How safe is Columbia living?
Is it Safe to Live in Colombia? In general, yes, it is safe to live in many parts of Colombia.
The short answer is yes, Colombia is a safe destination as long as you stay away from “remote” areas. As a rule of thumb, do not travel to that remote paradise or jungle destination you saw online if a local tells you not to.
Cartagena is extremely safe because there is rarely any violent crime against tourists. There is also a strong police presence. It is one of Colombia's safest cities, especially for tourists.
In some respects, Colombia is slightly safer than Mexico. In others, Mexico may be slightly safer than Colombia. But overall, as long as you're following the safety tips recommended here, and using the same common sense you'd use anywhere else, you'll be okay.
Yes, it is safe to travel to Colombia. But like in many South American countries, there are some common-sense rules to follow.
Along with everyday costs being generally lower than in other major South American cities, low taxes and many first-world amenities contribute to Colombia's allure. While foreign goods come at a high price, local goods and produce are cheap, and accommodation, public transport and healthcare are also affordable.
In fact, Colombia's kidnapping rate has dropped by a whopping 90% over the past 15 years. Avoiding sketchier areas (like lonesome rural highways) can also dramatically reduce your risk of danger. If you're unsure of where to go (and where you should avoid) you can always get some local advice.
Expats move to Medellin, Colombia, for a wide variety of reasons: the year spring weather, affordable luxury lifestyle, quality healthcare, vibrant nightlife, roaring football matches, or the friendly locals. All these features make Medellin a low-cost, high-quality of life destination for expats.
But conflict-related violence has since taken new forms, and abuses by armed groups, including killings, massacres, and massive forced displacement increased in many remote areas of Colombia in 2021.
Place | Country | Population |
---|---|---|
2019 | ||
1 | Venezuela | 1,048,714 |
2 | United States | 20,140 |
3 | Ecuador | 15,212 |
Is Colombia safer than Puerto Rico?
...
Crime Comparison Between Colombia and Puerto Rico.
Index | Colombia | Puerto Rico |
---|---|---|
Crime Index: | 60.22 | 62.07 |
Safety Scale: | 39.78 | 37.93 |
We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia due to high levels of crime and terrorism.

Use the Trash Bin Next to the Toilet for Paper
In Colombia, people dispose of paper in the trash bin and they don't flush it. This is because most of the country has septic systems and old creaky pipes.
1. Merida. Widely acknowledged as the safest city in Mexico (and even Latin America), your biggest safety concern in Mérida will probably be the busy traffic.
The country is very safe for retirees along the coast and in big cities, where there is very little threat or security concern.” The important issue of health care for retirees is covered here, too.
U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less, or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year. Before your 90-day stay expires, you may request an extension of up to 90 additional days from the Colombian immigration authority (Migración Colombia).
Colombia is a strong partner for the United States on law enforcement and security issues, including counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts.
It's perfectly safe for solo female travelers to visit Colombia. However, as a visitor, you might find yourself in vulnerable situations when you're alone, especially if you don't speak much of the local language, or if you aren't used to destinations that might feel less safe.
Bogotá, Cali and Medellín have all seen a significant rise in the number of expats relocating to these main cities. Many expats are lured by the vibrant culture and increasingly international communities. Bogotá is Colombia's largest city and is home to many multinational companies and banks.
Living In Colombia- Living Costs
Most expats can live very comfortably between $900 to $2000 per month for ALL living expenses.
Do people speak English in Columbia?
Language map for Colombia
More than 99.5% of Colombians speak Spanish. English has official status in the San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands. In addition to Spanish, there are several other languages spoken in Colombia. Sixty-five of these languages are Amerindian in nature.
Crime has pretty much plummeted in general and, in fact, Medellin is safer than some American cities. It's important to note that gangs still operate in the city, with an estimated 240 gangs with around 5,000 members overall.
Colombia is one of the countries of the world known by the warmth and cordiality of its people. The friendliness of the Colombians is admirable because they strive to have an impeccable approach with the tourists who come to their coasts, cities and towns.
The Colombian diaspora refers to the mass movement of Colombian people who emigrated from the country in search of safety and/or a better quality of life. Many of those who moved were educated middle and upper middle-class Colombians; because of this, the Colombian diaspora can be referred to as a brain drain.
Rosales is a wealthy neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia. The neighborhood is known for brick high rises which are found from Carrera Séptima (7th Avenue) to Avenida Circunvalar.
Illicit drug trafficking
Colombia's illicit drug trade is the largest in the world, approximately half of the global supply of cocaine is produced in Colombia.
Transparency International's 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index, based on experts' and businesspeoples' perceptions of corruption in the public sector, gave Colombia a score of 39 on a scale from 0 ("highly corrupt") to 100 ("highly clean").
There has always been an issue involving the kidnapping and extortion in Colombia but in far off rural areas which are known red zones. In This Report by Insight Crime, it states that Colombia was once the kidnapping capital of the world with an average of 8 abductions per day.
If you qualify as a resident, you will be taxed on your worldwide income. If you are a non-resident, you will only be taxed on your Colombia-source income. In either case, if the entirety of your income is from traditional employment, you may not have to file an annual tax return at all.
