Hello from India 🇮🇳 Alina, good to see you back in your groove, the tips are extremely important for any traveler, not only in Colombia and South American nations but in many other countries of the world. As foreigners, these are basics to follow, unfortunately we forget the basics! Looking forward to your next destination!
I am Colombian and left the country many years ago, and it has to be accepted that Colombia is mostly unsafe even for Colombians, but we usually know what to do to stay away from trouble. I always tell foreigners that Colombia is a beautiful country but I never encourage them to visit it because they do not have experience dealing with the problems with face there. Alina is a good example, the scary situation she lived in Santa Marta was avoidable, and she learned that the hard way. I will return to Colombia to live my retirement because I think I will have a much better life there than in any of the developed countries I have lived up to now, it is just matter of picking the right place and follow some simple rules.
I'm Canadian and I've been staying in Medellín for a little over three months. Beautiful place with fantastic people. Absolutely love it here, but I was robbed on the street and my iPhone was stolen. I find the city to be quite safe but you definitely can't dress or act freely like you can in a lot of cities. It's definitely not like most parts of Europe or SEA where you can walk around with your camera and phone out all the time and not have to worry about it. Inequality is rampant and it was made worse due to the pandemic. Some streets are incredibly verdant with nice houses, and some are very poor. Violence has also always been a part of the country's history and society as well, much more than in other areas of the world. All the conflicts over the years, FARC, narcoterrorism. Even when they put movies on during long bus rides, most of the time it's a cop movie or a violent one. I was getting my haircut the other day and there was a drug show on the TV. I hope that someday things can change in that sense. I blend in fairly well and locals will often ask for directions and then laugh when they realize I'm a Gringo, so I blend in fairly well, but I guess it was my "fault" for holding my iPhone in my hand as I was walking and not paying attention. So it's quite sad that the victim is often blamed in these situations and not the thieves but that's just the reality I guess. The police actually do a good job of trying to catch the thieves and they're more honest than you may think, but from what I've read it's the justice system that's the problem. If they're caught the punishment is minimal at best so the the thieves will just keep on stealing. Colombia is a beautiful country with great people, but even taking your phone out to check your messages or Google Maps after dark can put a target on your back. I wouldn't let that dissuade anyone from coming though. As long as your Spanish is decent and you've traveled a decent amount, then I would definitely recommend coming.
I've been there 5 times also Canadian, I speak the language , I never carry more than 30 dollars in my pocket . I carry an extra cellphone but use a cheap one when I go arround. Never wear shorts with flipflops😂 I learned from some Colombian friends there not to flash my cellphone. I recently discovered La Ceja, and Rio Negro totally different and safer. I'm planning to retire this year in that area. I enjoyed reading your comment
@Domenic D'Apice How ironic that you mentioned retiring in the area of Rio Negro. I've been in communication with a national wide construction company in Colombia that are building new apartments in Rio Negro. The great part is that they assist with loans using one's credit history from the States. Since I have about 10 years to go before retirement I figured that this is up my alley. I prefer smaller towns anyways but Medellin is not far away. Congrats on your retirement when that day comes.
@M I'm currently in escrow (purchasing a house) so I'm waiting to close but I've been in contact with Constructora Bolivar. They have a website for more information. I'm not too sure on the legal system for buying real estate in Colombia. I was fortunate enough to get citizenship at the San Francisco consulate in California since 1 of my parents is Colombian, even without me ever having lived there. On that website you can chat via Whatsapp with someone that should be able to assist you.
Ok, so in the last 13 months 23 expats or tourists have been murdered here, some have been strangle, shot or stabbed, and the common dominator is always Scapolamine, Prostitutes, apps and websites Colombian women (dates) who work with their gangster pimps to target westerners.🤷♂️
I'm a Colombian, and 6 months out of the year l live in Sao Paulo, and six months in Colombia, and I can assure you that Bogota and medellin are much more dangerous than Brazil! You'll should stop misleading people, and given them a false sense of security, because this the reason Gringos are getting murdered in Colombia every week.😡
As non english native speaker, I have to say I love your accent, is really easy to understand. Thanks for showing your perspective from this country, best regards!
