Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 12/18/2008

Question
Juan,
I was invited to visit my girlfirends family in Cali, Columbia this January.  I wanted to know how safe it would be traveiling a an black American???? PS, my complection could pass for Dominican.  

Answer
Hey Sean !

Cali could be Colombia's city with the biggest black population in the country. I could not say it for sure but at least 20% of the population could be described as "black".

It's a big city of up to 2 million people. There are some poor areas, especially in the south east, and there are some shanty towns in the slopes of the western mountains. The city was the home of some dangerous drug cartels in the 80's and 90's. The government's american financed backlash against them weakened the big cartels but as demand persists, new, smaller cartels emerged. So there's an element of violence in the Cali environment that reflects in gang fights in certain areas. But I would say that most of the city feels pretty safe these days. Common theft continues to be a concern so just dont wear expensive jewelry or take sophisticated electronic equipment to the street. Just be unpretentious, stick to the places that your girlfriend's family recommends, and if you party at night (a must if you go to Cali, Colombia's Salsa capital), keep your eyes open and if you dont feel safe and relaxed just move to another place.

It's not as bad as the news and stereotypes suggest, but take care and be city-smart. If you do, you will have a good time.

Regards

JC