I may be moving to Bogota, Columbia for work. Anyone know about safety and quality of life there?

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jcss_003

I was in Bogota for 1 week on a missions trip 2 years ago. In general the bad part of the city is in the South and the North side is like any US city. The quality of life there....well I bought about $10 worth of groceries there for about $1......so the standard of living is considerably lower there, however I absolutely love the country and would love to go back one day! I would be cautious about going out of town at night as our hosts tried very hard to get us back in the city before sun down. However the surrounding country is beautiful during the day. And I hope you have a wonderful time. There will be some culture shock if you travel closer to the Southern Part of Bogota where I stayed and I felt completely safe.

ColombianitoNY- NO MAS GUERRA!

what they are saying is just lies...you go to Colombia you will love it, it's not like people think because news always say bad things about my country. Life is great, specially Bogota is a secured city, if you want a recommendation, better go to the north, in case that you dont feel secure, stay in the north of bogota. You'll see is not a bad place, all you see are lies..I hope you move and enjoy your staying in Bogota. Bogota has many place to go, you wont have anyproblem at all. I can tell you the south of bogota is the worse part but it's not like you think. good luck and dont be scared of moving over there..

BAGOFSWAGS

If you are a single guy, it is the best place in the world. There are plenty of dodgy areas, but if your company is sending you they will locate you in the Central areas, which are very nice. I think Bogota has some of the best neghborhoods in all Latin America. It will be pretty safe, but you need to watch your surroundings at all times, simething could happen even if it usually won't

Preciosa

The first 2 people have absovlutely no idea what they are talking about. Bogota is the most secure city in colombia and has good quality of life. It's one of the most cosmopolitan cities in latin america. The best places are the the north, La Candelaria, Parque 93, Santa Barbara, etc. sTay away from the south.

I would suggest doing your own research adn reading the news. You'll see that in recent years kidnappings have been reduced significantly and so has all violent crime. I think for all of last year 1 foreigner was kidnapped and I dont think he was even american. The chances of getting kidnaped are very remote.

Advice: dont go flashing around expensive jewelry or items. Pickpockets are everyone so just be aware of your surroundings. They are probably the biggest problem there, aside from that you should enjoy yourself very much and have a godo time.

By the way, the name of the country is C-O-L-O-M-B-I-A (with an O not U.

kenai_sailor

I'm a gringo who has been to Bogota eight times on my way to/from vacation in southern Colombia (Narino). It's typical of most big cities - don't be stupid in any of them. But Colombia has a bad reputation in my view (of course, I'm with friends who know the way around). Traffic is awful, poverty is palpable in some areas and there are dangerous areas. Street crime is a problem, not narcos. But Colombians are generally friendly as individuals and will appreciate any attempt to speak Spanish (I get a few giggles for my pronunciation). Bogota is very cosmopolitan with lots of good restaurants, clubs and bars. Carry a dummy wallet with an expired credit card and some other old stuff and about 20,000 pesos ($10 approx) and give it to any one who can take it. Carry a xerox of your passport, not the original. Keep that secure. Cops and the Army may be out and about. Don't assume that they are as professional and honest as here. Generally, you will find the level of security a little offensive, but that is why Bogota is mostly safe

pinky3

First of all is Colombia, not Columbia, and dont believe what people say about being dangerous, well like most people say, the north of the city is the best. Dont be afraid to go out, you will love it and i assure you you will have a lot of fun
Good luck!!

millonario

It should be stressed once more: Colombia, no Columbia. You will get in troubles only if you go down there to deal with arms and drugs (just as everywhere else). Colombia is one of the greatest pleaces to visit, work or live in. Pverty and a bloodthirsty right wing extremist government (I mean the Colombian one) and too much busybodying by and from the US have not been able to destroy the country. Resilient? You bet!

soccrplaya027

scariest place i've ever visited....if you are an American, well just make sure they don't find out and if you go out at night often, you are basically committing suicide.

-I have to disagree and say the two people below me do not know what they are talking about. Colombia as a whole is even on the US department of states list of countries not to travel to.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

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