Safety Tip #2:

Medellín has incredible public transportation and lots of options to get around the city, so let us give you some tips about it.

TRANSPORTATION TIPS:

• Don't slam your doors closed too hard when you are here! In some cultures, like ours in the United States, we close our car doors a little harder than usual. The locals are sensitive to that here, so be respectful and close your doors softly.

• When stopped at a stoplight and your windows are down, don't have your phone out and easy to snatch by a passerby motorcycle. I've never seen this happen, but I definitely have heard stories.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

You will find Metros, Metro Cables, Trams, and busses to get around the city. And you should definitely do it if you can. It is a great way for you to see the city and is a real source of Pride for Paisas. The public transportation is usually very clean, quiet, and people are very respectful. At times, it can be really busy, so make sure to keep your backpacks and/or purses on your front at all times. Remember, don't give Papaya (don't give people an opportunity to do something they shouldn't be doing).

TAXIS:

1. White Taxis: These are taxis to and from the airport and there is usually a flat rate price for these taxis. They are recommended and a good way to get into the city from the airport, but you will need cash. So if you don't have any and want to take a white taxi from the airport, make sure to take some cash out before (usually $120.000 COP per direction). This is usually how we get from the airport to downtown Medellin.

2. Yellow Taxis: The yellow taxis are metered and can be found all over the city. I only recommend these if you are from Colombia or are fluent in Spanish. There is some discrimination for tourists with yellow taxis and a rare situation of exploitation. If you are casually going around town, I suggest you take a 3rd party driving app.

UBERS & APPS:

Ubers are a great way to get around the city. They are safe and reliable and are what we usually take when we go around. But let me give you some advice about ubers.

1. Ubers and all driving apps are technically in the grey area: They are not fully allowed in Colombia, and some cities don't even have them available. It is nothing to worry about and everyone uses them, but they may ask you to sit up front. That is TOTALLY normal! And Colombians are such wonderful and friendly people, so it is a great way to practice your Spanish or get to know a local.

2. Ubers from the airport: Since ubers are in the grey area, then taking a 3rd party app to and from the airport can be a little weird at times. They may ask you to meet them on the departure side rather than the arrivals. They may ask you if there are any police around. These are all because they get fined if they are caught at the airport and the airport definitely has more regulations. This is nothing to be concerned about, but if you want to avoid any awkwardness, hop in a white taxi to head to the city center!

3. All 3rd Party Driving Apps available: Uber, Didi, InDrive