Travelling solo can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s essential to stay mindful of safety. Especially in some parts of Latin America – like Colombia. Stick to well-travelled areas, use reputable transportation services and avoid displaying valuables.
If you donβt speak Spanish – learning basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience, and help you communicate with locals and navigate day-to-day activities. Colombians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Engage with the local community, whether through language exchanges, cooking classes, or volunteering opportunities. This not only enriches your travel experience but also creates lasting memories and friendships.
Alone as a female traveler in Colombia ? Yes, you can !
I have to admit, I asked myself if I should go alone. Even with my international background and travel experience: Iβve lived in many different countries, on various continents, Iβve travelled excessively (also alone) through the entire globe for more than 20 years. For the last 7 years, I have been living βon the goβ. Before I became a freelancer and digital nomad I worked for the Travel Industry. As a former Marketing lady responsible for Business Development in Cuba and Mexico, Iβm familiar with Latin America. I have friends there. Iβm fluent in Spanish.. And yet, despite all this: I had concerns when booking my flight to Colombia.
Then again: My passion for adventures was greater than my fear. I reminded myself of my credo β βwhat will be will beβ and Iβm glad I did. Yes, you have to be more aware of your belongings as in SouthEast Asia, where people mostly believe in Karma and donβt steal. Just use common sense but donβt be afraid. Colombia is nowadays considered a safe country and I can only recommend visiting.
The most important advice that I can give you is this: be careful with your phone !
I already heard while planning my trip that phone robbery is a very common issue in Colombia. I heard horror stories about guns and knives being involved to get their hands on your phone. I don’t want to scare you off but you should be informed and aware.
When you travel alone your phone is your ‘everything’ ! Itβs not about the phone itself but what is in it! Your bookings, your tickets, your bank, your camera, your navigation, your link to the loved ones who you want keep updated on your whereabouts. And very important: in the case of the digital nomads it’s a work tool! You simply can’t be without your phone!
On the plane to Colombia someone told me: βthey will steal your phone, you can be sure of itβ. Ok, I thought I would be extra careful. And I was.. In Colombia they use the phrase βno das papayaβ – which literally means βdonβt give papayaβ. So, basically βdon’t flash your phone !β Papaya being a low hanging fruit gives the opportunity to be easily picked. Therefore the metaphor. Donβt give the opportunity to be picked by pickpockets.
So, when I was outside I took the phone out only when I felt comfortable: In safe neighbourhoods, cafΓ©s, museums. If I had to check google maps while being in a βhigh papaya levelβ district I walked into a shop to check my phone and if I wanted to take a picture on spots like Plaza de Bolivar (in every city the Plaza Bolivar is usually a hangout for dodgy looking man) – I did it while standing close to a policeman.
And because I was always so careful I wasn’t afraid of the pickpockets but rather of an armed assault, in which case you have to handle the phone over. And guess what happened at the end ? It was the pickpocket who stole my phone! Exactly the moment I relaxed, a thief found me.. Luckily I caught him! Let me share the story with you.
Excurs: The stolen phone
I was sitting on a nice quiet square in Cartagena. After the craziness of the independence day festivities with big crowds, where I was overprotective on my phone. Here I was, relaxed, having lunch in a chic restaurant with a friend before she was heading to the airport. The moment the waiters who were hovering at the door, watching over their tables went inside and my friend gave me her phone asking me to write down my books recommendations. I grab her phone, left mine on the side of the table, a guy approached with some prospectsβ¦Well, you can imagine what happened next!
My friend told me βbe carefulβ and I replied βyes, I knowβ – because my brain had the info of holding the phone in my handβ¦Except, it wasn’t my phone! So the guy leaves, I hand the phone back to my friend and at this moment the horrible realisation drops – this was not my phone that I was holding, so mine must be gone by now ! Instinctively I knew it was gone before even checking properly, and I went after him! With a tunnel thinking of βI canβt be alone in Colombia without my phoneβ I wasnβt even considering the fact that the guy could harm me. With an instinct of trying not to loose him, I didnβt run, I didnβt screem. I went quickly after him, grabbed him by the shoulder yelling in Spanish to give me my phone back! The moment I reached him, I made a scene. He got scared, pulled apart his prospects and there it was – my phone! I grabbed it and ran back as quick as I could. I was back at our table with a rising heart and found my friend sitting there with an open mouth. I’m not sure if I was courageous or reckless but I got my phone back.
So yes the guy on the plane was right. They did steal my phone! But they didnβt get it! I was lucky. This time! So, please I can only repeat it: be extra careful ! (Btw. next day my friend’s daughter’s phone got stolen).
Personal Tipps & Recommendations:
- No das Papaya – donβt flash your phone !
- Donβt take yellow taxis in Bogota (only Uber & Co. – from an app)
- Donβt walk alone after dark in areas like La Candelaria (Bogota) & outside of San Antonio in Cali
- If you go dancing in Cali and return after dark, donβt walk, take a car. Best leave the house without your phone. Just with a small amount of cash.
- Getting around Colombia: between the cities it is best to fly, in nature take a bus
- Take the cable car when visiting the Comuna 13 (besides walking the stairs). It’s not about safety but that way you can see the whole neighbourhood from above. Priceless! (Well actualy at the cost of a metro ticket but yeah – awesome! : ))
- Use citybike in BogotΓ‘
- Use metro in MedellΓn
- Go for drinks on rooftop bars
- Visit art galleries and museums
- Book free city walking tours
- Mingle with the locals and make friends
Conclusion
I highly recommend travelling to Colombia, even alone. You will always meet new people if you are open minded and communicative. But I assume you are, otherwise you will not be reading this article : )
As on every trip: Be aware, think logically, keep an eye on your belongings, and just be generally smart. Embrace the spirit of exploration, immerse yourself in the local culture, and discover the many facets of this captivating country. Enjoy! And donβt hesitate to ask me questions. Best on IG: b_kosmo
Here you will find my related articles about my Colombia Adventures:
Modern & Colonial Colombia for solo female travelers – MedellΓn & Cartagena
Art & Culture in Colombia – a solo female traveler in BogotΓ‘ & Cali
Colombias Nature – Caribbean Coast & Coffee Triangle