Hi Alina and everyone. To stay safe in Colombia 🇨🇴 just "Don't Give Papaya!" as the traditional saying goes in Medellin and all over the country. That means do not attract the attention of would be thieves by as you said blend in. I've been here for 23 years.chain and cellphone snatchings still happen in Brooklyn, NY, Bangkok, Thailand, etc... Thanks for the video for foreigners who are oblivious to these recommendations. This is still an Epic country to visit 😃👍🏻.
I'm so happy that you are okay and I commend your bravery. I love your advice about 'blending' in, and no carrying expensive items if you're venturing out of tourist areas.
As a Colombian living in Canada I 100% agree with you. Those are the things I do every time I visit Colombia. I never wear my Apple Watch ⌚️ while on the street and I have an old iPhone 📱 that I use when I’m there. I hope the next time you visit Colombia you can go to Santander( Bucaramanga, Barichara , San Gil , the Chicamocha canyon and more), one of the most beautiful places there . Enjoy your time in South America. I wish I could travel there this time of the year 🥶🥶🥶
Diego...Ud ha salido de Colombia? En todas partes hay ladrones, tal vez en China no por que les va muy mal. En Canada tambien roban . Tenemos la ingrata experiencia allá. Que hacemos? Escondernos?.
@@alfredosantanamontero5588 nadie dijo nada de esconderse, son recomendaciones para extranjeros que no saben cómo (desafortunadamente) funcionan las cosas en muchos países, y si, hay ciudades en las que es muy poco probable que lo roben.
I'd say your list is quite applicable not only to Colombia, but whole Latin America, and so many other countries, its a pity you had that experience but as you say "no dar papaya" in something everyone has to do, no matter if in New York or any other place in the world
yes, by that standard, pretty much the only safe countries you can go are East Asian countries (Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore). Even the big cities in North America and Europe i wouldn't consider safe, as there are so many scammers, homeless persons, or gang members.
Another couple of advice from a Colombian here: I never recommend to take taxis in the streets, but if you have no option, make sure there is a big card hanging behind the front passenger´s seat, so you can take a look at it and see if the driver is charging you the right amount. You have to check the little electronic device they put somewhere at front that shows a number that increases according to distance and time; for example: 250, then you check this number on the card and next to it, is the amount of money you have to pay. many taxi drivers try to charge more, especially if they see you are a foreigner. And also: try to memorize the two versions of currency we have (bills) because some of the old ones look similar to the new ones, but they value is different; so in some places, someone might want to trick you while giving you change for your purchase.
Is this true? Cartagena is full of yellow servicio publico taxies and people seem to be taking them all the time. A friend of mine took without any payment problems and last night I took one from the street from bocagrande to getsemani for only 10 thousand. I was surprised how cheap it was for that kind of distance, in other countries it would be quite a bit more
@@dreamthedream8929 well, yes, in general compared to other countries, it is much cheaper. I mean, I didn´t want to generalize because there are good taxi drivers, but I never advice taking them because I think there is a high chance of being conned. SO, I prefer to recommend Uber o other apps like that. Actually, what you tell me makes me happy, but there have been cases even in the news of foreigners being charged up to 300.000 COP for a 15.000 COP ride.
I am a guy. I don't go out late and I don't go to bars. Most of the time I'm back in the hotel by 7 or 8 pm. The latest I've been out was maybe 9pm because the train arrived back in Rome at 7:30 pm and I didn't eat dinner yet. (First day I was in Rome, two girls on the transit try to rob me with their 'secret hands'. After that I kept my wallet in my secret place.)
Glad your safe and aware. I have friends who grew up in Colombia and Argentina and sadly it’s unsafe in a lot of areas. I was told if you travel on public transport to turn your backpack around and wear it on your chest as they come in behind you with a knife and empty the contents of your bag unknowingly. And yes the moped scooter thieves snatch phones all the time.
In Bali, indonesia, i was scared..just wearing my new Nike Air, some guy in motorbike stopped when i was out the supermarket and he wanted my shoes...i didnt know even the shoes can attract robbers!!
