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Andrew, quite coincidentally, the only time someone tried to rob me was when I was TIGHTLY holding my phone on a bus - too tightly for him to snatch it - here in Manila. That doesn't mean I have not had OTHER unfortunate experiences residing in Philippines, but that is another story.
I am a well travelled (65 countries) single woman. I stayed in Colombia and absolutely loved the country and people. I however, did not feel entirely safe there. It would not stop me going there again but it is one of only a handful of places I've been where my senses were on constant alert.
It's liked that in too many places; Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Arizona, Washington DC and some areas in, Georgia Estate, USA. L.A., S.F.. N.Y. C.🎉 THE WHOLE SOUTHERN STATES😅😊🎉
As a retired Gringo (Foreigner) living in Colombia for over 5 years in and outside Bogota, I have not had any issues with other people, homeless people or other tourists.... And I have worked and lived in the UAE, UK, Europe, Asia and the USA. A happy man.
Good for you and I'm glad you enjoy Colombia, but I have to say the UAE is the country I experienced as the safest during my time there. No homeless people, no fentanyl heads, high standard of living, and lots of friendly people.
@@ReverendDr.Thomaswhy are you shocked? I lived in KSA some years ago and I was feeling so safe and respected... They guys aren't event looking into women's eyes! I agree with the person above, the safest countries I have visited were the Arab ones.
I have been living in La Candelaria, Bogota since 2015. I drive all around the country, I take public transportation everywhere and I also film with expensive equipment and I also use my phone on the street. This is my personal experience, but I never had one single issue. We will start publishing videos in July again and I will also publish a video about safety in Colombia (not only Bogota). cheers frank
Hello Frank! I've never had any issues in Colombia either. Just use common sense. Btw, I really miss your videos...they're actually the best of Colombia. Thanks for sharing!
Bogota is one of my favorite cities in the world...and I've been to hundreds in 40 countries on 6 continents. It is so beautiful and the people are incredibly kind. "Don't dangle a papaya!"
Been travelling to Colombia for 10 years now and never had a problem. Of Course, just like most big cities you have to be smart and not be too flashy, but the same thing is to be said in many cities in the US and Canada now as well as London.
I have been almost everywhere in the world including Syria (before the civil war) and Colombia, and the city I felt most unsafe in was central Washington D.C (suburbs are not too bad). Have not been to San Fransisco and these days have no desire to. Thanks for educating people about the world.
I worked for the federal government for over 20 years and spent about 15 of those in Colombia. All over the country--nice parts and the....not-so-nice parts. This video is a very good, balanced and accurate depiction of what Bogotá is today. I LOVE the city. To me, it is far better than a city like Chicago, or someplace like that. The good far overrides the bad in Bogotá. By a long shot! Unlike so many cities in the world, Bogotá is getting BETTER. You can't say that in many places in the U.S.
The perception that foreigners have of Colombia is based on Netflix series, I have seen more foreigners obsessed with Escobar, Colombians no longer care, there are more cities to go to, Bucaramanga, Pereira, Ibagué, Armenia which in 1999 suffered an earthquake that completely devastated it and now it has recovered are undervalued destinations
I don't think that Netflix are responsible for that perception. When Colombia is showed in the news outside of the country, mainly your find notes about the "civil war", or drug gangs or things like that. But we the colombians are working to improve the image, inside and outside the country.
In fact, the image that foreigners have of all of Latin America is based on films, Netflix series and propaganda against the continent made by Hollywood. I did research at the University on this topic. What the research showed is that those who have the truest image of Latin America are Europeans, although some still have an image based on films. Americans are the opposite, very few Americans have a real idea about the continent because they have traveled to several countries and learned good things about it, but most Americans base it on films because they have never been there. What the research also showed is that the USA is afraid that its citizens will really get to know Latin America, that each country has its own culture, its own history, its gastronomy, its music, and that Americans prefer to live in one of these countries like Colombia for example than the USA. That's why Netflix and Hollywood need to make films and series defaming Latin America with super stereotypical content to prevent Americans from traveling to these countries, creating a fear that sometimes doesn't make sense.
@@MrFtriana Colombia has good things too. I'm Brazilian but I've never visited Colombia and I know that the country has many incredible things. This happens in my country too and throughout Latin America. Newspapers from abroad will always prefer to talk about the bad things about our countries, "forgetting" or omitting the good things. This is propaganda as I said in the comment, this is on purpose. Whenever newspapers abroad talk about Brazil (my country) it is always about deforestation in the Amazon, crime, drugs and murder. This year we have already reduced deforestation in the Amazon by more than 60%, and I haven't seen any newspaper from abroad talking about it. The government has a project to reforest deforested areas and some of these areas have already been planted with new trees, and I haven't seen any newspapers from abroad talking about this project. Murders dropped by half and no foreign newspaper spoke either, they all omitted this news. The same strategy applies to Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, etc.
@@lumesquita5524 yeah, i hear about that. Is more like the Usa people still have the same perception about hispanic America since the 80's, maybe ignoring all the struggle that we have to do to improve our own situation. I don't blame them, but really they have to see beyond the news and the streaming. They need to know the real Hispanic América, beyond the crime and all the bad things.
Rule #1: No dar papaya Rule # 2: Be distrustful of strangers talking to you in the street, even if their apperance looks harmless (if you're going to interact, keep some distance) Rule #3: Dont go to places you shouldnt go, especially at night. Otherwise, you're fine, just ask the locals about the dos and donts This advice is valid for everywhere in public, although the nicer the neigbourhood the less you have to worry about it. I'll elaborate a bit with what I've learned living here my whole life, it might be interesting for some of you: Thugs, or the people who would mugg you, live in a different reality than most watching this video. They are incredibly streetwise and are atuned to things we are not. Their world paradigm is very survival-centric, which means they think in terms of prey and predator (literally). This means that they are sensitive to particular behaviours that would indicate someone would be an easy prey with minimal risk to themselves (they are very risk averse ironically). Their sense of morality works somehow like - if you gave me a reason to mugg you then its youre own fault, not mine. Practically, this boils down to walking down a street with body language that is too distracted, not aware of the surroundings, showing an item of value, lost, etc... If you walk with purpose and are generally aware of whats going on around you, you reduce the probability of catching their attention significantly. If anyone wierd talks to you, don't be overly friendly or hostile - be quick, direct, to the point, and get on with it. Don't show fear. In fact, ignore if you can, dont engage/open a communication channel in the first place. Now, if a thuggish looking person asks you for the time... hahah game over its very likely that youre about to get mugged, thats like their move. If youre going to get mugged, just comply, dont make a scene, give them youre phone or watch (which is what they usually ask), and even if this sounds horrible, try to be friendly about it. Its better than getting stabbed. This is incredibly rare though, you have to be hanging out somewhere you shouldnt be hanging out in the first place and then making a scene. Hope this was interesting!
You're on point. But the Bogota's come back home alive instructions manual is a lot bigger than this. Like, don't talk money in front of the cleaning lady, you will kidnapped. Keep the porteros happy (they know your daily schedule) Never ever take a cab (you will be kidnapped Paseo Millonario style) Don't talk to hot ladies (yes.. you guessed that, you will be kidnapped, or drugged, prob. both) Never ever hand over your credit card to anyone (it will be cloned) Check you're not being followed after withdrawing cash from the bank, you'll be "fleteado" and a looooooong etc. Be ready for a lot of learning folks. hahaha
Having visited since 1990s, lived there since 2010s and married to Colombiana, Let me simplify. It is a class system with zones of safe and unsafe within city. The wealthy have security, servants, private schools, private doctors, delivery, and stay in safe zones. The middle class are DIY on social healthcare system, and are both in safe and unsafe zones. The vast majority, the poor, live day to day to survive, high crime, and stay in unsafe zones and barrios. My middle class degreed wife experienced lots of theft and physical assault using public areas during day before we met. She always warned not to look rich or show expensive electronics or jewelry in unsafe zones (public areas). The constant lying and cheating of some was tiresome. Never could let your guard down. To escape crime, we had to buy a home in upscale bubble safe zone and primarily stay in that area until her death. Gates and window bars on ground floor. There were a few attempted break-ins while we traveled. We did not have cameras, security or servants. I always carried weapons in public. I have not visited Colombia since her death in 2017. It is safer and more expensive today than 1990s for sure. My experience was there were cheaper and safer areas overall than Bogota in Colombia and the world. Every country has bad areas some more, some less.
I have a buddy living in bogota right now. His only complaint is that they are doing rolling water shut offs every ten days. So every ten days you will have no water for 24 hours. Other wise he feels safe, but he doesn’t drink, occasionally goes dancing and not getting any hookers, lol. He has been on dates with one or two women who have him weird vibes, but nothing other than that. He’s also built a great social circle in a couple months of being there.
Bogotá is the best choice. Is you are living in a nice neigboorhood, you are living in a so nice place in the world, Bogotá by climate, bussiness, elegance (it is like London tendency), bike city, parks, arts (a lot of cultural movement, I recommend the affordable concerts of classical music of Filarmónica of Bogotá) and safe. Bogotá only missing the subway but it is in construction.
Never been robbed in Central Am, MX, China, US, UK, but was robbed in Mongolia at an outdoor swap n shop. Ironic thing is the Mongolians are some of the sweetest people I have met anywhere, MX close second.
My first trip to Bogota was completely by chance. I was on a business trip for my government employer to another country and a coworker tasked to Bogota got sick and I had to take over. I loved the place. It was nothing what the old timers said. I later was told that they made a mistake sending me because too many young people realize that their are other options. I am going to check it out more and might move. I saw a nascent tech scene and see some opportunity. I live in Baltimore and I can say I felt safer in Afghanistan.
