Colombia is a picturesque country with a lot of architectural monuments, amazing nature and original culture . But most foreigners associate it with drug cartels and crime. Therefore, each traveler is interested in the question, what is the level of security for tourists in Colombia and what precautions should be taken to visit this country left only the most positive impressions.
Colombia is a picturesque country with a lot of architectural monuments, amazing nature and original culture . But most foreigners associate it with drug cartels and crime. Therefore, each traveler is interested in the question, what is the level of security for tourists in Colombia and what precautions should be taken to visit this country left only the most positive impressions.
Some statistics
In the world market, this country is known as one of the largest suppliers of coffee and coal. In addition, in terms of energy supply, Colombia is completely autonomous. There are many hydroelectric power stations, active oil and gas production. With all this, the republic is not popular with foreign investors, which is primarily due to political instability, corruption and drug trafficking.
Despite the fact that according to the size of GDP the country occupies the 25th place in the world, approximately 47% of its population lives below the poverty line. This led to a high level of crime, which forced the authorities of Colombia to carefully monitor the safety of tourists and their citizens.
What should a tourist fear in Colombia?
To date, the security situation in the country is mixed. Even 10 years ago, in the time of the world-famous drug lord Pablo Escobar, tourists here could not go at all. However, over the past decade, Colombian authorities have taken many measures to increase security for tourists and their own people. It can not be said that now in the country is absolutely calm. However, here there are areas in which the crime rate is not higher than in any French village.
The greatest danger is presented by Bogota and other major cities of the country, which beat "records" for:
- drug trafficking;
- kidnapping;
- armed robberies;
- fraud;
- street theft.
Since the beginning of the 2000s, the government of the country has been actively suppressing the actions of drug cartels and insurgent groups, which has helped to stabilize the situation in especially criminogenic provinces. For security reasons for citizens and tourists, all major roads in Colombia are patrolled around the clock by the army. On many highways, checkpoints are installed every 10 km. On the streets of the city you can meet policemen in uniform and in civilian clothes.
The kidnapping of people is based on partisan detachments operating for political and economic reasons. In this respect, ordinary foreign travelers are least interested in them. In any case, while in this country, you should not take drinks or cigarettes from strangers. They often add narcotics "Borrachero" in them to lull a potential victim of robbery or kidnapping.
No less danger in the country is its nature. However much the authorities of Colombia try to provide security for tourists, it is difficult for them to struggle with a hot climate, scorching sun rays, blood-sucking insects and numerous predators.
Precautions on the streets of Colombia
Despite the relatively high crime rate, the country does not cease to be popular with foreign travelers. For their own safety, tourists walking along the streets of Colombia need:
- store money on bank cards;
- keep the cards and cash in secret pockets;
- set a limit for withdrawing cash from the card;
- Do not come in contact with passers-by, coming in or out;
- Have a maximum of $ 5-10 in local currency;
- instead of an expensive smartphone model, use a conventional push-button phone;
- keep documents and money separately;
- carefully monitor your pockets, bags, backpacks;
- to bypass the uninhabited places and criminogenic areas;
- be careful after sunset.
Observing these elementary rules, foreign travelers are most likely to avoid meeting with representatives of Colombian crime and get the most pleasure from a visit to the country.
Precautions in transport Colombia
Instead of the metro, the system of transmilenio operates in the country. Buses here travel along a dedicated strip, but they can be expected in covered pavilions equipped with turnstiles. For the safety of tourists and locals, Colombian bus stops are patrolled by police officers with batons. Being in transport , it is necessary:
- follow the bags and pockets;
- Stay away from the entrance;
- not to sleep;
- Do not use expensive phones, photo and video cameras.
The country has a well-developed taxi service. Machines can be recognized by yellow color, luminous checkers and scoreboard. It is not recommended to catch a taxi on the street. It is better to order it by phone or using a special mobile application.
For their own safety, tourists traveling to Colombia should not stand out from the general public. Bright clothes, expensive digital equipment and even stylish sunglasses can attract the attention of intruders. Observing simple precautions, you can see that the Colombians themselves are very pleasant and sympathetic people. They are always ready to help the traveler to find a road, a necessary stop or a tourist attraction . So do not be afraid to contact them for help. With regard to natural factors, while in Colombia, you should always wear light cotton clothing, use sunscreens and repellents. Before diving in the sea, you should take care of the availability of a special wet suit and shoes.