In recent years, foreigners have become more interested in visiting or living in Medellín. Some seek to learn more about urban culture, thanks to artists such as Karol G, JBalvin, or Maluma, who have managed to position the city’s name in the world. Others arrive to visit tourist attractions such as Guatapé or La Comuna 13.
The growing interest of tourists has managed to position Medellín as one of the favorites for digital nomads, pensioners, and those looking to invest and settle in this city due to its quality of life, climate, and low prices compared to countries like the United States or the United Kingdom.
However, it’s not just the city’s culture and sights that captivate visitors; many find themselves in love with local people’s warmth. For those considering dating in Medellín, it’s essential to understand the cultural nuances and the importance of staying safe while navigating the city’s social scene.
Criminal rates against foreigners in Medellín
As the number of people in the city begins to increase, crimes such as robbery or homicides are also growing. Below are the death statistics of foreigners in Medellín in recent years.
The official numbers were reported by the Public Ministry (Ministerio Público), and according to the data obtained, the causes of these deaths have been homicides, deaths from drug overdoses, scopolamine, suicides, and accidental deaths.
Unfortunately, there have been several not-registered incidents where foreigners have faced violent crimes, including robbery with scopolamine. Additionally, in the event of an emergency, the delay in medical attention can be a serious issue, with some victims arriving at the hospital alive but not receiving timely care.
This is why having reliable medical insurance is crucial for anyone living in or visiting Colombia. In partnership with Assist Card, we provide you quality healthcare services through a health insurance policy valid in Colombia and worldwide. Prioritizing your safety and well-being is essential to making the most of your experience in Medellín.
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The biggest danger: The dating apps
With the rise of social networks and digitality, it is common for interpersonal relationships to migrate to a virtual context. This has changed how people relate to and look for a partner.
Applications like Bumble or Tinder are some of the most downloaded by those who want to meet others when traveling in other countries or cities. In fact, since the pandemic, the download of these applications has been increasing.
Colombia is the fourth country in Latin America with the most users on this type of platform.
In January 2024, the news of an alert issued by the United States Embassy went viral, in which it warned its compatriots about the use of dating applications in Colombia, especially in Medellín, Cartagena, and Bogotá. This is due to the increase in the number of deaths of US citizens in the country.
In this statement, the embassy makes it clear that the method by which they are robbing and murdering American citizens is using recognized dating applications, in which the victim and the criminal agree to have a meeting in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and pubs. Afterward, they agree to have a more intimate encounter in another place, where they are generally drugged with scopolamine, and finally, they are robbed, and in other cases, they are killed.
This information is related to the latest figures delivered in 2023 on the deaths of foreigners in the country, in which it was evident that US citizens are more murdered than other nationalities.
American citizens
12 People
UK citizens
3 People
Argentinean Citizens
2 People
Other countries
13 People
There are alternative ways to meet new friends. There are numerous options outside the usual apps or nightlife scene for foreigners seeking to connect with people in Medellín in a safer environment. Networking events and language exchanges are great ways to interact with locals and other expats in a more controlled and friendly setting.
These events often occur in public spaces or reputable venues, providing a safer option than meeting new friends. They offer a chance to form meaningful connections and allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and community in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Scopolamine is the most used substance for robberies
Scopolamine, also known as “devil’s breath,” burundanga, and hyoscine, is a chemical substance that is made from the Scopolia plant. This plant is most commonly found near Bogotá and also in the departments of Atlántico and Magdalena in Colombia.
Scopolamine (Hyoscine) was first written about in 1881 and started to be used for anesthesia around 1900. Hyoscine is produced from plants of the nightshade family. The name “scopolamine” is derived from one type of nightshade known as Scopolia, while the name “hyoscine” is derived from another type known as Hyoscyamus niger.
Hyoscine has several legitimate medical uses and some side effects.