I'm Colombian. I've lived in Bogotá for more than 15 years. And I've never been robbed or mugged here. However, I have been robbed in the United States twice. Once in New Orleans, at gun point, and the other time was in Long Island, in a train station, I think the station name was 'Islip' or 'West Islip', I don't recall exactly, but I was there, waiting for the train to take me back to Queens, when a white dude came out of the trails, and took out a knive and asked for my money.
I lived in the wealthy part of Bogota for a month and felt super safe. However the day I left someone got shot dead a few meters away from where I always had my coffee.
A lot of this transfers well to South Africa. People worry about the murder rate being something like 30/100,000 but I always say there are basically no areas where it actually is 30/100,000k. There are nice, wealthy areas where it’s probably 50/100,000 but I would never set foot in those townships let alone live there. I like what he said at the end, “I know I can build a safe life anywhere”
@@larynOneka8080 it is NOT pretty much most places on Earth. there are significant safer ones and significant more dangerous ones. and ppl who come to most parts of Europe, Japan, South Korea (actually also North Korea but for slightly different reasons), China, Dubai, Malaysia etc. just have always to TEACH other ones that their worry and 'safety standards' are DIFFERENT ones from higher crime infected countries/regions. many really have to RE-LEARN that it is NOT normal overall in the world that one has to care about the smartphone, notebook etc... and the worry about pickpocketing in Munich, Prague, Vienna is a bit different than to worry about pickpocketing in South Africa, Latin America and so on (just like there is more pickpocketing in Barcelona, Paris or Rome than in Warsaw, Hamburg or Bern). 'Safety standards' and also resulting habits/worries are NOT the same in the world.
I dont know... I live in in Spain where there are lots of Colombians, and they moved because they don't feel safe there. It is also to this day, complicit some of the most dire narco-traffic
Los colombianos que se van son los que no tienen nada aca, como casa o empleo, la mayoria por ganar supuestamente mejor, pero a cambio de estar lejos de la familia. Si claro tenemos violencia pero no como hace muchos años, los que se van, es porque quieren ganar mas dinero. algunos son solteros otros con familia. Pero muy pocos por la supuesta violencia. Si existen bandas criminales pero estan en el negocio de la drogas pero ellos siempre estan bien camuflados haciendo sus negocios , y los robos de telefonos es lo mas comun. Tengo casi 30 años que no veo un robo y que me roben.
Usually they are from Cali or poorer areas, if you find bogotans for example they will mostly studying or working legally abroad. The ones you're seeing are a particular group of people who instead of trying another city went to Spain where they can work in jobs and receive a better salary compared to the same job in Colombia
I been talking about this with one of my buddies over the last week. Safety in Georgia vs Colombia. I tell him, yes, there are certain parts of Colombia that may dangerous to be in but I'm not in those areas and have no reason to be. I've spent a lot of time in Colombia and never once did I feel uncomfortable in any city I was in except for Barranquilla. From certain parts I saw in Barranquilla. But I was only there for 3 days. But besides that, I've been all over Colombia. From the northern coast (Cartagena to Santa Marta, Rioacha, Cabo de la Vela) to Medellín to Bogotá to Bucaramanga to Cali and Popayan in the south and have always felt safe. Use your common sense wherever you go. Ironic but the third week of being here in Tbilisi I was assaulted while going down the escalator at one of the metro stations. And Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It shocked the heck out of me that that happened. Never would have thought that would happen here.
I usually go to Bogota a couple times a year, but I don't wear jewelery nor take my phone out in the street and when I sit in coffee shop I make sure is somewhere with a armed guard like Juan Valdez in Rosales.
I think there are smaller cities in Colombia that can also be safe and give a middle class person a good life. I live in Bucaramanga which is known as a “vividero” (a good place to live and settle down) I’d love to see a video on your perception of other big cities in the country . And really glad to see foreigners with good experiences in this beautiful country!
As a gringo living in Medellín for several years, I agree with everything said here. I've never had any problems with crime here. I live in a safe neighborhood, I don't walk around with valuable items, and I don't party late night, nor participate in drugs/prostitutes, etc. Exercise common sense urban precautions and you can live large on a modest budget here
You have several homes in nice, safe, comfortable homes in neighborhoods around the world. I want ONE. I am putting all my efforts into this endeavor. I now live in a small well off town in Ecuador. I do worry about the country in the case of a great crisis in the future, but for me it is the best I can find. In a world crisis Ecuador is a pretty good place in the grand scheme of things. I did visit Colombia, Ecuadors neighbor, and it was inherently more dangerous than Ecuador.
I am Colombian and have been living in Toronto, Canada, for the past 15 years. Lately, I haven't felt completely safe due to the increase in thefts, shootings, and stabbings. When I traveled to Spain last summer, I experienced similar issues with pickpockets. It makes me wonder what people expect from Latin American countries when even so-called First World countries struggle to ensure safety.
I know it's popular to say Colombia is perfectly safe, but in reality it can be a bit dangerous. To start, Colombia is one of my favorite Latin American countries... I lived in Medellin for a year, and go back somewhat frequently. I've travelled around the country and speak decent Spanish. I would say that one definitely has to exercise more caution in Colombia than many other countries I've travelled. Most Colombians I know also will express that they feel Colombia is a somewhat dangerous place overall. But again, it's a great country.
the reality is that cities like Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo are much safer than Bogota while Bogota is still a lot safer than many other cities in Central- or South America or South Africa/Africa ...
Thanks for this, Andrew. As a former spouse of a Colombiana, I spent a lot of time in many areas of Colombia during our time together, especially Bogota, where her mother lives. I made seven trips to Colombia, and always started off in Bogota, usually ending up there as well. Honestly, I always felt safe during my time in Colombia. Albeit, her mom’s neighborhood is probably very close to yours on the north side. Most residences in the area have restricted entrance and a 24-hour guard just inside the front door. Many businesses have similar security, which I was always grateful for. I was always also grateful for the presence of military (mostly 18-year old kids) and police - usually very friendly. As I said, we were all over the map in Colombia, mostly up and down the Caribbean coast and inland from there, but relatively speaking I never felt less safe in Bogota. I am single again, and need to work on my Spanish big time, but I know I will be welcome back in a country I truly love and miss. The people, the food, the diversity, all of it.
As someone that has lived in Bogota my whole life, I agree 100% with your opinion. If you have enough means and are willing to take safety measures, you can build a very safe lifestyle in Bogota, even as a permanent resident. It probably holds true for other cities, but it's a bit of a stretch to generalize. I suggest changing the title to Bogota instead of Colombia in general. In spite of that, thank you for debunking myths about this city I love so much.
I have spent time in Bogata. I never have felt scared. Here is the thing, like the video says, stay in nice areas. When I lived in Chicago I did not go the projects. When I was in Bogota, I did not hang in Santa Fe at 2 in the morning. Traffic sucks, but that is a different issue.
I went to Bogota from 5th of June to the 13th and I walked over 40km + used a city bike thru the week, I had my cellphone out most of the time and never felt like someone was gonna grab it or steal from me. I'm from Montreal in Quebec and I can say where I visited was much safer than downtown Montreal lol, Colombia has very safe parks and places thru the day and are very calm areas at night as well. 😀😀
Lol. I am from Colombia and i have lived in Bogotá 4 years and have spent there months in Montreal. You could not be more mistaken. I am glad you had a good time in Bogotá, but they mug people lot in Bogotá. This dude is just rich and walks around nice neighborhoods but I lived 20 block from him and was mugged about four times in 4 years, just going out to take the bus and shit. It's not like a had a "risky" lifestyle. when you don't spend everyday in a place or you don't have to be in places you don't want and you have money for drivers in case you have to go to an area you don't know, then I bet most cities in the world are as safe as Montreal. I mean I heard there were crazy persons in the Montreal metro taking their dicks out to girls and shit, but in the buses of bogotá they have killed people and even bus drivers
I have been robbed in Houston at gunpoint, pickpocketed in Paris and luggage stolen in Brazil...but no issues in Colombia. Yes, crime does exist...however, people tend to exaggerate because they like to play the victim.
@@HoustonGuy how long did you live in Houston? In Bogota? In Paris etc.? How different was your behavior? There are many criterion which people with their 'personal experience' often forget to take into the account. It is already not the same if one has in one country to take care not to show the smartphone in public while you can do that in most parts of Europe without any problem (or even think about that). If one already thinks about that as safety procedure (confirmed by official advice) and/or one lives mostly within a few kind of gated bubbles then thats already a sign of a limited life quality and worthless 'experiences', because thats not comparable (it is actually a bad choice to live in such an environment when you could change that)
Have traveled both to Mexico and to Colombia. Surprisingly, it is pretty safe for me. Understand what the locals are saying. Blend in as best as possible. Know your surroundings (situational awareness). You only encounter trouble when you specifically look for it, and not follow locals advice. I have not had issues in these places.
Spot on. I've only had trouble once in years in Bogota. And it was an unlucky situation - just pure chance. Bogotá is greater than Medellin. But Lima beats Bogota for safety. Plus, the foods better in Peru.
Colombia beats Peru on almost everything. Colombian food is delicious too. I don't see anything special about Peruvian food, except the ceviche. Colombia is like 10 countries in one. Each Department (States) offers a different gastronomy. A very rich and diverse culture. And let's talk about women, the most beautiful in the world. And the list goes on and on.
@@inolvidable. Colombia wins on women and coffee, I'll give you that. It's why both my Colombian roast and my girlfriend are imports. But food? Nope. Regional gastronomy is a thing in Peru too. And Peru smokes Colombia for gastronomy. The food in Peru is lightyears ahead of Colombia. As are the cocktails!
