I recently got back to Medellin and really loved it. The culture, the people, the weather, the mountains, etc. However, I did have one bad night there, I won’t get too much into the details unless someone in the comments wants me to, but I did fall victim to getting drugged/scoped one night and it was really a smack in the face, that this is a city that I need to be cautious in and that I should have my guard up more.

I was there for 40 days, so I feel like one bad experience shouldn’t deter me from somewhere. Just need to learn from the experience. But I have heard of a lot of scoping/drugging cases in Medellin. Also, in the r/medellin subreddit there are numerous posts of people being pickpocketed on the streets. And there’s always at least a couple comments saying “welcome to Colombia”.

So the first part of my question is: for the people that live/lived in Medellin, do you feel that it’s safe if you take the correct precautions (stay of tinder, don’t invite people you don’t know well to your home, don’t go out alone late, etc.)? Or do you feel this is a place where things can and do happen anytime anywhere?

My second question: Are there any countries near that people would recommend? I’m looking for an inexpensive city that is lively. A place with a beach and areas to scuba dive is a plus, but not completely necessary. A couple places I am thinking about are Lima, Peru and Panama City.

Happy travels!

Edit: I should also add that I’m a solo traveler from the U.S. and work remotely.

  • zero_nope@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Buenos Aires is great! Pretty much everywhere in South America, I always here “be careful, you’ll get robbed.” Knock on wood, I’ve been here five months without issue. Granted, I’ve got a fair amount of muscle and I’m covered in tattoos (honestly, both of which aren’t uncommon here).

    Prices are fair, but the new president may fuck up the economy even more (he goes into office in a couple weeks).

    Culture-wise…very late-night oriented (dinner is at 11pm). All of the men are gorgeous and, well, very sexually motivated, so if that’s your preference, prepare yourself for a good time. You can travel to coastal cities pretty easily, as well. Lots of nature (mostly outside of the city).

    The Spanish is usually not an issue. Some different/local words, but you’ll be fine.

    • tenant1313@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I’ve been in BA for the last month and wouldn’t say that men are more attractive here than in Brazil or CDMX. But definitely super nice.

      Actually pretty much every Argentine I’ve ever met was extremely nice except for one lady selling vegetables who yelled at me for touching bananas I wanted to buy.