Definitely agree with your #10 and #11! I have the benefit of vising Colombia with my inlaws so haven't had any issues so far. Re #10, it also has to do with the activities to do. I totally understand new visitors may want to check out museums and historical towns and what not, but Colombia, especially Bogota, has an an amazing restaurant and shopping scene. My trips there basically revolve around eating and updating my wardrobe, and the malls in the nice parts (like Usaquen or Andino) seem to be quite safe. My recommendation for folks visiting would be to stay in one of these nice parts, spend the first day or so just checking out the malls to acclimatize culturally, and then pay for a guided tour of the downtown area.
#12 Sadly, if you see a neighborhood that seems a slum, DON'T GO NEAR IT. That's what happened to Alina in Santa Marta, she was walking through Ziruma road which at some point crosses a slum (one in the outskirts of the city besides the "forest") and that's where the incident happened. If she had her phone out, it made things worse. As a local I avoid those places and i just don't give papaya to keep me safe. It depends on the situation, like I wouldn't walk around the downtown with my phone at hand BUT I can walk around with my phone in a mall, for example. You all would be surprised to see that half of the passengers at a Transmilenio uses their phones or have visible headphones I believe thieves a lot of the times know which jewelry is real gold so I just use imitation jewelry (a lot more affordable btw) I don't carry my money in different pockets but that isn't a bad idea...
ALSO, you CAN go out at night. At a mall or a bar or to party. Just be a little more aware/careful and don't walk around in the street very late at night specially if it is alone/very dark/dangerous neighborhood. If you have a car, much better. But, for example, if you go out a Friday night to La 85 (the most famous area to party in Bogotá) you will see a LOT of people. Anyway I understand this is not as easy for a tourist
Excellent final for Columbia, Alina! All your points are things that were already in your soul, but your attitude and your being open about anything you experience, whether is good or bad, makes you shine. I think that your audience likes that the most about you, and after what happened to you there, you did not run away from it, but you shared every feeling and thought about what happened. You never once turned your back on the whole thing, that is your quality that will always show you that you have a following of special people that know you for who you are. Thanks, so much, Alina! You may never know what that one quality among many of us know that you are that close to all of us. Looking forward to Brazil, and continue on with the adventures you love with all your heart!! Be safe, and keep that smile! Cheers!!
As a Colombian sadly I agree about all of the extra precautions that Alina proposed, it is an awesome destination with a lot of things to know but the social situation make that you guys have to take extra precautions upon coming here. I hope this situation change in the future but right now stick to Alina's suggestions. I would like to highlight the last one, consider someone who knows the area to enjoy all of our cities have to offer.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Looking like a Russian spy, Alina!!!! A very cute one, I have to say. Lovely tan too, I couldn't help but notice. But this topic is about security and I'd like to offer my two cents. (1) If you're travelling by yourself and you choose to vlog/use your camera in the open, you're at a greater risk. (2) They'll know you're from out of town/country. Trying to blend in doesn't always help. That wig is sexy af btw, so it won't help you. It makes you look more attractive and the hustlers will likely want you even more. To buffer that, travel with other people you met on the trip and watch each other's back. (3) For heaven's sake, read the official travel advice for the place you're travelling to BEFORE you go there. They offer professional tips based on law enforcement advice. Don't underestimate that. (4) Women will be harassed more than men. I don't care what your political leaning is. That's a fact. In South America, that's even more obvious. (5) Don't leave valuables unattended, such as purses, phones, etc. Don't leave your drink unattended when going to the bathroom either. Don't trust good samaritans on the streets because they're scammers. (6) In public transit, don't carry your bag on your back or they'll snatch your shit. (7) Don't trust MFs that give you a petition to sign or try to distract you in any other way. they'll rob you. (8) Even if you follow all this advice, you'll never be 100% safe. If you choose to cross the street, you can always be run over by a car.
You look gorgeous with dark hair! 👏👏 I have been travelling a lot around the globe and I agree with each and every one of your safety tips, nevertheless, it's scary and shocking when something bad happens and you start blaming yourself for a supposed mistake you've made, but the truth is that risks can only be reduced, not eliminated.
I'm glad your doing all right and as a Colombian I do apologize for what you experienced in Santa Marta. A homeless man gave me a piece of advice one day when I got lost in a hood in the States: Just give them what they are asking for and you'll be fine...I've been stole twice. ( New bicycles) My simple rule is not going to unknown places....