I don’t know, never been to Colombia but the way you described it. Be careful about phone, watch, car, belongings. Doesn’t feel like a city I would want to explore in. But really any city in the world has corners of it(that you wouldn’t be aware of if new to the city) that you have to take precautions. In my own home city, I know where these places are and I’m careful about what I’m carrying and how I’m presenting myself. Conversely in other parts of the city I know I don’t have to worry about such things.
yep, but there are differences between one in Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Warsaw or Prague worrying about bad neighborhoods and doing the same in Pretoria, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas or Chicago. I completely agree that even worrying about taking a smartphone, notebook etc. out in public is already a sign of not just a lower life quality but also only a 'limited gate community like bubble hopping - to keep safe. thats not the same as if basically the entire city and surroundings are safe ...
All the people saying they never had safety issue must lear to read and study, read statistics. I never had issues where I have been, although people complain of being unsafe. Bogotá has a high murder number, it's unsafe. There might be safe areas, but it's a a lot unsafer than Europe or North America.
As someone who integrates with the culture wherever I go, I lived in one of the best sectors of bogota for all of last year as an american. It is not safe at all of my local friends we would not go out to the parks to take out our dogs after 730pm because of all the robberies that started to take place even during broad daylight of people coming by on motorcycles. I don’t know how you can make this video when the last video you made about bogota you clearly have a bodyguard with you.
Great video. Love your content. I know your bent is to be "nomad", but I'd love you to do a video on places to go is do want to live there 100% of the time!
Hello sir. Great content per always. Is your place available for rent? I’ll be in bogota next week. Also, if you could recommend a security firm that would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Great Video. Yes, the biggest problem is the motorcycle thieves and they can strike anywhere! Always roll up your windows at stop lights is what my wife reminds me! You also have to be very careful to not run motorcycles over, it is almost like they have a death wish! My first trip to Colombia was in 2004 and I heard the same comments below as I do today. Been to every major Colombian city with no problems. Nothing has changed with people's perception of the place, because that is what they have seen on their TV shows and in the movies. People will believe what they want to believe. I never found trouble then and the same for now. LOL, I currently have been living in a Bogota gated community for the past 3 years with no problems. The trick is to blend in with the average well-off person and let other people show off their wealth (or debt) with their fancy cars and be the targets. Recently got my Colombian drivers license and even drive with the windows down (I roll up windows at stop lights in iffy areas) with no problems. My worst run-in was with a pillar in my parking garage at my apartment complex, yes my poor car has a nice scratch now. I recently returned to my home city in the midwest states and did not feel safe. I could not wait to get back home to Bogota where I feel safe. You should buy the Nomad Capitalist book and start there if you are even thinking about “going to where you are treated best”. Lots of good stuff for rookies with no experience.
Colombian here. I lived in Bogota for 6 years. Loved the place until I got kidnapped walking from my appartment to my university...... Things have improved a lot but do not even for a second think that you are safe.
White girls travelling alone have very real challenges. Women in general but white women are especially at risk in non-white nations. As a seasoned traveller, people don’t talk about this taboo subject.
You don't even look white, but more Indian. You can even pass as a Colombian. And Colombia has the most beautiful women in the world. So, if it s about beauty, they won't even notice you.
Yh crazy when black women and asian women even feel much safer in their own nations than white women. When I say asian women that applies to all parts of Asia that these women are from.
Me alegra que te haya gustado Bogotá y que la hayas considerado segura, pero una cosa es bien cierta, eso depende de los sitios por dónde transitas. No es lo mismo que vivas y hagas negocios en el norte de la ciudad que en el sur o en otras localidades. Si bien es cierto que la seguridad es relativa, debes siempre estar alerta. Pero por supuesto, valoro tu positivismo, gracias por compartir tus experiencias en mi país.
Como colombiana, aunque vivo en Estados Unidos, crecí en mi ciudad y tengo una buena idea de cómo es, ya que voy cada año y me quedo tres y cuatro meses. Es una ciudad grande y hay gente por todos lados, no importa la vecindad, pobre o rica, ladrones hay por todas partes, una situación agravada por la inmigración de los últimos años, pero no se puede decir que es una ciudad imposible de vivir.
Biggest problem with Mexico City is the lack of water. Going to be a bigger issue in the future. Hopefully the government will make this a focal point.
I feel pretty safe in the coffee region. I can't say that about Bogota however. I was robbed in the BOG airport last year - took my eye off my cart for a few seconds. Lucky the small bag I had did not have anything really important in it. They should lock down that airport like they do in the Philippines. Only let people in with tickets.
I have a few comments on this topic since I've been to Colombia several times, I speak Spanish fluently and I mingled with locals amd ex-pats who are not millionaires in that country. Firstly, it's true that Colombia is a pretty safe country overall, especially if you compare it to historical standards. One of my hosts in Colombia was in the air force in the 80's and 90's, and he gave an honest breakdown of the security standards for civilians. Essentially, things have dramatically improved, even between 2005 and 2015, which is great. However, there are still security concerns in Colombia, as Andrew alluded to. You can find articles about how American men get drugged and robbed by women they meet on dating apps, and they generally do this while meeting in private on a first date. Also, pickpocketing is a fairly common occurence, so locals will tell you to not wear flashy watches or attract attention in other ways. If you have security, obviously that's less of a concern, but most people don't. I personally feel safe enough in Colombia that I will spend a few months there next year, but I would warn others to not participate in the nightlife and get involved with drugs or prostitutes. I have no interest in that, but I know some people do. I would add that Colombian politicians are aware that crime is a problem, and they do address it in their discourse. For example, there's been a big crackdown on human trafficking (thankfully), and I expect things to continue trending in the right direction. Of course, wealth gaps between the rich and the poor contribute to these problems, but the middle class is growing in the country. I love Colombia and I'm optimistic for the future, although I still have some security concerns at the moment. Best of luck, and subscribe to my channel @philsidock. 😂
8:13 I was in London in January and saw a TV show of an undercover reporter talking to watch thieves She asked him if he had any remorse for stealing expensive watches his response was no because the wealthy will just buy another watch
My problem would be the leftist (crime tolerant) current president of Colombia. While at the moment Bogotá is not much worse than many big cities, the incentives for an increasing wave of crime are aligning.
Hi 👋 Very much enjoying your videos! Thanks. Just wanted to point out that Dubai is ranked below cities like San Francisco simply because the majority of inhabitants of Dubai are low skilled migrant workers who make services and construction possible. They have to face all kinds of abuse, including criminal deaths due to the corruption and control of the state.
Bogota sorprende , una movida cultural interesante, gente y lugares cheveres A mejorar infraestructura de movilidad Sentido de pertenencia por los nacidos y no nacidos en Bogota Seguridad , orden y aseo .. Por lo demás y su sabana o alrededores de Bogota son bellos. 👌💯🇨🇴
There really is something about Bogotá. I really love its setting; high altitude tropical setting amidst the backdrop of brick buildings and lush mountains. What every person forgets is that they will always have areas in the cities they live in that they wouldn't want to go. We all create our bubbles. I wonder however if it is it easier to create your bubble in Bogotá or São Paulo...
what every person like you forget is that there are in difference to your nonsense of course cities (prague, vienna, munich, dubai, singapore etc.) where you dont have to care where you go. you really have to LEARN what really safer places are and why. you find in almost all cities ppl who talk about bad neighborhoods. but there is a difference between a so called 'bad neighborhood' in Berlin, Hamburg or Warsaw and one in Bogota or Johannisburg.
I live in Metro Manila, so I'd like to think I'm not too out of touch with reality. I earn well enough and I do not live in Makati or BGC. I have found a place where I can get good affordable food, entertainment and services. For a wealthy potential resident, I think the same can be done in Bogotá. I generally do not prioritize having safety as a pedestrian THROUGHOUT the whole city since I will never go to every part of the city (Metro Manila is a cluster of cities). I think most city dwellers are the same; you'll never want to visit every single part of your city. You only need your bubble.
Good day sir. My name is Cesar Alvarez and for a while I’ve been watching your videos and have been trying to use them to educate my self and learn more of how to grow as an investor. I would love to know if there is such a course or program that you provide for young mates as my self to help me grow and if there is how can I arrange to purchase it. Best regards
You need to be careful when you take ubers, indrivers, cabify's and also please never take a taxi in the street and always call the taxis and send the location to a friend and the details of the car that is going to pick you up. Don't walk in the street with your phone in the hands and be attentive to your surroundings.
We are in Quetzaltenango, the 2nd largest city in Guatemala, and feel very safe. We have never spent time in Guatemala City and hear it is dangerous unless you are in certain neighborhoods. ( we have also lived in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and Guatemala is by far our favorite). We have been to Bogota and liked it very much, BUT, I'm curious why someone might pick Bogota over Buenas Aires, if looking for a great south American city.
Every large city has it issues. I have lived in New York City, Pittsburgh and Atlanta in U.S. problems. Rio de Janeiro no real problems, but you have to stay out of areas. And you have to beware of your surroundings. My current city is smaller, but is very safe .
I bought a property in Minneapolis and neighbors told me it was pretty safe as no one had been killed in the alley beside my house for the past year. While at home safely in the United States (a safe first world country), there was a drive-by shooting a block away at a gas station -- yes at a gas station -- which would have taken out the entire block if a pump was hit. Living in the US is like living in a continuous war where no one knows who the "sides" are or when the "enemy" might attack or why.
@@nomadcapitalist It is! I now live in Mexico where there are NO drive-bys, where the gas station attendants come to your window with a wad of cash between their fingers to give you change, where the taxis still carry cash with no bulletproof plexi, where no local stores are regularly held up at gun or knife point. Just like in Canada and the US there are drug cartels, but also just like there, if you arent mixed up with drugs (mainly cocaine), you dont see that world.
