is bogota colombia safe to travel for a visit?
I would like to go visit my forgin exchange student we hosted a few years ago but family and loved ones say its too dangerous to go? but i would like to know more...
Health & Safety - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I just came back from Colombia Friday. I had no problem but have heard of people having problems. Keep your guard up, try not to look to touristy and just plain be careful. You won't be in Kansas anymore Dorothy.
2 :
I have been to Bogota and it is a beautiful and friendly city. Fascinating places to visit, delicious food and most important terrific hospitality from good natured people who are smart and quite simply fun to be around. As with any metropoliton area there are a parts that you may wish to avoid or venture into with vigilance. Ask your friend before you go someplace. It would be a mistake to deny yourself experiencing Colombia. I am not much for cliches but "A ship is safe in port but that is not what ships are for." applies to your question. Don't stay tied alongside the pier.
3 :
Bogota is about as safe as any other large city in the developing world. Petty theft is higher risk than say New York. You don't need to worry about kidnapping or violence related to drug trade or their civil war -- all of that happens outside the capital. My wife is Colombian and I've stayed in Bogota for many weeks over the last few years. Great restaurants and nice people. So plan your trip!
4 :
Eight million people live in Bogota and while some of them are very unfortunate to be mugged or even killed in the streets (due to some problems which are not exclusive to Colombia but instead happen everywhere), the remaining 99%+ of the population is safe and sound. Is it dangerous to walk by yourself at 11 pm on a neighbourhood (whether it's deemed 'dangerous' or not)? Of course, but it also happens in Chicago, New York (where John Lennon was shot), etc. Is it dangerous to exhibit pricey watches and loads of cash? Sure, but it also happens in Tokyo (where an acquaintance was mugged), Seoul, etc. Are there drunk drivers and accidents caused by them? Indeed, but it also happens in London, Paris (where Ladi Di died), etc.
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