Check out our video on the many positives of Cartagena: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rduqfaqHvrG6mqc.html

Are you guys robots?

As always, do not go to a foreign country expecting to have the same services and experiences that you have back home. I Love Cartagena, there are many pros, it's one of my favorite cities and everyone should visit it and enjoy it.

Cartagena is my favorite city in the world. I have been to 76 countries and I'm moving there permanently before the end of this year. Absolutely the best place I have ever been.

I have been to Cartagena many times, and never had any issues. I would think it was manly because we didn't look or act like typical tourist. Yes there was street rappers, and street vendors, but I simply gave a very direct response of NO, and was left alone. I honestly think that the way you carry yourself opens yourself to be taken advantage. But with any place you visit, I believe having some common sense and situational awareness goes a long way. I'm from the east coast in the states, and there are spots I wouldn't even travel through unless I had some protection if you know what I mean. Colombia is a beautiful country and I pray for progress and prosperity for its people.

Colombia is a wonderful country with all the photographs, from beaches, deserts, mountains, plains, great variety, Cartagena is the most visited city in Colombia, good video. 6:50.

Sorry guys!!! My city must improve everything you mention... I appreciate the kindness of your comments and the respect with which you mention each negative aspect. Gracias por visitar mi ciudad!!!

I Just got back had a ball. Cannot complain.

Okay, so Recently this year, In March, I travelled to Cartagena, Colombia from my Country, Jamaica for the first time. Here's how I rate my experience on the scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being excellent. 1. Food and service from the restaurants: 9.5 (Majority of the restaurants that I've visited had excellent customer service, and the food were delicious, I can't complain because I found no faults. 2. Food from the supermarkets, and grocery stores: 6.5 (If you are planning on buying raw meats, vegetables, and occasionally fruits in the grocery stores or some supermarkets, don't bother, because they're probably spoiled. I realize fruits and veg, and especially meats weren't very sustainable and they spoiled easily, probably because of poor storage, an excess in quantity, and probably the heat) You are way safer just going to a restaurant where everything is fresh. If you want fruits, it's best to buy them from the vendors on the road because they are way fresher) 3. Clubs & Bars: 9 (I had a wonderful experience in the club and bars, no faults there) 4. Accomodation 9.5 (Spaces for accommodation was clean, super safe as persons would have to provide ID upon visiting a hotel or airbnb. If you had a visitor they had to provide ID at the lobby so everything was very secure. The property I stayed at even had electric fence, and yes there was Cameras) Pricing was not bad, it was fairly cheep. I know in some areas it can be expensive but for where I stayed, it was okay. 5. Street vendors 8.5 (I personally don't mind persons trying to sell me something, I come from an Island where that is pretty custom, people live a rough life and are trying to make a living, hence why when I was there, I supported the locals. I saw one lady even in the supermarket begging the cashier for food, and I bought her groceries, people are struggling so any support I can give, I don't mind. Plus once you tell them no you're not interested, they won't really press you. The people there are really kind and helpful even when you didn't ask for it, and I value and appreciate that) 6. Scams: With regard to Uber, there's definitely a problem with uber payment especially if you chose to use cash instead of just paying from your card. I don't know what the issue is but sometimes I'd pay using cash when I'm given the balance, and after paying, it would give me an additional balance saying I owe, But if I pay with card, I have no issues. Exessive pricing for foreigners, you will encounter in most places you visit, even here in Jamaica, sadly. That's just how it is. 7. Prices: This goes for every country you travel to. USE THEIR LOCAL CURRENCY. In CTG I realize most locals didn't understand the conversion rate of USD to Colombian Pesos, and sometimes prices would seem a bit ridiculous when making purchases. To solve the issue, just convert the USD to Colombian Pesos and make transactions in their currency to avoid confusion, Preferably at a Cambio instead of at the airport, because that way you'll get more for your money when you convert. 8. Infrastructure: 7.5 (Infrastructure in certain places, especially in the Marbella area was not really good, some places in Old Town as well was not very good, but It didn't take away from my experience because I still enjoyed my stay without any issues. I see them constantly working on their infrastructure though with that being said. Hence why the air was so thick lol.) 9. Safety: 10 (Again, I had no safety concerns, there was police present in most places in Old Town, Bocagrande, Marbella area as well. I walked freely with my phone out on my selfie stick and had headphones on both during the day and during the late hours of the night while I was club hopping. On several occasions, I walked back to where I was staying in Porto Novo from Bocagrande, why my phone out on my selfie stick recording and talking photos, wallet full of cash, jewelry on, headphones on, without any worry or fear. I'm Jamaican, this is something I can't even think about doing in the country I live in, and I did all of that freely in Cartagena. I felt more safer in Cartagena than I did in my own country, Jamaica. ) 10. Street Rappers: 9.5 (I had no issue with the street rappers, they approach you rapping and if you're not interested just ignore them and they'll go on to the next person, otherwise enjoy the rap and tip them when they're done) 11. I didn't have any issues entering/exiting the country, and with regard to any visa related issue. 12. The boat ride to one of the islands, was EXCELLENT! The island we visited was lovely, food was excellent, service was lovely. 13. Yes Cartagena was quite loud depending on where in Cartagena you where. If you were in Bocagrande, expect it to be loud, that's like party central lol. Party busses when by ever so often, however, in residential areas, places where there were airbnbs, hotels, hostels etc. There was complete silence, even from the party busses that passed through those areas. Trust me when I say Jamaica is louder. If you were in the Old Town area, near the Mall (La Serrezuela), it would also be a little loud due to cars and vehicles since there's a highway right there, but that was really during the day time, when people hardly come out anyways because it's so hot. People mostly come out during the night, when it's quieter except for the clubs that are in bocagrande and old town. At the end of the day, everyone has their own experiences, and can only speak to what they went through. So that was my take on my first time visiting CTG from Kingston, Jamaica. Would I recommend Cartagena to anyone? Yes Absolutely. I myself, am looking to go back in the near future. I had so much fun, that I wan to go back. Cartagena was definitely my cup of team and I'm going back. I would recommend a visit to anyone, especially to persons who want to visit a country but they don't have a visa. I know this was long, but I had to share too.

