Introduction: From Netflix Nightmares to Real Life in Colombia
When I first told my friends and family I was moving to Medellín, the reactions were almost identical: “Are you crazy? Isn’t it super dangerous?!” I get it—the question “Is Colombia safe?” is usually the first thing I’m asked.
For many North Americans, Colombia lives in the shadow of older headlines and Netflix plotlines. But when I landed in Medellín five years ago, I found warm people, innovative transit (hello, Metrocable), and salsa clubs that spill onto the sidewalks. This guide doesn’t sugarcoat risk—it gives you practical, on-the-ground truth so you can travel smart, not scared.
The Real Answer to “Is Colombia Safe?” (It’s Not a Simple Yes or No)
Short version: Yes—if you travel with awareness. Millions visit every year without incident. Safety is a function of where you go, how you act, and how prepared you are.
Learn the local phrase: “No dar papaya.” Literally “don’t give papaya,” it means don’t make yourself an easy target—don’t wave your iPhone in a crowded plaza, don’t wander dark alleys at 2 a.m., and skip flashy jewelry in unfamiliar areas. It’s more about being smart than being scared.
The First Step to a Safe Trip: A Stress-Free Arrival
Safety starts before you clear immigration. Colombia asks travelers to complete the Check-Mig form in advance. It’s free and simple, and having the confirmation screenshot on your phone prevents last-minute airport stress.
- Confidence matters: Fumbling with documents can make you feel—and look—vulnerable.
- Preparation avoids chaos: A screenshot (not just an email) lets you breeze through.
- Smooth start = safer trip: Calm minds make better choices with taxis, ATMs, and directions.
Pro tip: Complete Check-Mig 24–72 hours before your flight. Save the QR/confirmation in a “Travel Docs” album and keep an offline copy.
The Golden Rules of Safety: What Applies Everywhere in Colombia
- Keep phones discreet. Use them inside cafés, Ubers, or your hotel; avoid texting while walking.
- Use ATMs inside malls/supermarkets. Never on the street at night.
- Watch your drinks. Drink spiking exists—never leave drinks unattended.
- Use rideshare apps. Uber, DiDi, and InDriver are safer—especially at night.
- Choose light over dark. Stick to busy, well-lit streets after sunset.
- Split your money. Small daily cash in front pocket; main stash in hotel safe.
- Get travel insurance. Medical care is affordable; emergencies aren’t.
A City-by-City Safety Breakdown
Your Safety Guide to Bogotá: Altitude & Neighborhoods
- Altitude is the first hurdle. At ~8,600 ft (2,640 m), hydrate and take it slow on day one.
- Neighborhoods matter. La Candelaria shines by day but gets quiet at night; for evenings, prefer Chapinero, Usaquén, or around Parque 93.
- Public transport caution. Pickpocketing can occur on TransMilenio; avoid crowded buses late at night and use rideshares instead.
Rule of thumb: After dark, use taxis or rideshares and avoid wandering solo after midnight.
Staying Safe in Medellín: Nightlife, Scams & the Metro
- Reputation vs. reality. Medellín has transformed—from cartel headlines to innovation and hillside Metrocables.
- El Poblado & Laureles are traveler hubs. Still, watch for fake bar tabs and overly friendly strangers who steer you to “the next place.”
- Metro etiquette. Safe and clean; keep your bag in front during rush hour.
- Nightlife caution (Parque Lleras). Decline drugs and “too-good-to-be-true” invitations; keep your drink in sight.
“We don’t have a safety problem anymore; we have a perception problem.” — a Colombian friend who’s watched the city change.
Rule of thumb: Medellín is friendly and vibrant if you don’t “dar papaya.” Keep valuables subtle and set boundaries on nights out.
Staying Safe in Cartagena: Tourist Scams & Beaches
- Expect persistent vendors. A firm, polite “No, gracias.” works best—avoid engaging if you’re not interested.
- Old Town at night. Gorgeous but crowded; stick to lit streets and carry minimal cash.
- Beaches & islands. For Rosario Islands/Playa Blanca, book licensed boats or reputable day clubs to avoid price gouging and unsafe vessels.
“Cartagena is paradise with a price tag—the trick is knowing which prices are real, and which are invented for tourists.” — a taxi driver who’s seen it all.
Takeaway: Cartagena’s main risks are petty theft and small scams, not violent crime. Stay alert, not anxious.
Your “Absolutely Do Not Do” List
- Don’t trek jungles without licensed guides.
- Don’t accept drinks/food/cigarettes from strangers.
- Don’t use street ATMs at night.
- Don’t flash cash, jewelry, designer gear.
- Don’t “explore” unknown barrios after dark.
- Don’t hail random cabs at 2 a.m. Use rideshare or a called taxi.
- Don’t carry your passport daily. Keep the original in the safe; carry a copy.
The Verdict: Should You Cancel Your Trip?
Is Colombia safe in 2025? Yes—if you’re smart, prepared, and respectful. The vast majority of trips are incident-free. The key is awareness: follow the golden rules, use rideshares at night, and keep valuables subtle.
The payoff—Caribbean sunsets, Andean coffee farms, salsa nights, and sincere hospitality—far outweighs the manageable risks. Colombia isn’t the 90s headline you remember; it’s a country writing a new story. Come see it for yourself.
Join the conversation: What are your biggest concerns about traveling to Colombia? Ask below—I’ll answer with on-the-ground truth.