Is Cali Safe in August 2026?

Unofficial taxis and pre-arranged robbery vehicles operate extensively in Cali, particularly near the bus terminal and airport. Victims are driven to a secondary location where armed accomplices board the vehicle and rob them of cash, phones, jewellery, and bank cards. Forced ATM withdrawals under armed escort have been reported to police.

How to avoid: Only use InDriver or Cabify apps, which assign a registered driver with a tracked vehicle. Never hail taxis from the street, accept rides from strangers offering lifts, or use taxis that approach you outside bus terminals or clubs. If the driver takes an unexpected route, keep calm and contact someone.

Scopolamine, known locally as burundanga, is used in Cali to incapacitate victims who are then robbed, forced to withdraw cash from ATMs, or assaulted. The drug is colourless and odourless and can be slipped into drinks, food, or applied to skin through physical contact. Victims have no memory of events while incapacitated. This is a documented, recurring danger in the city nightlife zone, not a rare occurrence.

How to avoid: Do not accept drinks, food, cigarettes, or any consumable from strangers. Be cautious of anyone being overly friendly or insistent. Avoid leaving drinks unattended at bars. If you feel suddenly confused or unable to make decisions, alert a trusted person immediately.

Beyond scopolamine, straightforward drink spiking with sedatives occurs at tourist-frequented bars in Barrio Granada. Victims who are unable to walk unassisted are escorted out by fake friends and robbed in the street or in waiting vehicles. Staff at some venues are complicit.

How to avoid: Order drinks directly from bar staff and watch them being prepared. Never accept a drink that was already poured when it was handed to you. Leave with the same people you arrived with. If a companion becomes suddenly incapacitated, do not accept assistance from strangers and call an app-based taxi immediately.

Fraudsters target tourists searching for tickets to Cali's Feria de Cali and World Salsa Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups. They pose as official resellers, collect payment via Nequi or international transfer, and either send fake QR codes or disappear entirely. Demand spikes when official channels sell out.

How to avoid: Purchase festival tickets exclusively through official festival websites or accredited box offices listed on the Feria de Cali official site. Avoid buying from individuals in WhatsApp groups. Use a credit card for any online purchase so you can dispute charges.

Galeria Alameda market and the Sunday craft market in San Antonio attract skilled pickpocket teams who operate in tight crowds. One person creates a distraction or physical contact while another removes wallets, phones, or passport holders from pockets and bags.

How to avoid: Carry only the cash you need for the day and leave passports, extra cards, and large amounts of cash at your hotel. Use a front pocket or zipped interior compartment for valuables. Be especially aware when someone bumps into you, drops something near you, or draws your attention to an event.