Is Cali Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cali has areas that are safe and isn't completely off-limits for solo female travelers. However, caution should be exercised especially at night. Always stick to the well-lit and populated areas, and avoid looking flashy to not attract unwanted attention. Public transportation should be used carefully and the use of registered cabs is recommended. Make friends with locals for insight into which areas to avoid. Generally, Cali necessitates a heightened level of alertness for a solo female traveler.

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Cali is currently ranked #10 safest place in Colombia for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Cali?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Cali offers a vibrant nightlife, however, it's advisable not to walk alone at night especially in unfamiliar and isolated areas. Like in many large cities, there are areas with higher crime rates and incidents of pickpocketing, mugging, or harassment could occur. Always use licensed taxis or trusted ride-share apps for transportation. Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings to maintain safety.

Public transportation:Moderate

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.

Street harassment:Moderate

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.

Petty crimes:High

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.

Is Cali worth visiting?

Nava

Canada

Solo travel

I was volunteering in the mountains near Cali and on my days off, booked the hostel Patio del Rio and had such an amazing time. The employees there Andres and Thomas were so warm and welcoming and showed me around the city, I met tons of lovely people and even baked a banana bread for everyone in the hostel! I would reccomend going out at night with locals, or at the very least go with large groups of people. Safety in numbers.

Posted: April 16, 2025

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Is Cali safe for women?

Please do not go to dangerous neighborhoods, stay in safe areas, as there are some people who know you are tourists and may take advantage of it. Find out if the area you are going to is safe and do not walk alone at night.

Posted: April 20, 2025

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Nia

Cali is safe depending on the locations and times, don’t use expensive jewelry around and I recommend you to not use ur phone in the street if you can’t be alert, would recommend u to stay in the touristic places and to find a local friend if u want to see more

Posted: January 1, 2025

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