I concur with you. I've had something, very specific that's happened to me and caused me some serious, stressed and harmed.. I've always said that usually, the problems, that one may encountered, are the results of making, bad choices and being, reckless, overall. I'll liked to think, that the majority of Us, Colombians are the good ones 🤔👀😊 Otherwise, I've enjoyed my staying here and it's been in "nice neighborhood". A friend's of mine, from, Bogotá, has a sister, and she's, moving to another country, for job reasons and they've asked me to rent her apartment in the, Northside of, Bogota. It's on my mind, at least for a while. Cali, has been so, Hot in the last, two months. Let's see, what comes up. Am truly enjoying, practicing my Spanish and am achieving, much, more fluidity. I've, noticed that I always, picked up, languages easy. Spanish, being my Mother tongue. However, i loved the Colombian, Spanish and the Musical, vibes 💯🔥💃😉🙏😅🎉❤🎉.
Currently in Medellín buying property, with every city in the world there are safe areas and dangerous areas. On this trip I've seen people leave backpacks with laptops unattended for hours in a busy cafe in the middle of the city with no one touching them. I've also seen local women leave their purses at the dinner table at touristy restaurants for well over 30 minutes while they were taking scenic pictures, again no one touched them. There's of course pickpockets and petty thieves on the streets but if you're aware of your surroundings you typically won't have a bad time. The people here are super friendly and even if you don't speak Spanish are very accommodating.
no, not every city has dangerous areas. already that you believe this bullshit shows that you have no clue about the world. many ppl also in safe cities consider some neighborhoods as bad but there is a difference between really dangerous neighborhoods and just psychological 'feeling a bit more unsafe if walking at night' (or even dont care about because the entire city is so safe that it is just a 'bad habit' from higher crime cities/cultures - or entirely psychological imaginations due to some media/movies)
I've got a couple of gringo friends who were wondering, what if we go back to the States, they were a bit tired of the Colombian chaos. It took them a month to come back. Apparently, the US is not what it used to be. So they say. They feel safer in Bogotá than in NY, they got mugged in Central park.
Andrew talk about saudi arabia not renewing its oil sale contract in dollars, how does that affect the dollar as strong currency for use overseas in your opinion?
We Colombians definitely have a complex on highlighting and exagerating the negatives. When I had the chance to live in Washington D.C. I was struck on how much more unsafe I felt there than in my hometown where the crime is supposedly unbearable.
Some USA folks throwing some bad vibes about Colombia when cities such a Baltimore, St Louis and Philadelphia aren't that safe. If you get lost in the wrong neighborhood you will get in trouble. Colombia is a dangerous country but if you are the type of dude who came here to find working girls and get wild with crazy parties then you might get hurt. There are mnuseums, historical places and nice libraries to boost your intelligence but I know some guys specially youngters aren't into that. Stay safe in your countries fellows..
As a Colombian that has lived in Bogotá most of my time, Bogotá is NOT safe or a good city, BUT if you are rich you will always can use your money to live in a bubble and be happy and also travel, that's what he does. Nowadays Bogotá is way worst because of the millions of venezuelan homeless on top of the already big misery of Colombians. BUT again if you have money is not that bad as extremely poor countries like Haiti, I think if you are rich even in Haiti you could build your Buble and live happy.
That's if you can really look the other side in presence of extreme misery. The funny thing is, every little piece of mercy and sympathy left on you will be exploited and used against you till you become cynical. That's what Bogota society is made of. Don't blame them, it's survival instinct.
Sadly, you're one of those negative Colombians that trashes his own country. Saying Bogota is not a "good" city speaks volumes about your negative attitude/energy. Yes, the influx of 4 MILLION Venezuelans has increased crime but Colombia continues to be beautiful. And regardless of wealth/income, we ALL live in a bubble here in the US, France, etc. You must live in southern Bogota.
La ultima vez que me robaron fue como en el año 1999. Iba en transporte publico y nos asaltaron, hace mucho no vivo eso, pero es mucha suerte, actualmente en cualquier lugar del mundo te pueden robar. Aunque desde hace mucho no me roban ni veo robar.
Interesting video! I served in the military and spent a lot of time in Columbia. The first time I went there was in 2004. While we were in Bogota, we had to travel in armored non-tactical vehicles (like the MB you were riding in). There were still local factions like the FARC that were in the narco trade as well as kidnapping high profile and business people to fund their operations. The Alvaro Uribe administration did a lot of work to reform older policies and "clean up" Columbia. The FARC signed the peace treaty in 2016. The last time I was in Bogota was in 2017. We no longer travelled around in armorered vehicles and could travel anywhere we wanted. Ironically, I was still in the military and stationed in the North Bay area of California (between San Francisco and Sacramento). I found that Bogota was MUCH nicer and safer than San Francisco. As you said, the climate is much cooler than the rest of Columbia. The city is designed more like a European city than a LATAM one. The Columbian people are very friendly and I found that Bogota has many highly-skilled professionals and a great quality of life there. The only barrier for me is that I don't speak Spanish that well, but I now live in the DFW area, so I'm dealing with spanish just as much here. Right now, Columbia is much more attractive than many places in America. This is coming from someone who is pretty patriotic. Facts are facts though.
@@mep593 have you been walking around with your iphone out? If so you just got lucky...nothing to do with being beta/alpha (and you probably aren't alpha btw)
@@mep593 I never have any issues. The idea that I would not take out my phone seems silly to me. If I would perceive an area to be so unsafe that that would be necessary I would not go there, but so far that has never happened. Have never been in Bogotá (besides transferring at the airport there) but I have been to Acapulco twice and had no problems there.
You can easily walk around most areas of San Francisco and DC with a 50k watch and handbag with your phone out and you’ll have a higher chance of getting hit by a car (or lightning) than being robbed. This is why I always shake my head when I hear people trying to say Bogota, São Paulo, etc are “safer” than a lot of other Western cities up north and in Europe. There are neighborhoods in every city on earth that are bad, but if I can’t casually text while walking down the sidewalk in the center of town, it’s not safe. Another aspect to consider is police presence. Some of the most trafficked and crowded areas of LatAm cities lack basic police presence, even government areas where you would assume to feel the safest. Finally, this makes Mexico City look great if you ignore the water issues. You *can* causally walk through most central and even secondary neighborhoods with nice items and your phone out without worrying about being robbed. Even Centro, which can get extremely crowded, at least has heavy policy presence.
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Colombia is definitely safe compared to NYC.
Andrew, quite coincidentally, the only time someone tried to rob me was when I was TIGHTLY holding my phone on a bus - too tightly for him to snatch it - here in Manila.
That doesn't mean I have not had OTHER unfortunate experiences residing in Philippines, but that is another story.
I am a well travelled (65 countries) single woman. I stayed in Colombia and absolutely loved the country and people. I however, did not feel entirely safe there. It would not stop me going there again but it is one of only a handful of places I've been where my senses were on constant alert.
It's liked that in too many places; Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Arizona, Washington DC and some areas in, Georgia Estate, USA. L.A., S.F.. N.Y. C.🎉
THE WHOLE SOUTHERN STATES😅😊🎉
I felt safer in Bogota than I did in Manhattan, and I was born and grew up in NYC.
Feel the same and you must have all senses working all the time
Just by curiosity, in which places have you feel safe?
As a retired Gringo (Foreigner) living in Colombia for over 5 years in and outside Bogota, I have not had any issues with other people, homeless people or other tourists.... And I have worked and lived in the UAE, UK, Europe, Asia and the USA. A happy man.
ok, well a lot of other people have had troubles. And you can search on RUclips to see for yourself.
Good for you and I'm glad you enjoy Colombia, but I have to say the UAE is the country I experienced as the safest during my time there. No homeless people, no fentanyl heads, high standard of living, and lots of friendly people.
@@helenefalk500, you mean Arabic men were friendly towards a WESTERN WOMAN?
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am
shocked!
@@ReverendDr.Thomas Yes, friendly and courteous.
@@ReverendDr.Thomaswhy are you shocked? I lived in KSA some years ago and I was feeling so safe and respected... They guys aren't event looking into women's eyes!
I agree with the person above, the safest countries I have visited were the Arab ones.
I have been living in La Candelaria, Bogota since 2015. I drive all around the country, I take public transportation everywhere and I also film with expensive equipment and I also use my phone on the street. This is my personal experience, but I never had one single issue.
We will start publishing videos in July again and I will also publish a video about safety in Colombia (not only Bogota).
cheers
frank
Hi Frank. Hope all is well.
Hello Frank! I've never had any issues in Colombia either. Just use common sense. Btw, I really miss your videos...they're actually the best of Colombia. Thanks for sharing!
@@HoustonGuy Thx, next week we will start publishing again
@@COLOMBIAFRANK I am Bogotan and you are a bit crazy, don't give Papaya haha, but I am very gald to hear your stay in Colombia has been nice
You've been lucky, that doesn´t mean is a good idea to pull out a cell phone on this country streets... Take care.
Bogota is one of my favorite cities in the world...and I've been to hundreds in 40 countries on 6 continents. It is so beautiful and the people are incredibly kind. "Don't dangle a papaya!"
5 continents*
@@sanexpreso2944 Antartica?
Been travelling to Colombia for 10 years now and never had a problem. Of Course, just like most big cities you have to be smart and not be too flashy, but the same thing is to be said in many cities in the US and Canada now as well as London.
Many cities are on the up; we have clients currently looking at Caracas, Venezuela: ruclips.net/video/qcShkTzJ30A/видео.html
"Luck is where preparation meets opportunity." I like that.
I wrote it down actually 😅
There are many places with opportunity right now: ruclips.net/video/1p-pC_j4TEo/видео.html
Yeah, great bit of wisdom.... I've heard it many times over the years.
It's a quote by Seneca - A roman philosopher.
