I always smile when you 2 post a new video! Having a local advise you on how to think even different about safety is so valuable! We always go to Cartagena when we’re in Colombia but right now I think that city is very hot with crime. My husband uses a Cartagenera accountant and she was just robbed at knife point by her InDriver for her phone and she’s 8 mo pregnant😱. We are going for a month in July to Colombia, we’re not discouraged by the uptick and crime although we might not spend as much time on the coast now. We plan to travel up to the mountains in the Santander region. Not sure why the people at the coast are feeling so desperate at this time but we haven’t heard about it happening as much and Santa Marta. Thank you for taking us with you on your travels. Lima looks amazing❣️
@rochelleglam! - You're one of our biggest fans, that's true! We appreciate your watching and commenting. :-) I think it's the heat in the costal region, it gets to everyone's head and they hustle like crazy out there. This year, we've observed how tourists are treated in general in other South American countries, and in contrast, Colombians and Venezuelans are the most in your face, we'd have to admit. I'm not sure what causes it, but it's true. lol
Very well done and excellent information. Something I can definitely add to the mix from direct experience is if you live on a lower floor of a building with windows facing the street, make absolutely sure you close and lock every window or sliding glass door before going to bed. In 3-1/2 years of residency in Medellín I've already been the victim of two home invasion robberies when thieves somehow climbed up through an open 2nd floor window while I was sleeping in my bedroom and made off with laptops, cellphone, Airpods, etc. They seem to be very adept at carrying out these robberies quietly enough not to wake you up. These days I never go to bed without fully securing my apartment, and I also take all my smaller valuables to bed with me. Bottom line is that living somewhere like Medellín you always have to think "security first" in every situation, which gets wearing after a while. Just last weekend coming back from a hike on the metro I happened to let my guard down just one time and was relieved of my iPhone that I had carelessly left in a pocket of my hiking shorts. First time I've ever been pick pocketed in my entire life. One last thing to add - a Colombian friend on an amigo here told him recently to be very careful when going out at night as she said it's now ´open season´ on gringos. Personally, I almost never leave my apartment now at night as I've reached the conclusion it's just not worth the risk.
This is really intense, and thank you for sharing your legit struggles... And this reminds us... We try to get accommodations in apartment buildings in Colombia ALWAYS. Because the majority of apartment complexes have 24/7 security and it is safer to be at least on the 3rd floor or higher. We wish you the best and hope you stay safe but still get to enjoy the beautiful Colombia!
Great thumbnail. Ill give that a try when i get to Bogota. I might be writing my next comment from my new iphone 😎 Or from my grave depending on how it goes 😮. Jokes aside though, another great video jam packed with great tips. Thanks guys. P.S. Im living in Barranco now, right by that littpark where you guys started the vid. Moving to San Isidro soon. Hope you guys are enjoying your trip here.
Really good tips guys, and most of them I haven't seen in other videos - well done! I also have a beautiful Colombian wife and have incorporated these behaviors into all our trips. I even use most of these same habits when at home, just to be consistent. Above all, no des papaya! BTW, you seem like a great couple. Abrazos.
Thank you! Love your videos. I like to joke that I am Colombian-in-law by my marriage to my wife of 23 years. I also say that I am American-Colombian and American by birth; Colombia by choice. I love the rich and vibrant culture of Colombia. And I understand what you are saying about marrying into a large family. It is privilege for them to consider me family, and one I never take lightly or for granted. As much as I love Colombia, I am always extremely careful when I go there. Many of my in-laws have been victims of crime, so, for sure, criminals do not just target foreigners. I listen closely to their experiences and let them take the lead on issues any time that I am in Colombia. Fortunately, I have have never been a victim of a crime, but it is something that must always be considered. One issue that you guys hinted on but did not focus on is carrying a burner phone. Also, carry cash, not credit cards.
Thank you for the view and comment! - Yes, (1) a burner phone is a good way to protect yourself and other belongs, if possible. In the case of getting robbed they might just take everything on your person... So not always easy to hide if you have your real phone. (2) Cash - We agree, just giving up some cash could protect your belongings too and the robbers will be on their merry way. ---- If the protocol laid out in this video is followed the majority of the time, or all the time, then these things may or may not be necessary. I think the biggest "bang for you buck" is to Uber straight to an unfamiliar location and get inside whatever building/place as soon as you arrive and not to linger on the street.
