June 23, 2026, 8:12 am | Read time: 5 minutes
A trip to Latin America sounds exciting–but for some, also dangerous. TRAVELBOOK author Julia Mähl spent six weeks traveling in Colombia and has gathered her tips–summarizing what she would definitely avoid doing there.
Never before have I been looked at with such concern or warned so often before a trip as I was before this backpacking journey through Colombia. “Be careful” and “Did you do your research?” were probably the most frequent comments. And even though I had prepared for the vacation with travel magazines, the German Foreign Office, and tips from friends, this constant concern eventually gave me a queasy feeling.
When traveling to a new country or, as in my case, an entirely unfamiliar continent, you naturally don’t know what you’re getting into at first. That’s why here are nine tips from me that you should follow on a trip through Colombia to avoid unpleasant or dangerous situations.
1. Walking around with your phone in hand
We know it from home: Quickly entering a location on Google Maps and then heading to the destination while looking at your smartphone. Or you want to make a call and walk through the streets with your phone to your ear. But what seems so natural is not necessarily a good idea in Latin America. Especially when you’re distracted, your phone can be snatched from your hand. It’s better to memorize the route from Google Maps and only occasionally check your phone. Or only take it out of your pocket when you really need it.
2. Taking a taxi
First of all: Getting driven from one place to another is generally a good idea in Colombia’s big cities. It allows you to navigate the city without getting into dangerous situations. And especially in the evening, it’s always safer than walking. However, I would advise against hopping into any random taxi or being directed into one–for example, at the airport. This can result in paying a significantly higher price and having no control over whether you end up where you intended. The better alternative is to order an Uber. Then you’ll be driven by a verified driver and can track the route in the app.
Also interesting: 14 things to avoid in South Africa
3. Wearing jewelry or watches
In Colombia, there’s a saying: “¡No dar papaya!” (in English: “Don’t give papaya”). It means: Don’t openly show your wealth and be cautious. It’s often associated with tourists who wear noticeable jewelry or watches in public, making themselves easy targets. Those who “give papaya” show that theft is worthwhile. That’s why we always avoided large earrings, flashy necklaces, or watches on our trip. Better safe than sorry.
4. Walking alone at night
As mentioned in point two, it’s always safer in Latin America to order an Uber at night or in the dark. For people like me, who prefer to walk anywhere within a 30-minute range, this might seem excessive at first–but it’s not. Sometimes it’s worth driving even short distances of less than a kilometer to avoid a dark alley.
5. Walking long distances
Some areas should be avoided not only at night but also during the day. There are neighborhoods, such as “La Candelaria” in Bogotá or “Getsemaní” in Cartagena, that are entirely geared toward tourists and travelers. And if you love exploring new areas on foot, you can fully indulge here. But sometimes these neighborhoods border ones you should avoid. So my tip: Always cover long distances over several kilometers with Uber, bus, or train. This way, you won’t accidentally end up in the wrong place.
6. Withdrawing cash and keeping it in hand
Yes, you can pay with a card in many stores in Colombia. But unfortunately, not everywhere. So you can’t avoid having some cash. Safe banks for withdrawals include “Bancolombia” and “Davivienda.” A little tip from me: It’s best to securely store the money right on the spot. Often, ATMs are in small vestibules. Those who also want to withdraw wait outside. That’s why I always packed the bills in this room.
7. Storing everything in the same wallet
If you really want to be safe, you can pack a second, old phone and a second wallet for your time in Colombia. If the worst happens and you are actually robbed, you can give away the spare phone and second wallet. Ideally, you have all important documents and cards in the “real” wallet and only some cash in the other.
My Bizarre (and Sometimes Dangerous) Encounters With the Law While Traveling
Traveling Only With Hand Luggage–What I’ll Never Pack Again
8. Hiking on your own without informing yourself
Clearly, Colombia is a fantastic destination for those who love hiking. Jungles, coffee plantations, mountains–there’s a lot to see. But as I learned, it makes sense to thoroughly research the route before the trip. Otherwise, you might run into trouble with the police. Travel blogs and magazines are great for this, but the local tourist information and hotel staff often have much more current information. Especially when, as in our case, the rules change briefly due to a holiday…
9. Traveling without basic Spanish
I’ll be honest: Traveling through Colombia without Spanish skills is tough. Many people, even in big cities, don’t speak English, and if you don’t have a translator app ready and want to look up every little thing, you can quickly get stuck. If you decide to travel to Colombia, a small Spanish course beforehand is definitely worth it.