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Be discrete. It is not necessary or recommendable to call
attention to yourself or advertise that you are a foreigner.
Adopt the dress and behavior of the native people of the location
where you are visiting. Prior to initiating your trip, gather
information on local customs and culture. To the extent possible,
learn to communicate frequently used phrases in Spanish and
limit loud or excessive discussions in English or other foreign
languages. Colombian men do not wear shorts or sneakers unless
they are going to the gym.
2. Communicate and interact only with
recommendable social contacts and reputable places of business.
You, the visitor, should choose with whom you interact and
proceed slowly and with caution in any new relationship
to ensure the other person’s intentions are in your
mutual best interests.
3. Plan your travel in advance. Travel
between major cities by air is as safe in Colombia as in
any part of the western world and is more secure than travel
by road. Within the cities it is recommendable to conduct
your activities during the day or early evening. If traveling
at night or very early morning call for a taxi rather than
hail a taxi on the street. Any reputable hotel, restaurant
or nightclub will assist their clients call for a taxi.
Before initiating your taxi ride know roughly where you
are going, what direction it is and how long it should take
to get there, and remain alert during the taxi ride. Also,
exercise extreme caution when crossing streets. The biggest
threat to your safety in Colombia may be from speeding cars
and motorcycles.
4. Take care to plan your lodging in
advance. Ideally any short or long term lodging should be
located on the third floor or higher to minimize the risk
of dangers from the street. A hotel or apartment building
that has a 24 hour a day doorman reduces the likelihood
of illegal entry into your lodging. The hotel or building
receptionist or “Portero” should contact you
prior to admitting visitors or deliveries.
5. Secure your important personal belongings
and take extra precautions with your wallet or purse. Credit
cards are not used as frequently as in North America and
Europe and it is recommendable to avoid use of credit cards
to pay for routine purchases. Leave your credit cards, passport
and other important documents in a secure location, and
each day take with you only the amount of cash you need
(preferably in small denominations) to conduct your daily
activities. Avoid wearing jewelry or an expensive watch.
Make a copy of your passport before your trip and after
reaching your destination carry the copy of your passport
with you.
The loss or theft of a passport should be reported immediately
to the police and the passport holder’s respective
embassy.
6. There is safety in groups. Avoid exploring
new or unknown places alone.
Ideally a new visitor will be introduced to their Colombian
destination by
an established reputable
contact that speaks the language and understands
the culture. SERVICIOS
INTERNACIONALES SERVICES PROVIDED
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