Patrick
This post is directed towards the people that visit Cali for the first time.
Let’s be real. Cali, Colombia isn’t London, Tokyo, Sydney, Madrid, Miami or any other first world city with millions of people. This is the jungle, in more than one sense. Don’t get me wrong. I love this place, I’ve lived here for 9 years. But it’s not an easy place to visit for first timers, especially if you have never been to Latin America before. A few precautions will help improve your experience tremendously. Please take a moment to review the following travel tips.
Safety precautions
It goes beyond explanation that safety when traveling should be your top priority. Cali has for many years had a bad reputation, some of it well deserved. Colombia in general is a country that is divided between the people who have a lot and the people that don’t, which tend to create challenges. Additionally, the country has been through many years of political conflict and war with drug cartels. That being said, the security situation has improved a lot over the last decade and the international classification is now “relatively safe”.
The advice below applies to all of the big cities in the country.
Robberies and theft
I personally believe that this is your biggest risk. While it has never happened to me, I’m a realist and know that robberies happen in the Cali (and the rest of Colombia) every day. Someone coming up with a knife or gun and asking for your bag, phone, wallet, watch, etc. If this should ever happen to you, then don’t be a hero. Just deliver as asked and there’s a 99% chance that the robber will just take off.
For that reason, it’s best not to carry valuables. Leave your important documents, fancy watch, extra credit cards, jewelry etc, in a safe where you’re staying. Just carry cash, one debit card (ideally one that needs a pin to make payments) and potentially an older phone. If robbed, you file a report with police and hopefully you can get reimbursed by your travel insurance.
Simple theft is also common. Someone might slip their hand into your pocket or bag at a concert, bar, on the bus, or any other crowded place. Don’t leave your bag, computer, wallet or phone unattended in coffee shops, restaurants, and the likes and you should be just fine.
Murder
Honestly, your risk of getting murdered as a regular tourist is tiny. I know very well that Cali still ranks on the list of most deadly cities in the world, but please understand that this is a very big city and that 90% of all violence happens in neighborhoods where you are very unlikely to end up, even by accident. You’d literally have to drive 50 blocks in the wrong direction. And not only that. These murders are usually not random. They are planned events that result from engaging with the wrong people. This should not keep you from visiting the city, or anywhere else in Colombia.
ATMs – getting cash
There is no need to bring a lot of cash (EUR / USD) to Colombia. The exchange offices usually don’t give the best rate. It’s better to just take cash from the ATMs, but don’t ever do so from an ATM on the street. It makes you an easy target. For safety, it’s best to use the machines inside the shopping centers.
Traveling alone, and especially if you’re a woman
If traveling alone, then you need to be a bit more cautious. You are more vulnerable. This applies especially if you’re a woman. Don’t walk anywhere after dark, unless it’s just a few blocks and in an area with lots of late night entertainment such as San Antonio, El Peñon, Granada, Centenario, San Fernando, or Ciudad Jardin. Be a bit more careful when meeting new people. Don’t just receive drinks from strangers. Don’t jump in a car with people that you’ve just met, don’t go home to someone you’ve just met, etc.
If you have a desire to go hiking some of the beautiful trails around the city then it’s always best to go with more people, and preferably someone who knows their way around so you don’t get lost.
Partying / alcohol
Colombians are festive people and there’s always an excuse for a celebration. They love to drink and dance, and it’s fun to be around them. But be careful with excessive alcohol consumption. First off, you always want to be able to find your way home. Second, you don’t want to appear to be a drunk and easy victim. Third, the hot climate means that you will dehydrate easily, so make sure you always drink a lot of water to maintain a balance.
Drugs
Drugs are easily available and very affordable here. The most common ones in circulation are marijuana, cocaine, and tusi which is known as the red cocaine. Tusi is supposedly composed of cocaine, LSD and MDMA. While I’m no ones nanny, I highly encourage people to stay away from these products. Cannabis can be fairly innocent and is harder to manipulate but when buying cocaine or tusi on the street you really have no clue as to what you’re getting. Renting apartments to tourists we have seen our fair share of people in terrible states and with blood running from their noses due to over consumption. This year alone, several tourists have been found dead in Medellin due to overdosing on various substances. In my opinion, the downside is a lot bigger than the upside. So please be careful.
