I just got robbed in Cartagena this past Friday 9/22/2023. I couldn’t find my AirB&B and some guy told me he could help me find it. While we were walking another guy snatched my necklace from behind. It was a total set up. I chased after him and the police eventually caught and arrested him. I didn’t know that someone would try to snatch a $100 necklace but they’re that desperate in Cartagena, Colombia. The police didn’t even really care. I bet they’ve released him back on the street already. I immediately booked a flight back home and got the Hell up out that country. My life is too valuable to lose over a damn necklace. I wouldn’t recommend anyone travel to Cartagena, Colombia especially solo!
I was also alone on Cartagena the same time also solo traveler.From my first night i see a lot of grazy things after 19:00 get really bad but only for Solo Traveler i was lucky nothing happend to me. AVOID EVERYBODY FROM VENEZUELA AVOID EYE CONTACT with anybody seems friedly dont make any eye contact. I See Crazy Scams moore end moore inteligent to take your mooney. DONT GO ALONE IN THE NIGHT OUT ON CARTAGENNA. I have really bad experience
You're very fortunate. Tourist Gregory Owens lost his life over a chain in Marbella at around 2:30pm. 2 motos, 4 guys. They got one of the guys and a moto. The guy they got had been arrested a month ago for robbing a Brazilian tourist.
Good video Fergus, I'm sorry to hear you were robbed, I live in Colombia, it's really bad. I've developed the same paranoid attitude you mentioned, constantly on guard. It's a ridiculous way to live. I don't even want to go out at night or meet women. I'm so tired of no dar papaya: Watch your surroundings, keep your head on a swivel, don't wear nice clothes, don't show your phone, don't carry anything that you can't afford to have stolen, lock your taxi doors, on and on. In October two expats were murdered by women, one in Cartagena and another in Medellin, with scopolamine. Then add a leftist president that doesn't believe in building prisons. He believes the reason they're criminals is because they're poor exploited victims that don't have any other choice. Why should the police arrest someone when the judges let them walk because there is no place to put them? It's hopeless. I'm getting out of here soon.
Foreigners are coming to a country where people have massacred each other for the last 80 years, the police & justice system is renowned for being useless, and the minimum wage is barely a week's salary in most developed nations. I dont understand why so many are surprised when they face the realities of a developing country. There's a reason why most colombians (and latinoamericans) would gladly leave the country if they were given the opportunities to do so. Colombia barely advances, and when it does its extremely slowly. I'm sorry you've had negative experience in my country, similar to many others. I hope you wont hold resentment against the people of Colombia, most of them good natured and genuinely caring. Hopefully, sometime in the future, the country will be in a better place where we're not actively destroying one of the country's most imporant economic sectors En cualquier punto de la historia colombiana el que da papaya siempre lo han tumbado, la única diferencia es que hoy en día los criminales se pusieron las pilas y los gringos son las victimas mas comunes. Colombia nunca mejoro ni mejorara, solo que apenas esta entrando gente del exterior y apenas se estan dando cuenta de el mierdero en el que esta este pais.
SURFERS have been doing this the longest around the world to DARKER, DEEPER corners of the earth and have been fine. You guys are going to the known and target Sex trafficking areas, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?! Surfers have been going to INDONESIA, NICARAGUA EL SALVADOR and gnarlier places with no problems. You guys are doing creepy shit in shady areas. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?!?! Youre just sex trafficking , Youre not surfing or exercising and sight seeing
@@amandaburleson2035 I'm taking a bus in Colombia. The guy next to me finishes breakfast, take the container, and throughs it out the bus window. Nobody even cares on the bus. Trash all over this country. Even the water is filthy with rivers dumping sewage right into the ocean. Can't relax five minutes on the beach without some body coming up begging for money or trying to sell me some crap I never asked for. Not only are people being drugged now they're being kidnapped. An Asian American was kidnapped and his family paid a $2,000 ransom and he was still beat to death. What a shit hole.
Just dont travel to Colombia at all. This is what happened when you try to be cool in a very dangerous country thinking that people are not paying attention.
Been to Colombia 20 times only got fucked with by the police once. Never had any trouble with the people. I think like a criminal because i used to be one. Worked 20 times. Be safe bro.
The lack of police response to this and other robberies on foreigners makes me wonder if off duty police might be some of the ones who perpetuate these robberies
This is the real Cartagena. I lived there for six months this year and these stories are so common. Colombians are desperate and will steal, and kill you for little to nothing. Trust no one there and only walk outside with what you need for the day. After my six months of being there I am indifferent with the country and the people now. You should be grateful to be alive sometimes they beat the hell out of you for no reason at all. Safe travels bro.
what's the point of foreigners working for a year to save money to spend in colombia only to be robbed or killed within a few days? all for puzzy? it's cheaper to pay for escort back at home country then to die for an iphone.
SURFERS have been doing this the longest around the world to DARKER, DEEPER corners of the earth and have been fine. You guys are going to the known and target Sex trafficking areas, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?! Surfers have been going to INDONESIA, NICARAGUA EL SALVADOR and gnarlier places with no problems. You guys are doing creepy shit in shady areas. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?!?! Youre just sex trafficking , Youre not surfing or exercising and sight seeing.
Thanks for sharing your story. I live in Boston. I will share 2 things. A former co-worker here in Boston, who is from Medellin, once told me something very interesting. He and his son went to Medellin for vacation. At one point they stayed at a hotel for a night. The next day they left. They took a cab. On their cab ride, they got stopped by these guys with guns. They ordered my co-worker to hand over whatever money he had. He complied. They then took off. My co-worker is convinced that someone in the hotel knew that they travelled from America and therefore supposedly had money. This person then tipped off the robbers who waited for him. Here's the second story. I know another Colombian here in Boston. She's in her late 50s or early 60s. The other day I mentioned to her about the tourists who are getting drugged in Medellin, her hometown. You know what she said? "Good for them, why are they going to pick up those women?" It felt really cold for her to say that but I wonder who else feels that way in Colombia? I have always wanted to visit Colombia but that has changed. Brazil, where I've also always wanted to go, remains on my plans.
Yesterday's issue of El País has a very interesting article entitled, "US Embassy warns citizens not to use Tinder or Grindr in Medellín after suspicious deaths of eight tourists." It includes the statement that the new mayor of Medellin made on tourists.
Your bag was your papaya. I don't carry a bag. Not ever. I don't carry a wallet. My ID is in one pocket and my cash is in another. Wear costume jewelry if you must. I only wear a watch and it's one I am happy to give away. I seldom carry a phone, but I have a burner phone if I am going to be walking in unfamiliar places. In short, I am cautious just like I would be in any big city worldwide. So far, Colombia has been as safe as any of the other 15 countries where I have been.
Next time offer $100 dollars to the police as a reward if they find your stuff. Money Talks there!! My recommendation number #1 Always have 2 phones, the good one stays at the hotel/airbnb. ( ALWAYS) , the burner phone is the one I take out without any banking information, emails, etc. Just few local contacts, etc. ( Do not get an Iphone for burner phone ).
I agree. I had my burner phone, but used my iPhone. I was going to take that approach, but thought the police might want to save face seeing I would be asking in front of the other witnesses and their peers. So I decided to drop it. But I agree with you, in another case I would have simply been happy to pay and get the phone back - as thats really what motivates in that environment.
@fmacclure you have to say it as a friendly gift 🎁 to them for helping you. You need to sound as you are grateful that they are helping you an only for that reason you will offer a gift. You have to play it.
Not good advice. Offering crooked cops money just turns you into a target. Do NOT try to pay a cop to help you. It is a road to nowhere or they will target you for more. Bad idea
It’s has become very common, I think I will pass Colombia and Brazil at this point. It has a violent history and it seems that culture has not left them
Folks always , I mean always use UBER/LYFT. I was told this many times and landed in CTG alone. I took a yellow cab after we agreed on the price. Being orginally from NY we take cabs everywhere. Man this Cabbie got me to the destination LOCKED the Taxi doors and Tripled the price. Their word means absolutely nothing. Its sad because now the yellow cabs have a bad rap and rightfully so!
