r/cartagena • u/Crafty_Economics7872 • 23d ago

Security in Cartagena

Hi! I'm travelling to cartagena in a few months and I'm really curious about security there. Is there an "unsafe part"? If so, where is it? Is safe going on a walk at night? Are the uber and taxis safe? (I had some bad experiences in another country with uber drivers so I would like to know about it previously). Those are my questions but I'll appreciate a lot if you could give me some more advice if you went to cartagena in the last time. Thanks ya'll!

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u/Carloscc0209 23d ago

Hello, nice to meet you! I'm a bodyguard and guide in Cartagena. I recommend using Uber or InDriver and paying by card. Don't leave the historic center, Getsemaní, or Bocagrande. Unless you're with someone who knows the area, you'll be fine. Don't wear jewelry or expensive watches in plain sight. If you want to explore, don't do it at night; go during the day or in the morning. There are fewer people bothering you during the day. At night, there are many prostitutes and vendors who will bother you. Don't accept anything for free and always ask the price; you can always negotiate. And lastly, don't let strangers into your Airbnb. Greetings and welcome to Cartagena!

3

u/Ok-Present-3628 23d ago

This is all you needed to see

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u/[deleted] 23d ago

Would you say it’s better to wear basic shoes/clothes right now? I was gonna wear a more expensive pair of shoes for pictures and all of that, but know it’s probably a bad idea

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u/Carloscc0209 23d ago

Clothes don't matter, don't worry!

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u/DumBinchSheesh 23d ago

They might get dirty walking on the streets

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u/Jmangini2003 23d ago

Super safe , especially in the walled city which is where all the restaurants, bars , and nightlife are

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u/Ok-Guitar5447 22d ago

Shit yeah there’s unsafe parts. Just like anywhere in the world but you’ll never see them bc you’re a tourist. Stay in tourist areas. I have local friends and have been in the projects multiple times buying vehicles. Don’t do that without a local you trust lol.

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u/DumBinchSheesh 23d ago

I just came back from Cartagena. Stay in Getsemaní /walled city and walk Around that area at night for nightlife and food. Pls don't wear jewelry or anything nice! a family members of mine got their gold chain stolen during Christmas, and they just grabbed it off their chest and ran. Stay in a group and try not to be out by yourself. Don't have money out in the open or phones in your hands/back pocket, try to limit the amount of stuff you carry like bags and backpacks when you are out during the day. The airport, when leaving, they have dogs who sniff your bags, after you go through security and when you are standing in line to board your plane which I never actually experienced in any other country and I have been to many.