SAFETY GUIDE
IS MEDELLÍN SAFE?
If you like being called “love”, a romantic, friendly and family culture, you will love Medellín. In fact, Colombians love American visitors and treat them with respect regardless of their race or color. BUT IS IT SAFE?
Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia, is an incredible place with wonderful people, food, culture and landscapes. New hotels are popping up all over the city, reflecting the newborn popularity.
Gone are the days of Pablo Escobar, however, like most places, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Street crime is incredibly high, followed by women who want to drug you or take your gringo dollars.
There are many areas to visit that you can enjoy. Remember to treat people with respect and how you want to be treated. Don't flaunt your wealth or walk around with gold chains dripping from your neck. Below is information to keep you informed and help you have a great experience.
CRIME
ALWAYS BE WISE
Thefts have decreased by several thousand cases a year
Violent crime is at an all-time low of just 11.2%
Medellín has an overall safety rating of 65
Medellín at night has an overall safety rating of 35
Medellín at night is considered safer than Baltimore, Chicago and parts of Washington DC
WHERE SUGGESTED LATE AT NIGHT
Here are some places you should not visit at night:
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Comuna 13
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Parque Lleras (cool to visit but also known for sex tourism, you will see many people from all over the world).
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Parque de las Luces (NOT recommended after dark)
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Parque San Antonio (pickpockets)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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I know you love your cell phone, but keep it in your pocket and pay attention to your surroundings as you walk.
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Leave valuables at your hotel, be sure to lock them in a safe.
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Don't go downtown after 7:00 p.m. m., unless you want to increase your chances of being mugged.
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Taking a taxi is a bit risky. Ask the concierge how much it will cost to get to your hotels or AirBNB in ​​advance. Trust me, taxis will try to scam you. OR better yet, take an Uber or Cabify.
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Avoid walking alone in isolated or deserted areas.
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There is no need to carry a lot of cash with you. Take only what you need. I would like to say that 150,000 - 400,000 should be more than enough. I personally prefer to use my credit card.
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Always keep your phone in your pocket, always keep your phone in your pocket again, always keep your phone in your pocket. When you take it out, be careful of people around you. Also, be careful with the motorcycle, they will pass by and steal your phone.
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Pickpockets are abundant. Men don't get excited if a woman puts her hand down his pants to check her family jewelry. Most likely, he is trying to steal the jewelry from your pocket.
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Check your bill before leaving a restaurant or bar. Most of the time they are honest, but some will try to take advantage.
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Take care of your drinks. There has been a recent increase in the number of women dropping white powder, or pills, into their drink. The new Colombian drug is Scopolamine. Scopolamine can be placed on towels or blown on the face. You will be conscious but at the mercy of the thief. In most cases, you wake up the next day having given all your money and valuables to the thief and they are gone.
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If you are robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance.
USE YOUR BRAIN
AND THE GIRL WHO OFFERS SERVICES?
There is no doubt, Medellín has some of the most beautiful women in the world!
Prostitution in Colombia is legal (18), but is not fully allowed to operate like other industries.
People can only open brothels in state-designated areas, and breaking this rule can result in severe punishment.
We can lie to ourselves or pretend that many men are not in Medellín for the cat, but the truth is that they are. Men, do not trust any woman you find in Parque Lleras, Provenza, El Centro, the clubs or inside the brothels.
Most women are great, however, there are some whose only goal is to take your money by any means necessary. The girls will try to overcharge you for the services but you have to know the rate and separate the rate from the quality of the girls.
The service charge for women in clubs will be a little higher than on the street. The range for street girls should be between $150,000 - $250,000 pesos. In US dollars, that's about $35 - $55 US dollars.
For those who enjoy clubbing, the rate is around $250 - $400,000 pesos, which is $55 - $75 US dollars. Of course, this all depends on the current exchange rate.
If you want high-end girls, at a club like La Isla or Gusto the rate will be a little higher. $300.00 - $500,000. Anything more than that is a sales pitch to see if you're desperate or a stupid gringo.
Always negotiate down, 10 out of 10 women will lower the price.
Most women are watchers of the clock. What that means is that you're on the clock for an hour, so do what you plan to do sooner rather than later or they may try to charge you.
ID
It is good practice to verify the girl's identification. Have your hotel doorman, lodge, doorman or guard check your ID before participating. You should also ask them to see the ID as well.
By checking ID, you can determine if they are trying to scam you, are of legal age, and know if they are using your real name.
DRUGS
As mentioned above, some girls have no problem getting you high. They are not there to have sex with you, just to rob you.
The bottom line is to be safe and don't hesitate to ask the girl for identification.
SAFER PLACES IN MEDELLÍN
ENVIGADO
Envigado is our top choice for staying in Medellín for safety, authentic vibes, and business connections. It's not too far from the center of downtown.
It is suburban living close to El Poblado, shopping centers and restaurants. However, Envigado offers a calm atmosphere and is great if you take your family.
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THE CITY
If you want to be in the center of the action, you should stay in El Poblado. El Poblado is one of the most popular areas of Medellín for tourists. There are many restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. The energetic nightlife is the best in Medellín. There are large shopping centers, international restaurants, parks and plenty of bars and clubs.
Due to the high level of wealth in the city. Police protection is the best in Medellín. There are visible officers, cameras and less crime.
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LAURELS
Laureles is one of the safest and most expat-friendly neighborhoods in Medellin. While it doesn't offer as many attractions, it's a great area to base yourself if you're concerned about safety and getting a good night's sleep. There are great restaurants and several great clubs and restaurants.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
In America we use 911 in Colombia it's
based on the situation.
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National Emergency Number: 123
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Tourist Police: +57 (1) 337 4413
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Information: 113
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U.S. Embassy in Colombia: +57 (1) 275 2000