**Is Cartagena, Colombia a Safe Place to Visit?**
Cartagena, Colombia is a city with a rich history and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. However, some travelers may be concerned about safety in Cartagena. While it is true that there is some crime in the city, it is generally safe for tourists to visit.
**Here are some tips for staying safe in Cartagena:**
* **Be aware of your surroundings.** This is especially important in crowded areas, such as the Old City or the Getsemani neighborhood.
* **Avoid walking alone at night.** If you must walk alone, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of who is around you.
* **Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewelry.** This will make you a target for thieves.
* **Be careful about who you trust.** Don’t give out your personal information to strangers, and be careful about who you accept help from.
* **Don’t get drunk.** This will make you more vulnerable to crime.
**Here are some additional tips for specific areas of Cartagena:**
* **The Old City:** The Old City is a popular tourist destination, and it is generally safe to walk around during the day. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone at night.
* **Getsemani:** Getsemani is a trendy neighborhood that is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It is generally safe to walk around during the day, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone at night.
* **Bocagrande:** Bocagrande is a wealthy neighborhood that is home to many luxury hotels and restaurants. It is generally safe to walk around during the day, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone at night.
**Overall, Cartagena is a safe city for tourists to visit. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to avoid crime.**
## **Common Types of Crime in Cartagena**
The most common types of crime in Cartagena include:
* **Petty theft:** This includes pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from hotel rooms.
* **Armed robbery:** This is a more serious crime that can involve the use of weapons.
* **Drug trafficking:** Cartagena is a major drug trafficking hub, and there is some risk of violence associated with this trade.
* **Murder:** Cartagena has a relatively high murder rate, but most murders are targeted and not random.
## **How to Avoid Crime in Cartagena**
There are a number of things you can do to avoid crime in Cartagena, including:
* **Be aware of your surroundings.** This is especially important in crowded areas, such as the Old City or the Getsemani neighborhood.
* **Avoid walking alone at night.** If you must walk alone, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of who is around you.
* **Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewelry.** This will make you a target for thieves.
* **Be careful about who you trust.** Don’t give out your personal information to strangers, and be careful about who you accept help from.
* **Don’t get drunk.** This will make you more vulnerable to crime.
## **What to Do if You Are a Victim of Crime**
If you are a victim of crime in Cartagena, it is important to:
* **Stay calm and call the police.** The police in Cartagena are generally helpful and will do their best to investigate your case.
* **Get medical attention if you are injured.**
* **Report the crime to your hotel or tour operator.** They can help you to get in touch with the police and provide you with assistance.
* **Don’t hesitate to seek help from other tourists.** There are many tourists in Cartagena who are willing to help each other out.
## **Conclusion**
Cartagena is a safe city for tourists to visit. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to avoid crime. By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Cartagena.
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