Is Cali Colombia Safe? 11 Amazing and Best Tips For You

Are you thinking about visiting the salsa capital of the world, but you are wondering: is Cali Colombia safe? Here’s exactly what to lookout for and how to feel perfectly safe in this incredible city.

The reputation of this third-largest Colombian city as a tourist-friendly spot can use some help. Colombia placed 10th on a list of the world’s most dangerous places to live. Still, if you ask, “Is Cali, Colombia, safe? It can be, but only if you take the necessary precautions.”

When you travel to Colombia or any other South American country, you must manage the risks and avoid them by following safety tips. 

What Are The Safest Neighborhoods In Cali?

Cali’s got some great tourist-friendly neighborhoods. Stick to these spots, and you’ll have a pretty safe trip.

Check out Cuidad Jardin or Barrio El Peñon for tons of activities. These areas are always buzzing, so you’re less likely to get robbed.

Don’t miss San Antonio. If you want to see why Cali’s called the world’s salsa capital, this is the place. Just remember, even in safe areas, keep an eye on your stuff.

Santa Monica, Granada, and Juanambú are also solid choices for safety. Most travelers stay here, so if you’re thinking about venturing elsewhere, make sure to read up on safety tips first. Better safe than sorry, right?

Where To Stay In Cali Colombia

Hotel Farallones Cali (Budget)

Hotel Farallones Cali is right near Saint Peter Cathedral, just a quick walk away. It’s a straightforward place—nothing too fancy. There’s a common area where you can chill out, and the front desk is manned 24/7. If you get hungry at odd hours, room service has you covered. Plus, the WiFi is free and works throughout the hotel. They’ve got rooms big enough for families, too.

Granada Real (Mid-range)

Granada Real is a great spot with a few perks. There’s a restaurant if you get hungry, and the front desk is always open, no matter what time you stumble in. They have room service, too, so you can be lazy and still eat. Free Wi-Fi everywhere, so you won’t miss any memes. Some rooms even have patios with city views – perfect for pretending you’re in a travel brochure.

Hotel Intercontinental (Luxury)

Downtown Cali’s Hotel Intercontinental has comfy rooms in warm gold and peach tones, plus free WiFi. The rooms are bright, with wooden floors, air conditioning, cable TV, and queen-size beds. It’s like staying at your rich aunt’s house, minus the awkward family dinners.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Places To Avoid

Alright, let’s be real here. There are a few spots in the city where you don’t want to wander around, especially if you’re not from here. Places like Siloe, Aguablanca, and Terrón Colorado can get a bit sketchy. The streets in these neighborhoods aren’t the safest, so it’s best to steer clear. If you really need to go, grab a cab, and don’t play hero.

Some places are safe to visit, but only for a certain period. One of them is El Centro, where taking a cab after dark is advisable. It is a marketplace where pickpockets look for an opportunity disguised in large crowds. We recommend not staying there till late at night alone.

Risks Involved In Visiting Cali

Considering the risks before visiting any place is the key to proper safety. Taking precautionary measures after identifying the risks involved makes it easy to handle difficult situations and sometimes avoid them altogether. 

We have listed some risks involved in visiting Cali.

Transport

Taxis are the best mode of transportation in Cali, and the risk of getting into trouble while traveling in them is pretty low. The fares fluctuate depending on the day and time you travel, but it’s always safe and reliable.

Theft

Cali’s crime rate has improved a lot in the last couple of decades, but the danger of robberies still looms over the streets of some neighborhoods. You have a high chance of getting pickpocketed if you look like a tourist showing off your expensive phone and watch.

Natural Disaster

Natural disasters are common in Colombia, and Cali is no exception. Hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions can be seen occasionally. Landslides and floods are other issues the locals often face, especially after heavy rainfall.

Scams

Scams are not seen as often as other crimes in Cali, but beware of drug pushers as they might approach you to sell drugs. Do not, under any circumstances, buy drugs from them, and you have a high chance of getting scammed if you do so. Refuse them politely and move on from that place as soon as possible.

Solo Females

Foreign women are not as safe on the streets of Cali as in other parts of Colombia. This may be because Cali does not receive a lot of tourists, and a solo female walking alone on the streets has a higher risk of becoming a mugging target. 

So, female solo travelers, we advise you to stay off the dangerous neighborhoods, walk with someone, or take a taxi instead.

11 Tips to Stay Safe In Cali

There are a few tips that can help you avoid any unwanted situation. Please follow all these tips carefully to get the best out of your Cali trip. 

