Barranquilla Carnival and City
Although Barranquilla is welcoming to the few tourists that arrive in the city, there still needs to be an awareness for your safety as there is in any Country or any large event. There is not too much to worry about in the Carnaval or city, the main problem is theft. Colombians are usually very protective over tourists so you should try to make friends with the locals; they are more likely to spot danger before you do. During the Carnaval do not keep anything in your back pockets and make sure you know where all your belongings are on your person. If you are in the unlikely event approached by a thief do not resist, remain calm and hand over your processions (your safety is more important) the same applies for outside the Carnaval. It should also be noted that during Carnival times taxi prices will go up significantly. Also anything you buy at the Carnival will cost twice as much as usual, the best thing to do here is take notice of who the locals buy from as they will have the best price to offer.
Safety Tips
- O no dar papaya (don’t give a pawpaw) is a Colombian expression which means ‘don’t show off’ in other words, use common sense and don’t make it easy for people or thieves to take advantage of you.
- Stay within the safer zones within the North of the city particularly at night
- If you go to the poorer areas only do this if you are in the company of trusted friends
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Go out in groups
- Take taxis at night.
- Learn basic Spanish
- Don’t walk far at night even in the northern part of the city
- Get advice and listen to locals
- Make friends with the locals, they will be protective over you and will spot danger before you do.
- During Carnaval week there is a greater amount of petty crime as many tourists crowd the streets so be extra careful
- Carry a copy of your passport with you
- Carry extra money (20,000 pesos?) in a location other than your wallet
- If someone does try to take something from you don’t resist
- Most importantly, don’t be paranoid! Just keep your eyes open, o no dar papaya and abide by the laws and safety tips you are very unlikely to get into any danger.
(Sourced from inbarranquilla.com and off2colombia.com)
Emergency Numbers
Number to call for all services 112
Country code +57
International access code 90
Embassies Contacts
There is actually no Australian embassy on Colombia (the nearest being in Chile) however Australians can contact the Australian Consulate in Bogota.
Phone: +57 (1) 694 6320
Address: Calle 69#7,-51, Apt 302
For a list of all the Embassies and Consulates in Colombia go to the link below:
Government information
The following sites are government sites with information regarded to traveling to Colombia:
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