January 2, 2024 Update – The U.S. Department of State has stood by their Colombia Travel Advisory on January 2, 2024 recommending American tourists reconsider travel to Colombia. They claim that people should reconsider travel or use caution because of kidnappings and civil unrest. Violent crimes (including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and assault) are reported as being widespread. Medellin crime rates have increased and criminals are increasingly targeting tourists in Medellin and using tactics such as robbery, extortion and other criminal activities.
Like many big cities in South America, Medellin is a place where tourists need to keep their wits about them. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t visit Medellin; it’s just important to be aware of the potential dangers as well as the attractions of this bustling city. With more than 3 million people calling Medellin home, it should be obvious that some areas are riskier than others. Tourism also attracts petty thieves and scammers to certain districts, since tourists are more likely to be carrying cash or expensive electronics.
Another type of crime, as reported by the U.S. Embassy of Colombia, has become a growing concern for visitors in Medellin. It’s known as a “honey trap scam”, in which unwitting tourists (usually men) arrange to meet someone (usually a woman) at a bar or restaurant through an online dating app. At some point during the evening, the tourist may be drugged and/or lured into a waiting vehicle, then robbed by the scammer and their accomplices. There have even been accounts of people dying as a result of this scam. Even so, this type of crime has been increasing in the last few years, so anyone considering visiting Medellin should take steps to protect themselves. The number of thefts against tourists increased by 200% in the third trimester of 2023.
Is it safe to visit Medellin?
Visiting Medellin, Colombia, can generally be considered safe for travelers, provided that certain precautions are taken. The city, which once had a reputation for violence and crime, has undergone significant transformations and has become increasingly popular with tourists. Medellin recorded 1,400,000 international visitors in 2022, most of whom had a relatively safe experience
However, it is important to be aware of the current situation regarding safety. While Medellin is generally safe in terms of violent crime, there have been reports of armed robberies, drugging, and petty crimes against tourists as of 2024. The city experiences a crime wave targeted at tourists, highlighting the need for vigilance
Petty crime, such as the theft of wallets, electronic gadgets, and passports, has been identified as a serious problem. Tourist sites are heavily policed, providing a sense of safety, but travelers are advised to be cautious in certain areas, including parks like El Poblado and Laureles
The consensus among various sources is that Medellin is safe to visit if travelers exercise caution, stay aware of their surroundings, and follow safety tips. The city is compared favorably to major U.S. cities in terms of safety, provided that visitors stick to safer parts of the city
To sum up, Medellin is a city that welcomes tourists with its vibrant culture and history, but like any major urban area, it requires visitors to be mindful of their personal safety and belongings.
Assistance for U.S. Citizens
Bogotá, D.C. Colombia
What is the overall risk level for tourists Medellin?
According to the US Department of State, Colombia has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning. Medellin crime rates are lower than the national average, but potential visitors should still take note of them.
The good news is that it’s fairly easy to reduce risk while staying in Medellin. For example, pickpockets tend to target people who stand out as tourists – the ones who wear flip flops or flashy clothes, have their cameras, phones, or tablets out all the time, or display large amounts of cash when they open their wallets. All of these things are easy to avoid; it’s mainly just a matter of being aware of them beforehand.
It’s also important to be aware of which neighborhoods to stay away from, and when. El Centro is a popular area for tourists, since it’s home to museums, parks, and other attractions. However, it is full of crime during all hours and at night it becomes considerably more dangerous, with criminal and drug-related activity increasing as soon as the sun goes down.
If you’re curious about the most common crime risks in Medellin, these are the main ones to be aware of:
Scams
There’s a high risk of scams in Medellin; these almost exclusively target tourists, since the locals already know to steer clear of them. The most basic type of scam is known as “gringo-pricing”, or overcharging visitors who don’t know what things usually cost. Other scams include:
- Credit card skimmers, which can be avoided by only using your cards to withdraw cash at ATMs that are inside banks.
- Police impersonators, who intimidate tourists with supposed violations, and then try to get a bribe to “smooth things over”.
- Any interaction in the street where someone approaches a tourist and tries to convince them to go on tours or other sightseeing activities. When someone approaches you, no matter how friendly they seem, it is best to avoid interactions and politely decline.
- Money-changing scams, where tourists are ripped off when exchanging US dollars to Colombian pesos. This can be avoided by obtaining Colombian pesos before leaving the US, or withdrawing cash from an ATM while in Colombia.
Mugging
There’s a moderate risk of being mugged in Medellin, and since this is a violent crime, it’s recommended never to resist. To reduce your chances of getting mugged, don’t be conspicuous, and never display cash or electronics. Down here they call it “not giving Papaya” meaning don’t make yourself an easy target.
It’s also a good idea to only carry what you need for that day, or even have a dummy wallet with a nominal amount of cash to hand over if the worst happens. You could do the same thing with your phone – keep your real phone hidden, and have a cheap flip phone on hand in case you get mugged. Remember that muggers generally threaten their victims with guns or knives, and won’t be afraid to use them if there’s any resistance. Even if you’d be losing cash, valuable documents, or expensive electronics, none of that is worth the risk of getting injured or killed.
To reduce the chances of getting mugged, the following areas should be avoided unless you can travel as part of a group or with a Medellin tour guide:
- Parque San Antonio
- Barrio Trinidad
- Parque de las Luces
- Prado
- La Sierra
- Bello
Pickpocketing
The risk of being pickpocketed in Medellin is high, as is the case with all major cities in South America. This is an opportunistic crime, and there’s certainly a lot of opportunities for pickpockets in this city. Whether you have your valuables in a pocket, backpack, purse, or fanny pack, they could be stolen in the blink of an eye.
In addition to not making it obvious that you’re carrying cash or electronics, you can also carry your valuables in a cash belt that’s worn underneath the clothes. This is much less accessible than a pocket or purse, and will greatly reduce the chances of being pickpocketed. You should also try to dress like a local as much as possible – long pants, understated shirts, and sensible shoes. If you walk around Medellin wearing flip flops, loud clothes, or expensive jewelry, you’re practically advertising yourself as an ideal target for pickpockets.
Transportation
Most people don’t think of taxis as a source of danger, but in Medellin they have often been actually used to rob people. To be clear, real taxis don’t pose a threat (unless they try to rip off unsuspecting tourists). The problem is that thieves drive around in cars with fake taxi signs, hoping to pick up tourists to rob.
If you want to take a taxi in Medellin, it’s probably best to use a service like Uber or DiDi. This way you can confirm the identity of the car that’s picking you up, and avoid fake taxis. Or if you want to really play it safe, hire a private driver in Medellin!
Medellin isn’t perfect, but it’s one of Colombia’s top destinations for a reason
In spite of the various types of crimes that tourists may run into while visiting Medellin, the city is well worth exploring. Whether you’re there to join in on Medellin tours, or you just want a relaxing getaway from everyday life, this city has a lot to offer for everyone who decides to visit.
