Is Cali Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Public transportation in Cali is relatively decent but can sometimes be unpredictable. While the city's MIO (Massive Integrated Transport) system tends to be reliable and quite safe, buses can occasionally be overcrowded which may not be comfortable for some travelers. Like all public transportation, it is advised to be vigilant about your personal belongings, especially during rush hours. Generally, the users are courteous, and buses run fairly consistently throughout the day. Taxis and Uber services are also available and provide a safer, albeit slightly more cost-heavy, alternative.

In Cali street harassment does exist but it's not typically aggressive. There are cases of catcalling or unwanted attention while walking in public areas, predominantly in less populated neighborhoods. However, it's not a daily occurrence for most of the female travelers, and local people are generally friendly and respectful. Ensuring you are aware of your surroundings and acting confidently can often deter such behavior. It’s important to be cautious while traveling alone, always stick to well-populated areas, especially at night, and avoid showing valuable belongings in public.

Cali, like any major city, has a risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and street scams. These kinds of crimes are quite prevalent especially in crowded areas and public transportation. As a solo traveler, it's important to stay vigilant, secure your valuables, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas where tourists are known to frequent.

Although there are some parts of Cali where the tap water is reported to be safe to drink, it's generally advised not to. Bottled water is readily available and inexpensive, so it's best to opt for that over tap water. Digestive issues could occur as the water may contain different microorganisms that your body is not used to.