Use Viator. Companies that sign up to them don't fuck around. You prepay for the ride and it is a lot more expensive. I had a case in Mendoza Argentina where the taxi driver insisted I pay him $20 for a ride from the airport after I prepaid. As soon as I got into the hotel, I contacted the company on Viator and within an hour the bastard was at the hotel all apologetic and gave me back my money.
Don’t go to Colombia for vacation unless you enjoy being vigilant and not relaxing, you don’t mind dressing poor, you purchased a phone you’re prepared to lose, you’ve gone to several third world countries, you’ve backed up all your data, you have good “hood” instincts, you only carry an ATM card linked to an account with very little funds, you speak Spanish, you don’t drink in public, you hardly go out at night and you can truly tell the difference between a normal woman and a “professional”. I’ve gone and will go back but I’m the list I just wrote.
Is exhausting bring vigilant all the time. You go on a 1-2 weeks vacation to enjoy and relax and not to add more stress and put yourself in danger. It is a horribly dangerous country and the Colombians are very desperate and will unalive you for nothing. The police are not helpful and corrupt and can’t trust them either. It seems they and criminals work together 😂. The locals are getting robbed and st@@bbed themselves, how much more is you the foreigner? There is this resentment towards foreigners as well, the US government has helped installed puppet leaders in these countries that is making the locals livelihood hard. And these leaders are deleting their own country people too. Is a nice place but not worth it anymore. Ghana, Thailand, Western Europe, Kenya etc all have nice safe places to go to . I also hear Costa Rica is safe. But the rest of south America, I will pass 😮
Thats bs, i was in cartagena 3 months ago and besides all the ghetto black americans flooding in tryna find escorts its the same as ever😂 didnt have any issues and i had my chain on the whole time
@@jakemccoy yeah cuz it's a part of their culture from the drug war days and before, gringos didn't start the sex trade in Colombia 🤣 it's a part of Colombian culture for the girls to sell their ass and not even be ashamed about it and see it as a means to an end
I just got got from Cartagena 5 days ago. I’ve been going to Colombia since 2019 and this last trip was different. I can tell the city is much more dangerous and the locals I know there consistently warned me to be careful, especially walking alone day or night.
Hotel staffs are also robbing people in hotel rooms, they work with gangs as a group to target foreign. Is a dangerously unsafe country to visit 😢. You can’t trust the police as it seems they and the criminals work together 😂
I'm 76 and spend half the year traveling in other countries while living in Costa Rica. Only problem I have had was in Chicago where I had 5 men try to rob me. One had a sawed off shotgun, another a small revolver and one a metal baseball bat. I sent all three to the hospital where all required surgery. The other 2 ran. I was struck in the head by the one with the bat, breaking my right orbital and giving me a concussion. They were going to operate but I began a fast recovery and following day told I could go home the following day. Boy did I scare the American Airline staff with the bruise covering half my face. And s are on especially the guy occupying my seat on the plane. At my age things are on my side. They think of me as an easy target. Nope. 32 years in the US Army and left as a Colonel O-6 in 1989. And accredited with 144 kills, 6 of them in unarmed combat. But I also have the common sense not to go out get drunk or associate with prostitutes or drug users. Oh and the 2 assaulting me with guns each got 12 years in prison. The one striking me with the bat got 20 to 35.(Double penalty for attack on a Senior Citizen. I was 69 at the time.) And though it took 3 weeks for the bruise to vanish I made full recovery. If I can run about 50 meters without being caught, I would leave most any pursuer in my dust as I can still run a mile in under 5 minutes. For others, a piece of advice. Take an old wallet, some expired credit cards and $50 or so in small denomination bills and toss it away behind the robbers and exit the other way. A bait wallet that will most likely pacify them. I also find the way I dress allows me to blend in. Enough that most think I am native to their county except for not speaking the right dialect of Spanish, a dead give away. Try Nicaragua. Safest country in the Western Hemisphere. Get robbed there just give a cop $20 for gas and informants and about 95% likelihood he will get your things back within 3 days. Don't be a target by showing expensive things. And try to dress so as to blend in to the crowd.
@@cc-92 A little background. I began training in martial arts at age 8. I was in Vietnam at age 19 in 1966. But never the opportunity for any combat there I was in the US Army for 32 years and left as a Colonel 0-6 in 1989. During which time I was wounded 4 time, 3 of which were in battle. The one non combat injury required 11 bone operations and Titanium Enhancement. My opponents lost 138 men to my M-14 Main Battle Rifle and another 6 to unarmed combat. Even 8 years following the Chicago encounter I still practice martial arts of Muay Thai, Tai Chi Shaolin and Dim Mak. I also bench press 110 kilos, walk 12 to 15 kilometers a daily, mountain bike in the Andes. I take no medications, BP 104/55, resting pulse 56. And still run a mile in under 5 minutes. Mu eyesight is better than 20/05 uncorrected at all ranges. All those bone surgeries were done with nerve blocks as I remained awake and alert and never taken an illicit drug in my life. I am well known where I live not to be challenged. My last encounter was after leaving an ATM 4 years ago. One headed me off, another moved in behind. My umbrella nailed him in the crotch and he went down on the pavement. The one ahead stepped aside. Both came from nearly 100 miles away to rob here. I teach self defense in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia as well as Chemistry and advanced Mathematics at the National Universities of the same. I am 5 ft 10-1/2 and 180 pounds. So size and age are increasingly an advantage. Don't care to believe things be my guest. But there are those who have far better education and life experience than those who don't. I lost count on how many pick pockets whose thumbs I have broken. but it is simply an instinctive move. I avoid Colombia due the use of the Zombie Drug. Powder blown in the face and the last you will remember for 3 to 4 days. So there are things I will not risk.
@@riskyron1416 Your numbers aren’t adding up Ron, you claim to start in the army in 1966 age 19 but retired after 32 years which would be 1998, not 1989. You’re not running under a 5 minute mile at age 76. You’re a pathological liar which is very strange because you’re just a random dude on the internet.
@@cc-92 I never said I joined the Army at age 19. I joined in 1965 at age 17. I said I served in Vietnam at the age of 19 in 1966, end of that year and 6 weeks after my birthday. I never said I retired in 1989 after 32 years and following my 42nd birthday. And officially quit on Dec 31. The Panama Invasion being my main reason. I had friends murdered in Panama by the 82nd Airborne I quit and did not take any benefits. In my prime I could run a mile in as little 4 minutes 6 seconds. And consistently under 4 minutes 20 seconds I just barely run the mile in under 5 minutes. Less than 5 seconds I would be over. Easy to see you lack basic reading comprehension as well as basic arithmetic. You might want to get a life instead of trying to disprove others. I add that I graduated High School as well as Community College at age 14. The Army was my solution to further education but had those 3 years waiting to then have the opportunity and money. Following 1968 my Army Service was entirely in the Reserves, Active, Standby and Inactive. Since leaving the US in 20123, I have realized just how stupid most Americans are. And non stupider than Trump and his followers. which I perceive you are one.
@@cc-92 Got a guy here 84 and damn it I can't keep up with him on a mountain bike up a 22% grade. And my mountain bike is better. 29 inch frame and wheels, 33 gears Titanium frame. His an 18 speed, 26 inch steel frame and wheels and lacking brakes. Beating him is a goal. But one not likely. I admire those with superior talents. Enough so that when I do catch up with him I am going to get him a better bike like mine. He might do well in competition. And with age there is less and less. Oh and worse he rides with near knee high rubber boots for working fields.