Scopolamine is known to produce a loss of memory and hallucinations following exposure to larger doses, which is similar to the effect of benzodiazepines or alcohol poisoning, which can affect the ability to resist criminal aggression. If you want to know more about scopolamine, some side effects, places in Medellín where it is most common, and statistics, we have a complete blog about it.
Remember that we think about your safety at Medellin Guru, so we made two free safety guides of emergency numbers, police stations and hospitals in case you need to contact authorities during an emergency.
Safety tips for your dates
Although the statement from the United States Embassy warns against using dating applications in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena, we know that digitality is an important part of human relationships. Therefore, we will give you some tips so that you can meet people on these applications safely, tips that the United States Embassy also gave.
#1 Dating Tips: Meeting your dates
When you meet someone online, you must have been talking to that person for some time. You follow them on social networks and check that they have added family and friends to their contacts.
Once you meet them, do it in public places such as shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and spaces with many people. This way, it will be less likely that something will happen to you. Also, send your location to friends and family so they know what you are doing.
#2 Dating Tips: Be careful in your encounters
If, after meeting in a public place, you decide that it is a good idea to go to your house or hotel room, talk to the doormen or security officers and establish a protocol with them in which your guest will have to show their identification to enter and leave your house. Also, agreeing that this person cannot leave your home with objects such as cellphones or computers will be a good idea.
#3 Dating Tips: Listen to your intuition
If perhaps, before, during, or after your meeting, you feel that there is something strange or you do not feel comfortable, listen to yourself and do not put your personal belongings or even your life at risk in these situations.
#4 Dating Tips: Don't resist theft
According to the United States Embassy in Colombia, it is most advisable that you do not basically resist the robbery because it will be more likely that they will murder you to steal your belongings.
#5 Dating Tips: Secure your health and safety anywere
We always recommend having travel medical insurance that can assist you in case of an emergency or if your documents are stolen. This is essential, since many foreigners do not have a good travel insurance policy in order to save a few bills. If you click on the button below, you’ll be able to access the Medellin Guru Insurance Service.
Get up to 25% OFF on health insurance during Colombia Amor y Amistad Month
- Accident coverage
- Emergency dental
- Emergency care in hospitals and clinics
- Medical prescription
- Accidental death and repatriation coverage
Medellin Guru's Safety and Security Series
Safety is the biggest concern of foreigners visiting Colombia or planning to move to Colombia. So, we have a series of 18 popular articles about safety and security in Colombia:
- Is Medellin Safe? U.S. Embassy Colombia Talks About Security for U.S. Citizens
- Emergency Directory Guides to Ensure Your Safety in Colombia
- Is Colombia Safe? Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Medellín Safe? Medellín Security and Safety Tips
- How to Travel and Live in Colombia Safe as a Foreigner
- What are the Safest Neighborhoods in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- Medellín Robbery: Expat Experience Being Robbed at Knifepoint
- Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia?
- Scopolamine: The Realities of Devil’s Breath in Colombia
- Colombia Protests: Tips for Foreigners to Stay Safe During Protests
- Is Bogotá Safe? Bogotá Security and Safety Tips
- Is Cartagena Safe? Cartagena Security and Safety Tips
- Is Cali Safe? Cali, Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Santa Marta Safe? Santa Marta Security and Safety Tips
- Is Pereira Safe? Pereira, Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Manizales Safe? Manizales Security and Safety Tips
- Is Bucaramanga Safe? Bucaramanga Security and Safety Tips
- Is Barranquilla Safe? Barranquilla Security and Safety Tips
Bottom Line: Medellin dating tips: Advice for foreign men
During recent years, Medellín has been the favorite destination for foreigners looking to invest, retire, or stay to live in the city. However, with the massive arrival of people to the city, crime also increases.
The issue of digitality and meeting people through social networks is another tool that facilitates crimes against foreigners in the city, and the United States Embassy has already sent an alert about it. Although, there are some safety tips you can practice if you want to meet people online.
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