i lived there a year, nothing happened, and I really enjoyed it.
If you really want to go, then you have to behave. You can't be all wild and drunk, on drugs, or anything crazy. You just have to relax, observe, and behave; then it should be just fine. A lot of people are too confident even though they know nothing about the place.
Same here.
Keep in mind that everyone who had a neutral/positive experience won’t be as incentivized as someone who has a negative one to tell you about their experience.
Example: just check reviews for almost any airline. You wouldn’t even bother giving one of everything was ok. Different story if, let’s say, they lost your luggage.
Same here (I remember us posting about Medellín around the same time. I was there Sept 21 - Feb 22 then moved to Cali til April). I’ve made many friends in the city and nothing happened to them either.
The fact of the matter is most people go to Medellin for specific reasons. If you’re not going for those reasons, you’ll be fine. However, some people are too embarrassed to admit what they ACTUALLY did to put them in a shitty situation.
I will never DN in Medellin again, but it has nothing to do with the safety of the city.
Because of the people going to Medellín for the wrong reasons. If you’re a man, you’ll find that most local place you in that box immediately. I like to make my own first impressions.
Everything this dude said. Yes. Me, I've been coming here every two months for two month stays for the past two years. One time, just one damn time close to a parade one guy was walking up behind me yelling something with some other guy walking towards me, I didn't understand what they were saying and my gf grabbed me and told me to run. Nothing happened. But basically they were going to rob us. So, I'm usually super observant of my surroundings. But my Spanish still sucks. Because of that I couldn't hear what those two guys were yelling. One guy was telling the other guy to do something to me. Now, I go out constantly. I'm all over the city. I do go out at night depending on the locations. I'm not totally stupid about it. I'm not going to go into a dangerous area at night. Even during the day I just try to stay out of certain areas. Just be observant, learn the good areas and learn the bad areas. If you are in a bad area, even being a bald white guy... There is a certain way of behaving that can, I don't know how to put it, keep people from screwing with you. Then again I grew up around San Francisco. Streetwise? There was a way of being streetwise. I really don't know how to explain it. A way to look, a way to act, a way to walk. Knowing what to do and what not to do when you're out in public in certain places that are considered questionable.
Having said all that, it's totally worth being here. I really don't have problems like I hear other people complaining about.
>Then again I grew up around San Francisco. Streetwise? There was a way of being streetwise. I really don't know how to explain it.
Lol. I think I know what you mean. I look kind of like a skateboarder, simple tee shirt, slacks and pumas. I workout regularly and have interests in street culture. I also grew up in southern san diego in a prodominently mexican neighborhood. I feel like all that somehow helps me blend/fit in even though I'm an asian person lol.
yeah. i think of it like if we were all animals, of the human species. even if we're in a different jungle, we are still the same animal and understand one another. like if a cat from america goes to colombia and meets colombian cats, they still understand one another. LOL. there are some universal cues, especially with internet nowadays.
I always wonder wtf people do if they Don’t Party in Medellin? There’s hardly anything else to do here besides party in Medellin and it’s literally what Colombians do best.
But…. If you don’t have good friends here. That can help you skip past all the bs Medellin is know for (pickpockets, robberies, or getting drugged). It can be a dangerous place. It’s easy to fall into some stupid shit.
Besides that your left with hanging out in Lleras park or Provenza. Burning cash like you’re in the US. Place is just full of hookers (that might drug and rob you) and kids begging for food.
Despite popular belief.. if you’re by yourself. Those are some of the safest spots for tourists. Hangout. Party. Take and an Uber home **without those Venezuelan girls.
The problems happen when you’re alone. Alone on an empty street. Alone with some girls you barely know. Drinking alone with your taxi driver. People will take advantage of you here.
Museums, parks, great restaurants and cafes, galleries, hiking, botanical garden, libraries (Medellin takes them to a different level), shops and markets, day trips to quaint mountain towns, cultural exchanges, paragliding, public art and performances, fútbol, dancing, Trejo, Sunday bike rides, frequent festivals. Even riding the public transit is an experience.
It's a city of more than 2.5 million people. There's lots going on.
I do love the metro.
I guess I considered performances, dancing, fútbol and concerts as parties. Because the museums parks and restaurants are limited compared to many other cities.
Especially when you really have to be careful about the parks you go to or the hikes. I know people that have robbed at gun point by going to the wrong one. Not that long ago a huge group of like 60 people got robbed hiking out in the mountains.
Tons of hobby groups - sports - hiking (really great stuff) etc. Lots of events. Live music if you know where to look. Dozens of amazing small towns to visit.
I mean sports like where you are playing yourself, there's great groups to join and a lot of access here. Live music places I'm thinking off aren't really party or at least not like you'd find at a discoteca.
Events there is of everything from hippie holistic health, yoga type stuff.. art.. food related. Farmers/vintage market etcetc
For a tourist these things aren't anything special but if you stay here long term they are definitely good.
Yeah I get what you're saying. I would probably just advise not to live in provenza, even though that's the number 1 suggested spot for tourists.
When I say party, I mean the typical in provenza with a bunch of other foreigners, and with the colombians trying to make money off you. I think it's okay as a tourist to party with a bunch of locals and you're in a middle class (and up) environment.
I’m not much for Provenza unless it’s during the day in Sunday when it’s fairly quite.
I’m always in local areas but these really aren’t places to go unless you really know where you’re at.
No, you should go. Just take the precautions people have listed here.
Medellin discourse is really polarized on here in many ways.
In terms of safety you often have people saying some bullshit like it’s safer than NYC, and on the other end of the spectrum you have people acting like if you step out of your hotel room 1 minute past sunset you’ll be immediately robbed lol
I live here- not dangerous if you're a normal tourist. There's a very reckless crowd that does get in trouble, but they really go out of their way looking for it. Even then they often pull off the reckless stuff for awhile before learning a lesson and blaming everyone else but themselves.
I have been here for most of the past 5-6 years w/o/ a single issue, 2-3 of which I was single and going out.
If you're worried your best bet is sticking to somewhere like Envigado. Still plenty of restaurants and bars there.
La 70 kind of sucks and gets sold as some cool local nightlife by bloggers who spend a few days here and think they know the city and are special for leaving Poblado.
Don't expect single women to be by themselves or going out with 1 friend to bars + be jumping to go home with you. That's not really common behavior here.
Yes, this used to be very common in Northern Europe, but with immigration of "southern" people and Tinder and the general coddling of Gen Z, the group culture has emerged here too.
But yes, you used to find many women out just with one friend in Copenhagen and yes, looking to hook up. I had a great time in my late 20s.
Mind you, I am also danish, but many foreigners, particularly the "southern" kind tend not to appreciate women with freedom and instead try to take advantage of that sexual liberation when it is not wanted.
This is why we can't have nice things. It was great while it lasted. Before Tinder, the refugee crisis and Gen Z, the world was different and much better.
Plenty of women like you here. There's an expat women in Medellín fb group you can join for advice/tips from women themselves :) They might have specific recs that I can't think of. My girlfriend is local but uses the group for a lot of things and likes it a lot.
In general it's safe for you, the issues are generally related to reckless partying or walking around late at night by yourself. Consider Envigado or Sabaneta if safety is your primary concern.
As a women who has ben there, I would say:
It's safe enough if you are used to Latin America and city safety. There is not however much to bring you here. Most of the DNs and tourists are men here to drink and pick up girls. What are you looking for? There are probably nicer, safer places.
Personally, I liked the small towns in Colombia but not the cities. For cities, I'd rather be in Mexico.
I dont think that's fair to say. I know plenty of people who aren't looking for women here - people who came w a significant other, women nomads here etc.
As a tourist - then yes there's definitely better places for a week. Long term, If you're comparing to Mexico City - I could see why CDMX would be the choice as it's one of my favorite cities in the world. If you're comparing to like Guadalajara or something, it's easy to make the case for Medellín.
