Is San Andrés Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Safety Index and Reviews

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South America

Colombia

San Andrés

San Andrés is a relatively safe destination for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and helpful. Nonetheless, it is imperative to observe common safety measures like avoiding deserted areas especially at night, not flaunting your valuables and being cautious with who you trust. Most of the safety concerns come from small crimes like theft, which can be avoided with a little vigilance.

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety at night:Moderate

San Andrés is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially within the more tourist-friendly areas. However, it is a densely populated area with certain neighborhoods that may not be as safe, particularly for women at night. It is advisable to be cautious, stay in well-lit and bustling areas, and avoid walking alone after dark, if possible. If you do find yourself out late, it's smarter to use a trusted taxi service rather than walking. Like anywhere, maintaining a high level of situational awareness is critical to your safety.

Public transportation: Moderate

San Andrés generally offers reliable public transportation including taxis, buses, and 'moto-taxis'. However, as a solo female traveler, it's important to be cautious, especially at night. Always ensure that your taxi is licensed and try to share a cab with a fellow traveler if possible. While buses are cheaper, they might be a bit congested especially during peak hours. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times during your journey.

Street harassment: Low

San Andrés is generally known to be quite a safe destination for solo female travelers. While like any place, occasional instances of street harassment are not unheard of, they are quite rare and in most cases not anything more aggressive than some unsolicited compliments or cat-calls. As always, it is important to stay vigilant and take standard safety precautions, especially during the night or when in less crowded areas.

Petty crimes:Low

San Andrés generally maintains a lower crime rate, particularly in relation to petty crimes. While it is important to universally maintain vigilance and precautions where personal belongings are concerned, fewer instances of pickpocketing or bag snatching are reported here. Still, it's recommended to keep an alert mind, especially in crowded areas and public transportation.

Tap water:Unsafe

It's generally recommended not to drink tap water in San Andrés. The island's tap water may not be sufficiently purified for drinking purposes, so the use of filtered or bottled water is highly advised to prevent any potential waterborne diseases.