I have been almost everywhere in the world including Syria (before the civil war) and Colombia, and the city I felt most unsafe in was central Washington D.C (suburbs are not too bad). Have not been to San Fransisco and these days have no desire to. Thanks for educating people about the world.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I worked for the federal government for over 20 years and spent about 15 of those in Colombia. All over the country--nice parts and the....not-so-nice parts. This video is a very good, balanced and accurate depiction of what Bogotá is today. I LOVE the city. To me, it is far better than a city like Chicago, or someplace like that. The good far overrides the bad in Bogotá. By a long shot! Unlike so many cities in the world, Bogotá is getting BETTER. You can't say that in many places in the U.S.
The perception that foreigners have of Colombia is based on Netflix series, I have seen more foreigners obsessed with Escobar, Colombians no longer care, there are more cities to go to, Bucaramanga, Pereira, Ibagué, Armenia which in 1999 suffered an earthquake that completely devastated it and now it has recovered are undervalued destinations
I don't think that Netflix are responsible for that perception. When Colombia is showed in the news outside of the country, mainly your find notes about the "civil war", or drug gangs or things like that. But we the colombians are working to improve the image, inside and outside the country.
In fact, the image that foreigners have of all of Latin America is based on films, Netflix series and propaganda against the continent made by Hollywood. I did research at the University on this topic. What the research showed is that those who have the truest image of Latin America are Europeans, although some still have an image based on films. Americans are the opposite, very few Americans have a real idea about the continent because they have traveled to several countries and learned good things about it, but most Americans base it on films because they have never been there.
What the research also showed is that the USA is afraid that its citizens will really get to know Latin America, that each country has its own culture, its own history, its gastronomy, its music, and that Americans prefer to live in one of these countries like Colombia for example than the USA. That's why Netflix and Hollywood need to make films and series defaming Latin America with super stereotypical content to prevent Americans from traveling to these countries, creating a fear that sometimes doesn't make sense.
@@MrFtriana Colombia has good things too. I'm Brazilian but I've never visited Colombia and I know that the country has many incredible things. This happens in my country too and throughout Latin America. Newspapers from abroad will always prefer to talk about the bad things about our countries, "forgetting" or omitting the good things. This is propaganda as I said in the comment, this is on purpose. Whenever newspapers abroad talk about Brazil (my country) it is always about deforestation in the Amazon, crime, drugs and murder. This year we have already reduced deforestation in the Amazon by more than 60%, and I haven't seen any newspaper from abroad talking about it. The government has a project to reforest deforested areas and some of these areas have already been planted with new trees, and I haven't seen any newspapers from abroad talking about this project. Murders dropped by half and no foreign newspaper spoke either, they all omitted this news. The same strategy applies to Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, etc.
@@lumesquita5524 yeah, i hear about that. Is more like the Usa people still have the same perception about hispanic America since the 80's, maybe ignoring all the struggle that we have to do to improve our own situation. I don't blame them, but really they have to see beyond the news and the streaming. They need to know the real Hispanic América, beyond the crime and all the bad things.
Rule #1: No dar papaya
Rule # 2: Be distrustful of strangers talking to you in the street, even if their apperance looks harmless (if you're going to interact, keep some distance)
Rule #3: Dont go to places you shouldnt go, especially at night.
Otherwise, you're fine, just ask the locals about the dos and donts
This advice is valid for everywhere in public, although the nicer the neigbourhood the less you have to worry about it.
I'll elaborate a bit with what I've learned living here my whole life, it might be interesting for some of you:
Thugs, or the people who would mugg you, live in a different reality than most watching this video. They are incredibly streetwise and are atuned to things we are not. Their world paradigm is very survival-centric, which means they think in terms of prey and predator (literally). This means that they are sensitive to particular behaviours that would indicate someone would be an easy prey with minimal risk to themselves (they are very risk averse ironically). Their sense of morality works somehow like - if you gave me a reason to mugg you then its youre own fault, not mine.
Practically, this boils down to walking down a street with body language that is too distracted, not aware of the surroundings, showing an item of value, lost, etc... If you walk with purpose and are generally aware of whats going on around you, you reduce the probability of catching their attention significantly. If anyone wierd talks to you, don't be overly friendly or hostile - be quick, direct, to the point, and get on with it. Don't show fear. In fact, ignore if you can, dont engage/open a communication channel in the first place. Now, if a thuggish looking person asks you for the time... hahah game over its very likely that youre about to get mugged, thats like their move.
If youre going to get mugged, just comply, dont make a scene, give them youre phone or watch (which is what they usually ask), and even if this sounds horrible, try to be friendly about it. Its better than getting stabbed. This is incredibly rare though, you have to be hanging out somewhere you shouldnt be hanging out in the first place and then making a scene.
Hope this was interesting!
Lol Bogota sucks
You're on point. But the Bogota's come back home alive instructions manual is a lot bigger than this.
Like, don't talk money in front of the cleaning lady, you will kidnapped.
Keep the porteros happy (they know your daily schedule)
Never ever take a cab (you will be kidnapped Paseo Millonario style)
Don't talk to hot ladies (yes.. you guessed that, you will be kidnapped, or drugged, prob. both)
Never ever hand over your credit card to anyone (it will be cloned)
Check you're not being followed after withdrawing cash from the bank, you'll be "fleteado"
and a looooooong etc.
Be ready for a lot of learning folks. hahaha
@@aglitchinthematrix157
@@aglitchinthematrix157: The channel "Life with David" goes over everything you said here in detail".
Good advice, even in San Francisco.
Having visited since 1990s, lived there since 2010s and married to Colombiana, Let me simplify. It is a class system with zones of safe and unsafe within city. The wealthy have security, servants, private schools, private doctors, delivery, and stay in safe zones. The middle class are DIY on social healthcare system, and are both in safe and unsafe zones. The vast majority, the poor, live day to day to survive, high crime, and stay in unsafe zones and barrios. My middle class degreed wife experienced lots of theft and physical assault using public areas during day before we met. She always warned not to look rich or show expensive electronics or jewelry in unsafe zones (public areas). The constant lying and cheating of some was tiresome. Never could let your guard down. To escape crime, we had to buy a home in upscale bubble safe zone and primarily stay in that area until her death. Gates and window bars on ground floor. There were a few attempted break-ins while we traveled. We did not have cameras, security or servants. I always carried weapons in public. I have not visited Colombia since her death in 2017. It is safer and more expensive today than 1990s for sure. My experience was there were cheaper and safer areas overall than Bogota in Colombia and the world. Every country has bad areas some more, some less.
Pretty accurate description.
I have a buddy living in bogota right now. His only complaint is that they are doing rolling water shut offs every ten days. So every ten days you will have no water for 24 hours. Other wise he feels safe, but he doesn’t drink, occasionally goes dancing and not getting any hookers, lol. He has been on dates with one or two women who have him weird vibes, but nothing other than that. He’s also built a great social circle in a couple months of being there.
One or two women? That's tough 😅
Getting hookers can be done safely, but you need to do some research on the internet forums before.
The "mangitos" vs "paypays" let the games begin!
We lived in Colombia for 5 months and the population is so motivated on moving in the right direction that they are all on the same page.
Glad you met 4 good people 😂
Businesses owners feel very safe: ruclips.net/video/0e1a9hRcMGY/видео.html
hahahahahahaha!!!!
@@nomadcapitalist make a video about Argentina
Yes, the idiots are very few but they make a lot of noise. The silent majority in Colombia is beautiful, hard working, resilient people.
Bogotá is the best choice. Is you are living in a nice neigboorhood, you are living in a so nice place in the world, Bogotá by climate, bussiness, elegance (it is like London tendency), bike city, parks, arts (a lot of cultural movement, I recommend the affordable concerts of classical music of Filarmónica of Bogotá) and safe. Bogotá only missing the subway but it is in construction.
Never been robbed in Central Am, MX, China, US, UK, but was robbed in Mongolia at an outdoor swap n shop. Ironic thing is the Mongolians are some of the sweetest people I have met anywhere, MX close second.
I live in Colombia and live it.. I don't live in the city though ...I live in the countryside and it's safe where I am
My first trip to Bogota was completely by chance. I was on a business trip for my government employer to another country and a coworker tasked to Bogota got sick and I had to take over. I loved the place. It was nothing what the old timers said. I later was told that they made a mistake sending me because too many young people realize that their are other options. I am going to check it out more and might move. I saw a nascent tech scene and see some opportunity.
I live in Baltimore and I can say I felt safer in Afghanistan.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It's great to hear about your positive impressions of Bogota.
I'm Colombian. I've lived in Bogotá for more than 15 years. And I've never been robbed or mugged here. However, I have been robbed in the United States twice. Once in New Orleans, at gun point, and the other time was in Long Island, in a train station, I think the station name was 'Islip' or 'West Islip', I don't recall exactly, but I was there, waiting for the train to take me back to Queens, when a white dude came out of the trails, and took out a knive and asked for my money.
Thanks for sharing!
I live in the Netherlands adjacent to a bad neighbourhood and there's sirens and police helicopters zooming over my house on the daily.
Wow where in the netherlands do you live if you feel comfortable sharing?
The worst neighborhood in the Netherlands is still equivalent to a cottage in candyland. Relax.
Good, I guess you are ready to move to Soacha. You'll be the bad boy there for sure. XD
I lived in the wealthy part of Bogota for a month and felt super safe. However the day I left someone got shot dead a few meters away from where I always had my coffee.
Usaquen?
Is that why you left? ;)
@@PatNeedhamUSA El Chico
@@MrHarumakiSensei Nope, flight home was already booked. And I'm sure my home destination is probably unsafer than Bogota aside from phone theft.
Sadly that can happen anywhere.
Went to Cartagena last year in September. Never felt unsafe.
A lot of this transfers well to South Africa.