What percentage of Colombia is white?
White Colombians are the Colombian descendants of European and Middle Eastern people. According to the 2018 Census, 87.58% of Colombians do not identify with any ethnic group, thus being either White or Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry), which are not categorized separately.
The black population officially is 26% of the population, experts put it at 36-40% or 11 million. Afro-Colombian populations can be found in regions such as Choco, Buenaventura, Cali, Cartegena, San Andres Island, and throughout the country. Harry Trapp and 653 others like this.
Quick Facts. In a population of 50.9 million, around 2.5 million people live on less than $1.90 as of 2019. The poverty rate in 2021 was 39.3%, with a large gap between rural and urban poverty. The Gini Index, a measure of inequality, is 51.3 as of 2019, according to the World Bank.
Colombia. Ranking 144th in the world, Colombia is the tenth safest country in South America, with a GPI score of 2.729. It has made vast safety improvements in recent years; however, crime still remains an issue. Some areas are safer than others, and there is not necessarily a difference between rural and urban areas.
Key risks. Civil conflict – Colombia has a long and complex security situation with widespread terrorist organizations using resources for organized crime, presenting significant money laundering risks. Drug trafficking – cocaine continues to present a major problem for AML.
It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Colombia - especially in touristy or business areas.
Likewise, Arrivillaga et al. (2012) found that only 17.4% of Colombian participants used condoms at last intercourse. The authors also found that condom use rate was even lower (6.5%) among participants who were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Keep your valuables hidden, don't wander around places you shouldn't at night, don't flash money around, avoid leaving nightlife spots alone, etc. Simply put: Don't put yourself in a position where people can take advantage of you.
Mexico is the top destination for Americans moving abroad, followed by the U.K., Canada and Australia. So far in 2022, ~75% more Americans have moved to Mexico than Canada. Portugal has seen the biggest percentage increase in Americans moving in (+122% from 2019-2021)
Where is the safest place to live in the world?
What is the safest place to live in the world? The safest place in the world is Iceland, which ranks number one on the 2022 Global Peace Index. Iceland, with a score of 1.107, has held this position on the GPI for over a decade.
Lake Chapala: Mexico's Largest Expat Hotspot
Lake Chapala is Mexico's largest lake, and the surrounding area is also home to the largest concentration of U.S. expats in the world.
Medellín- The Most Popular City To Retire In South America. Colombia is a great country to retire in, with many fascinating cities, but of all the Colombian cities, Medellín is most often cited as ideal for expat retirees.
Cartagena is extremely safe because there is rarely any violent crime against tourists. There is also a strong police presence. It is one of Colombia's safest cities, especially for tourists.
Yes, Colombia is generally safe, and most tourists have uneventful trips. Crime is an issue, but it's improving as more tourists flock to Cartagena, Medellín, and other cities.
The area around Columbia is generally safe.
By and large, the area around Columbia U is very safe. It's lively until late at night because of all the students. There are lots of stores and stuff. And New York City is the safest big city in America (and one of the safest in the world).
Colombia is a popular place for Americans to retire. The country is safe, stable, and the locals are incredibly friendly. Additionally, Colombia costs less to live in and purchase a home in than the United States.
Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.
Yes, Colombia is safe for families! Overall, Colombia is much safer than it was a few years ago. While we don't recommend setting off into unfamiliar areas, we have felt quite safe traveling around Colombia, including the Laurales and El Poblado neighborhoods of Medellín.
What is the best area to live in Columbia?
- Medellín- The Most Popular City To Retire In South America.
- Cali- The Best Nightlife in Colombia.
- Bucaramanga- Most Underrated Place To Live In Colombia.
- Cartagena- Best Caribbean Coastal City For Beach Living.
- Santa Marta- The Best Place To Live For Outdoor Activities (Beaches, Mountains, Jungles, Tayrona National Park)
In the city of Medellín, the Poblado neighborhood is located. Here is the building with the most luxurious apartment towers, the owners in their parking have the best cars. An apartment of these can be bought more or less at $ 650 million.
- Medellin. Comuna 13 in Medellin. Without a doubt, the so-called “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the safest places in Colombia. ...
- Salento. Salento. ...
- Jardin. Jardin. ...
- Bogota. Bogota. ...
- Minca. Minca waterfall. ...
- Manizales. Manizales. ...
- Cartagena. Cartagena. ...
- Villa de Leyva. Villa de Leyva Square.
Category | Number of Incidents | Incident Percentage |
---|---|---|
Arrests for Major Crimes | 92 | 17.79% |
Arrests for Possession | 5 | 0.97% |
Violence Against Women | 74 | 14.31% |
Disciplinary Actions | 346 | 66.92% |
Morningside Heights is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York. All University-owned buildings are managed and operated by campus employees and the University takes special measures to provide a secure living environment for all residents.
We have consistently been recognized as one of the safest, most secure campuses in the country. Campus Safety officers make sure the environment promotes a respectful and educational atmosphere for everyone on campus. We provide around-the-clock safety and security services at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.
Foreigners can buy property in either their own name or in the name of a company and have all the same rights to ownership as Colombian citizens. All you need to buy real estate in Colombia is a passport.