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Colombia is a country that my wife and I are interested in visiting. I know the country is safer than it used to be, but that doesn't tell me all that much. I read that the crime rate, even in Medellin, is lower than cities like Detroit or New Orleans.
Also, what is the general Colombian attitude towards Americans? I honestly couldn't blame them if they hated Americans based on recent history, but is that the case?
Colombia is the USA's staunchest ally in the region. Even when all the US-hate from practically every other South American nation was going on in the 00's (noughties), Colombia was the pariah defending US interests and free market policies.
Therefore there are very few countries an American would be more welcome than in Colombia.
That being said Colombians are very proud and don't pander to you just because you're from the US but they will be very welcoming, jovial and happy that you paid a visit. A few bad apples may try to rip you off though but that's mainly in the coastal tourist towns which despite that are still well worth a visit.
Medellin is different, a very progressive city with a lot of great towns to explore surrounding the city such as Guatape, Jardin, Jerico, Santa Fe de Antioquia and the great nature reserve with pristine swimmable rivers called Rio Claro.
Colombia is a country that my wife and I are interested in visiting. I know the country is safer than it used to be, but that doesn't tell me all that much. I read that the crime rate, even in Medellin, is lower than cities like Detroit or New Orleans.
Also, what is the general Colombian attitude towards Americans? I honestly couldn't blame them if they hated Americans based on recent history, but is that the case?
They will treat you well especially in Medellin. They love to see people from other countries. Be cautious. Higher crime is a reality. Robberies are far more common than here in the US. Be very careful when handling money, especially withdrawing money from ATMs. The thieves are always after cash. I always withdraw money inside supermarkets(Exito, Carulla) in upper class areas and get the money out before shopping. I usually have someone watch my back while withdrawing the cash in case someone is watching my steps behind me.
You might hear comments against the US but they won't be against you. Most likely they will call the US government "imperialista" LOL
Colombians in general are pretty friendly in my experience and don't exhibit any ill will towards American tourists. That being said though there is still a high crime rate so I would take some precautions such as using ATM's in only highly visible and secure areas.
Colombia is the USA's staunchest ally in the region. Even when all the US-hate from practically every other South American nation was going on in the 00's (noughties), Colombia was the pariah defending US interests and free market policies.
not really.
there are more free market oriented countries in Latin America, such as Panama, Chile, Peru or even Mexico. Colombia has had many disputes at the WTO with the EU, Panama, Brazil and other countries because of its protectionist economic policies.
this is the attitude of the population towards USA in different countries, according to LatinobarĂ³metro. Colombia is at the middle:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugah Ray
The thieves are always after cash. I always withdraw money inside supermarkets(Exito, Carulla) in upper class areas and get the money out before shopping. I usually have someone watch my back while withdrawing the cash in case someone is watching my steps behind me.
I never do that in the town of 120 k inhabitants I live in. No need for it.
Colombians are very warm and welcoming people. There is no major history of conflict ( other than the longest civil war ever with the guerilla ) that would cause anti American feelings. It is a country that is recovering from this era that they all want to forget and move forward.
In the interior mountainous region they are are more conservative and cordial .. near the coastal areas ( santa marta, barranquilla) they are more extrovert and animated... BOTH areas they will be very respectful and a good time.
It is a beautiful country with many different regions and climates. Enjoy the weather, the food , the ambaince and arguably some the of the worlds most beautful women !
Yeah I have a hard time believing Nicaragua would be so pro American. The first map seems more accurate. Its interesting that central American countries are so pro American, and yet with the exception of CR and Panama it is also the poorest and least developed countries of Latin America.
I'm shocked to see Mexico so far down that graph. You would think that with millions of its people living in the USA and being the country that has benefited the most from the US economic booms, that the vast majority of Mexicans would actually be pro-USA.
I'm not shocked with Argentina. If anything, I might say that I'm shocked anti-US sentiment isn't higher. lol
I'm not shocked with Panama, Dominican Republic, and El Salvador.
I wonder where Cuba would fit. With the current opening up and improvements in US-Cuba relations (just this week the first American managed hotel open its door in Havana for the first time since Fidel Castro took over), the average Cuban may be feeling quite pro-USA afterall.
I wonder if in Colombia US sentiment varies by region. A country as regionalistic as Colombia has to have sharp difference with this too. It has to. lol
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