Is Colombia a Safe Digital Nomad Destination for Solo Woman Travelers?

Depends on who you ask.

When I first mentioned that I would be moving to Colombia 🇨🇴 as solo female traveler, many people raised their eyebrows with concern.

“What about being robbed? Raped? Sex Trafficked?”

I asked them to share their experiences traveling to Colombia but no one had been here before. So, I did my own research on YouTube and honestly there were lots of videos on tourist being robbed & drugged.

Many of the videos were of men who were drugged on dates. And while this was scary honestly I did not fit the description so I figured that I would be safe and also felt a little reassuring to know that women may possibly be more safe than men, finally.

I did see a few videos from women who have been robbed of their phones and things as well.

But still I decided to come.

Here’s my thoughts now that I’m here

After living abroad for five years and this being my 5 country I’ve lived in, I can say that compared to the other countries I’ve seen more reports of crime from foreigners. These crimes mostly include robbing & drugging.

However when talking to travelers most will still say that this is a very safe country if they have not been robbed.

I’ve never been in a place where I’ve seen so many reports of robberies during broad daylight at gunpoint. Now there are parts of Vietnam where I was afraid to take out my phone, for example Saigon. However, I did not hear people being robbed at gunpoint. I also saw a post about someone being hot uncle kidnapped and I’m only using quote because I believe that this is the definition of kidnapping but I am uncertain because they did bring him back home.

Seeing things like this is scary.

Also I did not want to write this off as simply saying: “Crime happens everywhere!”

To me that’s just not true and there are certain areas where you are more susceptible to crime and knowing that is necessary.

So this might be a matter of luck. There’s a popular saying here in Columbia:

“ Dar a Papaya”

Don’t make yourself a target.

Tips for Colombia

1. Don’t walk alone at night on isolated streets.

2. Stay alert.

3. Don’t be flashy.

4. Keep a fake wallet on you. If someone approaches you, just give them the fake. I have one with fake US dollars.

5. Don’t constantly think you’ll be robbed but also don’t be dumb.

6. Watch your drinks.

7. Keep small bills on you and pull these out when you want to purchase something.

And honestly you can do all these things and still be robbed. Everyone won’t get robbed. Some will. Most won’t

Which is why you definitely need to have travelers insurance whenever you’re traveling long term or short.

Overall, I have really enjoyed my time in Colombia 🇨🇴 and I am very happy that I was brave enough to come.