What if you have stuff in your pocket like a phone in one pocket and a wallet in another? It's usually apparent by the way these things press against your pants. Would that be considered "giving papaya"? I live in the US and I already practice all these precautions but I know here it's safer than in Medellin obviously lol
I (Widny) do feel uncomfortable when Jonny carries his phone in his front pocket but it’s honestly super common. All the males in my family do it but when we visit parts of town that are a bit more sketchy, they may put their belongings in a small backpack or on one of the women’s purses. We also visit these parts of town in larger groups, so we all feel more comfortable and safer.
@@lifetheorycouple Very interesting. So in other words, having the phone and/or wallet stick out like that and make an outline in your pockets is considered dar papaya? Is it like that everywhere in Colombia or only in small barrios that are low income and filled with crime?
I make Jonny put his phone somewhere else all the time, because we consider it’s a form of giving papaya. But other people, including locals, don’t. So, I think is up to you and your level of comfort 🤷♀️ It’s not like that all over Colombia, it’s bad in big cities but it feels pretty safe in smaller towns.
@@lifetheorycouple Oh yeah I can definitely see what you mean by emphasizing the importance of being careful in big cities. I would try as much as possible to not stick out in big metropolitan areas, but I feel like in suburbs it's not so bad since it's mostly families who live there. I guess at the end of the day it depends on the context, but I'm still surprised you and your husband consider having your phone and wallet create a shape in your pants pockets to be a form of giving papaya even though most locals don't consider it as such lol. Very fascinating.
Thank you for the view and comment! - Not all cities are alike, some more safe than others, the US and "more developed" world isn't the exception either.
![Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (feat. RM) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpYTyAaTRts/mqdefault.jpg)
I always smile when you 2 post a new video! Having a local advise you on how to think even different about safety is so valuable! We always go to Cartagena when we’re in Colombia but right now I think that city is very hot with crime. My husband uses a Cartagenera accountant and she was just robbed at knife point by her InDriver for her phone and she’s 8 mo pregnant😱. We are going for a month in July to Colombia, we’re not discouraged by the uptick and crime although we might not spend as much time on the coast now. We plan to travel up to the mountains in the Santander region. Not sure why the people at the coast are feeling so desperate at this time but we haven’t heard about it happening as much and Santa Marta. Thank you for taking us with you on your travels. Lima looks amazing❣️
Sorry that happened. If you don't mind me asking how can your husband be pregnant?
@@DaveG-qd6ug haha 😂 pls reread my comment and there will be your answer 🙂
@rochelleglam! - You're one of our biggest fans, that's true! We appreciate your watching and commenting. :-) I think it's the heat in the costal region, it gets to everyone's head and they hustle like crazy out there. This year, we've observed how tourists are treated in general in other South American countries, and in contrast, Colombians and Venezuelans are the most in your face, we'd have to admit. I'm not sure what causes it, but it's true. lol
@@DaveG-qd6ug 😆, reread my comment and there will be your answer!
Very well done and excellent information. Something I can definitely add to the mix from direct experience is if you live on a lower floor of a building with windows facing the street, make absolutely sure you close and lock every window or sliding glass door before going to bed. In 3-1/2 years of residency in Medellín I've already been the victim of two home invasion robberies when thieves somehow climbed up through an open 2nd floor window while I was sleeping in my bedroom and made off with laptops, cellphone, Airpods, etc. They seem to be very adept at carrying out these robberies quietly enough not to wake you up. These days I never go to bed without fully securing my apartment, and I also take all my smaller valuables to bed with me.
Bottom line is that living somewhere like Medellín you always have to think "security first" in every situation, which gets wearing after a while. Just last weekend coming back from a hike on the metro I happened to let my guard down just one time and was relieved of my iPhone that I had carelessly left in a pocket of my hiking shorts. First time I've ever been pick pocketed in my entire life.
One last thing to add - a Colombian friend on an amigo here told him recently to be very careful when going out at night as she said it's now ´open season´ on gringos. Personally, I almost never leave my apartment now at night as I've reached the conclusion it's just not worth the risk.
