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Mad about fear for safety in Colombia.

I am upset about the constant problems with security in Colombia especially for Gringos.
I am US born to North American parents, however my parents moved to Colombia when I was a small child. I returned to US when I was a teenager, later maried and have three children. I consider Colombia in a large way my home. I would like to return and spend some time there with my wife and children, however I realize that we would look like just another Gringo family (which we are), and would fear for the safety of my family and myself. Is this just my perception? or is it indeed the case. The last time I visited there was nine years ago. What cities are considered safe and will these conditions ever change.

By madison833 on Feb 24, 2005, 08:51 in Friendly Talkzone.

griff79 says on Feb 24, 2005, 09:53:

Safety in Colombia I just returned from Colombia and had a fantastic time. I am as gringo as it gets and speak very little spanish. I had the same concerns before I visited too. However I found a very different Colombia once I arrived. I found a Colombia with absolutely wonderful, outgoing, friendly and caring people. It is a beautiful country with great people and I never once felt insecure or unsafe. I traveled by myself to Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Bogota and never once had a problem. You will occassionally hit an army or police checkpoint - this actually made me feel even safer. I say go and be happy. Enjoy Colombia. I did.

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fill says on Feb 24, 2005, 12:47:

where in Colombia did you grow up??

fill

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madison833 says on Feb 24, 2005, 13:06:

I grew up in Bucaramanga Do you live in Colombia or elsewhere?

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 24, 2005, 13:28:

another gringo in BOG I live in Bogota with a family and don't feel any less safe than I did living in a major US city. Granted, the dangers are different, and I live in a really nice part of Bogota (also expensive by local standards) but I think the worries about danger overall are overstated.

I think if you were last here 9 years ago you'd be surprised at the difference. I wasn't here then but that's what locals tell me.

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dwmte says on Feb 24, 2005, 17:22:

madison the advise above is all good and straight. the places you'll go or even consider going in colombia with your family--generally speaking--are not the places you'll encounter 'problems'.

true, there can be dangers in any of the major cities. but common sense and proper behavior will keep you away from any problems.

im an american who lived in colombia (medellin) for a number of years going back to '89. i saw a lot of the problems and so much has changed it's as if it were now a different country.

go, enjoy your selves, show your family what you remember growing up. i feel you'll all be fine and have a marvelous time.

dw.

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MegsUT62 says on Feb 28, 2005, 19:34:

what about a blond college grad?? I am planning on moving to Bogota at the end of May after I graduate. I'm going to study spanish for 2 months but stay longer if I can find some sort of marketing job or something!! I want to stay for about a year or so and gain some experience living and working abroad!

I have tons of friends, all from Bogota, because I met them in Atlanta. I vacationed there for almost a month in Dec/Jan and felt very safe partying and going around during the day.

But I feel that I didn't really see the "real" side of the city because it was a vacation for me and during the holidays when everyone was out in the city.

But what about normal day-to-day life of working in Bogota!! That is what I'm going to try to do!

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