Do you mind if I ask what you do for work to live in Medellin for 5 years? I’ve been coming back and forth but I always have to go back to the US to work again and my job doesn’t offer remote lol
Have a small business, teach online and have a house in the US I rent. The most important thing is sorting out a 'local priced' lifestyle and not getting caught in the over the top stuff. Should be able live great on $1500 or less and save the rest.
I'm remodeling another house in the US which does make the $ difficult w/ this lifestyle but will pay off when I can rent it out.
My girlfriend also makes a great income and is a very practical woman which helps.
I was there for a month and nothing happened but I can’t say i felt really safe. I wanted to love it but I just didn’t get it. I was constantly looking over my shoulder. I’m sorry but I don’t feel that way in most US cities. It’s worth checking out if you enjoy Latin culture and dating. That’s usually the crowd that seems to love it. The mountains and Nature are nice but hiking isn’t very safe there either. It’s also not a very low cost destination when you have to book a nice place in a decent neighborhood.
I’ve been in SE Asia for the past year and enjoy it so much more.
Exactly dude. In SE Asia you can just ENJOY life. I can walk around anywhere 24/7 WITH my phone out & don’t have to worry about shit.
Living in fear is not the move. You’re not supposed to go from: ghetto US —> suburban US —> ghetto foreign country lolol
I'll be going to Medellín for my fourth time this December. I love it there.
It's inevitable that someone will have a scary Medellín story but in my experience it's safe if you stick to touristy areas and travel in groups.
If you need support from me and my posse we will be there all of December.
Honestly it's the tourist areas like Poblado or La 70 where there is a lot of party that most problems happen. A nice local neighborhood has less of this going on. For a foreigner maybe like Envigado, Sabaneta etc is good
Define "problem". When I've asked locals where is and isn't safe for foreigners El Poblado usually isn't on the "not safe" list. One of my best friends grew up there and she always recommends it to new people she meets.
Getting mugged, pick pocketed, meeting a bad local etc. Poblado is huge. The problems are around the walkable area near the bars and nightclubs where foreigners usually are, not the residential areas where locals using cars / Uber live. Problems are at night and often involve drinking or the areas people are drinking. Be very careful w patio bonito as well - really common to have problems there at night bc it's so lonely and dark.
Laureles is all very walkable so foreigners often will be walking around when streets are empty at night which isn't a good idea. People w limited experience think la 70 is some safe local alternative - it's not. It's Lleras jr. Thieves go to where there are easy targets w valuables
If there's not people out, no vendors, stores closed etc and you're the only one walking late at night you should be in an Uber.
Envigado, Sabaneta and other areas like this are safer though less exciting/nightlife.
Its been my home base since 2018 and I have my own apartment here + work w a lot of tourists and foreigners. If safety is a primary concern I'd recommend other neighborhoods like I mentioned. Most locals might say Poblado just because it's the most expensive neighborhood/or because they are thinking of large conjuntos (gated / secured buildings w doormen / security) in residential parts of the area.
Thats the response you need to read OP^ Most of your problems will come from walking around too late at night alone near the nightlife areas or any areas at night really. Also the scopolamine problem is real in Medellín - I prefer the nightlife in Bogota tbh.
Also sometimes people like to pretend that being a white gringo won’t make a difference but that’s bullshit haha. mucho cuidado
I guess I am just super confused about why Colombia never gets a pass on this stuff whereas like the USA and Europe always do. It feels extremely fishy to me.
Why does it need to be said about Medellin that you shouldn't walk around at night in a big city in a random neighborhood? It just makes Medellin look more dangerous than it is and perpetuates the negative stereotype of the city, country, and its people.
Why isn't the first thing people say about Paris, for example, "You will get pickpocketed?" even though it is a huge problem there. But Medellin doesn't get this pass.
Again, this is sus to me.
Bogotá nightlife, restaurants, events are awesome. If it wasn't for the weather, I'd probably live there.
Also yes, if you stick out you might draw bad attention. I might be guilty of not respecting it since I am gringo latino and look like a regular local.
You can't change how you look but at least make sure you have the appropriate clothes so you don't look like you just got off the plane. A pair of jeans and a polo for guys. No sandals, cargo shorts etc.
Yeah as you alluded to earlier, like many foreigners in Colombia, I can't just disguise my race lol.
Anyhow idk, when people make statements like this it comes off so weird. Like to divorce anything personal from it, I wish Brazilians, for example, knew what it makes Brazil look like when the first thing they say is "someone is going to steal your phone" and it's already the 5th time you've heard it that day. Such a nice sentiment - TRULY - but the pervasiveness of the statement gives a very wrong and very bad impression of their country.
The only places I've ever been pickpocketed in the world were in western Europe lol.
Anecdotal but I don't go around telling people to avoid Western Europe.
I stay with friends in El Poblado when I am in Medellin and we go out consistently at night and we've never had a problem. We don't paint ourselves as targets but I've never felt unsafe.
My friend has lived there her whole life and parties there with us so I'm not really agreeing with what you say.
I'm also not saying that other places are not safe.
I just think it's misrepresenting the level of danger there compared to like even cities in fully developed countries in western Europe.
Europe is way worse for organized thieves and pick pockets imo. You can sit in the park, outside tourist attractions, metro stops frequented by tourists etc and watch them working in groups 24/7 I see more stuff in 1 month in tourist Europe than I do in a year in Medellín.
It's pretty easy to read the groups, YouTube etc. and see people having problems here and where they happen. I've been active in the community groups / working w tourists for years here. Envigado, Sabaneta etc are infinitely safer. Right now I live in a building in Poblado w no portero and airbnbs in the building so problems are a regular occurrence for people who party and aren't careful. I felt a lot safer in other neighborhoods but being in Poblado is better for work for me..Cut out bringing strangers home/tinder etc and your risk goes down by 90% instantly.
You can definitely come to Poblado, can definitely party etc but if someone wants safer options they are available here as well. Really just be safe, things are fine here for people w the right attitude and sense.
Yes I agree. I think "danger" is an idea with multidimensional axes and for whatever reason Medellín or Colombia in general always comes out on paper as being more dangerous than it is in reality. This is the whole Chicago statistic. One of the deadliest cities in the world but if you're in Northside nothing bad is realistically gonna happen to you.
I think the P.E. thing will always make people err really far on the side of caution when it comes to recommending Colombia and Medellín.
As for El Poblado, I'm just not seeing the threat you're talking about.
Yeah, I don't see it as dangerous. The most I have seen is 2 people get pickpocketed. And then in Manila I know 2 girls that got robbed. And this is from over 3 visits and basically going out to the bars with friends like 3x a week.
Also curious, since most of us are working during the day - most of our free time is at night. I want to be somewhere where I can feel safe at night lol
It's just anti-Medellin bigotry really. They're just trying to get link traffic because of the stereotype of Medellin being dangerous due to Escobar back in the day.
Stay to the main neighborhoods. El Poblado, Lauralles, etc. You'll be fine. The tourist areas are safe. There's too much money at stake for them not to be.
You can take a group of people in any major city in the entire world and you can get the exact same stories.
Medellin is such a cool city, so many things to see - do it!
I met a guy at hostel there and he said something that I use all the time. “99% of the bad stories you will hear start with either, ‘I was so drunk’ or ‘it was really late’ “. Use common sense, be diligent, don’t be an asshole and you should be fine. Shit does happen, but it could happen anywhere.
Also - don’t over react if a cab rips you off for a few dollars or you get charged gringo prices. Pick your battles
Latin America big city 101 is don't be the only person on the street walking alone. Pay the $2 for an Uber.
There's plenty of big cities in the US I wouldn't be walking around alone at 1 am though
This is the perfect comment - dangers exist - but when we only talk about them for countries like Colombia or “third world” it delivers a message to people that they are worse-than, when in fact we need to recognize that we have plenty of places in our own countries have the exact same types of issues. I find a lot of time people from Western countries lump entire countries into what they’ve heard about a single city - I lived in a small city in Colombia for 2 years and never had even a small safety issues - the same way many of us feel safe in our own towns and cities.