Thanks for the story…I’ve been highly intrigued by Colombia in the past. Obviously the women are all world, and the culture is fascinating to me. It’s really a mental test to live an environment like this. Speaking from USA perspective, I think there’s a tendency for us to think of vacations as all bliss, but international travel can quickly change that. You have to survive first before you can thrive and I think people take this for granted in general during travel. People know the dos and donts of their own society, but they don’t necessarily think to understand how to move in another country and it’s easy to make mistakes when you don’t know. Last vacation I went on I lost a friend in Latin America. He was walking alone in a neighborhood he didn’t know at night. Just went out to get a drink. Unfortunately he was in a gang controlled area. He was killed for taking a picture of a building at the end of the day. They didn’t even take any of his valuables. It seems they thought he was an opp. The gun he was murdered with had multiple bodies on it and the suspects had killed multiple others including another within a 3 week span. One Peruvian one Venezuelan. So when it comes to Colombia maybe one day I’ll visit, but this way of living I’m not all that interested in at the moment TBH. It’s so many places around the world to go, so why need urgency to go an environment like this. You gotta be really aware and think like a criminal. I respect it to some degree but I’ve just lost the excitement with Colombia currently.
You did what people said dont do and got lucky to walk away with your life. I've been kidnapped for money in America and it def has brought about a sense of understanding being on ones P&Q's but this is mostly on you for not listening to a few of the advices of ways to stay safe. Out late, in an area you were told is unsafe and in a vulnerable position.
Rule Number 1 of Cartagena: Don't leave the walled city, Cartagena outside the walled city is pretty dangerous. Also fighting back is not a thing unless you armed, this guys will hurt you bad for a phone or whatever and it is not worth.
A few days ago in the Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena a guy walked alongside me and said he worked at my hostel etc etc then demanded I pay him or it would be "big problems" for me with his boss, not even in a secluded area. I've spent a lot of time in Costa Rica. Colombia sucks.
*If you’re gonna go to Colombia, plan for a worst case scenario. Assume that all your possessions can get stolen so don’t bring anything that’s invaluable to you. Don’t bring your primary smartphone that has data and photos even if it’s backed to the cloud. Don’t be flashy and show off jewelry and watches. Whatever you bring with you, plan for it to be stolen so have a backup throwaway iPhone, a backup ID that you don’t carry with you. Assume that as soon as you land at a Colombian airport that you can get robbed for all your possessions so you should have a plan on what to do if that event occurs. The planning shouldn’t start after the robbery happens as in the case of many American gringos.*
They tried to rob me with 2 guys when I was in Bogotá. They wanted my phone, but I had something like that's not going to happen. We got into a fight and we got to the ground. Maybe not a verry smart thing to do either... They grabbed something from me and walked away. I thought they took my wallet in the struggle. And I was reaching to my knife to go after them. But then I realized I still had annything and they just took my knife. Not going to risk to get my own knife back between my ribbs haha. A day later a few locals showed me their scars and stitches. Robery may be quite violent in Colombia... It's however good to have backups of your financial things yes. I came across "Curve" lately. I believe it's not available in all countries. But it actually lets you "connect" 3 credit/debit cards to a fysicall Curve card for free (and changing transactions after). This might be a practical sollution. Just keeping your real cards safely together with the passport etc. And just take the "conmected" Curve card out.
@@fmacclure It's happening in the old city too. I got robbed in 2022. I was in a bathing suit store on San Martin(the main drag into Laguito) and a guy came into the store, pulled a gun on me an robbed me in the store, then left on the back of a motorcycle in the middle of the day. It was horrifying and lucky he didn't killl me
@@burrosification wow! I guess its gonna be a while for things to get back to normal if all post pandemic and mass migration. Glad your physically in tact.
there are a lot of safe countries to visit but travelling is not for everyone, it's a stress reliever foe me so I enjoy it, I just do a ton of research before I travel.
I am so sorry that happened to you. Colombia is one of those places you have to know how to move around… never take your phone out on the street.. never carry too much cash… what a shame…
@@fmacclure Are you familiar with ETA from the Spanish/French Basque country? There are ETA members in Venezuela and Colombia teaching the locals how to use weapons.
@@fmacclure The ETA are on the run from the Spanish and French governments. I assume the training was in exchange for the Venezuelan and Colombian rebels providing a safe haven for ETA members. There are also IRA members in hiding in South America. At one time there were several. Not sure about right now.
Thanks for sharing. Defensive traveling is the way to go anywhere in the world. I have been to Cartagena twice without any problems but really didn’t care for the vibe there, but the historical sites are cool. Been to Medellín 7 times and never had any trouble at all, in fact I am planning to move there this year, one of the coolest and beautiful cities in the world. I do have to share that I don’t drink or go to bars to look for girls, which is prime hunting ground for criminals and for the young and dumb men, you are idiots if you think these are “safe spaces”. Seriously, my spanish tutor said if a young pretty girl is sitting alone smiling at you, Run! I would like to hear about your other story of being adduced, where was that?
That was with 4 other travellers in Cali in 2012. We were more naive back then and were offered to enter an underground nightclub from a Colombian couple. Long story short, they tried to drug us, make us drunk and then overcharge us claiming we did not pay. They were not going to let us out until we handed over what we had. They took one of us to a cash machine and when his card failed on two machines, they beat him. In the meantime we were looking for a exit, being held and guarded in a barred side room. I claimed I needed to go bathroom. In the process I snuck out the corridor and out to courtyard without being spotted. I ran to the taxi and said 'VAMOS RAPIDO,' My immediate response was relief, followed by concern for the others. I got the taxi to pull over to the police and requested they come with me to release the 'gringos.' They obliged, we came back and were able to come away unscathed. Quite a few more funny and interesting details than that - but I'll save them for when I share the story by voice.
yeah im 5'5 140 pounds and i went to cartagena and i did it solo. i never ran into any problems. i was there for a week juat exploring and experiencing its culture. you my friend must of went looking for something else
I been to Colombia a lot but I been lucky I had no problems but this was years ago no I heard it’s really bad now so I been traveling to Elsalvador and I been there five times in the past year and I felt super safe
Im here right now and do feel unsafe walking around some parts of Cartagena, feels like a lucky dip or something. Its got alot more dangerous since after the pandemic and its happening alot more in medellin to. The next time i come back ill be going to santa marta and some other smaller places.
I started to reply, when I realized that you were (probably) already back from Cartagena. I hope you enjoyed your trip. 🙂 I went solo at the end of June. I stayed inside the walled city, with the exception of walking through Getsemani, and I was fine. I did a bunch of tours, and met people to hang out with. I took photos in both areas (mostly solo) and was fine, although very cautious. I did a walking tour my first day there, and the tour guide usually gives good tips to stay safe. Most of what others mentioned in the comments.
i I'ved lived in colombia in the past for over 8months total, you need to be very aware of your surroundings and the more spanish you know the better/this is not mexico!
Lol colombia is so over rated and not worth it. The only way the colombian government and people will learn if tourists stop going there. But that will never happen
@@fmacclurePoverty is real in Columbia. Unfortunately, America will be no better. There needs to be a liberty policy for travelers. Groups are required to visit country.
I just got robbed in Cartagena on 9/22/23. I chased the guy and he was arrested but it was still a very scary experience. Be extremely careful because the police are corrupt too!
False, I thought the same but if your a "gringo" they will try it. Because all gringos got money. If you can afford to travel to different countries you got money. Which is true but they don't realize some of us have to save money for these overseas trips.
Around 25 years ago on my 1st trip thru Brazil I had a ton of locals tell me to dress now they dress. Buy some $5 havaianas, wear board shorts and a casual T-shirt or tank top. Zero jewelry, zero watch. Nothing. If u blend in and dress and look like u have nothing then u quickly become a target of no value. So far…..knock on wood, dozens of trips thru Brazil, Colombia and the rest of S America….no problems…..yet.
There is always an element of danger when you travel to these places. But in the past it has been manageable with basic common street sense. But this time round, there seems another level of danger. And I only found that travelling this time around.
