How Safe is Cali?

[Maxsweet]

I am planning on going to cali this saturday to see a woman i have been talking to for a while. i was wondering if anyone can help me? i have read on this and other sites some of the horror stories comming out if cali.

the woman that i am going to see wants to go out of cali because it is dangerous.

is it really that bad there? :detective:

thanks

[JMitch1959]

It's not bad. I kind of stick out like a sore thumb being a tall, white man. If your some shade of brown you'll blend in better.

Bueno Suerte.

[JMitch1959]

Hey Max,
I re-read your post. I'm not entirely clear as to what you're asking. If it's; would I jump on a bus out of Cali to visit another town or city on my first trip to Colombia?

Not likely. Without giving it a great deal of consideration.

If you're staying in Cali. You ought to be fine.

It would be a good idea to consider what your other options are if your meeting this lady doesn't work out.

Have Fun

[GrizGator]

A lot of guys in this board have been to Cali and have been fine. I was actually going to visit there in summer, 2006 on my "tour of Colombia," but got warned that Cali was a little too "hot" for newbie gringos at the time. As such, I canceled that part of the trip and extended my time in other places. I've been to Bogota, Barranquilla, Cartagena and Medellin, but not Cali. It seems that Cali seems to heat up and cool down. At this time, I haven't heard any warnings against a gringo going. Just be careful. As jmitch said 1) have other options in case this girl doesn't work out and 2) DO NOT go out into the countryside on a whim.

Griz

Just us common sense. I know one gringo that really didn't like the road to the airport. He felt it was dangerous because it was out in the middle of nowhere. Once in the city he was okay. He actually stopped going to Cali just because of that road. Anyway it was a blessing in disguise. He met his wife in Medellin

[Maxsweet]

Thanks for two cents,
I have no intentions of going into the countryside, although i would love to see coffee country.
I have been to cartagena and bogota with no problems. i was walking the streets at night in both places. i did not take any chances though, i kept my eyes open. i have always wanted to see cali but because my woman's office was robbed at gunpoint two weeks ago, she does not want for us to spend time in cali. or maybe she does not want her colombian novio to see us..

As a backup i have made contact with luz at latinbest. are there anymore guys that want to give their opinion??

[JMitch1959]

I'm not giving you any money whatsoever, but here's a free tip.

You sound pretty savy.

Check out the malls in Cali. Chipichape and UniCentro depending on which one's closer, and the movie theaters there are world class.

Have Fun

[Latina-soulmate.com]

Max,

The Colombians feel that Cali is by far the most unsafe place in Colombia, unless you are camping next to the FARC.

No buses, no isolated ATMs, no drinking on Aveneida Sexta with an unattended drink or a new woman, no driving in the country, no walking alone at night.

That being said, I have been there a few times and had no problems, hope your trip is good.

[Sailover]

I have lived here for 2 years without a problem, but I live like a poor local. No taxiis, no AV 6 at night and keeping a low profile. I will walk anywhere during the day and have met women you WON'T meet at the Malls. The mall rats here are often much like the ones you see (not meet, because you aren't good enough) in Miami.
The climate here is fantastic and as long as you don't need anything done, it is pretty good. Come down and enjoy it. Leave your jewelry, fancy clothes and attitude at home. You can look good without looking flashy like a Narco. (of course most of those guys all look like white ganstas with super hot girls hanging on them). A hint, if you DO go out on AV 6 at night and see super hot women, you might consider leaving them alone because they are probably private property.

[LuckyGirl]

If you go to Coffe region from Cali, by car or bus, there no problem at all! I am From Armenia (coffe Region) and Live in Cali, I travel a lot in my car, and trust me it is secure! Coffe region is the best!!
Enjoy!

(Sorry my english ;((