Colombian living at Vancouver! Learn to speak (Paisa mor️) for your next trip to Medellín.

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Traveling to Colombia Without Speaking Spanish? Read This.
I'm Colombian, and I recently saw a post about a tourist being killed in Medellín by a woman he met on Tinder. This tragedy should never happen again, and I want to share some crucial advice to help tourists and digital nomads stay safe while visiting my country.

1. Learn Basic Spanish
No matter where you go in Colombia, knowing at least some Spanish is essential. It’s not just about communication—it’s about survival. Locals can spot a foreigner immediately, and if you don’t speak any Spanish, you become an easy target. Some people will take advantage of you by overcharging, while others may see you as an opportunity for something worse. Colombians themselves are cautious about trusting strangers—so you should be too.

2. Be Smart About Dating
If you're a man looking to meet women, understand these key points:

Avoid bringing someone home on the first date. This is a common setup for robbery. Instead, meet in a public place like a café or mall during the day.
Go on multiple dates and check social media. A genuine connection takes time. If someone is eager to come home with you immediately, question their intentions. No decent person rushes into that situation.
3. Understand the Scam Tactics
Many of these setups involve more than one person. These women often work in groups, and someone nearby might be watching you. Stay alert at all times—no area is 100% safe. If something seems too easy or too good to be true, trust your instincts and step away.

4. Don’t Flash Wealth
Showing off money, expensive gadgets, or designer clothing is a mistake. This isn’t victim-blaming—it’s about being realistic. Even a small amount of cash can be a huge target in Colombia. Some people rob their own countrymen for as little as $10 USD, so imagine what they’d do to a foreigner flaunting wealth. Keep valuables secure, dress modestly, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.

5. Stay Street-Smart
Colombia is not the US, Canada, or Europe. Poverty and crime create different risks here, and people will do desperate things for survival. Always question situations, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t take unnecessary risks. While Colombia is beautiful and full of incredible people, staying safe requires awareness and caution.