Tips on Cartagena Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

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Cartagena Warnings and Dangers

Is Cartagena safe? That depends. Being cautious is important whenever going to a new destination. When in Cartagena, as long as you play it smart, you should be able to stay safe and avoid most potentially dangerous situations. Here are tips from travelers about what to watch out for in Cartagena, Colombia.

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Ask About Prices

Always ask about a price before you buy anything. This is true not only when purchasing goods but also when paying for a tour. Some “tour guides” will take you through a facility, give you an excellent education on the items and building on display and then tell you the tour was not included with the price of admission. This can result in you needing to pay a substantial amount of money after. Always know what you are getting for your money ahead of time.

Sending Mail is Extremely Difficult

Don’t try to send mail from Cartagena. If you do need to send anything, use UPS. Even if you are mailing something small, use UPS. The historical area in Cartagena does not have a post office, and it’s speculated that some other locations may say they will mail out your goods, but instead simply keep your money and whatever is in the package.

Prostitution Is Real

Prostitution is a real thing here. Not only will you see adults, but also younger teens and children. Avoid all of this. Many of these girls either have been exploited for the majority of their lives or are forced into it by their family members to make money.

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Avoid the “Pet” Animals

You will see people walking the streets with all sorts of animals, such as monkeys and other exotic animals. They may seem friendly and you may want to take a picture, but avoid it. These animals are often improperly cared for and may be illegally owned. If you support these individuals by taking (and paying) for pictures, you’ll just increase the chances of other people keeping wild animals for spectacle and profit.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Cartagena Travel Guide
• Take a Tour Through Cartagena, Colombia
• Cartagena Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about areas to avoid and possible dangers in Cartagena.

 

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