People worry about the murder rate being something like 30/100,000 but I always say there are basically no areas where it actually is 30/100,000k. There are nice, wealthy areas where it’s probably 50/100,000 but I would never set foot in those townships let alone live there. I like what he said at the end, “I know I can build a safe life anywhere”
That's pretty much most places on Earth. Crime is typically confined to certain areas. As long as you stay away from those areas it's fine.
Some crime in countries are gang targetted ones. Not random kill out of a sudden
@@larynOneka8080 it is NOT pretty much most places on Earth. there are significant safer ones and significant more dangerous ones. and ppl who come to most parts of Europe, Japan, South Korea (actually also North Korea but for slightly different reasons), China, Dubai, Malaysia etc. just have always to TEACH other ones that their worry and 'safety standards' are DIFFERENT ones from higher crime infected countries/regions. many really have to RE-LEARN that it is NOT normal overall in the world that one has to care about the smartphone, notebook etc... and the worry about pickpocketing in Munich, Prague, Vienna is a bit different than to worry about pickpocketing in South Africa, Latin America and so on (just like there is more pickpocketing in Barcelona, Paris or Rome than in Warsaw, Hamburg or Bern). 'Safety standards' and also resulting habits/worries are NOT the same in the world.
I dont know... I live in in Spain where there are lots of Colombians, and they moved because they don't feel safe there. It is also to this day, complicit some of the most dire narco-traffic
Most of those colombians come from hell a.k.a any Estrato under 4. Wealthy colombians don't send their kids to EspAngola, but the US.
What part of Spain has lots of Colombians?
I keep seeing videos about "carteristas" in Barcelona, Madrid, and so many other places in Spain. It is becoming very unsafe.
Los colombianos que se van son los que no tienen nada aca, como casa o empleo, la mayoria por ganar supuestamente mejor, pero a cambio de estar lejos de la familia.
Si claro tenemos violencia pero no como hace muchos años, los que se van, es porque quieren ganar mas dinero. algunos son solteros otros con familia. Pero muy pocos por la supuesta violencia.
Si existen bandas criminales pero estan en el negocio de la drogas pero ellos siempre estan bien camuflados haciendo sus negocios , y los robos de telefonos es lo mas comun. Tengo casi 30 años que no veo un robo y que me roben.
Usually they are from Cali or poorer areas, if you find bogotans for example they will mostly studying or working legally abroad. The ones you're seeing are a particular group of people who instead of trying another city went to Spain where they can work in jobs and receive a better salary compared to the same job in Colombia
Y tienes buenos amigos que te cuidan.
I been talking about this with one of my buddies over the last week. Safety in Georgia vs Colombia. I tell him, yes, there are certain parts of Colombia that may dangerous to be in but I'm not in those areas and have no reason to be. I've spent a lot of time in Colombia and never once did I feel uncomfortable in any city I was in except for Barranquilla. From certain parts I saw in Barranquilla. But I was only there for 3 days. But besides that, I've been all over Colombia. From the northern coast (Cartagena to Santa Marta, Rioacha, Cabo de la Vela) to Medellín to Bogotá to Bucaramanga to Cali and Popayan in the south and have always felt safe. Use your common sense wherever you go. Ironic but the third week of being here in Tbilisi I was assaulted while going down the escalator at one of the metro stations. And Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It shocked the heck out of me that that happened. Never would have thought that would happen here.
Did you report the theft? Maybe then the "safest" rating would be brought down a notch to reflect accuracy...
@@Omar_Facio My response disappeared.
I usually go to Bogota a couple times a year, but I don't wear jewelery nor take my phone out in the street and when I sit in coffee shop I make sure is somewhere with a armed guard like Juan Valdez in Rosales.
I think there are smaller cities in Colombia that can also be safe and give a middle class person a good life. I live in Bucaramanga which is known as a “vividero” (a good place to live and settle down) I’d love to see a video on your perception of other big cities in the country . And really glad to see foreigners with good experiences in this beautiful country!
Nice video and appreciate you sharing good experiences about Colombia
Thanks for coming you're very welcome here
Thank you!
"I live in the reality I've created and I think that you can create that as well"
I'm a full time digital nomad capitalist, love to see these videos!
Based on my personal experience....the crazy stories are from people who do not follow the basic protocols while in Colombia.
As a gringo living in Medellín for several years, I agree with everything said here. I've never had any problems with crime here. I live in a safe neighborhood, I don't walk around with valuable items, and I don't party late night, nor participate in drugs/prostitutes, etc. Exercise common sense urban precautions and you can live large on a modest budget here
What hood in Medellin do u recommend
You have several homes in nice, safe, comfortable homes in neighborhoods around the world. I want ONE. I am putting all my efforts into this endeavor. I now live in a small well off town in Ecuador. I do worry about the country in the case of a great crisis in the future, but for me it is the best I can find. In a world crisis Ecuador is a pretty good place in the grand scheme of things. I did visit Colombia, Ecuadors neighbor, and it was inherently more dangerous than Ecuador.
Isn't Ecuador starting to struggle very hard with cartels?
I am Colombian and have been living in Toronto, Canada, for the past 15 years. Lately, I haven't felt completely safe due to the increase in thefts, shootings, and stabbings. When I traveled to Spain last summer, I experienced similar issues with pickpockets. It makes me wonder what people expect from Latin American countries when even so-called First World countries struggle to ensure safety.
Many data is rigged lol...many western countries says that malaysia thailand is dangerous...true dont offend local gangs there...all will be good....
We were robbed in Rome when vacationing there. What a nightmare!
I know it's popular to say Colombia is perfectly safe, but in reality it can be a bit dangerous. To start, Colombia is one of my favorite Latin American countries... I lived in Medellin for a year, and go back somewhat frequently. I've travelled around the country and speak decent Spanish. I would say that one definitely has to exercise more caution in Colombia than many other countries I've travelled. Most Colombians I know also will express that they feel Colombia is a somewhat dangerous place overall. But again, it's a great country.
the reality is that cities like Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo are much safer than Bogota while Bogota is still a lot safer than many other cities in Central- or South America or South Africa/Africa ...
Thanks for this, Andrew. As a former spouse of a Colombiana, I spent a lot of time in many areas of Colombia during our time together, especially Bogota, where her mother lives. I made seven trips to Colombia, and always started off in Bogota, usually ending up there as well. Honestly, I always felt safe during my time in Colombia. Albeit, her mom’s neighborhood is probably very close to yours on the north side. Most residences in the area have restricted entrance and a 24-hour guard just inside the front door. Many businesses have similar security, which I was always grateful for. I was always also grateful for the presence of military (mostly 18-year old kids) and police - usually very friendly. As I said, we were all over the map in Colombia, mostly up and down the Caribbean coast and inland from there, but relatively speaking I never felt less safe in Bogota. I am single again, and need to work on my Spanish big time, but I know I will be welcome back in a country I truly love and miss. The people, the food, the diversity, all of it.
As someone that has lived in Bogota my whole life, I agree 100% with your opinion. If you have enough means and are willing to take safety measures, you can build a very safe lifestyle in Bogota, even as a permanent resident.
It probably holds true for other cities, but it's a bit of a stretch to generalize. I suggest changing the title to Bogota instead of Colombia in general.
In spite of that, thank you for debunking myths about this city I love so much.
Tucker laugh HAH …. Andrew’s sense of humor and delivery is awesome… he will be matter-of fact for a few minutes and then drop a sly remark
I have spent time in Bogata. I never have felt scared. Here is the thing, like the video says, stay in nice areas. When I lived in Chicago I did not go the projects. When I was in Bogota, I did not hang in Santa Fe at 2 in the morning. Traffic sucks, but that is a different issue.
I went to Bogota from 5th of June to the 13th and I walked over 40km + used a city bike thru the week, I had my cellphone out most of the time and never felt like someone was gonna grab it or steal from me. I'm from Montreal in Quebec and I can say where I visited was much safer than downtown Montreal lol, Colombia has very safe parks and places thru the day and are very calm areas at night as well. 😀😀
Lol. I am from Colombia and i have lived in Bogotá 4 years and have spent there months in Montreal. You could not be more mistaken. I am glad you had a good time in Bogotá, but they mug people lot in Bogotá. This dude is just rich and walks around nice neighborhoods but I lived 20 block from him and was mugged about four times in 4 years, just going out to take the bus and shit. It's not like a had a "risky" lifestyle.
when you don't spend everyday in a place or you don't have to be in places you don't want and you have money for drivers in case you have to go to an area you don't know, then I bet most cities in the world are as safe as Montreal.
I mean I heard there were crazy persons in the Montreal metro taking their dicks out to girls and shit, but in the buses of bogotá they have killed people and even bus drivers
Bogota es como la Londres de suramerica. muy linda ciudad. y elegante.
I live in Medellin for 7 years now. I have been robbed at gunpoint once and pickpocketed once. Don't leave the house with anything you can't lose. 🤨
I have been robbed in Houston at gunpoint, pickpocketed in Paris and luggage stolen in Brazil...but no issues in Colombia. Yes, crime does exist...however, people tend to exaggerate because they like to play the victim.
@@HoustonGuy how long did you live in Houston? In Bogota? In Paris etc.? How different was your behavior? There are many criterion which people with their 'personal experience' often forget to take into the account. It is already not the same if one has in one country to take care not to show the smartphone in public while you can do that in most parts of Europe without any problem (or even think about that). If one already thinks about that as safety procedure (confirmed by official advice) and/or one lives mostly within a few kind of gated bubbles then thats already a sign of a limited life quality and worthless 'experiences', because thats not comparable (it is actually a bad choice to live in such an environment when you could change that)
Medellín doesn't represent us Colombians far more than having beautiful women, other than that they are a war zone
I agree, tank you Andrew
‘Husband got his wallet stolen yesterday in the good ol’ US of A.