Thank you for the info , very useful

The Columbian government and police need to do something about these street vendors. Every single person who visits Cartagena complains about being harassed by these people. At the end of the day it keeps people from choosing to travel to Columbia. Shame on the Columbian government for allowing this to persist!

As someone who's spent a lot of time in Cartagena, here are my tips everything you mentioned in the video is true, although it's been getting a lot worse recently. The city is somehow half-dollarised and the rest is pesos and euros, they will charge 300k pesos to 300 euro even though that is not the equivalent. As for the street vendors they ""harass" tourists not only because they need to, but because they have to in order to survive and eat. Most of them live in shady places in the city or out on the streets. The customer service, that you will find is pretty consistent in Colombia but more present along the Caribbean coast, they just talk, and are friendly, and everyone's friends with everyone, the efficacy of the tasks is reduced but once you get used to lower worker speeds, it's fine, plus they don't do it to spite anyone, that's just how people are. 3k and 5k CAD a month is a rip-off. Booking online, especially through Airbnb is so scammy, the way to do it is to just go to the city with no accommodation and walk from hotel to hotel and the price range can be as low as 30USD a night! The honking and loudness, that's the Colombian Caribbean coast! unnecessary loudness. The departure tax must be new, a thing about Colombia is that most changes to migration law, politics, etc. Are not documented online, but instead televised and then not uploaded to a website, so everything becomes hearsay

Finally Finally someone who pronounced the name of the city correctly...

Thank you for sharing, hug from Portugal

Biggest tip to have a good time in Cartagena is not to stick out like a sore thumb. If you were there for 3 months, you should have learned the language, met a solid network of locals, and known how to handle every one of those downsides with ease.

You guys are so happy!

Yup same experience here. Definitely not going back ever again.

I like cartagena, but the vendors do get annoying. They don’t take no for an answer. Overall most Colombians are cool people

I lived there for several years, never really had those problems, only went to certain restaurants and bars. I always wore a hat and sunglasses when I went to the street; that way the nobody will try to sell you one. I never tried to act like a tourist when I was there; they can see you coming from a mile away. I have family in Cartagena and I love it there.