This is really intense, and thank you for sharing your legit struggles... And this reminds us... We try to get accommodations in apartment buildings in Colombia ALWAYS. Because the majority of apartment complexes have 24/7 security and it is safer to be at least on the 3rd floor or higher. We wish you the best and hope you stay safe but still get to enjoy the beautiful Colombia!
Great thumbnail. Ill give that a try when i get to Bogota. I might be writing my next comment from my new iphone 😎
Or from my grave depending on how it goes 😮.
Jokes aside though, another great video jam packed with great tips. Thanks guys.
P.S. Im living in Barranco now, right by that littpark where you guys started the vid. Moving to San Isidro soon. Hope you guys are enjoying your trip here.
Hey, I am from a town in Nebraska and have spent lots of time vacationing in Colombia. Great video.
Thank you!
Really good tips guys, and most of them I haven't seen in other videos - well done! I also have a beautiful Colombian wife and have incorporated these behaviors into all our trips. I even use most of these same habits when at home, just to be consistent.
Above all, no des papaya! BTW, you seem like a great couple. Abrazos.
AWW! Thank you and abrazos a ti!
Great tips and tricks! Much appreciated.
You’re welcome and thank you for the view and comment! What was the most helpful tip?
Thank you! Love your videos. I like to joke that I am Colombian-in-law by my marriage to my wife of 23 years. I also say that I am American-Colombian and American by birth; Colombia by choice. I love the rich and vibrant culture of Colombia. And I understand what you are saying about marrying into a large family. It is privilege for them to consider me family, and one I never take lightly or for granted. As much as I love Colombia, I am always extremely careful when I go there. Many of my in-laws have been victims of crime, so, for sure, criminals do not just target foreigners. I listen closely to their experiences and let them take the lead on issues any time that I am in Colombia. Fortunately, I have have never been a victim of a crime, but it is something that must always be considered. One issue that you guys hinted on but did not focus on is carrying a burner phone. Also, carry cash, not credit cards.
Thank you for the view and comment! - Yes, (1) a burner phone is a good way to protect yourself and other belongs, if possible. In the case of getting robbed they might just take everything on your person... So not always easy to hide if you have your real phone. (2) Cash - We agree, just giving up some cash could protect your belongings too and the robbers will be on their merry way. ---- If the protocol laid out in this video is followed the majority of the time, or all the time, then these things may or may not be necessary. I think the biggest "bang for you buck" is to Uber straight to an unfamiliar location and get inside whatever building/place as soon as you arrive and not to linger on the street.
Stay safe!!, don’t go!!!
What if you have stuff in your pocket like a phone in one pocket and a wallet in another? It's usually apparent by the way these things press against your pants. Would that be considered "giving papaya"? I live in the US and I already practice all these precautions but I know here it's safer than in Medellin obviously lol
I (Widny) do feel uncomfortable when Jonny carries his phone in his front pocket but it’s honestly super common. All the males in my family do it but when we visit parts of town that are a bit more sketchy, they may put their belongings in a small backpack or on one of the women’s purses.
We also visit these parts of town in larger groups, so we all feel more comfortable and safer.
@@lifetheorycouple Very interesting. So in other words, having the phone and/or wallet stick out like that and make an outline in your pockets is considered dar papaya? Is it like that everywhere in Colombia or only in small barrios that are low income and filled with crime?
I make Jonny put his phone somewhere else all the time, because we consider it’s a form of giving papaya. But other people, including locals, don’t. So, I think is up to you and your level of comfort 🤷♀️
It’s not like that all over Colombia, it’s bad in big cities but it feels pretty safe in smaller towns.
@@lifetheorycouple Oh yeah I can definitely see what you mean by emphasizing the importance of being careful in big cities. I would try as much as possible to not stick out in big metropolitan areas, but I feel like in suburbs it's not so bad since it's mostly families who live there. I guess at the end of the day it depends on the context, but I'm still surprised you and your husband consider having your phone and wallet create a shape in your pants pockets to be a form of giving papaya even though most locals don't consider it as such lol. Very fascinating.
And yet, the third most visited country by tourist, in latin America above Argentina and Chile👈 Good try, now check the stats for US
Thank you for the view and comment! - Not all cities are alike, some more safe than others, the US and "more developed" world isn't the exception either.