Hola Alina,como colombiano confirmo todos estos consejos,una lástima que haya que mencionarlos pero la situación actual de Colombia y de LATAM creo que lo amerita,gracias por visitar mi país y buena suerte en América del Sur
Excellent points! As Ben Franklin allegedly coined the phrase “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Thus, appearing to have nothing robbers or criminals would want is good advice. Lessons from schools of fish is that there is safety in numbers, because there are more eyes keeping watch, and more helpers to defend - most criminals just want to get away without detection or too much interference. I have to point out that the current thinking in “active shooter” situations (as at public locations) is to perform these with this priority if possible: 1) run, 2) hide, 3) fight. What you did was the right thing in the confrontation - run away from the assailant. When they are armed and dangerous, you have to run quickly and potentially make zigzagging movements to prevent them from locking on an aim to shoot. Run behind obstacles to their sight. If unable to take a path away, or not enough time to avoid being spotted, it may be necessary to try to hide - in buildings, find locking closets, turn out lights, stay out of sight behind furniture or pillars, etc. This was not possible on the elevated bridge situation, but the nearby train car is essentially a hide and run. The last resort is to fight, and if it’s your life vs. an assailant, you want to fight to injure and incapacitate him. Yes, scratch eyes, kick groin, hit head with hard object (fire extinguisher), break nose, punch throat, kick and jam fingers. There are ways to empty their weapon and toss it away. Scream loudly for help and draw attention. Carry an electronic “screamer siren” and “flash blinder” stick on your key ring or belt loop, activated by pulling or yanking it into halves. Frankly, this is something you don’t want to encounter, but when it’s your life, you have every right to defend it. Glad you were able to escape first, Alina. Blend in with the locals by copying their mode of dress. Do not wear flashy colors (bright reds or yellows, large solids) as these are easy “eye targets”. Try not to look too “attractive” with makeup, jewelry, etc. To reduce the number of scumbag pickup attempts, wear a simple ambiguous “promise” ring on your wedding finger. Get a trustworthy male friend to escort you and interact as if you are married. A big guy with biceps might go a long way to stave off a robber. Wear a small Fanny pack around your waist and keep the bare minimum in it for walking around - less of a chance for a grab robber. Hey, Alina! I almost didn’t recognize you with the wig; although, I know that your natural color is closer to a brunette. Thought you’d been to the shop again, LOL! Thanks for letting me suggest additional advice. Hope it helps someone. Love to ya!
No. Don't fight in an armed robbery, a lot of people get injured because of that. A phone isn't very valuable comparing it to your well being, just give it away, your risk of being injured/kill would decrease... And i say this as a local. Thieves are way more agressive than you. The only way to have an advantage towards them is to have a gun or something BUT only few people like cops or soldiers can have a legal gun. Also, running seems as dangerous as fighting if the thief has a gun instead of a knife.
@@chokispokis Hi Gab. I understand your position. My comments are based on an “active shooter” scenario, when someone having a gun enters a building with the intent to kill several people - this isn’t the same as a robber who has stopped you by pointing a weapon at you and making a demand. I agree that a phone isn’t as valuable as your life, and I’m NOT recommending you fight and struggle over keeping your phone or other valuables. On the other hand, I would not assume that a robber is going to turn away from you as soon as you surrender your phone or purse - he might shoot you anyway. Maybe you lay your valuables down on the ground, then back away slowly, and at a distance then turn and run. Maybe speak “Here is what you want, take it, and nobody gets hurt.” Active shooter scenario is different than a Robbery. Alina’s situation was a little of both, because she was being chased on the bridgeway. If you are facing a potential rapist, I would treat that in the same manner as an active shooter, because rapists often attempt to take the life of their victim, not just take their personal items.
@@davidjohnston710 my bad. I commented because didn't see the relation between these two. We have to be careful of thieves but not from active shooters like the ones in you know where 😅 Armed thieves are going to rip your things off of you and then go away (in the best scenario) that's why running and hiding doesn't seem very useful because it all happen in seconds. I believe they can get very angry if you don't put want they want in their hands
@@chokispokis No worries. You are right, I think, in a robbery situation. It is important to sense the intentions in any situation. It can be difficult. Perpetual robbers usually just want the loot without being delayed, detained, or identified. It’s how they are sustaining an income. Take care.