I am so sorry u had these bad experiences. I have been to Cartagena 3 times and had a great time. No issues. Yes, vendors are aggressive but from my experience, say no once and not bothered again. Best beaches you have to take a boat such as Playa Blanca. Also, went to great restaurants. Overall, I loved the vibe and had a great great experience.

We are here in Cartagena right now and coming back to Canada soon. It is so true what you say about the welcome visa fee, the customer service being distracted , the person at the bar attempting to short change you and the street rappers who ruin your time but it’s the nature of the beast I guess. You gave great security tips. And yes a week is long enough. I would however come back again and if what you want is peace and no noise stay in Bocagrande and not Getsemaní or the old city.

The restaurants take a long time to serve the foods because it’s fresh. But you prefer foods that have being inside a fridge during month or years as they do in many countries.

Hello! This is my first time in Cartegena, but Ive visited Medellin for almost 3 years now. My best advice to anyone visiting outside of your country- do some research first, good and bad. Learn how the place's culture is and how they 'do' things. Remember, you are NOT in your country and the locals will probably do things differently than you're used to. If you were here 3 months and had an overall bad experience, then I would respectfully say that you must evaluate your expectations and opines. I'm from New Orleans and am used to 'touristy' stuff. This city (Cartegena) reminds me of New Orleans. I must agree with you that its best to probably stay here, maybe a week or two, but I wouldn't stay here long-term like I would Medellín. But I will come back!!!😊😊

Interesting to hear about your overall experience . Also very valuable to share your insights with your viewers . Not all destinations can be fabulous .

Good video to keep tourist like those out.

Just FYI when googled it states that all foreigners and Colombians must pay a 111 US dollar (or Colombian equivalent) as a airport departure tax when departing from Cartagena 🤷‍♂️ Also, if you are on a good plan with either ATT or Verizon, you can use your phone and internet at no additional charge anywhere in north, south, and Central America.

Im Mexican American and speak perfect Spanish but even being Spanish speaking did not save my family from EVERYTHING you mentioned..I think we spent more money in Colombia than when we've visited Portugal or San Diego..I was very dissapointed in my Cartagena experience, you are very accurate in all the dislikes bc my family and I experienced everything you just mentioned..San Juan Puerto Rico was actually more relaxing and cleaner! Medillin was very nice and much greener..

Cartagena is a HUGE Tourist Trap. If you travelers are seeking a tropical destination with nice vibes, amazing gastronomy, and mindblowing beaches I'd recommend you go to Brazil! It's a country similar to Colombia but a lot safer, friendly with travelers, and much more options for adventures! (With most of them being FREE) What I disliked most about Cartagena is that you must pay for everything! Even if you wanna see a beautiful beach you must take a boat and spend lots of $$ according to your gringo face and Colombians can be really tricky sometimes. Again, I recommend going to Brazil instead cuz after visiting there after Colombia I felt respected as a tourist, I felt in love with the nature (specially not having to pay to be in the nature), had the most exotic food and delicious cocktails and met one of the funniest ppl on earth!

Well... the visa $85 plus $45. sucks... you didnt check If u were scammed?

Are you guys a couple? Cause Colombia has some of the most beautiful women in the world ❤

The high season is a mess in these tourist centric towns. It’s a party atmosphere. The prices are higher and they hit tourists. I have found service to be pretty hit or miss all over South America (especially in Argentina) and I’m still astounded by how long it takes to check out at a supermarket anywhere lol. I have heard several reports about crime and safety issues in Cartagena, and that you need to keep your eyes open and use common sense. I usually go out only with a bit of cash and a Visa card and I usually leave my watch back at my place if I feel there’s an issue. As for phones? Snatching phones and cameras out of unsuspecting tourists (and locals) hands seems to be a national pastime in Colombia. I saw it several times in bogota. They ride by on a moped and snatch at the phone or purse or camera. I always made sure to stand far back from the curb when using my phone. Oddly, I find the opposite to be true in Medellin (go figure) everyone is friendly and helpful and smiling. Of course I’m staying in an upscale area (poblado) but never have I once felt unsafe or concerned. I will occasionally find a “mistake” on a bill. 😎