Parking
If you have a car or plan to rent a one, then don’t leave it unattended on the street in any big city in Colombia. Although it’s unlikely that the car will be stolen, it is very common to have the mirrors, spare tire, and antenna stolen. Always use the supervised parking lots and if not available then at least make sure there’s a person watching it while you park. They are easily identified as they all carry a red handkerchief or rag in their hand. They work for tips and they usually get $1-2.000 pesos per car they look out for.
Transportation
There are plenty of options for getting around the city. Taxis in Cali are extremely cheap, plentiful and metered so make sure drivers turn on meter when you jump in. Please note, the taxis usually only accept cash. If you don’t know your way around, don’t have cash or don’t speak a word of Spanish then I’d recommend that you use the Uber or DiDi applications where you can get a quotation up front and follow the progress to your destination on the map.
If you’re just here for a short visit there’s really no point in learning how to use the bus system.
For our guests we have a list of private drivers that we can recommend, both for airport transfers and trips around the city.
WhatsApp & Getting a local SIM card
Almost all communication in Colombia and Latin America is through WhatsApp. If you don’t have the app installed already, then do yourself a favor and get it. It runs on data instead of the regular cell service, meaning it can work on WiFi even if you don’t have cell reception.
If you don’t have a plan with you mobil operator that allows you to roam or use data internationally as part of the plan (or at a very affordable rate), then I recommend getting a local SIM card as data can be very expensive. Some international operators charge $10 USD per megabyte. That’s like scrolling a few pics on Instagram. You can buy a local SIM from many stores, including supermarkets, cell stores, etc. Most common operators include Movistar, Claro and Tigo. They cost the equivalent of a couple of dollars and you can usually get a month of unlimited data and local calls for less than $20 USD.
Noise
Colombia is a noisy place to be. Auditive contamination is the rule rather than the exception. Unless you’re in the countryside, then expect that there is little concern for your private space.
Trucks, busses, cars and motorcycles that clearly don’t need to abide by Western decibel standards are ubiquitous. They roar as they pass by. On top of that they are beyond generous with the use of their horns.
Colombians talk loud and are often heard screaming on the street. It doesn’t mean they are angry, it could just be the easiest way to get someone’s attention.
Street vendors selling everything from avocados to cell phone covers will be yelling as they walk around residential neighborhoods to sell their products. Or even worse, have a speaker on the loudest setting while blasting their sales pitch on repeat. Pick-up trucks buying scrap metal do the same thing.
Your neighbor might come home at 3 am and decide to start a karaoke party with a handful of his friends.
The bars and clubs have usually done little in terms of soundproofing meaning the closer to the fun, the more noise you should expect.
Finally, while I would not consider Colombia to be a third world country, it is definitely an emerging market undergoing a lot of development. Expect construction work, both public and private, in many places, especially in the bigger cities.
Although annoying, these things are “perfectly acceptable” to most Colombians. Add to it that most buildings were made with the cheapest windows available meaning acoustic isolation is almost non-existent.
If you are allergic to this kind of environment then best to choose a place to stay on quiet streets, and ideally up in the hills as they are mostly spared from the worst of the noise.
Water, electricity and internet cuts
Disruptions in the water, electricity and internet service are quite common. Sometimes it may be for just a moment. Sometimes it can be hours or even the whole day. It happens to residential buildings and commercial buildings alike and it is usually always an external issue that affects a whole block or even the whole neighborhood.
Please chill and take it as part of the experience. If you want things to be “just like home”, then best to stay at home. I know it’s annoying but if it happens then just find a coffee shop where you can hang out for a few hours while things get sorted. Don’t let it ruin your trip.
If you want to prevent yourself from being affected, then look to stay in places with a water reserve tank, an electrical generator and with two internet providers. It’s never 100% guaranteed that you will avoid these situations but it helps a lot.
Climate and weather
Cali is tropical which translates to hot and humid. Average temperature during the day is 32 degrees celsius (89 degrees Fahrenheit). During parts of the year you can expect lots of rain and when it rains it will be a bit cooler, but there will be more bugs than usual. The afternoon sun can be quite strong. Make sure you have bug spray, sun protection in the form of glasses, hat, and sun lotion. Always stay hydrated and it’s recommended to wear light long-sleeve shirts if you have a hard time tolerating the sun.
Dating
Colombians are attractive. Beautiful, sexy and flirtatious. The vast majority of them are good, hardworking people with genuine intentions. Going out and meeting people here, though, is different from the US or Western Europe. Like this Youtuber David says – there is no hook-up culture.
