Have you considered traveling solo in Medellin, Colombia? I’d be willing to bet you’ve not thought of it as a solo travel destination. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it on any recommended lists for solo travelers, but I really think it should be. It’s a beautiful country, full of equally beautiful and welcoming people who are excited to introduce you to their culture and their delicious food. Oh, the food…I can’t stop dreaming of the food! The country is also very affordable as you’ll notice that prices are generally about half of what you’d expect to pay in the United States.

Don’t let the stigma of its complicated and unfortunate history deter you from visiting. While you do have to be cautious in the city, it’s not any more dangerous than most large cities in the United States (and definitely not like what you’ve seen of it in the Netflix series, “Narcos”).

How to Stay Safe in Medellin

Safety is always top-of-mind for solo travelers, and it’s always the first question I get about Colombia, so let’s tackle that first. Here are some ways to stay safe in Medellin:

• Don’t give papayas. This is the translation of the popular local phrase, “no dar papaya” which is a reminder to not to make yourself a target. This includes not flaunting your wealth (keep expensive jewelry at home and don’t wave your smartphone around) and being aware of your surroundings. If you have to bring your phone out in public, such as when you’re using it to take a picture, hold it with authority and hold it firmly. Holding it carelessly might just tempt someone with bad intentions to snatch it out of your hand.
• Use Ubers over taxis. Taxis are available all over Medellin, but as a foreigner, you’re better off using Uber where there is at least a GPS record of your trip and a driver whose identity has been confirmed by the company. It also makes communication easier if you don’t speak Spanish, as you don’t need to tell your driver where you’re going. Note: Uber operates in a gray legal area in Colombia, so get into the front passenger seat when riding to make it less obvious that you’re in an Uber. Don’t be concerned with this legal gray area, most things in Colombia fall into a bit of a gray area. It’s part of the charm of the culture.
• Keep your bags in sight. When riding a busy subway/metro train solo in Medellin, be sure to keep an eye on your stuff at all times. This means that if you’re wearing a backpack, either turn it around so you’re wearing it on your front or hold it in your hands. And yes, I do recommend using the metro to get around. It’s cheap, clean, and safe.
• Do your research. Always do research about the neighborhood or place you’re going to explore. Things here can go from great to bad in just a few short blocks or hours. An area that is totally safe during the day can become extremely unsafe in the evening.
• Stay in El Poblado or Laureles. These are the safest neighborhoods in Medellin and they attract many tourists. However, you should still remember to “no dar papaya” even in those areas.
• Learn some basic Spanish. You don’t need to be fluent or functional, but even just hello (hola), good-bye (adios), how are you (cómo estás), numbers from 1-10, and most importantly, thank you (gracias) will make your trip more enjoyable. I didn’t start learning Spanish until I arrived in Colombia, and somehow I managed, so don’t be too worried about communicating with the locals. Oh, and download Google Translate.