Tourist Shot In Barranquilla

[beginthebeguin]

That would be BAQ or the coast of course and that will not be until Mid-2012 at the earliest. So there is enough time to assess the situation.

[euforia51]

Incidentally for those following the original story, it is looking more and more that this was not a random shooting of a tourist in a bar. It is looking more like a set up by this woman's husband from what my novia tells me as she was watching the news in Medellin this evening.

So this should help put your mind at ease at least a little when thinking of random acts of violence against tourists. Still, it's always best to be a little extra careful.

[beginthebeguin]

Don't think so. I saw the video of the shooting in tonights edition of the "El Heraldo" on of the local papers. It looks like the nervous one sitting at the table to the right when the muggers first sat down was the shooter. And it looks like the gun went off prematurely. Anyway my novia told me that is the consensus in town as of this evening.

[euforia51]

Don't think so.

OK that's fine. I also saw this video and cannot determine, at least for myself, that the gun went off prematurely. You can read here where the woman's family is accusing the husband of being involved. I was simply suggesting (along with others early in the thread) there was more to this than just a random hit on a tourist; based on the limited, but also reliable info, that I have. Thanks.

EDIT:
Those interested can also see the video begin is referring to.

[mudd]

either way, set up or just dumb luck, its still a 3rd world country as far as crime is concerned. bad things happen in Colombia. You don't hear too much happening in Barranquilla though and i never had a problem there, unlike Cali or Medellin.

few rules,
don't look like a target,
don't act like a target
don't piss off the wrong local, or for that matter, any locals.
don't be in places you shouldn't be in.
be aware of problems in certain areas of the city your in ( when in Medellin, my friend would tell me what areas of Medellin were not safe to be in)

[whitey]

I think Fathertime made some very good points above.

I too am hoping to retire or at least live 6 months of the year in Colombia, so security concerns are always on my mind too.  I still have at least 7-10 years to wait unless I hit the lottery, though.

All I can tell you is that all my Colombian friends here in Canada love their original country, but don't want to return permanently due to security concerns.  Most are here because they have been singled out for extortion and/or death threats for various reasons.

When I'm in Barranquilla Nazly, her family, and her friends are always concerned about my safety when I'm out alone, which was pretty often during the day since Nazly is usually working.  

That video is pretty sad, and it looks to me like she was deliberately shot ... but who knows ... it doesn't take much to get you killed in Colombia when someone already has a gun in his hand.  If you say the wrong thing, or don't give up your stuff quickly enough ... that's all it takes.

[beginthebeguin]

Regardless of who was the cause of the shooting. The lawyer of the husband should have told him not to wear a 'High Times' t-shirt to the press conference later that week.

http://www.elheraldo.com.co/judicial/en-21-segundos-fue-asesinada-la-espanola-irene-cortes-lucas-10695

[euforia51]

Regardless of who was the cause of the shooting.

Actually, IMO, it is important who caused the shooting and why it happened given the rather grim and final subject line of the thread. One reading this thread could come away very fearful in thinking they rob and shoot tourists for no reason whatsoever in BAQ. Ask your novia if she likes the idea of having potential visitors thinking this way about her city. whitey? How about your wife? Maybe it's not important to you or her, but ask another Colombiano and I bet you get a different answer ... and a word like "pride" might come up once or twice.

[CalifSur]

As a future "tourist" heading to Barranqilla I do FEEL MUCH BETTER knowing this was quite possibly an inside job as opposed to a random hit of a tourist. 


http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/14717-spanish-tourists-family-claim-colombian-husband-had-her-killed.html

[whitey]

Actually, IMO, it is important who caused the shooting and why it happened given the rather grim and final subject line of the thread. One reading this thread could come away very fearful in thinking they rob and shoot tourists for no reason whatsoever in BAQ. Ask your novia if she likes the idea of having potential visitors thinking this way about her city. whitey? How about your wife? Maybe it's not important to you or her, but ask another Colombiano and I bet you get a different answer ... and a word like "pride" might come up once or twice.

We talked about it a few nights ago, but not specifically about the impact on tourists.  Of course, they are right in the middle of Carnaval right now, with national and international attention.  I'm sure she feels the same way that we would feel if a Colombian tourist was killed in our own home towns.

All the Colombians I know in Colombia are very proud of their country, and the ones I know here in Canada are also very proud, but of course they have a little more perspective on things.

[chameleon]

I think Fathertime made some very good points above.

I too am hoping to retire or at least live 6 months of the year in Colombia, so security concerns are always on my mind too.  I still have at least 7-10 years to wait unless I hit the lottery, though.

All I can tell you is that all my Colombian friends here in Canada love their original country, but don't want to return permanently due to security concerns.  Most are here because they have been singled out for extortion and/or death threats for various reasons.

When I'm in Barranquilla Nazly, her family, and her friends are always concerned about my safety when I'm out alone, which was pretty often during the day since Nazly is usually working. 

That video is pretty sad, and it looks to me like she was deliberately shot ... but who knows ... it doesn't take much to get you killed in Colombia when someone already has a gun in his hand.  If you say the wrong thing, or don't give up your stuff quickly enough ... that's all it takes.