@@fmacclureFlew to Colombia for over 25 years as a Flight Attendant. Layed over in Bogota always. Last summer spent about a month visiting my girlfriend in Armenia. Had a hired driver from a younger guy she knew. Did the Salento trip and a few other tourist places. Walked around a lot in the daytime, tried not too at night. Being 6'5" 240 does have advantages, but still I am always on the lookout. Unfortunately gringos have $$$ stamped on their foreheads, whether you like it or not. Always a target. She wants me to return where she lives now in Cali. I told her, even the US STATE DEPARTMENT keeps sending out emails to avoid Colombia, also lots of animosity towards Americans over the Israel hamas war. I just can't muscle up the urge to go there again. You got lucky, and IMO start avoiding high conflict countries, and that includes Miami, the latin slum of the USA.
Is exhausting bring vigilant all the time. You go on a 1-2 weeks vacation to enjoy and relax and not to add more stress and put yourself in danger. It is a horribly dangerous country and the Colombians are very desperate and will unalive you for nothing. The police are not helpful and corrupt and can’t trust them either. It seems they and criminals work together 😂. The locals are getting robbed and st@@bbed themselves, how much more is you the foreigner? There is this resentment towards foreigners as well, the US government has helped installed puppet leaders in these countries that is making the locals livelihood hard. And these leaders are deleting their own country people too. Is a nice place but not worth it anymore. Ghana, Thailand, Western Europe, Kenya etc all have nice safe places to go to . I also hear Costa Rica is safe. But the rest of south America, I will pass 😮
Many youtubers make the same kinds of videos in this moment, maybe it's good for win money in youtube I don't know , of course if I make the same in USA or France people will don't watch it hehe Trying to make money with the fear of the people it's good I think. I think people need to go at police station close of her home by night like 2 AM and will see like is safe before, need to walk in your downtown the night with your girl friend too.
And don’t save your passwords in your phone for critical things like that…and if you worried about two factor authentication use a something different like your email or make something like a google voice phone number for that.
...easy...DELETE...paypal....and whatever Bank apps on ur phone. ONLY use your laptop in your apt to log in. Even if they take ur phone..they wont have anything to hack. I learned to put my laptop in my luggage when im done working especially if im bringing a girl over ..no exceptions....locked and delete bank apps on my cell while im on vacation
Like I mentioned in the video, our place is really close, we had been socialising with a group of 4. Our guards dropped and I had a false sense of security in 'safety in numbers.' Had I really believed we would have been vulnerable with a large group, of course we would have got an uber even for a place 5 minutes away.
Like I said, I always knew the dangers, but have never seen it at this level before. Still a great place, but just going through an ebb in the cycle of danger.
At least in the Americas Brits are better liked than Americans. Scots often an exception. And just maybe not so welcome in Argentina due the Falklands Islands incident over 40 years ago. Worked with many Brits over the years. Love the sense of humor. Americans so often disliked because they think they are special and laws do not apply. But all travelers well advised to avoid drinking, using drugs and womanizing. Especially alone. I think you might enjoy Peru or Bolivia more. both safer and cheaper. I speak fluent Spanish but other than Mexico and Peru readily recognized as a gringo. And incidentally Mexico has about 300 tribal languages and Peru 60 which I highly expect is the reason I get away with it there.
@@fmacclure All about history. Many places in Asia, Europe and Africa where British are disliked from previous wars. The US doing the Same throughout the Americas. During the American Revolution. But fail to mention the US first burned down New London (Toronto) firs. Just about all comedians in the US came from the UK and Canada and most announcers and night time hosts. Plus of course, European countries see more UK travelers while the Americas and Caribbean see mostly Americans. And takes just one bad performer to set a stereotype.
Pereira, Colombia I found was the most sketch area in my 6 months of backpacking Central and Northern South America. I was even violent robbed in a festival in Nicaraga, and still knew Colombia was the epicenter of shit. The police are shit too, and are in on the scams. Your best bet is to be vigilant, assert yourself. DON"T be afraid to use your cell phone w/ a crew, and know when to get the heck out of job. I knew when to get out of Pereira, my friend ended up getting robbed by guns on two occasions stealing ipads, backpacks, cell phones, and I knew that was coming leaving by bus to Bogota escaping that energy. You just have to know wits, and know when to get the hell outta' dodge. .. that being said, I had a GREAT time travelling Texas, Mexico, Central and South America via backpack, and look forward to doing it again. Thanks for sharing your experience. Hope the department of tourism in Colombia and the local police and business community take wind of this and take action asap. Great content.
I just got robbed in Cartagena this past Friday 9/22/2023. I couldn’t find my AirB&B and some guy told me he could help me find it. While we were walking another guy snatched my necklace from behind. It was a total set up. I chased after him and the police eventually caught and arrested him. I didn’t know that someone would try to snatch a $100 necklace but they’re that desperate in Cartagena, Colombia. The police didn’t even really care. I bet they’ve released him back on the street already. I immediately booked a flight back home and got the Hell up out that country. My life is too valuable to lose over a damn necklace. I wouldn’t recommend anyone travel to Cartagena, Colombia especially solo!
I was also alone on Cartagena the same time also solo traveler.From my first night i see a lot of grazy things after 19:00 get really bad but only for Solo Traveler i was lucky nothing happend to me.
AVOID EVERYBODY FROM VENEZUELA AVOID EYE CONTACT with anybody seems friedly dont make any eye contact.
I See Crazy Scams moore end moore inteligent to take your mooney.
DONT GO ALONE IN THE NIGHT OUT ON CARTAGENNA.
I have really bad experience
You're very fortunate. Tourist Gregory Owens lost his life over a chain in Marbella at around 2:30pm. 2 motos, 4 guys. They got one of the guys and a moto. The guy they got had been arrested a month ago for robbing a Brazilian tourist.
yeah you should stay in the 1st would suburbs walking around with your chain
Wow
Tough luck but you learned a valuable lesson. You can’t be flashy in poor countries
Good video Fergus, I'm sorry to hear you were robbed, I live in Colombia, it's really bad. I've developed the same paranoid attitude you mentioned, constantly on guard. It's a ridiculous way to live. I don't even want to go out at night or meet women. I'm so tired of no dar papaya: Watch your surroundings, keep your head on a swivel, don't wear nice clothes, don't show your phone, don't carry anything that you can't afford to have stolen, lock your taxi doors, on and on. In October two expats were murdered by women, one in Cartagena and another in Medellin, with scopolamine. Then add a leftist president that doesn't believe in building prisons. He believes the reason they're criminals is because they're poor exploited victims that don't have any other choice. Why should the police arrest someone when the judges let them walk because there is no place to put them? It's hopeless. I'm getting out of here soon.
yeah it sounds terrible not being to releax
are you like a gringo? im mexican and speak fluent spanish i think its great here as long as you have money...
Foreigners are coming to a country where people have massacred each other for the last 80 years, the police & justice system is renowned for being useless, and the minimum wage is barely a week's salary in most developed nations. I dont understand why so many are surprised when they face the realities of a developing country. There's a reason why most colombians (and latinoamericans) would gladly leave the country if they were given the opportunities to do so. Colombia barely advances, and when it does its extremely slowly.
I'm sorry you've had negative experience in my country, similar to many others. I hope you wont hold resentment against the people of Colombia, most of them good natured and genuinely caring. Hopefully, sometime in the future, the country will be in a better place where we're not actively destroying one of the country's most imporant economic sectors
En cualquier punto de la historia colombiana el que da papaya siempre lo han tumbado, la única diferencia es que hoy en día los criminales se pusieron las pilas y los gringos son las victimas mas comunes. Colombia nunca mejoro ni mejorara, solo que apenas esta entrando gente del exterior y apenas se estan dando cuenta de el mierdero en el que esta este pais.