Key word: Reality you have created!!! 👑
Have traveled both to Mexico and to Colombia. Surprisingly, it is pretty safe for me. Understand what the locals are saying. Blend in as best as possible. Know your surroundings (situational awareness). You only encounter trouble when you specifically look for it, and not follow locals advice.
I have not had issues in these places.
Spot on. I've only had trouble once in years in Bogota. And it was an unlucky situation - just pure chance. Bogotá is greater than Medellin. But Lima beats Bogota for safety. Plus, the foods better in Peru.
Colombia beats Peru on almost everything. Colombian food is delicious too. I don't see anything special about Peruvian food, except the ceviche. Colombia is like 10 countries in one. Each Department (States) offers a different gastronomy. A very rich and diverse culture. And let's talk about women, the most beautiful in the world. And the list goes on and on.
@@inolvidable. Colombia wins on women and coffee, I'll give you that. It's why both my Colombian roast and my girlfriend are imports.
But food? Nope. Regional gastronomy is a thing in Peru too. And Peru smokes Colombia for gastronomy. The food in Peru is lightyears ahead of Colombia. As are the cocktails!
I don’t know, never been to Colombia but the way you described it. Be careful about phone, watch, car, belongings. Doesn’t feel like a city I would want to explore in. But really any city in the world has corners of it(that you wouldn’t be aware of if new to the city) that you have to take precautions. In my own home city, I know where these places are and I’m careful about what I’m carrying and how I’m presenting myself. Conversely in other parts of the city I know I don’t have to worry about such things.
yep, but there are differences between one in Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Warsaw or Prague worrying about bad neighborhoods and doing the same in Pretoria, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas or Chicago. I completely agree that even worrying about taking a smartphone, notebook etc. out in public is already a sign of not just a lower life quality but also only a 'limited gate community like bubble hopping - to keep safe. thats not the same as if basically the entire city and surroundings are safe ...
Is it a good idea to buy bonds in latin America countries for yearly income? Some latin American countries pay 10% on interest.
All the people saying they never had safety issue must lear to read and study, read statistics.
I never had issues where I have been, although people complain of being unsafe.
Bogotá has a high murder number, it's unsafe.
There might be safe areas, but it's a a lot unsafer than Europe or North America.
As someone who integrates with the culture wherever I go, I lived in one of the best sectors of bogota for all of last year as an american. It is not safe at all of my local friends we would not go out to the parks to take out our dogs after 730pm because of all the robberies that started to take place even during broad daylight of people coming by on motorcycles.
I don’t know how you can make this video when the last video you made about bogota you clearly have a bodyguard with you.
very interesting for me the most important is dont show your phone in the street and maybe walk a little fast when you are in place that you dont know
Been to Cartagena, been to places in the Philippines. Felt safe in both places.
Great video. Love your content. I know your bent is to be "nomad", but I'd love you to do a video on places to go is do want to live there 100% of the time!
Hello sir. Great content per always. Is your place available for rent? I’ll be in bogota next week. Also, if you could recommend a security firm that would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Great Video. Yes, the biggest problem is the motorcycle thieves and they can strike anywhere! Always roll up your windows at stop lights is what my wife reminds me! You also have to be very careful to not run motorcycles over, it is almost like they have a death wish! My first trip to Colombia was in 2004 and I heard the same comments below as I do today. Been to every major Colombian city with no problems. Nothing has changed with people's perception of the place, because that is what they have seen on their TV shows and in the movies. People will believe what they want to believe. I never found trouble then and the same for now. LOL, I currently have been living in a Bogota gated community for the past 3 years with no problems. The trick is to blend in with the average well-off person and let other people show off their wealth (or debt) with their fancy cars and be the targets. Recently got my Colombian drivers license and even drive with the windows down (I roll up windows at stop lights in iffy areas) with no problems. My worst run-in was with a pillar in my parking garage at my apartment complex, yes my poor car has a nice scratch now. I recently returned to my home city in the midwest states and did not feel safe. I could not wait to get back home to Bogota where I feel safe. You should buy the Nomad Capitalist book and start there if you are even thinking about “going to where you are treated best”. Lots of good stuff for rookies with no experience.
I've been to 38 countries and have only been mugged at knifepoint once and it was in Bogota
Colombian here. I lived in Bogota for 6 years. Loved the place until I got kidnapped walking from my appartment to my university...... Things have improved a lot but do not even for a second think that you are safe.
White girls travelling alone have very real challenges. Women in general but white women are especially at risk in non-white nations. As a seasoned traveller, people don’t talk about this taboo subject.
Especially solo white women who are attractive
There is no special associated with being white as a woman, at least in Colombia. It is dangerous for alll of them
You don't even look white, but more Indian. You can even pass as a Colombian. And Colombia has the most beautiful women in the world. So, if it s about beauty, they won't even notice you.
Yh crazy when black women and asian women even feel much safer in their own nations than white women. When I say asian women that applies to all parts of Asia that these women are from.
Me alegra que te haya gustado Bogotá y que la hayas considerado segura, pero una cosa es bien cierta, eso depende de los sitios por dónde transitas. No es lo mismo que vivas y hagas negocios en el norte de la ciudad que en el sur o en otras localidades. Si bien es cierto que la seguridad es relativa, debes siempre estar alerta. Pero por supuesto, valoro tu positivismo, gracias por compartir tus experiencias en mi país.
Como colombiana, aunque vivo en Estados Unidos, crecí en mi ciudad y tengo una buena idea de cómo es, ya que voy cada año y me quedo tres y cuatro meses. Es una ciudad grande y hay gente por todos lados, no importa la vecindad, pobre o rica, ladrones hay por todas partes, una situación agravada por la inmigración de los últimos años, pero no se puede decir que es una ciudad imposible de vivir.
If you feel safe in Bogotá you will feel safer in the rest of Colombia, you will feel like a king in other cities
I feel way safer in Mexico than in Colombia. Have had 0 issues in both, but statistics appear worse for Colombia.
Statistics don't always tell the whole story.
Biggest problem with Mexico City is the lack of water. Going to be a bigger issue in the future. Hopefully the government will make this a focal point.
I feel pretty safe in the coffee region. I can't say that about Bogota however. I was robbed in the BOG airport last year - took my eye off my cart for a few seconds. Lucky the small bag I had did not have anything really important in it. They should lock down that airport like they do in the Philippines. Only let people in with tickets.
I have a few comments on this topic since I've been to Colombia several times, I speak Spanish fluently and I mingled with locals amd ex-pats who are not millionaires in that country.
Firstly, it's true that Colombia is a pretty safe country overall, especially if you compare it to historical standards. One of my hosts in Colombia was in the air force in the 80's and 90's, and he gave an honest breakdown of the security standards for civilians. Essentially, things have dramatically improved, even between 2005 and 2015, which is great.
However, there are still security concerns in Colombia, as Andrew alluded to. You can find articles about how American men get drugged and robbed by women they meet on dating apps, and they generally do this while meeting in private on a first date. Also, pickpocketing is a fairly common occurence, so locals will tell you to not wear flashy watches or attract attention in other ways. If you have security, obviously that's less of a concern, but most people don't.
I personally feel safe enough in Colombia that I will spend a few months there next year, but I would warn others to not participate in the nightlife and get involved with drugs or prostitutes. I have no interest in that, but I know some people do.
I would add that Colombian politicians are aware that crime is a problem, and they do address it in their discourse. For example, there's been a big crackdown on human trafficking (thankfully), and I expect things to continue trending in the right direction.
Of course, wealth gaps between the rich and the poor contribute to these problems, but the middle class is growing in the country. I love Colombia and I'm optimistic for the future, although I still have some security concerns at the moment.
Best of luck, and subscribe to my channel @philsidock. 😂
8:13 I was in London in January and saw a TV show of an undercover reporter talking to watch thieves She asked him if he had any remorse for stealing expensive watches his response was no because the wealthy will just buy another watch
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My cousin owns a film production company in Detroit and has to have 3 armed security guards
Wow, that's unexpected, why is that? 🤔
@@Johnnie-d9b you seem miserable. Hopefully life gets better for you.
My problem would be the leftist (crime tolerant) current president of Colombia. While at the moment Bogotá is not much worse than many big cities, the incentives for an increasing wave of crime are aligning.
Hi 👋 Very much enjoying your videos! Thanks. Just wanted to point out that Dubai is ranked below cities like San Francisco simply because the majority of inhabitants of Dubai are low skilled migrant workers who make services and construction possible. They have to face all kinds of abuse, including criminal deaths due to the corruption and control of the state.
Bogota sorprende , una movida cultural interesante, gente y lugares cheveres
A mejorar infraestructura de movilidad
Sentido de pertenencia por los nacidos y no nacidos en Bogota
Seguridad , orden y aseo ..
Por lo demás y su sabana o alrededores de Bogota son bellos.
👌💯🇨🇴
There really is something about Bogotá. I really love its setting; high altitude tropical setting amidst the backdrop of brick buildings and lush mountains.
What every person forgets is that they will always have areas in the cities they live in that they wouldn't want to go. We all create our bubbles.
I wonder however if it is it easier to create your bubble in Bogotá or São Paulo...
what every person like you forget is that there are in difference to your nonsense of course cities (prague, vienna, munich, dubai, singapore etc.) where you dont have to care where you go. you really have to LEARN what really safer places are and why. you find in almost all cities ppl who talk about bad neighborhoods. but there is a difference between a so called 'bad neighborhood' in Berlin, Hamburg or Warsaw and one in Bogota or Johannisburg.
I live in Metro Manila, so I'd like to think I'm not too out of touch with reality. I earn well enough and I do not live in Makati or BGC. I have found a place where I can get good affordable food, entertainment and services. For a wealthy potential resident, I think the same can be done in Bogotá.