1. Dress Like Locals

Dressing like locals will make you less visible to potential pickpockets roaming around. They will think of you as a poor local with nothing valuable to offer, protecting you from getting targeted.

Even if you’re blonde or have blue eyes, not wearing extremely fancy or expensive clothes will already do the trick. 

2. Avoid Drugs 

There are a lot of drug dealers in Colombia, and Cali is no different. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of drug tourism in Colombia. However, the people in Colombia try to get as far away from drugs as possible, as it is the cause of so much bloodshed in their country. 

Try to stay away from drugs when visiting. Especially when people randomly approach you on the street, reject your offer, and get away from that place quickly.

3. Don’t Carry Valuable Items

No Dar Papaya is a popular quote in Colombia. It means not making yourself an easy target for thieves. This includes carrying valuable items to show off on the streets, so please keep your items at the hotel.

4. Be Conscious of Streetwalkers

Some of the most beautiful Colombian women and transgender people walking the streets at night can be prostitutes. Keep that in mind, and be prepared to approach them. 

5. Learn Some Spanish

It’s best to learn Spanish to help you communicate with the locals. Many Colombians can help you understand the Colombian culture well, allowing you to handle any bad situation better.

6. Carry Little Money With You Outside

We advise you to carry as little money as you can with you, preferably using ATMs or debit cards for transactions. They are much safer to carry on the streets of Cali.

7. Use a Taxi or Uber

Walking on the streets can be risky, especially at night, so try using Uber or a taxi. Taxi drivers are friendly and help you get to your destination without any trouble.

8. Hire a Local Guide

If you want to know more about Cali and prefer to be accompanied by someone, hire a guide to help you plan your trip. They can also help you decide which places are safe and worth visiting.

9. Don’t Use Phones on the Streets 

The expensive smartphone is a luxury that more than half of the people of Colombia can not afford. So, it is an unsafe move to use it on the streets, especially at night; it can attract thieves and make you an easy target.

10. Keep Your Backpack in Front 

If you carry valuable items in a backpack, we recommend keeping them in front, making it harder for people to unzip them and get your valuables out. 

Another solution to this problem is to wear a money belt, where you can keep your cash and valuables like credit cards.

11. Be Alert

If you choose to walk on the streets or commute alone, you will have to pay proper attention to the surroundings. Stay at a place with a lot of people nearby to avoid getting robbed.

How To Stay Safe In Cali Colombia

Worried about getting sick, scammed, robbed, or having your plans canceled while traveling? Yeah, me too. That’s why I always get travel insurance before heading out.

For digital nomads and long-term travelers, check out SafetyWing. They’ve got plans that won’t break the bank, and their customer service and claims process are top-notch. It’s perfect for folks like us who are always on the move.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Is Cali Colombia Safe?

Is Cali Colombia Safe for Tourists?

Cali, Colombia can be a safe and exciting destination if you play it smart. It’s not exactly a tourist hotspot, but it’s got plenty to keep you busy. Think vibrant nightlife, cool activities, and amazing sights.

Stick to the tourist-friendly areas. Some neighborhoods are safer because they get more visitors. But if you’re the adventurous type wanting to see everything, weigh the risks before you dive in.

And hey, don’t forget your common sense—leave the flashy jewelry at home and maybe save the late-night strolls for a beach resort.

Is Cali Colombia Poor?

Some neighborhoods in Cali, like Siloe and Aguablanca, are poorer than others and not great for tourists. There’s not much to see, and safety can be a concern.

A basic bike here can cost more than what half the locals earn in a month. This should give you a clue about how fancy your $1,000 phone looks to them. So, keep it simple, and don’t flash your expensive stuff around.

Conclusion – Is Cali Colombia Safe?

When you visit Colombia or other Latin American countries, one of the first things you need to check is security.

This might sound like a warning to stay away from Cali, but it’s not. Like many cities around the world, Cali has its high crime rates and danger zones—maybe a few more. But Cali also has its famous salsa culture, vibrant nightlife, and amazing events.

So, is Cali, Colombia, safe? It can be, as long as you take some necessary precautions, like the ones we share here. Think of it as choosing between living a little dangerously for an exciting experience or playing it super safe.

A visit to Cali can be a memorable experience with all the best things to do. Making it a safe destination is up to you.

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Is Cali, Colombia Safe? Tips & Tricks To Book Your Trip

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