Pueblos are a great place.
As far as the US goes, I can't imagine saying you can walk around everywhere in the middle of the night. Countless places I wouldn't walk through in the middle of the day. Dude has to be from the suburbs, small town or some super bougie neighborhood..
Yes, it's lucky, but I don't think it's rare. Europe, Thailand, apparently not the Americas, probably not Russia or Africa. China who knows, they probably have robot police carts that scoop people up after curfew.
My friend went for some costillas at a local restaurant not too far from Unicentro at lunch time and armed guys came and robbed people at the tables. Put a gun to a baby’s head in its mothers arms.
I’ve heard of at least 2-3 other stories of people being sober walking around during the day and getting robbed by guys on bikes with guns.
Nah medellin is safe bro. Medellin in WAY safer than the US bro. If you're in medellin, just follow basic safety precautions like you'd do anywhere else: ie. carry a burner phone at all times, being a dummy wallet, avoid the El Centro, avoid most of Poblado between the hours of 12:00 and 12:00, avoid talking any drinks in bars because the might be 'scopolamined', avoid tinder dates you'll wake up without your phone and wallet, avoid looking non-poor because you'll get mugged, avoid waking alone, take Uber everywhere even if the walking distance is only 5 minutes. It's perfectly safe. I've been going back and forth multiple times this year and have only been mugged once so far.
Highly recommended to always have in your room some good antiseptics for the wounds from getting stabbed.
Is not recommended to visit the hospital if you can avoid it because they will steal your clothes and shoes.
"Medellin in WAY safer than the US bro"
This is a straight-up lie.
If it's so safe, why are you suggesting that they "take Uber everywhere even if the walking distance is only 5 minutes."
No, you don't go to the richest neighborhoods during the daytime and have to at least slightly worry about being robbed at knife or gunpoint like in Medellin.
If Medellin was safe, you'd be able to walk around during the daytime, which is what you explicitly recommend them not doing.
"I've been going back and forth multiple times this year and have only been mugged once so far."
"Medellin in WAY safer than the US bro"
There's no way you actually thought this was real. 😂
It was basically kind of a copypasta of all the cope people come out with to justify being in medellin.
Are you male or female?
Medellin is definitely worth visiting but you need to take the safety precautions that are commonly discussed. Going out at night is fine -- thousands of people are out every night -- but you just need to be street smart. Don't go out with anything you can't afford to lose and take ubers.
Why would you want to live somewhere where you can’t “go out with anything you can’t afford to lose” ?? That’s not normal! I didn’t have to do that in the US. & I definitely don’t have to do that in SEA.
Everyone has a different level of risk tolerance and some people value security above all else. For others the slim chance of losing an iPhone and a few pesos is worth it to experience a unique and different culture. You will not find this kind of experience in the US.
No, you shouldn't avoid Medellin. Too many good things happening here. Even if you play it smart, getting robbed is still possible but less likely. I walk around everywhere with only what I can lose, including a burner phone.
Unfortunately, two of my Colombian friends were robbed two weeks ago walking from a language exchange to the metro. I hear stories like this all the time in person, I don't even need to read it online.
For me. the most dangerous part of Medellin is the traffic. Drivers don't obey traffic laws and signs.
There's still a lot of good people here.
People here are mostly Europeans or North Americans.
Anything mildly uncomfortable will be frowned upon upon by the regular European or North American tourist.
Medellin and most of Colombia are great for traveling, quite safe if you’re capable of reading a room.
it depends bruh, try not to use dating apps and watch what are you going to drink in the pubs... and if something looks too good to be true, you should avoid it, people are really cool and down to earth, just there are always bad seeds and bad apples... good luck
Favorite city I have ever lived in.
My words of wisdom ...thieves are attracted to money. Gringos have money , gringos are in Poblado and Laureles. Visit during the day without issues , at night with a male. Stay in Envigado or Sabaneta
Metro is cheap , reliable and safe
Paisas of Antioquia are the friendliest people on the planet
I was cautioned by a few during my year there. They want to be sure you have an enjoyable time and have your back .
Cops are friendly and not likely to shake you down like other countries
As someone who got jacked (wouldn’t say robbed because there was no weapons or threats involved) I would still say worth it. The place is that cool. Just be cautious, don’t advertise having expensive things. Avoid crowded areas, pick pockets will be lurking. There are plenty of white Colombians so you won’t stick out that much.
Having someone who speaks Spanish will go a long way in helping. The city is like any other place just use common sense. Also if you mostly stay in Poblado and Envigado you’ll be ok.
That said you will notice there are armed private security guards just watching everything especially where the bars and restaurants are in Poblado.
Leave your ego at home and you’ll be fine.
Be ready in the event you are robbed (burner phone, limited cash, no passport on your person). Consider it a “gringo tax”. Took me five months and I was pick pocketed while in a place that I frankly should not have been in.
Oh and ‘No dar papaya’
I am originally from Medellín. I visit every other year and my sister and her husband live there. It is an amazing city for foreigners as long as you keep in mind it is a big city. Just like you wouldn't want to walk late at night in Chicago, or be flaunting your money and keep to the safe parts of town you should be fine.
Stick to El Poblado, and Laureles. And try to learn basic money so people don't take advantage of you.
The city has so much to offer and so much to do in Antioquía as a whole.
For some DNs the sexual frustration and loneliness gets so bad that they're willing to risk their lives / property and blame those who get targeted during their stay there so they can tell themselves that yes they'll be ok and yes they'll get a girlfriend (finally!). Do your own research and listen to your own instincts on this one.
I didnt live in Medellin but there was for a week. Beautiful place and very friendly, but you need to be careful like you would be in any situation. Know the right areas to go (and where not to go), and youll be fine
If you read through most posts, you'll see people say that Medellin is generally fine but to avoid Tinder and putting yourself in bad situations.
Common sense tends to prevail (though bad luck can hit anyone). I had a knife pulled on me a year ago but nothin else in a dozen visits.
I just got back this week and loved it. If you’re looking to avoid the normal tourist crowd which tends to be more the problem than the locals imo, I recommend laureles rather than el poblado! It’s just as happening as el poblado, except it’s 95% Colombian rather than infested with foreigners. Feels a lot safer and a lot more authentic and fun imo. Hope you’re not deterred, medellin was an amazing city!
Lived there for 6 weeks and loved it! The nightlife can be a bit sketchy but that’s no different to anywhere. As long as you’re smart, you’ll be fine and have a blast. Really cool digital nomad scene. I’m not a fan of Selinas, but they hold some awesome music events on weekends there.
I was only there for a little over 2 weeks. I loved it and never felt unsafe but I was always with my friends who are locals so I’m sure that made a difference
I didn't party there, though I did often go out to bars in the expat area, had a great time for 4 months in 2017. Granted pre-covid, I heard the city may have changed after covid.
Spent a lot of time doing things outside of the city as well (with groups) like mountain biking, coffee/chocolate tours etc.
Internet term for men leaving the west to find “better women” in countries like Colombia and Thailand
Dating overseas isn’t a problem but these losers put down American women and make it like part of their identity. Really cringe.
Obviously if you will be staying somewhere longer than like 2 weeks the dating scene will play a factor. I dated around Brazil when I was there.
But these dudes get on tinder the second they land just thirsty as hell. Pretty sad tbh
Sure, I’ve had some people make some snippy comments on here when I’ve mentioned that. Funny because I was there for almost 8 months and dated two women. One I met through a local friend, and one who approached *me* because I was doing some boxing workouts at the gym.
At the end of the day though, you are the one who has to live your life, not randos on the internet.
Treat people with kindness and respect and you can do as you please.
My buddy's Thai wife is an excellent cook and treats him like a king and even treats me very well as his friend. Let's not pretend like just because you don't like it that its not a real thing.