Oh and I forgot to say it, if you think Colombia was dangerous I think you should worry about Brazil, I don't say it in a bad way I'm just saying that Rio de Janeiro is many times more dangerous than any Colombian city and it's not to talk bad about that country that I would love to visit, it's just the reality. I would not recommend anyone to travel alone to any place but well since you do take care of yourself, I like your videos.
I went to Colombia by myself in 2020 before covid happened. I know it's gotten a bit more dangerous, but am I crazy for still wanting to go?? I still want to go back !
My number one suggestion would actually just don't go to any country that has a reputation/stigma of being corrupt or unsafe, because it's all true. i'm not a flashy person so i don't wear jewelries or have a lot of valuables on me, but to have to be so concerned that you can't take out even your camera or cellphone? That's no way to enjoy a vacation.
Hi Alina, great to see you looking well and happy once again. It's really good of you to make this video about keeping safe when travelling, especially in Columbia. On a lighter note, could you discuss in your next video the best places to get your hair done in Medellin? Take care and keep safe, happy travelling.
Why I Moved to Medellín Colombia STORYTIME ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Oz6qR6Kqqmg.html "She is an American woman who lives more than 3 years in Colombia and does not need to wear a wig" ;) LA GRINGA LATINA
You do great videos and content, I'm always following. On this specific video, I don't agree 100%, I have the latest iPhone, apple watch, pro camera, and a Mavic drone, And I use to go out and take photos and videos, I've been in Santa Marta, San Andres, Cartagena and I live in Medellin, and I have never got robbed or something similar, maybe I know how to move through the Colombian cities and avoid dangerous neighborhoods, but I'm a walker person that can move 15 km every day when I'm visiting these cities, also it is true that when I'm in city centers I removed my watch and try not to take my phone out, but most of the places I wear them, also I consider that I'm a local, I could be a low-value target for criminals, my advise would be, don't give papaya, keep aware of your surroundings, be informed, watch who is behind/below/next to you, avoid lonely places, avoid dark places. This applies to any city of Colombia but also any city in the world (from my experience)
I see no point in going to Colombia as long as it stays like this. Very nice people indeed. I met some of them personally in my 20s, very helpful, but there are other cool tourist destinations in the region. Battling criminality should be governments priority.
I think it’s really unfair that you targeted this video only to Colombia. I’ve lived in Colombia my whole life and have never been robbed or attacked or anything here. I’m just not going to the dangerous places just like I wouldn’t go to the ghettos, favelas or slums in Chicago, Rio or Paris. I live my life as normal as you do in Canada, I have an iPhone, nice watches and clothes and what could be considered a luxurious car here. Is just a thing of common sense. I’m not going out at 3am since it’s gonna be scary no matter where I am, Colombia, UK, Japan, etc even if nothing dangerous is supposed to happen in some places. Danger is anywhere and unexpected. Funny thing, the only time I’ve been robbed was in Boston, freaking Boston. Who would have thought? And my parents got robbed in NYC. Were we going to say to people to take precautions when traveling there? No. When you travel, no matter where and specially if you go by yourself, you have to take these precautions. The world is a scary place no matter where you are. You can be robbed at gunpoint in Colombia, be abducted from your hotel room in Portugal, raped on the stairs of the subway in NYC, be a victim of human trafficking in Bangkok or killed in a McDonald’s parking lot in Toronto.
That is actually true. I mean as a Colombian, I have never been rober only because I use commom semse and take extra precautioms, buut I think that here need to have 50% or more awareness than probably Toronto, where I had lived before
I agree, as much as I like Alina's video's..she is a "soft" target, I am not putting her down, alot of these RU-vidrs feel they have been through rough before, so they can handle any situation, not so, and when it happens is shock..culture shock..to put in perspective Put pretty blonde, now "augmented" Alina in Brooklyn NY Bushwick or East New York section, or Chicago South Side, etc, with flip flops and tee shirt, same would happen, maybe worse
Go with someone you trust. I would NEVER tour alone. I was with my ex to Canada which is my birthplace and I feel like I knew I had someone to turn to and having family in this world when you’re an only child matters. I had a great time there!
