Cali / Kidnappings

[TomSmithTop]

Anyone have recent experience in Cali?

A friend who spends half th year in Bogota told me that there has been a significant increase in kidnappings of foreign visitors in Colombia in general, and Cali in particular, where apparently the left wing guerrillas have mutated into criminal gangs.

Media reports seem to confirm the increase in kidnapping activity: https://www.barrons.com/news/colombian-army-frees-2-kidnapped-canadians-cad8ae61 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/01/23/us-tourists-killed-kidnapping-colombia/

My friend says that some tourists are lured in to kidnappings from sex apps like Grindr. 

Anyone have info or views about the security situation, particularly in Cali?

 

[macdaddi]

As a Canadian, I followed the kidnapping and subsequent release of the two engineers in Nov 2023 (first article link). Some thoughts.

- Cali remains an active region for organized crime; nearby Buenaventura port is still the largest exit point for concealed drugs in Colombia

- Most of the kidnappings that I have read about were foreigners working in Colombia-Cali on a longer-term engagement; they were known to be living in the region at the time of the event i.e. not transients -- these were focused, planned events

- Cali has been a higher crime city since the 1990's; there is a general attitude of defiance to rules and laws amongst caleños -- it is a point of pride

- The advice to always meet in public first and make your whereabouts known to others when meeting is primary and should always be a consideration

I am booked to return to Cali again in the new year. Personally I see this as a reminder to to always be cautious where and when meeting new people.

[Birmingham boy]

18 hours ago, macdaddi said:

The advice to always meet in public first and make your whereabouts known to others when meeting is primary and should always be a consideration

I am booked to return to Cali again in the new year. Personally I see this as a reminder to to always be cautious where and when meeting new people.

That's all very concerning, how meeting in public would help though?:) I thought they can pretend everything is fine until they reach your place and rob/kidnap you? What would you say should be the steps for meeting a guy there? Going to the neighbouring street or meeting at a completely different crowded place and walk home together? Considering my non existent Spanish i bet that would be an issue. Also does it all apply to escorts / regular guys for Grindr or is there a perception of ppl from mileroticos being generally safe🤔 I know I sound stupid with these questions, but any advice is appreciated.

[macdaddi]

1 hour ago, Birmingham boy said:

That's all very concerning, how meeting in public would help though?:)

Someone with bad intentions probably doesn't want to be seen in public and caught on camera. There are cameras throughout Cali. You can Google it -- many of the CCTV providers have public websites where you can see the activities on major streets.

Colombia as a country recognizes the value that tourism has brought to the country. In 2024, they became the third most visited country South America (after Argentina and  Brasil) and the major cities have stepped up measures to keep tourists safe.

Don't over react. As always, "no dar papaya". Here is an excellent summary of life and safety written by a local (foreigner) https://www.calisalsaexperience.com/inspiration/is-cali-colombia-safe-for-tourists/

For escorts/Grindr you are going to need to rely on Google translate heavily to communicate. That is fine. Be certain you know how the voice translate function works -- it will be much easier for both of you.  Just remember that Google isn't perfect. There is an entire post on this site about deciphering Grindr Spanish that you might consult.  Recently I saw a translation of 'domicilio' as "household" in English,  which yes, is one use. But its more common usage is "home delivery" or more importantly, the escort comes to your place. Ergo, you may have to fill in some of the blanks when using Google translate.

[Birmingham boy]

Thanks for the tips, read the text in the link and it says Granada is no longer safe which is concerning as that's where I'm going to be based. Well,I'll try to fight it off but generally speaking are there actually any other safe areas apart from Granada and San Antonio? Looks like I'm going to be running circles on the same 5 streets during my 3 weeks there😬