Interestingly enough, I enjoyed your videos on Cartagena. With many great suggestions on food and activities. So I took your suggestions. I just returned from Cartagena and had a wonderful time! Enjoying your shared ideas. Yes, some of your negatives are indeed true- hawkers and tourists are inevitable. I found that in countless other places also. Wondering… Why did you go to Cartagena for 3 months? Seems excessive to me! My simple opinion is the city can be in enjoyed in a couple of weeks. Curious. But thank you for the Sofitel, the Mirador- and all the great spots you’ve mentioned. I enjoy your travels and love the straightforward approach.

Why y’all talking like that😭

I agree with you in some aspects but i think you have to be congruent with what you want. Just from watching the video i can tell you guys are clearly stable couple, quiet, very organized people. If you wanted quiet, tidy place Cartagena is not the place. Is a party city! Is like going to a meatstore specting vegan food.. come on. I dont think Cartagena is bad. You are just not the right type of tourist for what the city offers.

Wow. The aggressive vendors would do me in. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I was just in Cartagena this past late January-early February. I stayed in Boca Grande & took public transportation. Never hasd a wait at the restaurants in El Centro or on Boca Grande. I waved off the beach vendors...& I went solely for the sun. Was not there during the rainy season, so, I did not encounter the street flooding that I heard was problematic. I wouldn't recommend any longer than a 2 week stay because the sun was intense. There is plenty of poverty in the business districts outside of El Centro...& you need to be aware of your surroundings as in any city. There are a lot of Venezuelan refugees there that exacerbates some of the problems.

Not everything these people say is true, everywhere in the world there are good and bad things.

I know no one wants to talk about this but if you are a white American, you will get a different experience from the street vendors and rappers than a person of color. I went to Cartagena and had a wonderful time. The vendors were aggressive but once we told them no twice, they left us alone. As far as the restaurant service, we had great service. They allowed us to skip the lines and we were often served first.

When you said take 5 or 10 minutes to do something that should take a minute, that's exactly why Latin America is economically behind.

After seeing the beautiful attractions on your previous video of Cartagena...it's surprising to hear so many negatives....thanks for your honest comments. I'm sure this will help other visitors to have a less stressful experience there...great job guys!!

Do you think you'd still have gone had you been aware of the aggressiveness of the street vendors, and other negatives? This video is a must-watch for anyone thinking of vacationing there, as most people want to be left in peace to enjoy their holiday. BTW, that rapper incident sounded downright scary. A friend of mine knows a young lady (quiet, unassuming student) who spent 5 months there while writing her thesis, and she actually had machine guns pointed at her! Nice to see you got home nice and safe:)

😂😂...#1 IT'S A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY... Did you not know that?? You should never go anywhere without a connector or guide. Spend more money next time & respect the people & culture 1st. & the wonderful people will be more than happy to help you avoid all of that.

What you say about street vendors, rappers and smelly waters it’s true, we have to work to solve it, but do not try to make people decide not to come to Cartagena. The restaurants take a long time because the foods are fresh and the real good, there are cities where the food is kept for a long time inside a fridge and, that’s worse but as you receive what you have ordered in 10 minutes, you think that you’re eating something is good when is all the contrary. Not healthy at all!!

WOW😮 Went to Baru Colombia all inclusive resort 11 years ago & we could not get to Wall City because no one spoke english 🥴 I guest it was a blessing in disguise👍🏿

yeah dude in colombia the waitors dont check on you much... thats everywhere haha in colombia... your in a third world country and sound like a bunch of rich prius driving gays

I agree when it comes to the beach and the vendors ! It was extremely annoying , and you are 100 percent correct , not even 2 minutes would pass by before another vendor was at your feet. I could not enjoy the beach at all , all k did was say “ no thank you “, every two minutes !!!!! This is the main reason why I will NEVER go back !!!!!!!