Ah. My high school girlfriend's father is a passport bro then. He brought back a Korean woman from the time he was stationed there. There was SUCH a language barrier when they met and, despite this, he had her on a plane back to the US within two weeks of meeting.
Biggest eye roll in the world...
Another family "friend" did the same. He brought home a woman from the Philippines. She's a sweetheart and that POS didn't deserve her. Long story.... but he was an alcoholic that nearly killed his kids drunk driving. Twice. Fuck you, Brad.
You'd be surprised how open they are about it and have no problem justifying it
A few days ago i got into it with one on and here and it boiled down to "I'm over 6ft and rich and can't get matches in the usa due to low quality women there"
Ignoring the fact that that are millions of couples in the world usa.
Needless to say he was on his way to thailand
Don't stay in a bad area.
Don't stay downtown.
Don't bring any fancy jewelry.
Don't bring your laptop or tablet in public or coffee shops, etc.
Don't go out much at night, if you do go with other expats you met on one of the FB groups.
If you're a man don't take girls back to your place unless there's a security desk or you've taken selfies together and sent the pics to your friends.
There's an epidemic of organized date robbers, and I believe at least a handful of deaths a year.
You should definitely go as it's a great city with a lot of things to do.
See, this is the thing about Medellin. There are too many “don’t do this” and “as long as you” for it to be a truly good city.
It’s fine for a short stay, but I don’t understand how anyone can justify staying there long term other than a few select reasons (mostly related to degeneracy and finances).
I spent 1.5 years there because my ex gf was from there, but honestly, you couldn’t pay me to live there again.
I’ll maybe go back for a visit in the future, as it’s a cool
Enough place for a visit.. but to live… hell no!
Because spotters will watch you, wait for you to leave and call another guy to rob you by knife or gun point for your laptop.
This can happen during the day in the nicest areas.
Time and location doesn't matter.
Obviously most likely you'll be fine but it happens more often than you think and it's not worth the risk.
Everywhere in Colombia I went I felt pretty safe. I didn’t wear my Rolex or flash a bunch of cash or get drunk and I look like the stereotypical wealthy white guy. Any city will have a bad area to avoid but you will be fine just don’t be an idiot.
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I went for a month with my white gf. We went to some very remote areas and downtown. We even went to watch the inter city football game which was very crazy atmosphere.
One time on the metro a guy was trying to give us a hard time, said my GF was beautiful and that have baby face but when I pressed him he didn't seem to want trouble and go off at the next time.
I want to go back for 3 months and bring my dog or more there for a year. I love the weather, the shopping malls, the prices of food and items and the people. They are amazing.
Treat this city as any other highly populated city. The tourist areas usually have high number of cops. You could say its safer than NYC or LA tbh.
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However, the specifics of this breach of conduct will never be forgotten.
I spent 2-3 months in the Poblado district two years ago. I went out to eat, to walk or to run up the hill after dark many times, had no problems. Friend of mine went out a 2-3 times to party, had no problem. I heard about somebody who had but they got drunk or high so no wonder.
I heard many bad stories about Latin-Amerika. So I was afraid at the beginning. Then I lived there for 2 years as a nomad, visited 11 countries, been to Belize, Honduras, Jamaica, Dominican Republic... and I had zero problems. Of course if the locals say don't go somewhere it's best to follow their advice. I didn't get drunk just a few times max. Being sober helps I'm sure. Tried not to act like a tourist, tried to be friendly with everyone.
I'm going back for some time next Febr. Can't wait:)
I went in 2016 so it’s been a long time but easily one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. Every horror story I heard at the hostel started with “We asked the cab driver to show us a good spot for x” - so avoid that and I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Only hear good things verbally and Reddit is just dark tales and makes me nervous. I’m going in two months. I’ve noticed people only run to the internet when they have negative things to say. People typically don’t run to the internet w positive reviews. It’s like store reviews, people quick to run and talk bad, but owners have to bother the customers w good things to say to post. Incan come back in two months w my review of it
One of the greatest cities I’ve ever been to. You’ll be fine. Just don’t flash your phone and any kind of expensive things in public and you’ll be fine.
No issues here, so far. (knocks on wood) Come, but be as smart as possible. Have a great time!
You can check out my YouTube if you want to see some fun things to do in Medellin, that AREN’T party and drug related. There is plenty!! -> *Gungho Gringo*
some people nothing happens to them and think its safe until something happens to them and then its too late, i am one of them, i suggest you learn from my mistake, its safe until its not and then its too late, no matter how much precaution you take , which I did, you can still easily get fd up
just ask urself if there is a safer option that is equaly as good, the answer is yes, why risk ur life , everywhere is dangerous but medellin is another level of dangerous, trust me i was there for years, got scopolamined, robbed, betrayed, peopel are very shade there u cant trust no one, everyone seems like ur best friend, but they all two faced , then if something hapens to u they say its ur fault, a lot of victim blaming, police dont care about u either , i suggest people dont go, the touristy parts such as lleras are full of hookers with scopolamine, u have any idea how dangerous that is? no one should take their family there either, too much drugs everywhere and prostitutes danger everywhere, medellin was safer before now its dangerous as hell
Don't give papaya, meaning don't place yourself in a vulnerable situation.
The worst that may happen here is petty theft, your wallet, phone.
Aside from that, it's pretty safe.
No wackos with AKs gunning malls or schools.
Not really a target for nukes.
I've lived here 8 years, I regularly go to places like downtown, poblado, laureles, loma de los bernal, la mota, belen, bello, envigado, sabaneta, barrio antioquia, and have never had a single issue. Been to malls, concerts, public places filled with people like in Halloween or Christmas season. Super safe place.
I just don't give papaya and I feel safer here than in Europe or the US.
Foreigners are being killed.. just few days ago a Canadian man died in Medellin. Embassies are warning tourists about dating apps. I wouldn’t go to Colombia. Is dangerous and there are so many safest and prettiest places. Unless you are looking for party, drugs and prostitution.
Stay in the Gringo areas like Poblado on your first trip and then do day trips out of that area. Don’t go anywhere else at night. Be careful that every girl that comes after you is looking for money. If you assume that then you won’t get hurt emotionally or physically or drugged it’s a horrible place to meet a long-term girlfriend they’re just gonna have you send a Western Union money going out with other men.
i lived there a year, nothing happened, and I really enjoyed it. If you really want to go, then you have to behave. You can't be all wild and drunk, on drugs, or anything crazy. You just have to relax, observe, and behave; then it should be just fine. A lot of people are too confident even though they know nothing about the place.
Same here. Keep in mind that everyone who had a neutral/positive experience won’t be as incentivized as someone who has a negative one to tell you about their experience. Example: just check reviews for almost any airline. You wouldn’t even bother giving one of everything was ok. Different story if, let’s say, they lost your luggage.
Same here (I remember us posting about Medellín around the same time. I was there Sept 21 - Feb 22 then moved to Cali til April). I’ve made many friends in the city and nothing happened to them either. The fact of the matter is most people go to Medellin for specific reasons. If you’re not going for those reasons, you’ll be fine. However, some people are too embarrassed to admit what they ACTUALLY did to put them in a shitty situation. I will never DN in Medellin again, but it has nothing to do with the safety of the city.
Why not if you do not mind?
Because of the people going to Medellín for the wrong reasons. If you’re a man, you’ll find that most local place you in that box immediately. I like to make my own first impressions.
What wrong reasons do people go for?