I went to private school with some colombian kids. Most didn't return to colombia. They all had stories about their personal security guards and relatives being kidnapped/murdered. Things were worse back then, but although I hope to retire to south america, Argentina is a much more likely destination. I don't want to have to worry about personal security too much.

[jvoorhees]

I would carry a small wallet worth about $ 5 with $ 40,000 pesos in it with ID or credit cards that were expired so any thief would think he got something, and keep the real ID, cards and $$$ in a hidden place.

I think a small dummy wallet is an excellet idea.  I was planning on bringing a couple on my trip.  The only thing that makes me nervous is credit cards.  I wasn't even going to bring a credit card on my trip at all.  And wouldn't feel too comfortable with even an expired credit card in my dummy wallet.
 
Would muggers in Colombia not believe a wallet with no credit cards?
 
And how would you get a second or more ID to put in the wallet?
 

[whitey]

Would muggers in Colombia not believe a wallet with no credit cards?

And how would you get a second or more ID to put in the wallet?

A typical street robbery will be a very fast and desperate thing - the robber is not going to take the time to make a detailed examination of the wallet - he'll be most interested in the cash.

I have things like old library cards, an expired golf membership that has my photo on it, old expired department store credit cards that I don't use, expired credit cards from accounts that I've closed, etc.  I don't use expired cards for active accounts.
 
I don't bother to carry the fake wallet during the day anymore, but would consider using it at night if I'm going out late, to bars/discos, etc (which I very rarely do since I'm married and not a party animal anyway).

I only carry my credit or debit cards with me when I have a specific purchase or withdrawal planned - otherwise they stay in my room.  I just carry cash, my bus card, and a photocopy of my passport in a small wallet.  Any large bills I put in another pocket, separate from my wallet.

[fathertime]

personally i have never been held up... but if it were to happen, i would just give em my real wallet...what is the difference between losing 40 dollars in a fake wallet, and losing 350 dollars in a the real one?  who cares? if somebody has a gun trained on me, I want to make them as happy as i can and the more money i have on me, the better...  2 weeks later it would be just another forgettable incident and the few hundred will have been forgotten.  my 2cents

or in sentiments that researcher would understand; i don't get robbed often, but when i do i always give dos equis 

Fathertime!

[chameleon]

personally i have never been held up... but if it were to happen, i would just give em my real wallet...what is the difference between losing 40 dollars in a fake wallet, and losing 350 dollars in a the real one?  who cares? if somebody has a gun trained on me, I want to make them as happy as i can and the more money i have on me, the better...  2 weeks later it would be just another forgettable incident and the few hundred will have been forgotten.  my 2cents

or in sentiments that researcher would understand; i don't get robbed often, but when i do i always give dos equis 

Fathertime!

Pretty much. I'd leave the cards at home and carry enough cash so that they think they've scored and won't have any reason to think i'm holding out on them.


These threads are kinda worrying though, especially the comment that there's a trend that these people will just shoot first and then take what they want. I don't wear any bling but it worries me to even bring my camera...


What kind of areas have the last couple shootings been in?

[whitey]

Shootings happen all the time in Barranquilla, but they are usually over drugs, women, or some issue between family or aquaintences ... just like in most of the world.  Very little every happens to tourist in BAQ, but then there are very few tourists. 

I don't feel like I'm a bigger target, just because I'm gringo, but maybe I'm naive.  I'm out every afternoon alone if Nazly is working, taking buses (Transmetro, not colectivos), walking the streets in the north part of town (which is the safest), drinking a coffee, coke, or sometimes a beer at a cafe, walking around one of the malls like Portal or Buena Vista. 

The only time I've felt a little uncomfortable was when some teenager was giving me the evil eye across the street from Portal ... no idea why ... I just gave him a wide berth and kept on walking.

I dress to fit in down here, mostly in clothes bought here, but I'm under no illusions that I'm blending in completely.  Everyone knows that I'm gringo right away, and Nazly often has friends tell her that they saw me walking around at such and such place (never with another woman, fortunately ... hahaha).  The best I can do is look like I know what I'm doing, and am not clueless.
 
Nazly and I carry a camara when we're out together, and I don't have any fears over that.  I'd also have no problem handing it over quickly if someone pulled out a knife or gun.  I wouldn't carry one walking around alone, though ... I would just feel too vulnerable and touristy in BAQ.  Santa Marta or Cartagena, touristy spots in Bogota or Medellin would be a different story though.

[MichaelP]

               I always carry a fake wallet when I travel just in case. If I'm robbed at least I can give up something that isn't too valuable.


   

Hi Folks,

 There's a possibility that I might be making a trip to S.A. this summer so this topic resonates with me.

First on the wallet thing.
Traditionally when I have traveled, I would take my belt wallet.
Inside it would be my passport (at times, or copy thereof), some credit/debit cards, cash, mobile phone, notes etc.

Never had problems with it before.

Are you folks suggesting I abandon it for this trip?
Where would you keep your mobile smartphone?