I generally do not prioritize having safety as a pedestrian THROUGHOUT the whole city since I will never go to every part of the city (Metro Manila is a cluster of cities). I think most city dwellers are the same; you'll never want to visit every single part of your city. You only need your bubble.
Good day sir. My name is Cesar Alvarez and for a while I’ve been watching your videos and have been trying to use them to educate my self and learn more of how to grow as an investor. I would love to know if there is such a course or program that you provide for young mates as my self to help me grow and if there is how can I arrange to purchase it.
Best regards
Perfectly fair
You need to be careful when you take ubers, indrivers, cabify's and also please never take a taxi in the street and always call the taxis and send the location to a friend and the details of the car that is going to pick you up. Don't walk in the street with your phone in the hands and be attentive to your surroundings.
Cooking a better Colombia open to the world, new opportunities with a new think
We are in Quetzaltenango, the 2nd largest city in Guatemala, and feel very safe. We have never spent time in Guatemala City and hear it is dangerous unless you are in certain neighborhoods. ( we have also lived in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and Guatemala is by far our favorite).
We have been to Bogota and liked it very much, BUT, I'm curious why someone might pick Bogota over Buenas Aires, if looking for a great south American city.
I left two phones in Medellin and Ecuador in six months of living there
Every large city has it issues. I have lived in New York City, Pittsburgh and Atlanta in U.S. problems. Rio de Janeiro no real problems, but you have to stay out of areas. And you have to beware of your surroundings. My current city is smaller, but is very safe .
I bought a property in Minneapolis and neighbors told me it was pretty safe as no one had been killed in the alley beside my house for the past year. While at home safely in the United States (a safe first world country), there was a drive-by shooting a block away at a gas station -- yes at a gas station -- which would have taken out the entire block if a pump was hit. Living in the US is like living in a continuous war where no one knows who the "sides" are or when the "enemy" might attack or why.
That’s crazy.
@@nomadcapitalist It is! I now live in Mexico where there are NO drive-bys, where the gas station attendants come to your window with a wad of cash between their fingers to give you change, where the taxis still carry cash with no bulletproof plexi, where no local stores are regularly held up at gun or knife point. Just like in Canada and the US there are drug cartels, but also just like there, if you arent mixed up with drugs (mainly cocaine), you dont see that world.
I concur with you.
I've had something, very specific that's happened to me and caused me some serious, stressed and harmed..
I've always said that usually, the problems, that one may encountered, are the results of making, bad choices and being, reckless, overall.
I'll liked to think, that the majority of Us, Colombians are the good ones 🤔👀😊
Otherwise, I've enjoyed my staying here and it's been in "nice neighborhood".
A friend's of mine, from, Bogotá, has a sister, and she's, moving to another country, for job reasons and they've asked me to rent her apartment in the, Northside of, Bogota.
It's on my mind, at least for a while.
Cali, has been so, Hot in the last, two months.
Let's see, what comes up.
Am truly enjoying, practicing my Spanish and am achieving, much,
more fluidity.
I've, noticed that I always, picked up, languages easy.
Spanish, being my Mother tongue. However, i loved the Colombian, Spanish and the Musical, vibes 💯🔥💃😉🙏😅🎉❤🎉.
😊🤫💯😉😅
Currently in Medellín buying property, with every city in the world there are safe areas and dangerous areas. On this trip I've seen people leave backpacks with laptops unattended for hours in a busy cafe in the middle of the city with no one touching them. I've also seen local women leave their purses at the dinner table at touristy restaurants for well over 30 minutes while they were taking scenic pictures, again no one touched them. There's of course pickpockets and petty thieves on the streets but if you're aware of your surroundings you typically won't have a bad time. The people here are super friendly and even if you don't speak Spanish are very accommodating.
no, not every city has dangerous areas. already that you believe this bullshit shows that you have no clue about the world. many ppl also in safe cities consider some neighborhoods as bad but there is a difference between really dangerous neighborhoods and just psychological 'feeling a bit more unsafe if walking at night' (or even dont care about because the entire city is so safe that it is just a 'bad habit' from higher crime cities/cultures - or entirely psychological imaginations due to some media/movies)
Try the coffe axis. 10X better
15 years living in Colombia, I’ve never been stolen…
I've got a couple of gringo friends who were wondering, what if we go back to the States, they were a bit tired of the Colombian chaos. It took them a month to come back. Apparently, the US is not what it used to be. So they say. They feel safer in Bogotá than in NY, they got mugged in Central park.
It's a country full of potential.
Andrew talk about saudi arabia not renewing its oil sale contract in dollars, how does that affect the dollar as strong currency for use overseas in your opinion?
My opinion is to diversify
We Colombians definitely have a complex on highlighting and exagerating the negatives. When I had the chance to live in Washington D.C. I was struck on how much more unsafe I felt there than in my hometown where the crime is supposedly unbearable.
Interesting.
tucker laugh, hehe well done
Some USA folks throwing some bad vibes about Colombia when cities such a Baltimore, St Louis and Philadelphia aren't that safe. If you get lost in the wrong neighborhood you will get in trouble. Colombia is a dangerous country but if you are the type of dude who came here to find working girls and get wild with crazy parties then you might get hurt. There are mnuseums, historical places and nice libraries to boost your intelligence but I know some guys specially youngters aren't into that. Stay safe in your countries fellows..
As a Colombian that has lived in Bogotá most of my time, Bogotá is NOT safe or a good city, BUT if you are rich you will always can use your money to live in a bubble and be happy and also travel, that's what he does. Nowadays Bogotá is way worst because of the millions of venezuelan homeless on top of the already big misery of Colombians. BUT again if you have money is not that bad as extremely poor countries like Haiti, I think if you are rich even in Haiti you could build your Buble and live happy.
That's if you can really look the other side in presence of extreme misery. The funny thing is, every little piece of mercy and sympathy left on you will be exploited and used against you till you become cynical. That's what Bogota society is made of. Don't blame them, it's survival instinct.
@@aglitchinthematrix157 where are you from? You sound Colombian
tienes razon asi funcionan las cosas. si se tiene plata se vive mucho mejor
Sadly, you're one of those negative Colombians that trashes his own country. Saying Bogota is not a "good" city speaks volumes about your negative attitude/energy. Yes, the influx of 4 MILLION Venezuelans has increased crime but Colombia continues to be beautiful. And regardless of wealth/income, we ALL live in a bubble here in the US, France, etc. You must live in southern Bogota.
yeah phone snatching is common in other major cities like London... it is just common sense to not give opportunities to be robbed.
Somehow people accept what happens in their own country and melt down when they see the same thing somewhere else.
Idk about Bogotá, I’ve been there for quite a while and never felt really safe, I actually feel safer in Mexico Peru or Argentina
La ultima vez que me robaron fue como en el año 1999. Iba en transporte publico y nos asaltaron, hace mucho no vivo eso, pero es mucha suerte, actualmente en cualquier lugar del mundo te pueden robar. Aunque desde hace mucho no me roban ni veo robar.
I liked your videos, don't pay attention to bad comments.
Interesting video! I served in the military and spent a lot of time in Columbia. The first time I went there was in 2004. While we were in Bogota, we had to travel in armored non-tactical vehicles (like the MB you were riding in). There were still local factions like the FARC that were in the narco trade as well as kidnapping high profile and business people to fund their operations. The Alvaro Uribe administration did a lot of work to reform older policies and "clean up" Columbia. The FARC signed the peace treaty in 2016. The last time I was in Bogota was in 2017. We no longer travelled around in armorered vehicles and could travel anywhere we wanted. Ironically, I was still in the military and stationed in the North Bay area of California (between San Francisco and Sacramento). I found that Bogota was MUCH nicer and safer than San Francisco. As you said, the climate is much cooler than the rest of Columbia. The city is designed more like a European city than a LATAM one. The Columbian people are very friendly and I found that Bogota has many highly-skilled professionals and a great quality of life there. The only barrier for me is that I don't speak Spanish that well, but I now live in the DFW area, so I'm dealing with spanish just as much here. Right now, Columbia is much more attractive than many places in America. This is coming from someone who is pretty patriotic. Facts are facts though.
If you can't use your phone while walking outside, it's not safe.
Just don’t be a weak beta and you’ll have no issue. I walked around all over outside the nice areas and no one tried me.
@@mep593 have you been walking around with your iphone out? If so you just got lucky...nothing to do with being beta/alpha (and you probably aren't alpha btw)
@filmbuff4 It highly depends on the area where you are, I live in Bogota, and it's in public transportation where there is a real risk.
Then Guadalajara isn't safe either, based on this statement.
@@mep593 I never have any issues. The idea that I would not take out my phone seems silly to me. If I would perceive an area to be so unsafe that that would be necessary I would not go there, but so far that has never happened. Have never been in Bogotá (besides transferring at the airport there) but I have been to Acapulco twice and had no problems there.
can you conceal carry there? the tucker laugh 😂
No.
You can easily walk around most areas of San Francisco and DC with a 50k watch and handbag with your phone out and you’ll have a higher chance of getting hit by a car (or lightning) than being robbed.
This is why I always shake my head when I hear people trying to say Bogota, São Paulo, etc are “safer” than a lot of other Western cities up north and in Europe. There are neighborhoods in every city on earth that are bad, but if I can’t casually text while walking down the sidewalk in the center of town, it’s not safe.
Another aspect to consider is police presence. Some of the most trafficked and crowded areas of LatAm cities lack basic police presence, even government areas where you would assume to feel the safest.
Finally, this makes Mexico City look great if you ignore the water issues. You *can* causally walk through most central and even secondary neighborhoods with nice items and your phone out without worrying about being robbed. Even Centro, which can get extremely crowded, at least has heavy policy presence.
Colombia is a lawless s-hole, especially if you are a gringo.