I get it now. You guys made this video only to get engagement to raise your views….I fell for it ugh 😩

I’ve been to Cartagena many of times. I was going to leave this long comment however this has to be a spoof. I’ve never heard such and idiotic video 🙄 Sounds like you guys are upset because you didn’t do your own research. First of all, Ubers are not even approved in Columbia. You’re supposed to use a taxi in which you negotiate the price prior. How do you not know what type of visas you need before traveling? I hope this video is a joke Are you guys need to get on the short bus and go back home? 😊

Having visited Cartagena i really but really didn’t like your video If you are honest about the negative things how can you forget the prostitution there? I mean, it is virtually impossible to meet a woman who is not a prostitute by night Some may like it and i’m no judge but i didn’t, at least it deserves a comment for whose who prefer to meet “regular girls” while traveling alone Just, don’t go there, sure all women are not interested there but a large majority are,if you like it, well, enjoy your trip…💁

My experience was completely different. I think it's because you guys are from Canada.

After seeing Romancing the Stone I would never want to go to Cartagena.

So sorry to hear that you both experienced so many negatives. Unfortunately, not every place is going to be an idyllic interlude even if you think it will be. Just like sometimes you might have an initial bad opinion about a place and then it turns out to be great. Thanks for sharing your experience ❤

I had the same experience years ago. The place is beautiful, but these vendors are so annoying. They were following me everywhere, non-stop. It was so intrusive and disturbing that made me fear while walking on the streets there.

I saw Kurt Caz's video of Cartagena, and the vendors on the beach was enough for me to say, "nope".

I was in Cartagena a month ago from Vancouver very disappointing, absolutely true about street vendors constant harassment especially on the beaches. I found Medellin alot better

NPC's. Yall just made me want to sleep for 2 days straights. Goodness gracious, recommendation to all- put these clowns on at least 1.5x speed otherwise youll sleep through your day.

everything u just listed is normal in non 1st world countries.

Maybe take some more time to stay home in Missisipi

You guys are funny!

duly noted gentlemen and thank you for your recommendations & reviews

It is all relative! Stay in Canada!

I just came back from Cartagena and experienced the same with scammers and pushy vendors. The police stopped me for no reason twice on the same night, rubbing me down which was not very enjoyable. I will not be returning there, ever!

It shows you were not prepared to travel to a third world country. Cartagena’s touristy area is beautiful and magical but prior research on how to navigate an extremely pour place overrun by tourists it’s important to avoid bad experiences. If you are a vacationer and not a traveler, is not the place for you!

I've been in Cartagena plenty of times and I've always had a great time. It is the most expensive city in Colombia for sure since the region's economy is based on tourism. That's no surprise. To have a good beach experience, you go to the surrounding islands, like Islas del Rosario. Cartagena is just the colonial port. Your video is way too negative and guys look so uptight! If you look for everything that's wrong with a place, that's all you'll see.

What do you do where you can travel so much?

Nice video...now you guys are in trouble because the Major (Dumek) is fighting KZfaqrs that show or talk about the bad (but very real) aspects of the city 😅. They only like people to believe lies about the city, that everything is just perfect, but far from true. Living in the city as a resident things are not that bad, but as tourist with high expectations about the city is terrible. I came from Vancouver to Cartagena and it is hard, but after a few years, I understand the city... Nowadays, I go to the city center and I don't get bothered that much...it is like they know you are not a tourist anymore... I believe the reason for it...I only wear jeans and normal shoes instead of short and flip-flops... There are better place for tourists to go even in Colombia...

Please don’t go back to Cartagena! Keep your word. Stay in Canada please!!!

My husband and I felt the same way about Cartagena, We loved the food and buildings but would not go back due to the aggressive vendors. We could not walk one block with out being asked if we wanted drugs or prostitutes.

reminds me on the service at restaurants juan receives in amerika

Cartagena is amazing. Not sure why you had a bad experience. Looking like a novice tourist unfortunately will hurt you.

Thanks for your honest opinion. I will be sharing this video.