On the safety issue in general.
I have traveled to China, and Eastern Europe and never felt threatened there.
Is there really a big difference in the safety factor between S.A. and my previous destinations?

TIA




 

[Dan Las Vegas]

I normally keep my iphone at wherever I am staying and not take it out with me.  Iphones are expensive as hell in Colombia and I plan on keeping mine for quite some time. I normally only carry a small amount of cash, about 25 to 40 dollars in Pesos and that is it. I don't take the debit or credit cards with me unless I need to have one or the other and then only take one.  I keep a photocopy of my passport on me and usually never carry the actual passport.  I've been ok and never had a problem in Bogota or Medellin but why take the chance? 
We have discussed crime and safety in colombia numerous times on this board, sometimes in spite of the best plans and intentions, things happen. Just use common sense for the most part, be aware of your surroundings and stay out of problem areas and you should be fine.
 
Dan LV

[Researcher]

       Paying attention to your surroundings is the best thing you can do.Anywhere there is money there is a possibility of someone being there to rob you.Be especially careful around ATMs. My wife has pointed out to me bad situations around cash machines more than once.We were in Bogota once and waiting at an ATM. There was a couple ahead of us.When it came their turn they let us go ahead of them.My wife got spooked and we left that one and went to another.She said the lady was pretending to look for something in her purse so they would let us go ahead then probably try and rob us after we made a withdrawal.Many times these thieves work in groups.Pick pockets work in groups as well. That's why I carry a fake wallet.It's not just muggers that are there, alot of pick pockets as well work the streets. I don't carry my passport or driver's license with me in case of being robbed. I don't mind losing a little money but I don't want to be stuck somewhere without any ID.

          Researcher

[euforia51]

Seems like anyone who's been to S.A. and particularly in Colombia has a somewhat different idea when it comes to personal items and safety. The best advice is to do what feels the best for you and your situation.
 
If you feel like you cannot live without your iPhone, then by all means, take it with you; just be sure you don't flaunt it. If you feel like you really need your credit card, then take that too.
 
Of course, there are risks associated with anyone's advice; and each person has their own scheme, hiding places, wallets, some carry their cards, some don't, and on and on. So having said that, the best thing I think I've ever read on this board with regards to the subject is probably this:
 
Don't take or carry anything with you that you're not willing to give up or lose.

[euforia51]

We were in Bogota once and waiting at an ATM. There was a couple ahead of us.When it came their turn they let us go ahead of them.My wife got spooked and we left that one and went to another.She said the lady was pretending to look for something in her purse so they would let us go ahead then probably try and rob us after we made a withdrawal.

Now that's just deviously clever and most likely true. Thanks for posting that, Researcher.

[whitey]

That's a new one for me, Researcher - thanks for posting it!  I would have fallen for that trick ...

[Micky]

All things written make sense and are valid.  I walk most everywhere,  marginal barrios,  but not the no-fly zones.  I do live here and I know two blocks the wrong way can make a big difference.  6 feet,  very light brown hair,  green eyes,  high top tennis,  shorts and T-shirt,  not like I fit in,  or do I try.  I have never had anything close to a problem.  On the other hand I would never tell anyone this is a very safe city and like any big city in the world.  This is COLOMBIA and there is gun play a tad more than your "normal" big city anywhere in the world.  There is a balance between looking like a very difficult target and looking like you are challenging anyone's turf or thughood.  I do not pay OBVIOUS attention to anyone and no one pays attention to me.  Why anyone would carry their passport on them is beyond me,  a good copy is all you need.  Common sense applied is your best bet.

Micky

[Researcher]

Now that's just deviously clever and most likely true. Thanks for posting that, Researcher.

         I totally trust my wife's instinct when it comes to things like that.We visited Atlanta a year or two ago.We were on the street waiting to cross when she tugged on my arm.She pointed out theses two guys signaling each other and told me to be careful. She said they were up to no good and that in Colombia robbers work like that. They pick someone out and signal to one another who their intended target is.

        After we left that ATM in Bogota we didn't go straight to another. We went in a couple of stores and that same couple from before ended up in the same stores.After that we lost them in a crowd.

       My wife's family gets robbed often. Just recently my brother in law picked up some medication he has to take because he had a kidney transplant about a year ago.He went to run an errand at a government office and when he came out to his car he found that someone had broken in to the trunk of his car and stole all of his medications. I don't think any of them could be used as a narcotic but they were expensive. Luckily the government believed him and allowed him more medication.

          Researcher
         

[euforia51]

Why anyone would carry their passport on them is beyond me,  a good copy is all you need.

Micky, I've wrestled with this question over and over again and I am sure I will wrestle with it some more. And I'm not sure there is a correct answer.
 

I'd be pretty paranoid to leave it, for example, in a hotel room that does not have a safe. And even then, in my mind, that is still up for debate.I think if one is to carry it with them, it is best placed somewhere discrete and out of easy reach.
 
Either way, whether it gets stolen from being on your person or from your dwelling, you're going to need to make a run to the embassy to get a replacement.