SURFERS have been doing this the longest around the world to DARKER, DEEPER corners of the earth and have been fine. You guys are going to the known and target Sex trafficking areas, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?! Surfers have been going to INDONESIA, NICARAGUA EL SALVADOR and gnarlier places with no problems. You guys are doing creepy shit in shady areas. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?!?! Youre just sex trafficking , Youre not surfing or exercising and sight seeing
@@amandaburleson2035 I'm taking a bus in Colombia. The guy next to me finishes breakfast, take the container, and throughs it out the bus window. Nobody even cares on the bus. Trash all over this country. Even the water is filthy with rivers dumping sewage right into the ocean. Can't relax five minutes on the beach without some body coming up begging for money or trying to sell me some crap I never asked for. Not only are people being drugged now they're being kidnapped. An Asian American was kidnapped and his family paid a $2,000 ransom and he was still beat to death. What a shit hole.
Just dont travel to Colombia at all. This is what happened when you try to be cool in a very dangerous country thinking that people are not paying attention.
Yeah everyone else stay out lol
Been to Colombia 20 times only got fucked with by the police once. Never had any trouble with the people. I think like a criminal because i used to be one. Worked 20 times. Be safe bro.
The lack of police response to this and other robberies on foreigners makes me wonder if off duty police might be some of the ones who perpetuate these robberies
This is the real Cartagena. I lived there for six months this year and these stories are so common. Colombians are desperate and will steal, and kill you for little to nothing. Trust no one there and only walk outside with what you need for the day. After my six months of being there I am indifferent with the country and the people now. You should be grateful to be alive sometimes they beat the hell out of you for no reason at all. Safe travels bro.
what's the point of foreigners working for a year to save money to spend in colombia only to be robbed or killed within a few days? all for puzzy? it's cheaper to pay for escort back at home country then to die for an iphone.
SURFERS have been doing this the longest around the world to DARKER, DEEPER corners of the earth and have been fine. You guys are going to the known and target Sex trafficking areas, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?! Surfers have been going to INDONESIA, NICARAGUA EL SALVADOR and gnarlier places with no problems. You guys are doing creepy shit in shady areas. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!?!?! Youre just sex trafficking , Youre not surfing or exercising and sight seeing.
Not Colombians only! The problem are the Venezuelan people doing bad things to everyone.
They are loosing tourists coming over to their country, with these crimes
You’re over dramatic 🤫
I stopped going to Colombia. It's horribly unsafe now!
Thanks to Petro.
Thanks to Petro.
Thanks for sharing your story. I live in Boston. I will share 2 things. A former co-worker here in Boston, who is from Medellin, once told me something very interesting. He and his son went to Medellin for vacation. At one point they stayed at a hotel for a night. The next day they left. They took a cab. On their cab ride, they got stopped by these guys with guns. They ordered my co-worker to hand over whatever money he had. He complied. They then took off. My co-worker is convinced that someone in the hotel knew that they travelled from America and therefore supposedly had money. This person then tipped off the robbers who waited for him. Here's the second story. I know another Colombian here in Boston. She's in her late 50s or early 60s. The other day I mentioned to her about the tourists who are getting drugged in Medellin, her hometown. You know what she said? "Good for them, why are they going to pick up those women?" It felt really cold for her to say that but I wonder who else feels that way in Colombia? I have always wanted to visit Colombia but that has changed. Brazil, where I've also always wanted to go, remains on my plans.
Yesterday's issue of El País has a very interesting article entitled, "US Embassy warns citizens not to use Tinder or Grindr in Medellín after suspicious deaths of eight tourists." It includes the statement that the new mayor of Medellin made on tourists.
Your bag was your papaya. I don't carry a bag. Not ever. I don't carry a wallet. My ID is in one pocket and my cash is in another. Wear costume jewelry if you must. I only wear a watch and it's one I am happy to give away. I seldom carry a phone, but I have a burner phone if I am going to be walking in unfamiliar places. In short, I am cautious just like I would be in any big city worldwide. So far, Colombia has been as safe as any of the other 15 countries where I have been.
Don’t even wear costume jewelry. What’s the point of that?
I hate your comment, people like you blame the victim as if you can stop these animals.
Next time offer $100 dollars to the police as a reward if they find your stuff. Money Talks there!! My recommendation number #1 Always have 2 phones, the good one stays at the hotel/airbnb. ( ALWAYS) , the burner phone is the one I take out without any banking information, emails, etc. Just few local contacts, etc. ( Do not get an Iphone for burner phone ).
I agree. I had my burner phone, but used my iPhone. I was going to take that approach, but thought the police might want to save face seeing I would be asking in front of the other witnesses and their peers. So I decided to drop it. But I agree with you, in another case I would have simply been happy to pay and get the phone back - as thats really what motivates in that environment.
@fmacclure you have to say it as a friendly gift 🎁 to them for helping you. You need to sound as you are grateful that they are helping you an only for that reason you will offer a gift. You have to play it.
Not good advice. Offering crooked cops money just turns you into a target. Do NOT try to pay a cop to help you. It is a road to nowhere or they will target you for more. Bad idea
To be honest if it’s that serious I would buy counterfeit clothes and jewelry and if they wanna take it here be my guest lol
Bruh you wearing that fugazzi anyway no need to switch a thing😂
The story starts with, “We get outside the walls of the old city” - just stay in the wall or taxi straight to Boca grande and this won’t happen
Had a GF back in 2006 in Cartagena. I doubt I would visit after hearing this.
Can we please just push Cartagena as a no go zone? Waste of time. Not worth the t shirt. So much better places to go.
So much for retiring to Colombia.
😂 Im loving these, its hard to keep up LOL
It’s has become very common, I think I will pass Colombia and Brazil at this point. It has a violent history and it seems that culture has not left them
Folks always , I mean always use UBER/LYFT. I was told this many times and landed in CTG alone. I took a yellow cab after we agreed on the price. Being orginally from NY we take cabs everywhere. Man this Cabbie got me to the destination LOCKED the Taxi doors and Tripled the price. Their word means absolutely nothing. Its sad because now the yellow cabs have a bad rap and rightfully so!
Same thing happened to me, freaking snakes!
This is reallly crazy
Damn boy you got that gringo tax on arrival😂
Use Viator. Companies that sign up to them don't fuck around. You prepay for the ride and it is a lot more expensive. I had a case in Mendoza Argentina where the taxi driver insisted I pay him $20 for a ride from the airport after I prepaid. As soon as I got into the hotel, I contacted the company on Viator and within an hour the bastard was at the hotel all apologetic and gave me back my money.
Don’t go to Colombia for vacation unless you enjoy being vigilant and not relaxing, you don’t mind dressing poor, you purchased a phone you’re prepared to lose, you’ve gone to several third world countries, you’ve backed up all your data, you have good “hood” instincts, you only carry an ATM card linked to an account with very little funds, you speak Spanish, you don’t drink in public, you hardly go out at night and you can truly tell the difference between a normal woman and a “professional”.
I’ve gone and will go back but I’m the list I just wrote.
Is exhausting bring vigilant all the time. You go on a 1-2 weeks vacation to enjoy and relax and not to add more stress and put yourself in danger. It is a horribly dangerous country and the Colombians are very desperate and will unalive you for nothing. The police are not helpful and corrupt and can’t trust them either. It seems they and criminals work together 😂. The locals are getting robbed and st@@bbed themselves, how much more is you the foreigner? There is this resentment towards foreigners as well, the US government has helped installed puppet leaders in these countries that is making the locals livelihood hard. And these leaders are deleting their own country people too. Is a nice place but not worth it anymore.
Ghana, Thailand, Western Europe, Kenya etc all have nice safe places to go to . I also hear Costa Rica is safe. But the rest of south America, I will pass 😮
Thats bs, i was in cartagena 3 months ago and besides all the ghetto black americans flooding in tryna find escorts its the same as ever😂 didnt have any issues and i had my chain on the whole time
In Colombia, the line between regular woman and pro is murky at best.
@@jakemccoy yeah cuz it's a part of their culture from the drug war days and before, gringos didn't start the sex trade in Colombia 🤣 it's a part of Colombian culture for the girls to sell their ass and not even be ashamed about it and see it as a means to an end
I just got got from Cartagena 5 days ago. I’ve been going to Colombia since 2019 and this last trip was different. I can tell the city is much more dangerous and the locals I know there consistently warned me to be careful, especially walking alone day or night.