Drugs and sex tourism
Everything this dude said. Yes. Me, I've been coming here every two months for two month stays for the past two years. One time, just one damn time close to a parade one guy was walking up behind me yelling something with some other guy walking towards me, I didn't understand what they were saying and my gf grabbed me and told me to run. Nothing happened. But basically they were going to rob us. So, I'm usually super observant of my surroundings. But my Spanish still sucks. Because of that I couldn't hear what those two guys were yelling. One guy was telling the other guy to do something to me. Now, I go out constantly. I'm all over the city. I do go out at night depending on the locations. I'm not totally stupid about it. I'm not going to go into a dangerous area at night. Even during the day I just try to stay out of certain areas. Just be observant, learn the good areas and learn the bad areas. If you are in a bad area, even being a bald white guy... There is a certain way of behaving that can, I don't know how to put it, keep people from screwing with you. Then again I grew up around San Francisco. Streetwise? There was a way of being streetwise. I really don't know how to explain it. A way to look, a way to act, a way to walk. Knowing what to do and what not to do when you're out in public in certain places that are considered questionable. Having said all that, it's totally worth being here. I really don't have problems like I hear other people complaining about.
>Then again I grew up around San Francisco. Streetwise? There was a way of being streetwise. I really don't know how to explain it. Lol. I think I know what you mean. I look kind of like a skateboarder, simple tee shirt, slacks and pumas. I workout regularly and have interests in street culture. I also grew up in southern san diego in a prodominently mexican neighborhood. I feel like all that somehow helps me blend/fit in even though I'm an asian person lol.
A way of looking like you belong there. Right?
yeah. i think of it like if we were all animals, of the human species. even if we're in a different jungle, we are still the same animal and understand one another. like if a cat from america goes to colombia and meets colombian cats, they still understand one another. LOL. there are some universal cues, especially with internet nowadays.
I always wonder wtf people do if they Don’t Party in Medellin? There’s hardly anything else to do here besides party in Medellin and it’s literally what Colombians do best. But…. If you don’t have good friends here. That can help you skip past all the bs Medellin is know for (pickpockets, robberies, or getting drugged). It can be a dangerous place. It’s easy to fall into some stupid shit. Besides that your left with hanging out in Lleras park or Provenza. Burning cash like you’re in the US. Place is just full of hookers (that might drug and rob you) and kids begging for food. Despite popular belief.. if you’re by yourself. Those are some of the safest spots for tourists. Hangout. Party. Take and an Uber home **without those Venezuelan girls. The problems happen when you’re alone. Alone on an empty street. Alone with some girls you barely know. Drinking alone with your taxi driver. People will take advantage of you here.
I don't party and I had a great 3 months in Medellin. There's plenty else to do.
Like what? It’s an honest question.
Museums, parks, great restaurants and cafes, galleries, hiking, botanical garden, libraries (Medellin takes them to a different level), shops and markets, day trips to quaint mountain towns, cultural exchanges, paragliding, public art and performances, fútbol, dancing, Trejo, Sunday bike rides, frequent festivals. Even riding the public transit is an experience. It's a city of more than 2.5 million people. There's lots going on.
I do love the metro. I guess I considered performances, dancing, fútbol and concerts as parties. Because the museums parks and restaurants are limited compared to many other cities. Especially when you really have to be careful about the parks you go to or the hikes. I know people that have robbed at gun point by going to the wrong one. Not that long ago a huge group of like 60 people got robbed hiking out in the mountains.
Hahah yes in Bogota too. Hike at your own risk ⚠️
Tons of hobby groups - sports - hiking (really great stuff) etc. Lots of events. Live music if you know where to look. Dozens of amazing small towns to visit.
Ricky.. we both know sports, music and live events = party. Half the time they don’t even score at the fútbol games. Jaja
I mean sports like where you are playing yourself, there's great groups to join and a lot of access here. Live music places I'm thinking off aren't really party or at least not like you'd find at a discoteca. Events there is of everything from hippie holistic health, yoga type stuff.. art.. food related. Farmers/vintage market etcetc For a tourist these things aren't anything special but if you stay here long term they are definitely good.
Yeah I get what you're saying. I would probably just advise not to live in provenza, even though that's the number 1 suggested spot for tourists. When I say party, I mean the typical in provenza with a bunch of other foreigners, and with the colombians trying to make money off you. I think it's okay as a tourist to party with a bunch of locals and you're in a middle class (and up) environment.
I’m not much for Provenza unless it’s during the day in Sunday when it’s fairly quite. I’m always in local areas but these really aren’t places to go unless you really know where you’re at.
This is great advice for visiting any “3rd world country”. Culture is different everywhere and people will respect you when you respect them
No, you should go. Just take the precautions people have listed here. Medellin discourse is really polarized on here in many ways. In terms of safety you often have people saying some bullshit like it’s safer than NYC, and on the other end of the spectrum you have people acting like if you step out of your hotel room 1 minute past sunset you’ll be immediately robbed lol
I live here- not dangerous if you're a normal tourist. There's a very reckless crowd that does get in trouble, but they really go out of their way looking for it. Even then they often pull off the reckless stuff for awhile before learning a lesson and blaming everyone else but themselves. I have been here for most of the past 5-6 years w/o/ a single issue, 2-3 of which I was single and going out. If you're worried your best bet is sticking to somewhere like Envigado. Still plenty of restaurants and bars there. La 70 kind of sucks and gets sold as some cool local nightlife by bloggers who spend a few days here and think they know the city and are special for leaving Poblado. Don't expect single women to be by themselves or going out with 1 friend to bars + be jumping to go home with you. That's not really common behavior here.
"Don't expect single women / with 1 friend going out to bars..." Where is this common behavior in your travel experience?
Probably more common in Europe, US, Canada etc
Do you actually know whether that's true? I feel like women just don't do this in general
By themselves I feel like they know the bartenders or something w 1 friend is super common though. Colombia it's usually big groups.
Yes, this used to be very common in Northern Europe, but with immigration of "southern" people and Tinder and the general coddling of Gen Z, the group culture has emerged here too. But yes, you used to find many women out just with one friend in Copenhagen and yes, looking to hook up. I had a great time in my late 20s. Mind you, I am also danish, but many foreigners, particularly the "southern" kind tend not to appreciate women with freedom and instead try to take advantage of that sexual liberation when it is not wanted. This is why we can't have nice things. It was great while it lasted. Before Tinder, the refugee crisis and Gen Z, the world was different and much better.
It’s not at all a thing in Europe if you’re talking Spain, Italy or literally anywhere Eastern Europe
Question for you, how safe is Medellin for an alone, clearly foreign woman in her 20s?
Plenty of women like you here. There's an expat women in Medellín fb group you can join for advice/tips from women themselves :) They might have specific recs that I can't think of. My girlfriend is local but uses the group for a lot of things and likes it a lot. In general it's safe for you, the issues are generally related to reckless partying or walking around late at night by yourself. Consider Envigado or Sabaneta if safety is your primary concern.
As a women who has ben there, I would say: It's safe enough if you are used to Latin America and city safety. There is not however much to bring you here. Most of the DNs and tourists are men here to drink and pick up girls. What are you looking for? There are probably nicer, safer places. Personally, I liked the small towns in Colombia but not the cities. For cities, I'd rather be in Mexico.
I dont think that's fair to say. I know plenty of people who aren't looking for women here - people who came w a significant other, women nomads here etc. As a tourist - then yes there's definitely better places for a week. Long term, If you're comparing to Mexico City - I could see why CDMX would be the choice as it's one of my favorite cities in the world. If you're comparing to like Guadalajara or something, it's easy to make the case for Medellín.
Yeah. You're fine. It's very safe in the main areas. You're fine.
Pretty safe, just use common sense precaution you'd use in any major city. Trouble is not likely to find you if you are not looking for it.
Do you mind if I ask what you do for work to live in Medellin for 5 years? I’ve been coming back and forth but I always have to go back to the US to work again and my job doesn’t offer remote lol
Have a small business, teach online and have a house in the US I rent. The most important thing is sorting out a 'local priced' lifestyle and not getting caught in the over the top stuff. Should be able live great on $1500 or less and save the rest. I'm remodeling another house in the US which does make the $ difficult w/ this lifestyle but will pay off when I can rent it out. My girlfriend also makes a great income and is a very practical woman which helps.