Tinder, Colombia Cupid and other sites have plenty to offer, but just be aware that there are many professionals working these sites. If someone offers to meet up with you immediately or starts calling you all sorts of sweet things (bebe, amor, cariño, papi) then something is not right. Be careful.
When going out, don’t try to flirt with girls or guys that seem to be out with their partner. Latinos are jealous by nature and you could get yourself in big trouble.
Latinas are used to men paying for things, at least when trying to impress, so if that hurts, then best to not even try.
There is a drug called scopolamine, also known as the Devil’s Breath. It comes from a plant and is very strong. Strong enough to kill a person in big doses. It is being used to sedate, rape, rob and even steal organs from victims. It can be put in your drink, but also blown in your face or even transmitted if someone passes you a business card with the dust on it. You will dose off and be highly manipulable. I know several people who have been victims of this and some of them have been mentally scared for life. So please be very careful with whom you associate with and best not to be alone.
For both men and women, this advice applies: The best way to get introduced to someone in Colombia is through common friends. The best dates are not the ones that kiss and sleep with you on the first night. If you’re just looking for sex then there are many safe places to get it without any of the dangers and hassle of Tinder and picking people up random people in a bar.
Language
Unless you’re here on a weekend trip for business, then there’s really no excuse for not learning a bit of basic Spanish. It will improve your experience tremendously and help you build rapport with the locals a lot faster. Sure it can be embarrassing in the beginning but the locals really respect the ones that try.
I know people who have had a romantic relationship with a local all based on Google Translate 🙂 So it’s possible to make connections without any skills. But I highly recommend doing some Duolingo or taking some classes before or when you arrive, at least to communicate formalities and understand pleasantries when out and about. It goes a long a way.
Embrace local culture
Colombia is usually ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. I see people with very little still being very happy and friendly. Colombians live very much in the moment and are very welcoming to foreigners. While there is definitely economic discrimination in the form of classism, I have never witnessed any discrimination based on race or religion.
The country is very folkloric and celebrates a ton of annual events. I highly recommend that you check some of them out, including La Feria de Cali, Carnaval de Blancos y Negros in Pasto, Carnaval de Barranquilla, La Feria de Las Flores in Medellin.
Conduct yourself with common sense and courtesy as my good friend Chris says. Embrace the local culture don’t try to force your own culture on others. Things are not like home and don’t expect it to be so.
Avoid conflict, you don’t know who you’re messing with. And you most definitely don’t want to end up in jail here.
Additional practical things
Check-Mig – you NEED to pre-register with Migration before your arrival to Colombia. Same thing goes for leaving the country. You can do this up to 72 before entering or leaving the country. The link to do so is here. The main reason is to speed up the migration progress once you arrive at the airport, and I must say that it works – immigration here is a breeze compared to many other countries.
Carry ID at all times – By law, you need to be able to identify yourself at all times in Colombia. Carry a photo copy of your passport and you will be fine.
Ordering food – the Rappi and Uber Eats work well here. Rappi will also bring you things from pharmacies and supermarkets. Super convenient if you don’t want to go out.
Restaurant reservations – are usually not needed in Cali, unless for bigger groups of if going to one of the nicer restaurants like Platillos Voladores, Storia d’Amore, Cantina La 15, or La Comitiva.
Always carry cash – and ideally small change. Many people and vendors don’t have change to break big bills. To put things into perspective a $50.000 COP bill is only about $11 USD but that represents a full day’s salary here.
Panhandlers / beggars / vendors – walking the streets of Cali you will see plenty of all 3. I’ve never believed in the concept of getting something for nothing, but there are situations that make you reconsider, like single moms with 3 kids in traffic lights. The choice is yours if you want to ignore or support them. Sometimes the easy thing is to carry a bunch of coins in a pocket and put a smile on their face.
Navigating Google Maps or Waze is lot easier when using landmarks instead of addresses in Colombia. Type the name of the place you’re going instead of the exact address. Goes for hotels, restaurants, parks, hospitals, and basically anything you can think of.
Closing thoughts
I’m not trying to scare you away. Quite the opposite, I want more people to visit Cali. My business depends on tourism. But it’s best to be realistic and prepare visitors before they have a bad experience, and by knowing the above you will be well ahead of the crowd for your first visit.
Welcome to Cali, I hope you’ll have a blast!
