Question on security

ColombiaBoard says on Oct 29, 2004, 06:59:

Where to go Well, first of all you can´t judge a city or country based on a movie.

In general the cities you mention are considered safe, as safe as any large urban area in the world.

The only areas that are considered unsafe in terms of kidnappings and such events are the rural areas far away from the cities.

Bogota is a large metropolitan area with very good neighborhoods and a very well kept historical district.

Other places that you can visit are:
Medellin, Cartagena, the Coffee Region (Manizales and Pereira)

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Miguel says on Oct 29, 2004, 07:51:

Tambien Barranquilla, Santa Marta y San Andres

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sydneygirl says on Oct 29, 2004, 08:05:

security Hi Ali,
I too had the same concerns when I first arrived in Colombia.
Yes you can walk around without being hasselled. Of course there are homeless people who stand in Cafe doorways watching you buy a coffee, but I just give them a coin and they are happy.
I am tall and blond and I get a few stares but the women here dye their hair blond so its not like people here havn´t seen a blond before. Once you have the bus system under raps you will feel as free as a bird, its only 1000peso to catch one-50c.
A tourist visa is extendable to 6 months. They give you 30days at the airport when you arrive and then you have to go to the DAS office and pay 54,000peso every 30 days to extend it.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 29, 2004, 08:08:

Great movie That's a great movie but judging Colombia (or even Medellin) by it would be like drawing your conclusions about Los Angeles by watching "Boys N' the Hood" or "Colors".

I'm a foreigner in Colombia and generally feel quite safe. You need to exercise prudent judgement but that's true everywhere in the world.

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Roncita says on Oct 29, 2004, 08:36:

security Don't worry, you will not be attacked or kidnapped the minute you step out of the airport. Just keep your wits about you if you go into the city centres as security isn't as great there as it is in some other parts, and you'll be fine. I am a British woman living in Medellin and (touch wood) haven't had problems. I don't look Colombian - I am blonde and fairly tall (in comparison with Colombians! In London I'm average) and although I get comments in the street from men a lot, and sometimes quite rude, I know they're not threatening so I just ignore them, although it first it really annoyed me. Sometimes taxi drivers try and rip you off when they realise you're a "gringo" (even if you're not from the US), but if you call a cab from home and don't flag one down on the street, they are generally more reliable. Just don't walk around flashing an expensive camera, jewellery, watch etc, take taxis after dark wherever you go, listen to Colombians you know when they recommend where to go and where not to go, and you'll be fine.

Re the 3 cities you mentioned, Cartagena, especially the old city and tourist areas (most of the rest of the city is very poor so probably not such a good idea to walk around) is very safe - I don't know Bogota that well although I know the centre isn't the safest place, but there are nice barrios in the north - the same applies to Medellin, although its posh parts are in the south.

I presume, since you are living in Barcelona now, you speak Spanish - that will help no end to fit in and feel less conspicuous as well.

Have fun in Colombia y mucha suerte!

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freyr says on Oct 29, 2004, 08:39:

Security Thank you for the responses to Ali's e-mail. I too will be traveling to Medellin for the first time within the next few weeks. I read the U.S. State Department website and about had a coronary. My experience, however, has been that people who have actually visited Medellin have a very different perspective. Thanks again.

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Lauthra says on Oct 29, 2004, 09:25:

Cali too! I recommend you visit Cali, especially if you come during chrismas, when we celebrate La Feria. Just stay out of the really poor areas and you'll be fine ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Oct 29, 2004, 09:39:

and I second lauthras's motion for Cali:)
Cheers,
Desi
(btw. nice chat last weekend)

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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roadrunner says on Oct 29, 2004, 12:27:

visiting colombia I have been living in Barranquilla for 3 months and have had absolutely no problems. I have visited cartegena and Santa Marta and felt safe too. I am female, blonde and have my 3 year old son with me. If it were not safe, I would not be here. My husband was in Barcelona last year and was mugged - it can happen anywhere.

roadrunner

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British Paisa says on Oct 29, 2004, 12:56:

Nothing to worry about in Medellin, as others have said the best thing to do is to stick to the nice parts first and as you go meeting Colombians, which you surely will as they are extremely friendly, they can advise you what other parts you should or shouldn't go to and at what times of day, as some places that are quite safe during the day are hell holes at night.
I have been in Medellin for 8 years now, still can't pronounce the rolling rr's and most people, even where I live know me and my family are "gringos" even though we are from England. I think the secret to getting along with people in Colombia is not thinking you are more than any one just because you may have more commodities because you are not!...; the fact that you are a foreigner magnifies this and it really pi**es people off, and that is why you get into trouble.
If a celador near where you live comes up, talk to them, offer them a drink etc, the secret is to treat people as you would want to be treated.... Most Colombians don't as they are very focused on the social background rather than the person.

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kernow62 says on Oct 29, 2004, 15:01:

roadrunner are you a teacher from England I met someone who matches your description, right down to the young lad in tow while I was staying at the Hotel da Pietro in Cartagena recently.

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