if people are out and about, which is almost always true in Bogotá, then go with flow. If other people look scared you should be scared. If people are walking and talking on their cell phones, your cell phone is not at risk, nor are you. Just go where people are working and living.

I don't like Sundays though because businesses are not open and the streets can feel erie. Sundays can feel like nighttime. Go to the mall on Sundays because everyone is shopping there and you can even carry a beer bought from the Exitó and walk around the mall. It's the cheap way to have a day out.

My two cents and I hope it all continues to be safe for all.

Scott

I was mugged at knife point at nearly the same spot as budget4me apparently waking up to, or down from the sanctuary is a no go for tourists, get there by cab directly to the entrance. I also heard a story about a dutch tourist who was stabbed in the wrist while taking a picture so that the mugger could steal his camera.

I am kind of sick of all this talk about safety patterns etc. I would say bottom line you can't really go anywhere alone on foot in Bogota if you look like a gringo. You have to have a local escort with you everywhere. I am sorry, this city is just not very safe.

There are at least a million tourists who go to Bogota every year. Of course those who have a bad experience have a louder voice because they are more likely to make the effort to sign up and scream about it. The hundreds of thousands of others who are perfectly safe are the ones you do not hear about.

Been living here for half a year and have had nothing even close to a problem here. Not even close. I walk alone all the time, take taxis alone and figure Uakiens is a troll or talking about another city and is just confused. I feel more unsafe in Boston than most parts of Bogota. Sure, there are some bad parts of Bogota but it is very obvious where to avoid. Otherwise, it is safe. Virrey would not look out of place in any American city. I am more worried going to Detroit or Oakland, honestly.

hello everyone, Im really confused now, so confused. My boyfriend wants me to visit his place Bogota Colombia or may staying there for good. I am a Filipina. I know that Philippines is not that safe as well for some tourist but I never heard something in Philippines like there are armed men who will force to open the door of the hostel to steal things from you. Well its really not fair to judge Colombia as being violent. *blame the media*. I am really torn if I will accept the proposal of my bf or not. Is Colombia a great place to stay (lifetime)?

Most areas of Bogota are not´safe´, but it is a great city and worth a visit. I live here since many years (with young family) and we love it. But living close to the city center I see crime frequently and most of my Colombian friends have suffered some personal crime in recent years (bag snatching mostly, some held up at knife or gunpoint). Stay alert and keep your eyes open.
Bogota (and Colombia in general) is a mosaic of safer and non-safe areas, and knowing which is which is not always obvious (changes too with time of day).

Sensible precautions (as used by many Colombians!):
- on the street have 'flash cash' in your pocket to give to muggers. Keep your real valuables in a tubigrip bandage on your leg.
- daypack and handbags are a real target, so do NOT put anything valuable or irreplaceable there.
- where possible leave essential docs (passports) in hotel and carry photocopies.
- book taxis through the hotel/hostal etc. Do not hail in the street (especially at night).
Avoid to carry valuable gear, ie:
- carry a small instamatic camera in your pocket rather than a huge Canon.
- leave the smart-phone/tablet at home and use an old guide book, paper map, etc.

If you are challenged by muggers then HAND OVER WHAT YOU HAVE otherwise you will be in grave danger. Every year many people die here challenging robbers or being brave enough to try and intervene to help someone else (which is why no-one reacted to assist the BUDGET4ME in the post above).

Don´t let this or the above posts put you off coming to Colombia and Bogota, just take care when you get here.

Good advice from Hevest for travelling to any part of the world. I usually carry my smart phone, though, and use a moneybelt rather than a tubigrip bandage, although I'll check it out.

thanks dwd!
the good thing about the tubigrip leg bandage (can be bought in most pharamcies or online ie http://www.firstaid4sport.co.uk/Tubu...age-10m-P2450/) is you can double it over and put your valuables between the two layers, now stuck to your leg hidden under your trousers. Wear baggy trousers to hide the bump. Obviously doesnt work with shorts so not so good for the beach! But great when travelling through busy city area, bus terminals etc where thieve will go for your pockets and backpack, and can also look for money belts. In Colombia it is common for muggers to take your jacket too, which means even with a secure inner pocket in your jacket you can lose the lot!

I am here now, staying in Candelaria at Abadia Colonial (will post a review on TA later). I have not been hassled, despite walking around alone. (A few poor people asked for money near entrances to churches doesn't count). The hotel is near the Botero and Library so there are people around til 7 pm. Calle 11 is a good street for walking.

Went up Cerro Monserrate last evening, at 5 pm taxi called from hotel was 5000 COP. A lot of people go up for sunset during the week it seems. Return there are contracted safe minivans at the base, rates seem fixed 8000 COP is less than $4USD.

I took the Transmilenio from the airport, doable if you have only a small daypack to fit on your lap. But stations are designed with a lot of walking. Airport taxi to historic center should be $15.

My approach in cities always carry only the minimum needed, extra money in the shoe, point and shoot camera.

So far one enjoyable day in Bogota, longer report to be posted separately.

I came across this blog and wanted to give my honest opinion, I am a native Colombian of white complexion “just like many people in Colombia”. I do understand of people not feeling safe in Bogota, however, there is no need to be negative about traveling to Colombia. I personally think that one has to be careful anywhere in the world. Bogota has many places to visit and multiple things to do, it is just common sense even for locals not to take risks and going to areas of the city that are unsafe. Just like others have mentioned before this is a precaution that needs to be taken in any big city.
As per white Americans, here is my experience; people around the world have this perception that all Americans are rich “or are loaded with money”, some people do not understand that not only rich Americans travel the world. I’d say if you are traveling to Colombia, know where you are going, be fully aware of places you should not visit, blend in with the locals, and if possible do not travel alone. Bogota has lots of neighborhoods of middle and high class residents, stay within those areas which are located in the Northern side of the city, avoid the south side of the city if possible. However, not everywhere in the south-side of Bogota is dangerous.

For other tourists from other countries, ethnicities, and even white Europeans; Colombia is a very mixed country, you will not feel different despite the language because I can assure you will see people with similar complexion like yours. Learn as much as possible about the places you will be visiting, educate yourselves about the city and have an itinerary. One last advise, do not bring a lot of luggage because clothes and accessories are cheaper in Colombia, given the change in currency. Don’t be afraid of traveling to Colombia which is a Country full of nice and warm people… Have a great trip.