{"id":31201,"date":"2022-10-04T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-04T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.besabine.com\/10-tips-for-staying-safe-in-bogota\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T20:26:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T01:26:40","slug":"10-tips-for-staying-safe-in-bogota","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.besabine.com\/en\/10-tips-for-staying-safe-in-bogota\/","title":{"rendered":"10 tips for staying safe in Bogot\u00e1"},"content":{"rendered":"

I regularly receive questions about the security situation in Colombia’s capital, Bogot\u00e1. Logical, since Bogot\u00e1 is not exactly in the top 10 safest cities in the world. However, Bogot\u00e1 is perfectly safe to visit these days. Despite Bogot\u00e1 also being called “the Athens of South America,” Colombia’s capital city cannot be compared to the real Athens or any other European capital in terms of security. Still, despite some increased risks, my hometown is ideal for a fun city break or exploring. I myself, after 11 years of living here, know the city well and know what to do and what not to do to go through life here safely. If you are coming here for the first time, it is advisable to take a few things into account. Therefore, herewith 10 tips for a safe stay in Bogot\u00e1!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Tip 1: Choose your hotel or hostel in Bogot\u00e1 based on safety<\/h2>\n
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When booking your hotel or hostel, pay attention to four things:<\/p>\n

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  1. Is the neighborhood safe?<\/li>\n
  2. Does the hotel have security?<\/li>\n
  3. Can I walk the streets safely at night?<\/li>\n
  4. Can I easily take public transportation to parts of the city I want to go to?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Have a look on Booking.com for hotels in Bogot\u00e1<\/a><\/strong> in different neighborhoods. On the map, you can see where most hotels are located<\/strong>: those are safe areas to stay in and convenient for public transportation. Safer and nice neighborhoods to stay are El Chic\u00f3, Usaqu\u00e9n, Chapinero (Alto) and Teusaquillo. La Candelaria is the historic center and also fine for a stay.<\/p>\n

    Are you only in town for a day or have a short layover in Bogot\u00e1?<\/strong> You can also book a hotel safely at the airport. Click here for hotel tips and attractions near Bogot\u00e1 airport.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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    Tip 2: Don’t stop a cab on the street, but order one<\/h2>\n
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    It\u2019s better not to just hail a taxi off the street.<\/strong> It is immediately obvious that you are a tourist, and if you don’t speak Spanish very well, everything becomes even more difficult. It is common for the driver to use a quick exchange trick to swap the 50000 pesos bill with the 5000 note and say you have underpaid. What is less common, but can happen, is that the driver kidnaps you to empty your bank account at gunpoint.<\/p>\n

    You can easily order a taxi through the CABIFY<\/a> or DIDI<\/a> apps. Or go with Uber.<\/strong> This is not legal in Colombia, but is widely used. Or go by bus: very doable, fun and much cheaper! Find out how it works by bus in Bogot\u00e1 including a fun itinerary. <\/b><\/a>Do not take the bus after 6 PM in the evening, go by cab.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Tip 3: Wihdraw cash in a safe place and spread your money over several places<\/h2>\n
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    You won’t be the first to be chased after withdrawing a large sum of money in Bogot\u00e1 to be robbed later. Therefore, withdraw cash preferably in a safe place, such as a mall or supermarket.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Do you withdraw large amounts of money? Then it can be nice to spread your money around your body, rather than putting it all in your wallet. Put a little in your wallet, most under your clothes and a little in your jacket pocket. By the way, your bra is also a good place to keep a pile of cash.<\/p>\n

    Here you can read all about safe handling of the millions of Colombian pesos you take out of the wall.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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    Tip 4: Don’t give papaya, or in other words, don’t show off what you have<\/h2>\n
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    No dar papaya<\/em>: a typical Colombian saying that basically means you shouldn\u2019t show off what you have, otherwise you might lose it, or the risk of being robbed increases.<\/strong> Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n