Colombia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Colombia.
Healthcare System
Colombia has a mixed public-private healthcare system with generally good quality medical care, especially in major cities. Private hospitals often rival international standards and many doctors speak English. The country is known for medical tourism, particularly in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.
Hospitals
Major cities have numerous private hospitals catering to international patients. Recommended facilities include Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellín, and Bocagrande Hospital in Cartagena. Private hospitals require payment upfront or proof of insurance. Public hospitals may have longer wait times but provide adequate emergency care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias or droguerías) are widely available in cities and towns. Many medications available over-the-counter that would require prescriptions elsewhere. Major chains include Cruz Verde, Cafam, and Locatel. Pharmacists can often provide basic medical advice. Bring prescriptions for controlled medications.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended and sometimes required by tour operators. Medical care can be expensive for foreigners without insurance. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as remote areas may require transfer to major cities.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers at all times
- Private hospitals provide better service but require payment or insurance guarantee upfront
- Bring sufficient quantities of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Altitude sickness can affect travelers in Bogotá (2,640m) - allow time to acclimatize
- Tap water is generally safe in major cities but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs
- Vaccinations for Yellow Fever are required for certain regions (Amazon, Los Llanos); Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines recommended
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended items are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in teams and target crowded areas, public transportation, and tourist attractions.
While less common than petty theft, armed robberies can occur, particularly in isolated areas or at night. Motorcycles are often used by thieves (atraco en moto).
Scopolamine, derived from local plants, is used to incapacitate victims for robbery or assault. Victims become compliant and have no memory of events.
Short-term kidnappings where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs. Rare but can occur, especially with unofficial taxis.
Thieves on motorcycles snatch phones, bags, and jewelry from pedestrians or stopped vehicles.
Some rural areas and border regions have ongoing security issues related to armed groups, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.
Road conditions vary widely; driving can be hazardous due to poor road maintenance, aggressive driving, and mountainous terrain. Accidents are relatively common.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers and ask to check your wallet or bags for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash or valuables. They may show fake badges.
Unofficial taxis or airport taxis charge inflated rates, take circuitous routes, or claim the meter is broken. Some may be involved in more serious crimes.
One person distracts you (spilling something on you, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Scammers approach tourists with clipboards asking for donations or signatures for fake charities, while accomplices pickpocket.
Devices installed on ATMs capture card information, or thieves observe PIN entry and later steal the card.
Tours, souvenirs, or services are dramatically overpriced for foreigners, especially in tourist areas.
You may receive counterfeit bills as change, especially large denominations (50,000 or 100,000 peso notes).
Scammers use dating apps to arrange meetings, then drug victims with scopolamine or set them up for robbery. Some involve bringing victims to specific bars where drinks are spiked.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Use ride-sharing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) or official taxi apps rather than street taxis
- Always wear seatbelts; child car seats are required for young children
- Avoid intercity bus travel at night; use reputable companies like Bolivariano or Expreso Brasilia
- For long distances, consider domestic flights which are affordable and safe
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in cities
- Don't display valuables in vehicles; keep bags out of sight
- Use TransMilenio (Bogotá) and Metro (Medellín) during daylight hours; be vigilant for pickpockets
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
- Carry only small amounts of cash; use credit cards where possible
- Keep backup cards and cash in hotel safe
- Make copies of important documents and store separately
- Use money belts or hidden pouches for valuables
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or cameras
- Split money between different locations on your person
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods; research areas beforehand
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Keep room doors and windows locked
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Read recent reviews about safety and location
- Consider staying in El Poblado (Medellín), Zona T or Chapinero (Bogotá), or walled city (Cartagena)
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Claro, Movistar, Tigo)
- Share your itinerary with family or friends
- Register with your embassy if staying long-term
- Learn basic Spanish phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
- Have your accommodation address written in Spanish
Food and Water
- Drink bottled or filtered water; tap water is generally safe in major cities but may upset sensitive stomachs
- Eat at busy, reputable restaurants
- Be cautious with street food initially; let your stomach adjust
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Peel fruits and vegetables when possible
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure of water source
- Try local cuisine but be mindful of food hygiene standards
General Awareness
- Stay aware of your surroundings; avoid looking lost or distracted
- Don't walk alone at night; use transportation even for short distances
- Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings
- Be discreet about travel plans and accommodation details with strangers
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Learn about local customs and dress appropriately to blend in
- Keep a low profile; avoid appearing wealthy or vulnerable
- Don't leave drinks unattended in bars or nightclubs
Technology and Devices
- Don't use phones while walking on streets; thieves target distracted phone users
- Use phone cases without obvious branding (iPhone, Samsung)
- Back up photos and data regularly to cloud storage
- Use VPN for sensitive transactions on public WiFi
- Keep devices charged; carry portable battery pack
- Consider a cheap backup phone for emergencies
- Enable 'Find My Device' features before traveling
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Colombia is generally safe for women travelers who take appropriate precautions, though machismo culture is present and catcalling (piropos) is common. Solo female travelers successfully visit Colombia regularly, particularly in tourist areas and major cities. However, women should be more cautious than in some other destinations, especially regarding nightlife, transportation, and accommodation choices.
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; Colombian women often dress stylishly but conservatively in everyday settings
- Ignore catcalls and piropos; responding typically encourages more attention
- Use ride-sharing apps or registered taxis, especially at night; never accept rides from strangers
- Avoid walking alone at night; stay in well-lit, populated areas
- Book accommodations in safe neighborhoods; read reviews from other solo female travelers
- Be extra cautious with drinks in bars and nightclubs; watch them being made and never leave unattended
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Wear a fake wedding ring if it makes you more comfortable
- Be cautious on dating apps; meet only in public places and tell someone where you're going
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from situations that feel uncomfortable
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels
- Learn basic Spanish phrases to communicate boundaries clearly
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily available
- Beaches can be particularly problematic for solo women; stay in populated areas
- Join women traveler groups on social media for current advice and meetups
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Colombia, and the country has progressive LGBTQ+ rights for Latin America. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2016, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited. Colombia is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in South America.
- Bogotá's Chapinero neighborhood has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene with bars, clubs, and restaurants
- Medellín's El Poblado area is generally gay-friendly with several LGBTQ+ venues
- Cartagena has some LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, though the scene is smaller
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection outside of gay-friendly areas
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations; many hotels and hostels are welcoming
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Colombia Diversa for current information
- Pride celebrations occur in major cities, typically in June-July
- Be more cautious in rural areas and small towns where attitudes are more conservative
- Dating apps are widely used but exercise caution when meeting people
- Transgender travelers should carry ID matching their gender presentation to avoid issues
- Gay-friendly beaches include Playa Blanca near Cartagena (though be discreet)
- Learn Spanish terms for LGBTQ+ identity to communicate if needed
- Major cities have LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers familiar with specific health needs
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Colombia. While healthcare quality is good, medical costs for foreigners can be very expensive without insurance. Insurance provides crucial coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation from remote areas, trip cancellations, theft (which is relatively common), and adventure activities. Many tour operators and adventure activity providers require proof of insurance. Given Colombia's varied terrain and adventure tourism opportunities, comprehensive coverage including evacuation is particularly important.
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