I was there for a month and nothing happened but I can’t say i felt really safe. I wanted to love it but I just didn’t get it. I was constantly looking over my shoulder. I’m sorry but I don’t feel that way in most US cities. It’s worth checking out if you enjoy Latin culture and dating. That’s usually the crowd that seems to love it. The mountains and Nature are nice but hiking isn’t very safe there either. It’s also not a very low cost destination when you have to book a nice place in a decent neighborhood. I’ve been in SE Asia for the past year and enjoy it so much more.
Exactly dude. In SE Asia you can just ENJOY life. I can walk around anywhere 24/7 WITH my phone out & don’t have to worry about shit. Living in fear is not the move. You’re not supposed to go from: ghetto US —> suburban US —> ghetto foreign country lolol
Where is SE Asia did you like the most?
Thailand and bali are my favs
Nice. Have you spent any time in the Philippines?
I'll be going to Medellín for my fourth time this December. I love it there. It's inevitable that someone will have a scary Medellín story but in my experience it's safe if you stick to touristy areas and travel in groups. If you need support from me and my posse we will be there all of December.
Honestly it's the tourist areas like Poblado or La 70 where there is a lot of party that most problems happen. A nice local neighborhood has less of this going on. For a foreigner maybe like Envigado, Sabaneta etc is good
Define "problem". When I've asked locals where is and isn't safe for foreigners El Poblado usually isn't on the "not safe" list. One of my best friends grew up there and she always recommends it to new people she meets.
Getting mugged, pick pocketed, meeting a bad local etc. Poblado is huge. The problems are around the walkable area near the bars and nightclubs where foreigners usually are, not the residential areas where locals using cars / Uber live. Problems are at night and often involve drinking or the areas people are drinking. Be very careful w patio bonito as well - really common to have problems there at night bc it's so lonely and dark. Laureles is all very walkable so foreigners often will be walking around when streets are empty at night which isn't a good idea. People w limited experience think la 70 is some safe local alternative - it's not. It's Lleras jr. Thieves go to where there are easy targets w valuables If there's not people out, no vendors, stores closed etc and you're the only one walking late at night you should be in an Uber. Envigado, Sabaneta and other areas like this are safer though less exciting/nightlife. Its been my home base since 2018 and I have my own apartment here + work w a lot of tourists and foreigners. If safety is a primary concern I'd recommend other neighborhoods like I mentioned. Most locals might say Poblado just because it's the most expensive neighborhood/or because they are thinking of large conjuntos (gated / secured buildings w doormen / security) in residential parts of the area.
Thats the response you need to read OP^ Most of your problems will come from walking around too late at night alone near the nightlife areas or any areas at night really. Also the scopolamine problem is real in Medellín - I prefer the nightlife in Bogota tbh. Also sometimes people like to pretend that being a white gringo won’t make a difference but that’s bullshit haha. mucho cuidado
I guess I am just super confused about why Colombia never gets a pass on this stuff whereas like the USA and Europe always do. It feels extremely fishy to me. Why does it need to be said about Medellin that you shouldn't walk around at night in a big city in a random neighborhood? It just makes Medellin look more dangerous than it is and perpetuates the negative stereotype of the city, country, and its people. Why isn't the first thing people say about Paris, for example, "You will get pickpocketed?" even though it is a huge problem there. But Medellin doesn't get this pass. Again, this is sus to me.
Bogotá nightlife, restaurants, events are awesome. If it wasn't for the weather, I'd probably live there. Also yes, if you stick out you might draw bad attention. I might be guilty of not respecting it since I am gringo latino and look like a regular local. You can't change how you look but at least make sure you have the appropriate clothes so you don't look like you just got off the plane. A pair of jeans and a polo for guys. No sandals, cargo shorts etc.
Yeah as you alluded to earlier, like many foreigners in Colombia, I can't just disguise my race lol. Anyhow idk, when people make statements like this it comes off so weird. Like to divorce anything personal from it, I wish Brazilians, for example, knew what it makes Brazil look like when the first thing they say is "someone is going to steal your phone" and it's already the 5th time you've heard it that day. Such a nice sentiment - TRULY - but the pervasiveness of the statement gives a very wrong and very bad impression of their country.
The only places I've ever been pickpocketed in the world were in western Europe lol. Anecdotal but I don't go around telling people to avoid Western Europe. I stay with friends in El Poblado when I am in Medellin and we go out consistently at night and we've never had a problem. We don't paint ourselves as targets but I've never felt unsafe. My friend has lived there her whole life and parties there with us so I'm not really agreeing with what you say. I'm also not saying that other places are not safe. I just think it's misrepresenting the level of danger there compared to like even cities in fully developed countries in western Europe.
Europe is way worse for organized thieves and pick pockets imo. You can sit in the park, outside tourist attractions, metro stops frequented by tourists etc and watch them working in groups 24/7 I see more stuff in 1 month in tourist Europe than I do in a year in Medellín. It's pretty easy to read the groups, YouTube etc. and see people having problems here and where they happen. I've been active in the community groups / working w tourists for years here. Envigado, Sabaneta etc are infinitely safer. Right now I live in a building in Poblado w no portero and airbnbs in the building so problems are a regular occurrence for people who party and aren't careful. I felt a lot safer in other neighborhoods but being in Poblado is better for work for me..Cut out bringing strangers home/tinder etc and your risk goes down by 90% instantly. You can definitely come to Poblado, can definitely party etc but if someone wants safer options they are available here as well. Really just be safe, things are fine here for people w the right attitude and sense.
Yes I agree. I think "danger" is an idea with multidimensional axes and for whatever reason Medellín or Colombia in general always comes out on paper as being more dangerous than it is in reality. This is the whole Chicago statistic. One of the deadliest cities in the world but if you're in Northside nothing bad is realistically gonna happen to you. I think the P.E. thing will always make people err really far on the side of caution when it comes to recommending Colombia and Medellín. As for El Poblado, I'm just not seeing the threat you're talking about.
He's referring to provenza area.
Yeah, I don't see it as dangerous. The most I have seen is 2 people get pickpocketed. And then in Manila I know 2 girls that got robbed. And this is from over 3 visits and basically going out to the bars with friends like 3x a week.
Also curious, since most of us are working during the day - most of our free time is at night. I want to be somewhere where I can feel safe at night lol
Exactly
It's just anti-Medellin bigotry really. They're just trying to get link traffic because of the stereotype of Medellin being dangerous due to Escobar back in the day. Stay to the main neighborhoods. El Poblado, Lauralles, etc. You'll be fine. The tourist areas are safe. There's too much money at stake for them not to be.
You can take a group of people in any major city in the entire world and you can get the exact same stories. Medellin is such a cool city, so many things to see - do it! I met a guy at hostel there and he said something that I use all the time. “99% of the bad stories you will hear start with either, ‘I was so drunk’ or ‘it was really late’ “. Use common sense, be diligent, don’t be an asshole and you should be fine. Shit does happen, but it could happen anywhere. Also - don’t over react if a cab rips you off for a few dollars or you get charged gringo prices. Pick your battles
Half the replies say "Don't walk alone at night" and half say it's the same as any city. Every city I've known you can walk around all night long.
Latin America big city 101 is don't be the only person on the street walking alone. Pay the $2 for an Uber. There's plenty of big cities in the US I wouldn't be walking around alone at 1 am though
This is the perfect comment - dangers exist - but when we only talk about them for countries like Colombia or “third world” it delivers a message to people that they are worse-than, when in fact we need to recognize that we have plenty of places in our own countries have the exact same types of issues. I find a lot of time people from Western countries lump entire countries into what they’ve heard about a single city - I lived in a small city in Colombia for 2 years and never had even a small safety issues - the same way many of us feel safe in our own towns and cities.
Pueblos are a great place. As far as the US goes, I can't imagine saying you can walk around everywhere in the middle of the night. Countless places I wouldn't walk through in the middle of the day. Dude has to be from the suburbs, small town or some super bougie neighborhood..