You guys are a couple of products of AI. I agree with the vendors and Rap singers, THEY ARE ANOING. Any way there is rooms for every budget

Cartagena street vendors and beggers are very persistant and aggresive. I just ignore them. they eventually go away. They can sense hostility. I show no hostility. I also don't dress flashy or expesinve. simple jeans and a T-shirt. Cartagena is a fun place but it can also be dangerous. Just remember not to wear expesive jewlery or watches. Keep it simple and stay away from the neighborhoods that you have no busines being there.

Tienen razón, tristemente Cartagena se convirtió en el peor destino de Colombia por las estafas, malos olores y vendedores abusivos😢😢😢

Dudes, you should sell bibles to seniors on extended chemo!

cartegena is a prepaid girl place... go to another carribean island haha

Colombian here.... Cartagena is a huge tourist-trap stop going there

Well, some things are totally true but c'mon! some things are fishing too deep. Groceries being too expensive? Hotels being expensive? I live in Germany and I have found hotels in Poland and in Italy that are more expensive than here, even when they are considered poor countries. I don't think we can go to a city and thinking that because they are poorer then everything has to be cheaper than in my hometown, we are not the measure of all things. Specially if locals pay those prices. Is not the same to be in a tourist city in Poland or Italy than to live in a normal city in Germany, a tourist city is normally more expensive. The street vendors I would agree and taxis trying to scam you is the rule from New York to Bangkok. People speaking to each other on the store is part of what my german wife loves about the latino culture. again, it is a relaxed part of the world and enjoying life and being slow is part of how they do things there and is not a negative thing per se unless we see it according to our culture. I think a little more objectivity would be great on the video. I cannot judge a place because it doesn't fit into my idea of cheap everything and red and fresh vegetables and fruits. Also it is to be noted that in the video it seems you were going to the cheap stores and of course, that is a choice. I guess were you come from you don't go to the cheap stores expecting the good stuff. As I said, some things are spot on but others are really misleading. Go to Cartagena, stay in the Hilton, go to fine restaurants and buy stuff on the best grocery shops and you would have a totally different experience. I have stayed in good brand hotels in Europe but when I went to Cancun I had to pay 800 dollars a night. Crazy? Not really, is a tourist destination for people with more money than I make. I would be.very ubfair and bitter if I would say something like: "what? Those prices in Mexico? Is not like I am in (put hometown in developed coutry here"). Same happens in Curaçao or Rio, it is what it is, a lot of good tourism with deep pockets makes price rise. I can only say that is a scam or a tourist trap when I don't accept that some poorer countries have also expensive places because rich people normally go there. If I want to go to Cancun during spring break I have really to double check my wallet, but I would do a disservice if I go and afterwards make a video saying that it was too expensive and people should not go there. Just my thoughts, tried to be respectful but I think a lot of this review is unfair.

No lies told n this video

😂😂😂 los super gringos quejan por bobadas! 🎉 Pobrecitos!

lmaooo if you guys hated it so much why didn't you fucking leave after the first month?

They always take advantage of gay men

Didn't know the have Uber 🚖 there I’ve only known about the in driver app &?😊regular taxis 🚕

Cartagena deberia pasar una ley anti-acoso a turistas.

Everything this video explains it is to the tea. Please do not travel to Columbia.

Why do you talk like there’s someone pointing a gun at you behind the camera? 😂

😂

Exaggerated a little

That’s nice of you Barbie’s but let me tell you something every country has bad and good things!! What a bad people are you guys!! 😏😏

wow ur audio is horrible

Please, please do not go to Columbia. It is very unfortunate, but you will have the worst experience not only only that but your life can be in danger.

haha! Are these guys for real? Had to pay $45 each to leave the country? HAHA!

@miltonguzman6762 The way a vendor will live you alone i: ignoring them. Avoid looking at them and you will be fine. This is not Canada, so do not expect the same in Cartagena. We just spent 3 weeks and loved it! We travel the Caribbean with NO EXPECTATIONS! The negative experience you had it was for you to learn so it’s not for every body!

I know no one wants to talk about this but if you are a white American, you will get a different experience from the street vendors and rappers than a person of color. I went to Cartagena and had a wonderful time. The vendors were aggressive but once we told them no twice, they left us alone. As far as the restaurant service, we had great service. They allowed us to skip the lines and we were often served first.