That's-for-sure.It's-a-conrete-jungle-right-now!
Oh no , I’m going solo in 4 days !
@@laurajean7046 long as you stay in the tourist areas, use street savvy common sense and wear nothing flashy you should be ok.
@@laurajean7046how was your trip?
@laurajean7046 you 304s are really delusional
ye i woke up at 1 am when secuity opened my bedroom door thinking i was out not a fan of cartagena will never go back.
Hotel staffs are also robbing people in hotel rooms, they work with gangs as a group to target foreign. Is a dangerously unsafe country to visit 😢. You can’t trust the police as it seems they and the criminals work together 😂
I'm 76 and spend half the year traveling in other countries while living in Costa Rica. Only problem I have had was in Chicago where I had 5 men try to rob me. One had a sawed off shotgun, another a small revolver and one a metal baseball bat. I sent all three to the hospital where all required surgery. The other 2 ran. I was struck in the head by the one with the bat, breaking my right orbital and giving me a concussion. They were going to operate but I began a fast recovery and following day told I could go home the following day. Boy did I scare the American Airline staff with the bruise covering half my face. And s are on especially the guy occupying my seat on the plane. At my age things are on my side. They think of me as an easy target. Nope. 32 years in the US Army and left as a Colonel O-6 in 1989. And accredited with 144 kills, 6 of them in unarmed combat.
But I also have the common sense not to go out get drunk or associate with prostitutes or drug users.
Oh and the 2 assaulting me with guns each got 12 years in prison. The one striking me with the bat got 20 to 35.(Double penalty for attack on a Senior Citizen. I was 69 at the time.) And though it took 3 weeks for the bruise to vanish I made full recovery. If I can run about 50 meters without being caught, I would leave most any pursuer in my dust as I can still run a mile in under 5 minutes.
For others, a piece of advice. Take an old wallet, some expired credit cards and $50 or so in small denomination bills and toss it away behind the robbers and exit the other way. A bait wallet that will most likely pacify them. I also find the way I dress allows me to blend in. Enough that most think I am native to their county except for not speaking the right dialect of Spanish, a dead give away.
Try Nicaragua. Safest country in the Western Hemisphere. Get robbed there just give a cop $20 for gas and informants and about 95% likelihood he will get your things back within 3 days.
Don't be a target by showing expensive things. And try to dress so as to blend in to the crowd.
This is all a bunch of lies lol
@@cc-92 A little background. I began training in martial arts at age 8. I was in Vietnam at age 19 in 1966. But never the opportunity for any combat there I was in the US Army for 32 years and left as a Colonel 0-6 in 1989. During which time I was wounded 4 time, 3 of which were in battle. The one non combat injury required 11 bone operations and Titanium Enhancement. My opponents lost 138 men to my M-14 Main Battle Rifle and another 6 to unarmed combat. Even 8 years following the Chicago encounter I still practice martial arts of Muay Thai, Tai Chi Shaolin and Dim Mak. I also bench press 110 kilos, walk 12 to 15 kilometers a daily, mountain bike in the Andes. I take no medications, BP 104/55, resting pulse 56. And still run a mile in under 5 minutes. Mu eyesight is better than 20/05 uncorrected at all ranges. All those bone surgeries were done with nerve blocks as I remained awake and alert and never taken an illicit drug in my life. I am well known where I live not to be challenged. My last encounter was after leaving an ATM 4 years ago. One headed me off, another moved in behind. My umbrella nailed him in the crotch and he went down on the pavement. The one ahead stepped aside. Both came from nearly 100 miles away to rob here. I teach self defense in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia as well as Chemistry and advanced Mathematics at the National Universities of the same. I am 5 ft 10-1/2 and 180 pounds. So size and age are increasingly an advantage. Don't care to believe things be my guest. But there are those who have far better education and life experience than those who don't. I lost count on how many pick pockets whose thumbs I have broken. but it is simply an instinctive move.
I avoid Colombia due the use of the Zombie Drug. Powder blown in the face and the last you will remember for 3 to 4 days. So there are things I will not risk.
@@riskyron1416 Your numbers aren’t adding up Ron, you claim to start in the army in 1966 age 19 but retired after 32 years which would be 1998, not 1989. You’re not running under a 5 minute mile at age 76. You’re a pathological liar which is very strange because you’re just a random dude on the internet.
@@cc-92 I never said I joined the Army at age 19. I joined in 1965 at age 17. I said I served in Vietnam at the age of 19 in 1966, end of that year and 6 weeks after my birthday. I never said I retired in 1989 after 32 years and following my 42nd birthday. And officially quit on Dec 31. The Panama Invasion being my main reason. I had friends murdered in Panama by the 82nd Airborne I quit and did not take any benefits. In my prime I could run a mile in as little 4 minutes 6 seconds. And consistently under 4 minutes 20 seconds I just barely run the mile in under 5 minutes. Less than 5 seconds I would be over. Easy to see you lack basic reading comprehension as well as basic arithmetic. You might want to get a life instead of trying to disprove others. I add that I graduated High School as well as Community College at age 14. The Army was my solution to further education but had those 3 years waiting to then have the opportunity and money. Following 1968 my Army Service was entirely in the Reserves, Active, Standby and Inactive.
Since leaving the US in 20123, I have realized just how stupid most Americans are. And non stupider than Trump and his followers. which I perceive you are one.
@@cc-92 Got a guy here 84 and damn it I can't keep up with him on a mountain bike up a 22% grade. And my mountain bike is better. 29 inch frame and wheels, 33 gears Titanium frame. His an 18 speed, 26 inch steel frame and wheels and lacking brakes. Beating him is a goal. But one not likely. I admire those with superior talents. Enough so that when I do catch up with him I am going to get him a better bike like mine. He might do well in competition. And with age there is less and less. Oh and worse he rides with near knee high rubber boots for working fields.
Colombia needs to be boycotted until this stops or people travel with armed retired police officers/armed forces.
It’s not “Columbia” and no one is going to boycott it. People get robbed globally. Life happens. Stop traveling if you’re afraid.
He's not talking about Columbia
Yes he is listen and pay attention he is talking about Cartagena the 4 walls in the city.
Retired police officers reflexes are too slow for these killers out there
Colombia*
Thanks for the story…I’ve been highly intrigued by Colombia in the past. Obviously the women are all world, and the culture is fascinating to me. It’s really a mental test to live an environment like this. Speaking from USA perspective, I think there’s a tendency for us to think of vacations as all bliss, but international travel can quickly change that. You have to survive first before you can thrive and I think people take this for granted in general during travel. People know the dos and donts of their own society, but they don’t necessarily think to understand how to move in another country and it’s easy to make mistakes when you don’t know.
Last vacation I went on I lost a friend in Latin America. He was walking alone in a neighborhood he didn’t know at night. Just went out to get a drink. Unfortunately he was in a gang controlled area. He was killed for taking a picture of a building at the end of the day. They didn’t even take any of his valuables. It seems they thought he was an opp. The gun he was murdered with had multiple bodies on it and the suspects had killed multiple others including another within a 3 week span. One Peruvian one Venezuelan.
So when it comes to Colombia maybe one day I’ll visit, but this way of living I’m not all that interested in at the moment TBH. It’s so many places around the world to go, so why need urgency to go an environment like this. You gotta be really aware and think like a criminal. I respect it to some degree but I’ve just lost the excitement with Colombia currently.
You did what people said dont do and got lucky to walk away with your life. I've been kidnapped for money in America and it def has brought about a sense of understanding being on ones P&Q's but this is mostly on you for not listening to a few of the advices of ways to stay safe. Out late, in an area you were told is unsafe and in a vulnerable position.
Rule Number 1 of Cartagena: Don't leave the walled city, Cartagena outside the walled city is pretty dangerous. Also fighting back is not a thing unless you armed, this guys will hurt you bad for a phone or whatever and it is not worth.
