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Travelinman12
  3/7/2022 13:56 EST

I get conflicted answers on safety in Colombia from; it is very safe if you use common sense to robberies at knifepoint are common.
I am pretty sure the first one is true. Am I correct?

I have always loved to cook as a hobby. Am thinking on opening up a small cafe once I get there. Is this laborious (red tape w beaurocracy) and/or common for expats to open businesses?

JasonKlien
  3/7/2022 15:21 EST

Ok I am sure that members on this expat site, myself included, could offer some suggestions and advice but it would helpppppp, just a little bit, of letting us in on just where your thinking about, which city and barrio?

Have you ever even been to Colombia before?

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Travelinman12
  3/7/2022 15:39 EST

I am planning on visiting Medellin for a week this time. Then possibly the coffee region at a future date for a few days as well.
This will be my first visit to Colombia.

tubes
  3/7/2022 15:40 EST

If is highly unusual for an expat to open a business here, except offering services to fellow expats.

I doubt very much if you can make a living in a small cafe as the locals have got that activity well covered.

Plus loads of red tape and beaurocracy,

Callcrs
  3/7/2022 18:31 EST

My wife and I were walking in the one of the best retail commercial areas of Bogota. We crossed an intersection and a motorcycle came behind us which I did not see but this thief ripped my gold chain right off my neck and by the time I turned to do anything he was on the back of the bike and they were gone. I could not catch them and I had nothing to throw at them. I will never wear anything valuable again. They are very clever. Keep all of your valuables safe and watch out in taxis with windows down when you are riding because motorcycle will come by, reach in and grab your phone.

ChipW
  3/7/2022 20:59 EST

In my 8 1/2 years in Colombia, in 3 different departamentos and 6 different cities/towns, I've never been robbed or even had an attempt made against me.

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Cab
  3/8/2022 05:55 EST

I spend about 6 months in Medellin and 6 months in Costa Rica, I have over 30 years of experience traveling and living in Latin America, basically my strategy is to dress simple almost like i am going to Home Depot. I dress like that in the US, Jeans and a Tshirt, no flip flops Hawaiian shirts or sandals for me, I don't wear jewelry. I wear a hat usally Athletico nacional, I've never been robbed, but I carry a street phone with me usually a $100 used Samsung phone and I carry about $100 in my pocket and if I'm robbed I won't resist!!!~ This is the most important point, that's where people go wrong and if i t happens I'll consider it like a tax. I believe there has been an uptick in robberies in both countries but almost always if the person does not resist there is no problem. Of course, do not carry large amounts of cash or an expensive cell phone that you want to donate. I think most of the smaller towns I visited for a few days generally feel safer. Enjoy Colombia especially Medellin is my favorite city in the world, Beautiful culture

Travelinman12
  3/8/2022 08:18 EST

I want to thank everyone for all of their input. Very helpful. Looking forward to getting to know Colombia.

mattinnorfolk
  3/8/2022 08:37 EST

I am 65 and here for eight days and having an amazing time in the best location and best hotel I’ve ever stayed out here for the money $39 a night, and it’s spotless clean comfortable quiet and the service is the best I’ve ever had almost like a Ritz Carlton. I arrived my iPhone charger was broke I told the front desk they had one delivered within 15 minutes for $9.50. I am in Laureles 2 blocks from LA 70. I do not stay out late at night and only date women usually around age 50, and having an amazing time. So what you wanna do plays a big part, I only use the ATM in the daytime and when I go out the only thing I have is a copy of my passport and the cash I need and my back up phone at night and home by 10.

geoffbob
  3/8/2022 10:50 EST

mattinnorfolk,

Sounds quite nice. What is the name of the hotel?

SkyMan
  3/8/2022 14:04 EST

Travelinman...Safety in Colombia can be a matter of two(2) streets over or two(2) hours later.

Concerning street robberies using knives...the majority of them here in the city where I live, Medellin are by the vennies. Buena Suerte in your search for paradise !

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