How safe is Cali for American tourist

calipro says on Mar 29, 2005, 17:05:

What tourist stuff? It is safe to travel back an forth to the airport.

It is safe to walk around the malls.

It isn't so safe to go down town were they sell clothes and shoes dirt cheap but who wants to go there anyway. I went with a friend once and a couple of guys were following me. Then they noticed me noticing them and It soon became appearant that they needed to have a gun or at least surprise on their side and since they didn't have either they left.

It's safe to go to the discos if you have your 105lb bodyguard with you.

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roddy1970 says on Mar 29, 2005, 17:16:

CALI
That is so true, stay from downtown...remember to visit 6AVE..and SAN ANTONIO area...also get a bodyguard..not over 105 pounds

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Sonny says on Mar 29, 2005, 17:20:

chillwill I have been to Cali many times. I have walked down town, in the malls, on the dark streets but not with a fist full of money in my hand or after midnight. There are many places here in my city I would not drive through let alone walk through. Fear draws bad guys to you. Just like an animal they sense it. Use common sense and good judgement and don't put yourself in a position to have a conflict with anyone. Having a local with you is not a bad idea either. The taxi to and from the airport is OK or at least for me it has been but I am a big guy and do not ever look scared. Have fun and put the fear in your pocket and keep good judgement on your mind at all times. Just like the states. Go and enjoy a beautiful city and the people. They are friendly and kind for the most part.

Friends???? How do you place a value on that?? They are like memories, without them you have nothing

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bbattiste says on Mar 29, 2005, 19:23:

It appears very safe to me. I have been to Cali many times...to the malls, the discos and stayed in several hotels in the city. I am a risk taker and usually don't use common sense and despite that I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM OR FELT UNSAFE.

ALSO, I was just married in in Palmira (30 miles NE of Cali) and my family had a few concerns before going to Colombia to attend the wedding, but after spending a week in Palmira and going to Cali numerous times with a 10 year old white kid...they could not have been more surprised by how safe they felt the entire time they were there.

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Bruce V. Shrader says on Mar 29, 2005, 21:34:

cali safety I don't think you have very much to worry about really.
I have walked all over the downtown area, where they sell clothes and shoes cheaply and all. I have even walked from Plaza Caicedo down thru Barrio Bosco. I might add, that my Colombian wife called me on my cell phone and just about S**T when she found out that I was in Bosco. HA HA! Our Home, BTW, is in Barrio Camino Real, near the Bull Ring. I have walked about half way home down "La Quinta from Caicedo. also, avenida Roosevelt is OK.

You can go to Unicentro and Chippi Chapi (two very nice shopping malls
with complete confidence. The taxis with the 444-4444 telephone numbers on them are known as the "Good Guys". There are others which are OK too. Funny thing, we were down in Coral Gables, FL (a Miami suburb) and noticed that some of the "Yellow Cabs" there use the
444-4444 telephone number too.

I would recommend that if you do walk, only do it during the daytime, and carry your billfold (money and valuables) in one of your front pockets and keep your hand in the pocket over the billfold & etc.

BTW, when walking this way, I keep an eye out for other people
and try not to let anyone get very close to me.

As for travel, travel during the daytime, try to have a group of people with you. The main highways are fairly safe. You can goto
Lago Calima, Restrepo and Darien.

BTW, it is a good idea to not wear any expensive jewelry, wear a cheap watch and etc. Don't look like you are rich, you should be alright then.

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Miguel says on Mar 29, 2005, 22:36:

More advice Read previous thread here about common sense when using ATM's.

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2retirensa says on Mar 30, 2005, 05:49:

Atleast look like you know where you are going, even if you don´t. If you need to ask directions, don´t stop people on the street. If there are no police, ask a shop keeper or clerk, and and be discreet.

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Harry says on Mar 30, 2005, 07:34:

Never had a problem in Cali I am a gringo that lives in Cali. I am as gringo looking as you can be. I have never had any problem in Cali.

Cali is no different than any other large city in the world it does have crime and criminals. If you can not speak or understand Spanish you will be more at a disadvantage because you will seem to be a easier target if the wrong sort spots you.

If you take reasonable precautions, which other posters have mentioned you will be reasonably safe.

I do have a suggestion. In Cali after 10 pm it is not very good to be out and about by yourself. If you want to be out at this time try to always go with at least one friend.


Harry

Harry

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chillwill says on Mar 30, 2005, 07:41:

Thanks Thank you all for the comments. My fears are really from the "kidnapping" perspective. This is all I ever hear about; and, a very unfortunate stereotype of Colombia as I believe that it is only a few "hot" areas that I should be concerned with. Is Cali one of them?

You know, I've been to Rio, Caracas, Buenos Aires, and Panama City. I do not have a problem walking in the streets and looking "confident". My concerns are more "am I at risk of being kidnapped". Any thoughts on this are welcomed.

Kind regards,
Willy

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calipro says on Mar 30, 2005, 09:03:

Chill ! Will There isn't much of a chance of you getting kidnapped within the city limits of Cali.

Your chance of getting kidnapped will increase with the distance that you travel outside of the city.

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ReidEnter says on Mar 30, 2005, 09:15:

How Safe Is Cali i am an american attorney with an immigration practice who lives in cali. i agree with the comments above that cali is as safe or as dangerous as a city like new york if you are street smart and do not go into the wrong places at night or during the day.

going to clubs alone is not a good idea. most people at clubs have dates. also it is not a good idea to pick up a strange lady at a club. use an agency or go with a friend.

the north of the city is safe - near chipichappe the most popular shopping mall in the city.

i would arrange for a taxi or driver to meet you at the airport. the taxis are safe but the drive from the airport to the city is a bit desolate. you can also have your hotel send you a car or van for an airport pickup. i can make some recommendations on hotels or drivers if you wish.


ReidEnter at aol.com

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