A few days ago in the Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena a guy walked alongside me and said he worked at my hostel etc etc then demanded I pay him or it would be "big problems" for me with his boss, not even in a secluded area. I've spent a lot of time in Costa Rica. Colombia sucks.
*If you’re gonna go to Colombia, plan for a worst case scenario. Assume that all your possessions can get stolen so don’t bring anything that’s invaluable to you. Don’t bring your primary smartphone that has data and photos even if it’s backed to the cloud. Don’t be flashy and show off jewelry and watches. Whatever you bring with you, plan for it to be stolen so have a backup throwaway iPhone, a backup ID that you don’t carry with you. Assume that as soon as you land at a Colombian airport that you can get robbed for all your possessions so you should have a plan on what to do if that event occurs. The planning shouldn’t start after the robbery happens as in the case of many American gringos.*
Colombia is wild.
Hey bro, thanks for sharing your story. It really helps spread awareness on what to do
Thanks for sharing the story. When I was recently there I had a feeling I was about to be robbed or something worse.
They tried to rob me with 2 guys when I was in Bogotá. They wanted my phone, but I had something like that's not going to happen. We got into a fight and we got to the ground. Maybe not a verry smart thing to do either...
They grabbed something from me and walked away. I thought they took my wallet in the struggle. And I was reaching to my knife to go after them. But then I realized I still had annything and they just took my knife. Not going to risk to get my own knife back between my ribbs haha.
A day later a few locals showed me their scars and stitches. Robery may be quite violent in Colombia...
It's however good to have backups of your financial things yes. I came across "Curve" lately. I believe it's not available in all countries. But it actually lets you "connect" 3 credit/debit cards to a fysicall Curve card for free (and changing transactions after). This might be a practical sollution. Just keeping your real cards safely together with the passport etc. And just take the "conmected" Curve card out.
Travel smart. Stop getting drunk and think everyone has your best interest. Shit can happen anywhere if your not aware of your surroundings
Travelling smart would mean not going to places like Colombia.
@@EB-jf5oithey can’t admit it
You can remotely wipe your phone.
Same happened to me in Boca Grande! Gunpoint robbed in the middle of the day on San Martin.
When was that? Crazy its happening now in Boca Grande. Seems there nowhere same now in Cartagena apart form maybe inside the four walls.
@@fmacclure It's happening in the old city too. I got robbed in 2022. I was in a bathing suit store on San Martin(the main drag into Laguito) and a guy came into the store, pulled a gun on me an robbed me in the store, then left on the back of a motorcycle in the middle of the day. It was horrifying and lucky he didn't killl me
@@burrosification wow! I guess its gonna be a while for things to get back to normal if all post pandemic and mass migration. Glad your physically in tact.
when did it happen?
@@corymensa9569 July 2023
This is Y I simply don't wanna go anywhere else but my own home period.
Life is full of risks, live a little.
Fear
@@wealth_warriorstv Nah
The voice is coming from INSIDE the house.
there are a lot of safe countries to visit but travelling is not for everyone, it's a stress reliever foe me so I enjoy it, I just do a ton of research before I travel.
I'm glad you're okay bruh.What other countries are you thinking of going other than COL? I Know Costa Rica is way safer with more noble cops
Happy to stay in NZ for the time being. But Bali, Thailand, India and maybe back to the Caribbean.
@@fmacclure sounds great!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have to agree with you... How is it possible to enjoy your holidays if you have to be on your guard 24/7?!
I am so sorry that happened to you. Colombia is one of those places you have to know how to move around… never take your phone out on the street.. never carry too much cash… what a shame…
Thank you for your reply. Luckily I had my back ups haha. But yea for one moment I drop my guard. But I agree, its still an amazing place!
@@fmacclure Are you familiar with ETA from the Spanish/French Basque country? There are ETA members in Venezuela and Colombia teaching the locals how to use weapons.
@@BrazilianColombian I was not aware of that. Is that in order to protect themselves?
@@fmacclure The ETA are on the run from the Spanish and French governments. I assume the training was in exchange for the Venezuelan and Colombian rebels providing a safe haven for ETA members. There are also IRA members in hiding in South America. At one time there were several. Not sure about right now.
Thanks for sharing. Defensive traveling is the way to go anywhere in the world. I have been to Cartagena twice without any problems but really didn’t care for the vibe there, but the historical sites are cool.
Been to Medellín 7 times and never had any trouble at all, in fact I am planning to move there this year, one of the coolest and beautiful cities in the world. I do have to share that I don’t drink or go to bars to look for girls, which is prime hunting ground for criminals and for the young and dumb men, you are idiots if you think these are “safe spaces”. Seriously, my spanish tutor said if a young pretty girl is sitting alone smiling at you, Run!
I would like to hear about your other story of being adduced, where was that?
That was with 4 other travellers in Cali in 2012. We were more naive back then and were offered to enter an underground nightclub from a Colombian couple.
Long story short, they tried to drug us, make us drunk and then overcharge us claiming we did not pay.
They were not going to let us out until we handed over what we had. They took one of us to a cash machine and when his card failed on two machines, they beat him.
In the meantime we were looking for a exit, being held and guarded in a barred side room.
I claimed I needed to go bathroom. In the process I snuck out the corridor and out to courtyard without being spotted. I ran to the taxi and said 'VAMOS RAPIDO,'
My immediate response was relief, followed by concern for the others. I got the taxi to pull over to the police and requested they come with me to release the 'gringos.'
They obliged, we came back and were able to come away unscathed.
Quite a few more funny and interesting details than that - but I'll save them for when I share the story by voice.
I appreciate this as I was also looking at Cartagena
These Guys go to chase women in Colombia, and think their smart, until their kidnapped and realize is no justice system.
It's not worth the stress.
yeah im 5'5 140 pounds and i went to cartagena and i did it solo. i never ran into any problems. i was there for a week juat exploring and experiencing its culture. you my friend must of went looking for something else
they probably thought u were a scrub which is a good thing in this situation
@novelaego2404 or maybe don't have shitty luck and be a complete moron. I wouldnt expect less from you.
I'm sorry that happened Fergy keep your chin up mate. Gobless.
I been to Colombia a lot but I been lucky I had no problems but this was years ago no I heard it’s really bad now so I been traveling to Elsalvador and I been there five times in the past year and I felt super safe
Im here right now and do feel unsafe walking around some parts of Cartagena, feels like a lucky dip or something. Its got alot more dangerous since after the pandemic and its happening alot more in medellin to. The next time i come back ill be going to santa marta and some other smaller places.
People say never take your phone out, but how do you take pictures then on your vacation. :(
You gotta learn to draw Laura. Take out a book and pencil and draw like our ancestors did. plus you can write notes/memoir.
I started to reply, when I realized that you were (probably) already back from Cartagena. I hope you enjoyed your trip. 🙂
I went solo at the end of June. I stayed inside the walled city, with the exception of walking through Getsemani, and I was fine. I did a bunch of tours, and met people to hang out with. I took photos in both areas (mostly solo) and was fine, although very cautious.
I did a walking tour my first day there, and the tour guide usually gives good tips to stay safe. Most of what others mentioned in the comments.
Be very careful. You just do 't whip your phone out like you do here.
A long long time ago in a far away galaxy we had something called a camera… get a cheap digital camera never take your phone.
With your mind
i
I'ved lived in colombia in the past for over 8months total, you need to be very aware of your surroundings and the more spanish you know the better/this is not mexico!
Good advice
sometimes a cab is good at night less worries ,glad your ok cheers
Uber
Hell no, cabs can be part of the robberies too. Uber time
@@GandalftheWise if your travelling at night..use an uber
i heard you say backup passport. yso get anoter one. or make a copy of it?
Both a photocopy of my current one and my old one available in case of an emergency.
that make sensei ll be sure to make a copy of mines. im not going to columbia any time soon though. keep hearing the stories..@@fmacclure
Lol colombia is so over rated and not worth it.