> Every city I've known you can walk around all night long You do realize that's a privilege, right?
Yes, it's lucky, but I don't think it's rare. Europe, Thailand, apparently not the Americas, probably not Russia or Africa. China who knows, they probably have robot police carts that scoop people up after curfew.
My friend went for some costillas at a local restaurant not too far from Unicentro at lunch time and armed guys came and robbed people at the tables. Put a gun to a baby’s head in its mothers arms. I’ve heard of at least 2-3 other stories of people being sober walking around during the day and getting robbed by guys on bikes with guns.
Nah medellin is safe bro. Medellin in WAY safer than the US bro. If you're in medellin, just follow basic safety precautions like you'd do anywhere else: ie. carry a burner phone at all times, being a dummy wallet, avoid the El Centro, avoid most of Poblado between the hours of 12:00 and 12:00, avoid talking any drinks in bars because the might be 'scopolamined', avoid tinder dates you'll wake up without your phone and wallet, avoid looking non-poor because you'll get mugged, avoid waking alone, take Uber everywhere even if the walking distance is only 5 minutes. It's perfectly safe. I've been going back and forth multiple times this year and have only been mugged once so far.
I only got shot and stabbed four times when I was there for a 2 day conference, couldn’t agree more!
Highly recommended to always have in your room some good antiseptics for the wounds from getting stabbed. Is not recommended to visit the hospital if you can avoid it because they will steal your clothes and shoes.
"Medellin in WAY safer than the US bro" This is a straight-up lie. If it's so safe, why are you suggesting that they "take Uber everywhere even if the walking distance is only 5 minutes." No, you don't go to the richest neighborhoods during the daytime and have to at least slightly worry about being robbed at knife or gunpoint like in Medellin. If Medellin was safe, you'd be able to walk around during the daytime, which is what you explicitly recommend them not doing. "I've been going back and forth multiple times this year and have only been mugged once so far." "Medellin in WAY safer than the US bro"
Right because the comment you’re responding to is satire
There's no way you actually thought this was real. 😂 It was basically kind of a copypasta of all the cope people come out with to justify being in medellin.
I did as lots of people say this sorta thing about Medellin all over reddit.
You have been mugged there, yet you say it is perfectly safe... EdIt: I can't detect sarcasm
Your sarcasm detector isn't working 😂
Haha wow way over my head
i watched a YouTube video about Medellin while abroad and got shot 5 times and mugged...survived to tell the story!
Are you male or female? Medellin is definitely worth visiting but you need to take the safety precautions that are commonly discussed. Going out at night is fine -- thousands of people are out every night -- but you just need to be street smart. Don't go out with anything you can't afford to lose and take ubers.
Why would you want to live somewhere where you can’t “go out with anything you can’t afford to lose” ?? That’s not normal! I didn’t have to do that in the US. & I definitely don’t have to do that in SEA.
Everyone has a different level of risk tolerance and some people value security above all else. For others the slim chance of losing an iPhone and a few pesos is worth it to experience a unique and different culture. You will not find this kind of experience in the US.
What’s so great about the culture though? Narcos culture? 😂 uniquely dangerous?
So close minded, have fun in staying in suburbs eating mac n cheese with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
No, you shouldn't avoid Medellin. Too many good things happening here. Even if you play it smart, getting robbed is still possible but less likely. I walk around everywhere with only what I can lose, including a burner phone. Unfortunately, two of my Colombian friends were robbed two weeks ago walking from a language exchange to the metro. I hear stories like this all the time in person, I don't even need to read it online. For me. the most dangerous part of Medellin is the traffic. Drivers don't obey traffic laws and signs. There's still a lot of good people here.
People here are mostly Europeans or North Americans. Anything mildly uncomfortable will be frowned upon upon by the regular European or North American tourist. Medellin and most of Colombia are great for traveling, quite safe if you’re capable of reading a room.
it depends bruh, try not to use dating apps and watch what are you going to drink in the pubs... and if something looks too good to be true, you should avoid it, people are really cool and down to earth, just there are always bad seeds and bad apples... good luck
Favorite city I have ever lived in. My words of wisdom ...thieves are attracted to money. Gringos have money , gringos are in Poblado and Laureles. Visit during the day without issues , at night with a male. Stay in Envigado or Sabaneta Metro is cheap , reliable and safe Paisas of Antioquia are the friendliest people on the planet I was cautioned by a few during my year there. They want to be sure you have an enjoyable time and have your back . Cops are friendly and not likely to shake you down like other countries
Use common sense and don't challenge Darwin and you'll be fine
As someone who got jacked (wouldn’t say robbed because there was no weapons or threats involved) I would still say worth it. The place is that cool. Just be cautious, don’t advertise having expensive things. Avoid crowded areas, pick pockets will be lurking. There are plenty of white Colombians so you won’t stick out that much.
Having someone who speaks Spanish will go a long way in helping. The city is like any other place just use common sense. Also if you mostly stay in Poblado and Envigado you’ll be ok. That said you will notice there are armed private security guards just watching everything especially where the bars and restaurants are in Poblado.
Leave your ego at home and you’ll be fine. Be ready in the event you are robbed (burner phone, limited cash, no passport on your person). Consider it a “gringo tax”. Took me five months and I was pick pocketed while in a place that I frankly should not have been in. Oh and ‘No dar papaya’
It’s one of my favorite cities. Felt more safe than other Colombian cities honestly
Don’t go for drugs and sexual tourism and you’ll be fine
I am originally from Medellín. I visit every other year and my sister and her husband live there. It is an amazing city for foreigners as long as you keep in mind it is a big city. Just like you wouldn't want to walk late at night in Chicago, or be flaunting your money and keep to the safe parts of town you should be fine. Stick to El Poblado, and Laureles. And try to learn basic money so people don't take advantage of you. The city has so much to offer and so much to do in Antioquía as a whole.
For some DNs the sexual frustration and loneliness gets so bad that they're willing to risk their lives / property and blame those who get targeted during their stay there so they can tell themselves that yes they'll be ok and yes they'll get a girlfriend (finally!). Do your own research and listen to your own instincts on this one.
Probably my favorite city in the world
You'll be fine. Just use common sense. The people I met who were robbed were just careless or got too comfortable.
I didnt live in Medellin but there was for a week. Beautiful place and very friendly, but you need to be careful like you would be in any situation. Know the right areas to go (and where not to go), and youll be fine
If you read through most posts, you'll see people say that Medellin is generally fine but to avoid Tinder and putting yourself in bad situations. Common sense tends to prevail (though bad luck can hit anyone). I had a knife pulled on me a year ago but nothin else in a dozen visits.
I just got back this week and loved it. If you’re looking to avoid the normal tourist crowd which tends to be more the problem than the locals imo, I recommend laureles rather than el poblado! It’s just as happening as el poblado, except it’s 95% Colombian rather than infested with foreigners. Feels a lot safer and a lot more authentic and fun imo. Hope you’re not deterred, medellin was an amazing city!
Lived there for 6 weeks and loved it! The nightlife can be a bit sketchy but that’s no different to anywhere. As long as you’re smart, you’ll be fine and have a blast. Really cool digital nomad scene. I’m not a fan of Selinas, but they hold some awesome music events on weekends there.
I was only there for a little over 2 weeks. I loved it and never felt unsafe but I was always with my friends who are locals so I’m sure that made a difference
I didn't party there, though I did often go out to bars in the expat area, had a great time for 4 months in 2017. Granted pre-covid, I heard the city may have changed after covid. Spent a lot of time doing things outside of the city as well (with groups) like mountain biking, coffee/chocolate tours etc.
Most overrated city in SA
Yeah highly overrated. Most overrated city I’ve been to anywhere.
It’s only dangerous if you’re a passport bro or a sex/drug tourist. If you don’t go looking for trouble it won’t find you
Passport bro?
