Safety update for Cali based on recent experience and community reports:
General Safety Level: Low risk if you stick to known areas.
Common Risks:
- Drink spiking at bars — watch your drinks
- Fake police demanding bribes — ask for badge number
- Room theft — use hotel safe
Areas to Avoid:
Avoid the area around the bus station at night.
Police Situation:
Police are generally helpful to tourists.
Stay safe out there.
Common scams in Cali and how to avoid them
Started by SunshineSteve · 23 Mar 2026 · 1244 views
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23 Mar 2026 at 05:20
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Miami, FL
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23 Mar 2026 at 07:20
Also recommend downloading Grab before you go. Essential.
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
24 Mar 2026 at 12:20
Quick question — how was the ATM situation?
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
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25 Mar 2026 at 08:02
Also recommend downloading Maps.me before you go. Essential.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Cardiff, UK
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25 Mar 2026 at 10:02
Did you use dating apps or find girls at bars?
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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25 Mar 2026 at 13:20
Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
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Location: New York, NY
25 Mar 2026 at 15:20
Saving this thread. Gold mine of information.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Berlin Bound
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25 Mar 2026 at 17:02
Good info. Going during the week is much better — less crowded and better prices.
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Location: Sydney, Australia
25 Mar 2026 at 22:02
This matches my experience. Cali is worth the trip.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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26 Mar 2026 at 06:02
Did you use an agency or find girls at clubs?
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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26 Mar 2026 at 14:02
Thanks for the detailed write-up. Very helpful for planning my upcoming trip.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Newcastle Nick
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Location: Sydney, Australia
26 Mar 2026 at 16:02
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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26 Mar 2026 at 18:02
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
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27 Mar 2026 at 00:02
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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27 Mar 2026 at 08:20
Also recommend downloading Maps.me before you go. Essential.
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27 Mar 2026 at 13:02
Adding my experience: scene has stayed the same since pre-COVID. Biggest change: prices up 15-20%.
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27 Mar 2026 at 16:02
First time was good but could have been better. Second time was much better. Experience makes all the difference.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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27 Mar 2026 at 17:02
Adding my experience: scene has evolved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: better quality.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Orlando Oscar
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27 Mar 2026 at 23:02
Also recommend downloading Grab before you go. Essential.
Detroit, MI | 12 countries visited
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27 Mar 2026 at 23:02
Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.
Dublin, Ireland | 34 countries visited
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