Hi Alina, thanks for sharing your tips, anyway that happened around the globe, just be careful when you travel.... be prayerful.. God bless you... bye...
I'm glad to see that you are not walking down the street while talking into your camera. Very dangerous especially for a solo female. The wig is cute but you're obviously a tourist if you're filming yourself.
I think you put yourself in a very risky position in Santa Marta,and thats why you were almost robbed .Not saying Colombia is 100% safe but you do know that on every developing country you have to take extra precautions when you travel as a foreigner.Hopefully this video wont divert potential tourists from travelling to the country as there are many beautiful things to see ,and if you do take reasonable precautions you will have a safe and enjoyable trip.
It’s not to divert tourists but make them aware of advice that you wouldn’t necessarily be told for other destinations. I loved my time in Colombia but it’s vastly different safety wise than most places I’ve traveled.
Yep It was her fault and it’s unfortunate that she tried to justify her decisions even though as someone who has been living in Medellin for 4 months, I’d never walk anywhere I didn’t see foot traffic. It’s 101 common sense here. And then not handing over her stuff? Just absurd.
Alina, Absolutely, great advise as always.👍👍 I might add something that seems so obvious if you didn't mention it. Always beware of your surroundings . Sometimes you forget as we do, trying to get the perfect picture. It's not worth risking your life or valuables. You are a incredible woman that brings so much to your videos, Don't feel you have to go the extra mile. Harriet and I support and love you💖💖 for what you do. We want you to Be Safe and Stay Healthy😊😊 Happy Valentine's Day💖💖 Sending you lots of love. Jim and Harriet
Dang! At Christmas we bought a $3,200 Sony A74 for our year long adventure to Mex, Central America & S America! I've noticed vloggers are now using those tiny inconspicuous cameras you mention. Wonder if we should pick one of those up as well? And double Dang! I have big blonde curly hair! I guess I'm buying a wig AND a camera!...😦
Why You change your hair color, think on this, of you see the colombian flag the yellow means the blondy hair, the blue the color eyes 👀 and the red color means the 👄 lips color of Alina, jjj. But you looks really good with your new color hair, thank U for your advices.
These suggestions are mostly only applicable for the big cities. If you go to the small rural towns, you can disregard them. Most of these little towns are very safe.
Yeah. It is good to know your surrounding for sure. I remember couple years ago in daylight man was yelling to me across the street "excuse me sir" several times. I did not even look at him because I know exactly what he wanted. Even if I felt generous , the man could have snapped my wallet and ran away.
Actually you have to take extra precautions when you are traveling to my country, but I feel that she is being a little bit exaggerated, I perceive mexico more dangerous than Colombia and it’s safe as well, just my opinion.
Of course the majority of the time nothing bad is going to happen to anyone. These are just things to keep in mind to help yourself not have anything bad happen.
Estas demasiado hermosa con tu nuevo look, siempre con los brazos abiertos aqui en colombia para ti, disculpa los malos momentos que los buenos somos mas.❤❤❤❤❤❤
Hi Alina! Thanks for your practical and concise tips for keeping safe and avoiding perils when traveling and/or vacationing in unfamiliar foreign and/or exotic locations. Your common-sense tips are universal and transferable; they are not particular to just Colombia! Each location will have unique nuances, but the same general rules apply everywhere. Be happy, safe, and healthy - Alina!
Honestly I’m not even gonna bother. Why stress out so much in order to go to places like this-there are places that are just as beautiful in much safer places (Europe)
Gorgeous looking!! Looks stunning on her!! Regarding the information give about how to survive in Col... it's just common sense. Be smart and that's it. It works anywhere!!!
I'm Colombian living here all.my Life..normally the unsafe aspects happens in more major cities in all South and central América and Even in USA. Going alone in isolated places could be dangerous anywhere. If You have good common sense You can be safer. Most Small cities in Colombia are very safe. Place don't be to.extreme I heard your comments and sounds that Colombia is hell dangerous,..and is not.
Thanks so much Alina for your very informative and helpful tips. I will be travelling to Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires next month and I will keep your tips in mind for sure.