The only way the colombian government and people will learn if tourists stop going there. But that will never happen
Sorry that happened to you. Hopefully I can stay safe when I go
Cheers brother. Still a beautiful place, you've just gotta be another whole level on alert these days
@@fmacclurePoverty is real in Columbia. Unfortunately, America will be no better. There needs to be a liberty policy for travelers. Groups are required to visit country.
I just got robbed in Cartagena on 9/22/23. I chased the guy and he was arrested but it was still a very scary experience. Be extremely careful because the police are corrupt too!
@@SharkOrDie It seems that people need to travel as groups only.
This mostly happens to white tourists.
Unfortunately, I've seen to happen to any race
False, I thought the same but if your a "gringo" they will try it. Because all gringos got money. If you can afford to travel to different countries you got money. Which is true but they don't realize some of us have to save money for these overseas trips.
False statement
Lol they see the black americans as easy marks
Around 25 years ago on my 1st trip thru Brazil I had a ton of locals tell me to dress now they dress. Buy some $5 havaianas, wear board shorts and a casual T-shirt or tank top. Zero jewelry, zero watch. Nothing. If u blend in and dress and look like u have nothing then u quickly become a target of no value. So far…..knock on wood, dozens of trips thru Brazil, Colombia and the rest of S America….no problems…..yet.
why would you travel to a dangerous country like Colombia? how can you enjoy your vacation if you don't feel safe in a place?
There is always an element of danger when you travel to these places. But in the past it has been manageable with basic common street sense. But this time round, there seems another level of danger. And I only found that travelling this time around.
@@fmacclureFlew to Colombia for over 25 years as a Flight Attendant. Layed over in Bogota always. Last summer spent about a month visiting my girlfriend in Armenia. Had a hired driver from a younger guy she knew. Did the Salento trip and a few other tourist places. Walked around a lot in the daytime, tried not too at night. Being 6'5" 240 does have advantages, but still I am always on the lookout. Unfortunately gringos have $$$ stamped on their foreheads, whether you like it or not. Always a target. She wants me to return where she lives now in Cali. I told her, even the US STATE DEPARTMENT keeps sending out emails to avoid Colombia, also lots of animosity towards Americans over the Israel hamas war. I just can't muscle up the urge to go there again. You got lucky, and IMO start avoiding high conflict countries, and that includes Miami, the latin slum of the USA.
Is exhausting bring vigilant all the time. You go on a 1-2 weeks vacation to enjoy and relax and not to add more stress and put yourself in danger. It is a horribly dangerous country and the Colombians are very desperate and will unalive you for nothing. The police are not helpful and corrupt and can’t trust them either. It seems they and criminals work together 😂. The locals are getting robbed and st@@bbed themselves, how much more is you the foreigner? There is this resentment towards foreigners as well, the US government has helped installed puppet leaders in these countries that is making the locals livelihood hard. And these leaders are deleting their own country people too. Is a nice place but not worth it anymore.
Ghana, Thailand, Western Europe, Kenya etc all have nice safe places to go to . I also hear Costa Rica is safe. But the rest of south America, I will pass 😮
Did you tell us what time of night this happened?
10-11pm
I just came back from cartagena i can say i am now richer buahahhahaha
Many youtubers make the same kinds of videos in this moment, maybe it's good for win money in youtube I don't know , of course if I make the same in USA or France people will don't watch it hehe Trying to make money with the fear of the people it's good I think. I think people need to go at police station close of her home by night like 2 AM and will see like is safe before, need to walk in your downtown the night with your girl friend too.
i think Brazil might be have safer cities. I been Rio twice but heard the crime has increased since October last year
My concern about losing my phone is getting my bank account hacked.
Thats why you dont take your main phone with you...
And don’t save your passwords in your phone for critical things like that…and if you worried about two factor authentication use a something different like your email or make something like a google voice phone number for that.
I'm not sure how someone could guess my 7 digit pin in 3 tries before the account is locked.
...easy...DELETE...paypal....and whatever Bank apps on ur phone. ONLY use your laptop in your apt to log in. Even if they take ur phone..they wont have anything to hack. I learned to put my laptop in my luggage when im done working especially if im bringing a girl over ..no exceptions....locked and delete bank apps on my cell while im on vacation
thanks for the heads uo,but basically this is like any where in the world. keep your head on a swivel and.. come to NYC and the same can occur.
Just curious why ud walk when uber is so cheap.. also yes just give it up not worth it...
Like I mentioned in the video, our place is really close, we had been socialising with a group of 4. Our guards dropped and I had a false sense of security in 'safety in numbers.' Had I really believed we would have been vulnerable with a large group, of course we would have got an uber even for a place 5 minutes away.
Couldn't get past the first few minutes....too much chit chat...next
3:21 brass knuckles?
I thought that was Gazza in the thumbnail.
And if you know Colombia is dangerous, why you bought the plane ticket?
Like I said, I always knew the dangers, but have never seen it at this level before. Still a great place, but just going through an ebb in the cycle of danger.
Colombia is DANGEROUS❗Why do you guys keep going to Colombia❓Go to Brazil 🇧🇷 instead. The women there are even more gorgeous.
imagina that a cop earns 3.5 palos... and el clan then golfo pays 4 for every deathj none... DOnt trust people for just 500 mbugs bro
Why does everyone carry bags? I don't get it.
If you are out all day, it’s like a hiking trip and you need a bag.
@jakemccoy but they werent hiking
At least in the Americas Brits are better liked than Americans. Scots often an exception. And just maybe not so welcome in Argentina due the Falklands Islands incident over 40 years ago. Worked with many Brits over the years. Love the sense of humor. Americans so often disliked because they think they are special and laws do not apply.
But all travelers well advised to avoid drinking, using drugs and womanizing. Especially alone. I think you might enjoy Peru or Bolivia more. both safer and cheaper. I speak fluent Spanish but other than Mexico and Peru readily recognized as a gringo. And incidentally Mexico has about 300 tribal languages and Peru 60 which I highly expect is the reason I get away with it there.
Thanks for the comment. I am actually a kiwi, so neither a Brit or American. I have lived 6 months in Peru and love it there also.
@@fmacclure All about history. Many places in Asia, Europe and Africa where British are disliked from previous wars. The US doing the Same throughout the Americas. During the American Revolution. But fail to mention the US first burned down New London (Toronto) firs. Just about all comedians in the US came from the UK and Canada and most announcers and night time hosts.
Plus of course, European countries see more UK travelers while the Americas and Caribbean see mostly Americans. And takes just one bad performer to set a stereotype.
Mate why would you bother visiting this dump?!
You can have Columbia United States, looks better and better to me
Paradise
Looking for Charlie ?ha mate
Pereira, Colombia I found was the most sketch area in my 6 months of backpacking Central and Northern South America. I was even violent robbed in a festival in Nicaraga, and still knew Colombia was the epicenter of shit. The police are shit too, and are in on the scams. Your best bet is to be vigilant, assert yourself. DON"T be afraid to use your cell phone w/ a crew, and know when to get the heck out of job. I knew when to get out of Pereira, my friend ended up getting robbed by guns on two occasions stealing ipads, backpacks, cell phones, and I knew that was coming leaving by bus to Bogota escaping that energy. You just have to know wits, and know when to get the hell outta' dodge. .. that being said, I had a GREAT time travelling Texas, Mexico, Central and South America via backpack, and look forward to doing it again. Thanks for sharing your experience. Hope the department of tourism in Colombia and the local police and business community take wind of this and take action asap. Great content.
When the JON gets robbed.. international tricks🤣
this aint got shit to do with game patna. Trust. These whiteboys dont have to trick for 3rd world 🐱. Women love whitey. But otherwise you right.
Do not bring jewelry and nothing expensive even in Europe you got robbed if you bring expensive items. I travel a lot low profile
Did u tattoo ur head black
It is yes
shot g. colombia is ass, literally 10 better countries within 4 hours flight