Medellin
The 'City of Eternal Spring', known for its coffee plantations and flower festivals.
Police
123
Ambulance
123
Tourist Police
N/A
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The "Interesada" (Gold Digger) Scam
Foreign men are targeted by women who feign romantic interest to extract money, gifts, or financial support. The relationship is purely transactional, and the victim is often left with a broken heart and empty wallet after fulfilling various financial requests (e.g., medical bills, shopping).
Be aware that these relationships are common. Be cautious if a woman is significantly younger or if the relationship moves quickly to financial requests. Spend modestly on dates to filter intentions. Learn Spanish to facilitate genuine connection.
Scopolamine (Devil's Breath) Drugging
Victims are unknowingly given Scopolamine (Burundanga) in a drink, food, or even by touch, which causes them to lose memory and become highly susceptible to suggestion. Scammers then coerce the victim into withdrawing money, handing over valuables, or giving access to their accommodation, often resulting in a complete loss of funds and possessions.
Never leave drinks unattended. Be extremely cautious about accepting drinks, food, or cigarettes from strangers, especially in bars or on dates. Avoid 'working' women on the street and be wary of overly eager new acquaintances.
Gringo Pricing
Foreigners (Gringos) are charged significantly higher prices for goods, services, or even official attractions than locals. This is a form of discrimination that is common in areas with high tourist traffic, where vendors assume tourists are wealthy and willing to pay more.
Learn basic Spanish to avoid being immediately identified as a tourist. Dress like a local. Don't be afraid to haggle for unlisted prices, especially in El Centro. Check official prices online beforehand where possible.
Motorcycle Snatch-and-Grab (Street Theft)
Thieves on motorcycles or on foot snatch phones, jewelry, or bags from distracted pedestrians. This is a common form of petty crime, often targeting tourists who are openly using expensive devices, violating the local safety rule of 'no dar papaya' (don't give papaya/don't make yourself an easy target).
Do not use your phone openly on the street, especially near the curb. Keep valuables concealed. Be aware of your surroundings (check your 6). Use Uber at night. Walk with intention and avoid quiet streets.
Fake Police Scam
Individuals, sometimes in plain clothes, pose as police officers to stop tourists and demand to check their wallet for counterfeit money or drugs. While the tourist is distracted, the 'officer' will steal cash or credit cards. In some cases, they may demand a 'fine' on the spot.
Politely refuse to show your wallet or documents on the street. Ask to be taken to the nearest police station to verify their identity. Real police officers rarely stop tourists for random checks. Carry a photocopy of your passport instead of the original.
Card Cloning (Skimming) Scams
Criminals use hidden electronic devices (skimmers) placed in ATMs or on point-of-sale (POS) machines to capture the card number and PIN. They then create a duplicate card to withdraw funds from the victim's account.
Use ATMs located inside shopping malls or banks, which are regularly monitored. Inspect the ATM for any loose or strange-looking parts, especially around the card slot and keypad. Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Never let your card leave your sight at a till.
Taxi Scams (Long Route & Counterfeit Change)
Taxi drivers take tourists on unnecessarily long routes to inflate the fare, especially if the tourist is unfamiliar with the city. Another common tactic is giving counterfeit bills as change, particularly when a tourist pays with a large denomination note (e.g., 50,000 COP).
Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Cabify where the route is tracked and the fare is fixed. If using a taxi, have the route open on your phone's GPS. Always carry small bills and inspect any large change you receive.
Online Rental (Phantom Rental) Scams
Scammers post attractive, non-existent properties on rental platforms other than major, protected sites like Airbnb. They demand several months' rent in advance, especially from foreigners without a co-signer, and disappear after receiving the payment.
Stick to reputable platforms like Airbnb, especially if new to the city. Never send money for a rental without personally viewing the property or having a trusted local agent mediate the transaction. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Psychological Intimidation/Extortion
Crooks collect publicly available personal information from social media (travel plans, photos, family details) to create a database. They then call the victim, often from a prison, and use this information to intimidate or extort money, making the victim feel vulnerable and coerced into complying.
Be mindful of what you post online, especially travel plans. Review privacy settings on social media. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone to unsolicited callers. Hang up immediately if you suspect an extortion attempt.
Real Estate Scams (Hidden Defects & Absent Owner)
Unscrupulous sellers or agents hide major defects in properties (e.g., structural issues, illegal status) or use the 'out of the country' tactic to demand a wire transfer for keys to a property they don't own. This targets foreign investors and long-term renters.
Always conduct thorough due diligence, including checking the developer and building history. Never transfer money without meeting the owner or a verified, reputable real estate agent in person. Insist on a mediated transaction with a trusted legal advisor.
The Bird Poop Scam
A scammer 'accidentally' squirts a substance (often a mix of mustard or paint) onto the victim, often resembling bird droppings. A seemingly helpful accomplice rushes over to assist in cleaning the mess, using the distraction to pickpocket the victim's wallet, phone, or bag.
Be wary of anyone who rushes to 'help' you clean a sudden mess. Immediately secure your belongings and move away from the area before attempting to clean yourself. Keep your wallet and phone in a secure, zipped pocket.
Safe Attractions
Comuna 13
Once dangerous, now a vibrant area with street art and escalators.
Plaza Botero
An outside park that displays 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero.