Colombia 2024 - Safety as a woman traveling alone

A woman can do that, right? You have chosen Colombia as a wonderful destination and your anticipation is growing by the minute. However, everyone you tell about your plans is only moderately enthusiastic and immediately explains to you why Colombia is far too dangerous, especially as an unaccompanied woman. dangerous is?

Don't be put off and read some important safety tips in this article!

The usual safety tips for solo travelers

Let's start by ticking off the usual safety tips that can be found in every travel guide:

You should not necessarily walk alone through the city at night and not wear a lot of expensive jewelry. It is generally helpful to know a few sentences of the National language and adapt to the style of dress. This gives you the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the place without immediately standing out as a tourist. You should also always keep valuables close to your body and know the emergency numbers.

Passports, cash and important security documents

In particular, you should not always carry your original passport, ID card and similar documents with you. In most cases, a copy of the original will suffice and you can leave important documents at your accommodation. 

So if you lose your belongings or are robbed, you can hand them over without hesitation or resistance. In the event of a robbery, it is strongly recommended that you hand over all your belongings quickly and without resistance. Knowing that you have your most important documents warm and dry in the safe in your accommodation will make it easier for you to act in this situation. Moreover, nothing, not even a passport, is irreplaceable. 

Security through accessibility by cell phone

Being available is a very important constant, especially when you are alone and no one is standing next to you to watch your back. Not only can you regularly reassure your family, but you can also find out the way, translate your request or call for help. 

If you like to plan ahead, international SIM cards are a game changer here. You can often buy them online as an e-SIM and then use them depending on the region you have selected. They are available worldwide, sorted by region and also by country. However, international SIM cards are not always the cheapest option, which is why you can also get a local SIM card on arrival. These are usually available directly at the airport before you even leave the building and are significantly cheaper.

If you want double protection, you can also take another old cell phone with you. If you lose your cell phone with the local SIM card during your trip, you will have a backup with your normal SIM card and all important numbers in your accommodation. This also reduces the risk of losing your normal SIM card in your luggage due to its size.

It also makes sense to switch on the backup function on your cell phone so that all your data is stored in the cloud. If you have also taken out worldwide theft insurance, the loss of your cell phone will not be a financial loss. You can follow the recommendations for action in the event of a robbery without hesitation.

For your safety - learn to say "no"

This may sound simple at first glance, but it is often important for your own well-being. In Colombia, the mentality is different and you will save yourself the odd unwanted purchase or at least a sales pitch by saying "no". You don't have to be rude or dismissive. "Thank you very much, but I'm not interested/no time" won't be taken the wrong way. Especially at the beginning, it's not easy to distinguish between curiosity and open-mindedness and just a little too much of a good thing, but with time you'll become a real pro. You will see that nice conversations, browsing, buying and getting to know each other are very possible, just according to your rules and your comfort level.

Safety information about travel destinations and neighborhoods

Even before you leave, it makes sense to find out at least some information about your first place of arrival and where you will be staying. In large cities in particular, there are various districts, some of which are more or less safe. A simple Google search in advance or a look at the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Then book your accommodation at the specified locations and you are on the safe side. During your stay, you can also ask other travelers or at reception, as the information is much more up-to-date and authentic on site.

Map services and translators - Offline

A sudden disruption to the internet connection is often fatal for solo travelers. As you have no company and often don't want to rely on others to get you to your destination, especially as a woman, map services and translators are essential. So that you can access these functions at any time, it makes sense to download the city map and the local language from the respective apps as soon as you have a good internet connection. This means you can continue to communicate and get around independently even in unstable networks.

Safety trick for solo travelers - The husband at home

A tried and tested trick of women traveling alone is simply to claim that you are not traveling alone. Whether you say that your family or boyfriend is at the hotel or meeting you at your destination, or that your husband is eagerly awaiting your return at home, it hardly matters. It helps in various situations if those around you think you are not alone. If you feel insecure, don't want to make an appointment or simply don't want to explain at that moment that you are traveling alone, you can fall back on this trick. The enhanced version of this would be to buy a ring and wear it on your finger like a wedding ring. This way you can minimize comments and invitations from friendly people if you wish.

Ultimately, Colombia as a destination is not an exceptionally high security risk and can be thoroughly enjoyed with common sense. The open-hearted and hospitable Culture will benefit you, especially as a woman, because every situation will be solved with the help of the community.

Remember that any tips are only intended to make you feel better prepared and not to create fear! 

Despite this, a Group tourespecially with new and travel-loving friends, is certainly a nice and safe alternative to traveling alone. When traveling with Triplegend, an experienced, local Guide additional safety and accompanies you on the most exciting excursions! 

Enjoy Colombia without restrictions and with an open heart and experience your very own adventure with Triplegend now!