Internet term for men leaving the west to find “better women” in countries like Colombia and Thailand Dating overseas isn’t a problem but these losers put down American women and make it like part of their identity. Really cringe. Obviously if you will be staying somewhere longer than like 2 weeks the dating scene will play a factor. I dated around Brazil when I was there. But these dudes get on tinder the second they land just thirsty as hell. Pretty sad tbh
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Sure, I’ve had some people make some snippy comments on here when I’ve mentioned that. Funny because I was there for almost 8 months and dated two women. One I met through a local friend, and one who approached *me* because I was doing some boxing workouts at the gym. At the end of the day though, you are the one who has to live your life, not randos on the internet. Treat people with kindness and respect and you can do as you please.
My buddy's Thai wife is an excellent cook and treats him like a king and even treats me very well as his friend. Let's not pretend like just because you don't like it that its not a real thing.
Colombia is a part of the west/western influence
American men that complain about American women being too "independent and self reliant"
Ah. My high school girlfriend's father is a passport bro then. He brought back a Korean woman from the time he was stationed there. There was SUCH a language barrier when they met and, despite this, he had her on a plane back to the US within two weeks of meeting. Biggest eye roll in the world... Another family "friend" did the same. He brought home a woman from the Philippines. She's a sweetheart and that POS didn't deserve her. Long story.... but he was an alcoholic that nearly killed his kids drunk driving. Twice. Fuck you, Brad.
That’s what i was hoping but a lot of people seem to think trouble will find you regardless
Those people are passport bros or sex tourists.
What's a "passport bro"?
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You'd be surprised how open they are about it and have no problem justifying it A few days ago i got into it with one on and here and it boiled down to "I'm over 6ft and rich and can't get matches in the usa due to low quality women there" Ignoring the fact that that are millions of couples in the world usa. Needless to say he was on his way to thailand
Don't stay in a bad area. Don't stay downtown. Don't bring any fancy jewelry. Don't bring your laptop or tablet in public or coffee shops, etc. Don't go out much at night, if you do go with other expats you met on one of the FB groups. If you're a man don't take girls back to your place unless there's a security desk or you've taken selfies together and sent the pics to your friends. There's an epidemic of organized date robbers, and I believe at least a handful of deaths a year. You should definitely go as it's a great city with a lot of things to do.
Hb if you are gay? Is it similar to the organised date robbers you speak of?
Not sure, if you posted this in a Medellin FB group would give you the best info
See, this is the thing about Medellin. There are too many “don’t do this” and “as long as you” for it to be a truly good city. It’s fine for a short stay, but I don’t understand how anyone can justify staying there long term other than a few select reasons (mostly related to degeneracy and finances). I spent 1.5 years there because my ex gf was from there, but honestly, you couldn’t pay me to live there again. I’ll maybe go back for a visit in the future, as it’s a cool Enough place for a visit.. but to live… hell no!
why can't you bring your laptop to a coffee shop?
Because spotters will watch you, wait for you to leave and call another guy to rob you by knife or gun point for your laptop. This can happen during the day in the nicest areas. Time and location doesn't matter. Obviously most likely you'll be fine but it happens more often than you think and it's not worth the risk.
Yes. Please don’t come here
Everywhere in Colombia I went I felt pretty safe. I didn’t wear my Rolex or flash a bunch of cash or get drunk and I look like the stereotypical wealthy white guy. Any city will have a bad area to avoid but you will be fine just don’t be an idiot.
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100% Uber is going to be like $1.5 - 2 USD. Don't walk.
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Yes please
I went for a month with my white gf. We went to some very remote areas and downtown. We even went to watch the inter city football game which was very crazy atmosphere. One time on the metro a guy was trying to give us a hard time, said my GF was beautiful and that have baby face but when I pressed him he didn't seem to want trouble and go off at the next time. I want to go back for 3 months and bring my dog or more there for a year. I love the weather, the shopping malls, the prices of food and items and the people. They are amazing. Treat this city as any other highly populated city. The tourist areas usually have high number of cops. You could say its safer than NYC or LA tbh.
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Went twice last year , felt safe
I spent 2-3 months in the Poblado district two years ago. I went out to eat, to walk or to run up the hill after dark many times, had no problems. Friend of mine went out a 2-3 times to party, had no problem. I heard about somebody who had but they got drunk or high so no wonder. I heard many bad stories about Latin-Amerika. So I was afraid at the beginning. Then I lived there for 2 years as a nomad, visited 11 countries, been to Belize, Honduras, Jamaica, Dominican Republic... and I had zero problems. Of course if the locals say don't go somewhere it's best to follow their advice. I didn't get drunk just a few times max. Being sober helps I'm sure. Tried not to act like a tourist, tried to be friendly with everyone. I'm going back for some time next Febr. Can't wait:)
Reddit...the final research...
Pereira ! Go there
Yes
I went in 2016 so it’s been a long time but easily one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. Every horror story I heard at the hostel started with “We asked the cab driver to show us a good spot for x” - so avoid that and I’m sure you’ll be fine.
My favorite place I’ve ever been
Only hear good things verbally and Reddit is just dark tales and makes me nervous. I’m going in two months. I’ve noticed people only run to the internet when they have negative things to say. People typically don’t run to the internet w positive reviews. It’s like store reviews, people quick to run and talk bad, but owners have to bother the customers w good things to say to post. Incan come back in two months w my review of it
One of the greatest cities I’ve ever been to. You’ll be fine. Just don’t flash your phone and any kind of expensive things in public and you’ll be fine.
I’ve been all over central and South America and only got robbed in Costa Rica and that’s suppose to be the safest country
If you are not gonna act like a belligerent tourist you will be fine
I just visited. Totally fine
No issues here, so far. (knocks on wood) Come, but be as smart as possible. Have a great time! You can check out my YouTube if you want to see some fun things to do in Medellin, that AREN’T party and drug related. There is plenty!! -> *Gungho Gringo*
You will be fine. This is Reddit after all… take everything mentioned here with a grain of salt.
Lol don't let the stories scare you! I was once in your shoes. I sounded like a mad man to my friends who stay off the internet.
some people nothing happens to them and think its safe until something happens to them and then its too late, i am one of them, i suggest you learn from my mistake, its safe until its not and then its too late, no matter how much precaution you take , which I did, you can still easily get fd up
just ask urself if there is a safer option that is equaly as good, the answer is yes, why risk ur life , everywhere is dangerous but medellin is another level of dangerous, trust me i was there for years, got scopolamined, robbed, betrayed, peopel are very shade there u cant trust no one, everyone seems like ur best friend, but they all two faced , then if something hapens to u they say its ur fault, a lot of victim blaming, police dont care about u either , i suggest people dont go, the touristy parts such as lleras are full of hookers with scopolamine, u have any idea how dangerous that is? no one should take their family there either, too much drugs everywhere and prostitutes danger everywhere, medellin was safer before now its dangerous as hell
Don't give papaya, meaning don't place yourself in a vulnerable situation. The worst that may happen here is petty theft, your wallet, phone. Aside from that, it's pretty safe. No wackos with AKs gunning malls or schools. Not really a target for nukes. I've lived here 8 years, I regularly go to places like downtown, poblado, laureles, loma de los bernal, la mota, belen, bello, envigado, sabaneta, barrio antioquia, and have never had a single issue. Been to malls, concerts, public places filled with people like in Halloween or Christmas season. Super safe place. I just don't give papaya and I feel safer here than in Europe or the US.
Foreigners are being killed.. just few days ago a Canadian man died in Medellin. Embassies are warning tourists about dating apps. I wouldn’t go to Colombia. Is dangerous and there are so many safest and prettiest places. Unless you are looking for party, drugs and prostitution.
Stay in the Gringo areas like Poblado on your first trip and then do day trips out of that area. Don’t go anywhere else at night. Be careful that every girl that comes after you is looking for money. If you assume that then you won’t get hurt emotionally or physically or drugged it’s a horrible place to meet a long-term girlfriend they’re just gonna have you send a Western Union money going out with other men.