Understanding Crime Levels#

Bogotá is a large capital city in Colombia with a population over 7.6 million people. Like many major cities globally, it has its challenges regarding safety. Data from sources like Numbeo and government advisories often place Bogotá with moderate to high crime levels, particularly concerning petty theft. The most common issues visitors face are mugging, pickpocketing, and opportunistic theft rather than widespread violent crime affecting random tourists, though violent incidents like armed robbery can occur.

Common Scams and Theft#

The most frequent problems involve petty crime. Be especially mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Phone snatching is very common; thieves on motorcycles or bicycles might grab phones being used near streets. Pickpocketing happens frequently on public transport, particularly the TransMilenio bus system, and in crowded areas like markets or parks. Be wary of distraction techniques, such as someone spilling something on you or trying to ‘help’ you with a bag. While less common, there’s a risk of express kidnapping, often linked to taking unregistered taxis off the street, where criminals drive you to ATMs to withdraw cash. ATM skimming and fake ‘helpful’ strangers at ATMs are also reported.

Getting Around Safely (Transport & Areas)#

Public Transport: The TransMilenio is Bogotá’s main public bus system and is heavily used by the population. It’s efficient for getting around but is notorious for pickpocketing due to the large crowds, especially during rush hour. Keep valuables securely hidden and be very aware of your surroundings when boarding, alighting, and inside the buses or stations.

Taxis: Do not hail taxis from the street, especially at night. This is where the risk of express kidnapping or overcharging is highest. Always use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Didi, or Cabify, or official taxi apps provided by registered companies (like the Taxis Libres app). These services track your journey and provide passenger and driver details, significantly increasing safety.

Popular Areas: Areas like La Candelaria (historic center), Usaquén, Zona T, and Chapinero are popular with visitors. During the day, these areas are generally safe with many people around. However, even here, stay alert. In La Candelaria, be cautious on quieter side streets or when walking alone at night. Stick to main, well-lit streets with active businesses and people. Evening safety varies; Zona T and parts of Chapinero and Usaquén are safer at night due to restaurants and nightlife, but still use app-based transport to and from these areas.

Solo Travelers#

Solo travel is certainly possible in Bogotá for both men and women but requires a higher level of awareness and caution compared to traveling with others. The risks of petty crime like mugging or pickpocketing are similar regardless of gender. Solo travelers should be particularly careful after dark, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or empty areas, and use reputable transportation services. While generally not aggressive, solo female travelers might occasionally experience unwanted attention, though Bogotá is not known for severe street harassment compared to some other global cities. Traveling solo means having no one else to watch your back in crowded spaces or notice if someone is following you, so personal vigilance is key.

Local Safety Practices & Rules#

Much of staying safe involves following unwritten rules widely known by locals:

• Do not openly display expensive items like smartphones, cameras, or jewelry in public, especially on transport or while walking on the street.
• Use your phone discreetly, preferably stepping into a shop entrance or away from the street edge.
• Be skeptical of overly friendly strangers who approach you without a clear reason.
• If you are confronted by a mugger, do not resist. Hand over your belongings. Your safety is more important than possessions.
• Avoid walking alone late at night outside of very specific, known safe zones.
• Be aware of the local driving restriction (“Pico y Placa”) if you plan to drive; violating it can lead to fines, though it’s not a safety rule itself.

Emergency Services#

The main emergency number in Bogotá is 123. This single number connects you to police, ambulance services, and firefighters. Response times can vary. In a city of over 7.6 million people, response can be slower than in less populated areas, affected by call volume and traffic conditions. While emergency services exist and function, relying on prevention and knowing how to avoid risky situations is the most reliable approach to safety. Tourist police are present in some key tourist areas like La Candelaria and can be helpful if you need to report an incident.

Recent Advisory Information#

Recent advisories regarding travel to Bogotá from sources like OSAC and various government travel warnings generally recommend exercising increased caution. The primary reasons cited typically relate to crime, including petty theft, pickpocketing, and occasional violent robberies. These advisories often suggest being aware of your surroundings at all times, avoiding displays of wealth, not walking alone at night, especially in less-trafficked areas, and using reputable transportation services (like ride-sharing apps or official pre-booked taxis) instead of hailing taxis on the street. They also note that protests and demonstrations can occur in urban areas and sometimes cause disruptions or escalate, advising travelers to avoid such gatherings.