Colombia Health and Safety

Theft is the most common danger and is more serious in the larger cities. In crowded areas watch out for bag-snatching, pickpocketing, or distraction by a team of thieves. Be careful when drawing cash from an ATM - some cases of robbery have been reported. It's not a bad idea to carry a decoy bundle of small notes ready to hand over in case of an assault. If you are accosted by robbers, it's best to give them what they're after, but play it cool and don't rush to hand them all your valuables - they may well be satisfied with your decoy.

Although drugs - including cocaine and marijuana - are widely available in Colombia, never carry or buy them. The vendors may well be setting you up for the police or for extortion. The burundanga is a drug obtained from a species of tree that is widespread in Colombia and is used by thieves to render a victim unconscious. It can be put into sweets, cigarettes, chewing gum, spirits, beer - virtually any kind of food or drink - and it doesn't have any particular taste or odor. The main effects are loss of will and memory, and sleepiness lasting from a few hours to several days. Think twice before accepting a cigarette from a stranger or a drink from a new 'friend'.