Safety recommendations for Cartagena
- Never lose sight of your personal belongings in public places.
- Avoid walking in lonely, dark areas and vacant lots or alleys, especially late at night.
- It is important to always have the addresses and telephone numbers of your hotel and the places you are visiting to hand.
- There are authorized currency exchange booths at the airports.
- Should you require a taxi, only hail those that are authorized and recognized by the airport authorities. Under no circumstances should you accept offers of informal, unauthorized transportation.
- Keep your passport and/or ticket in a safe, easily accessible place.
- Carry only the amount of cash you will need for the day. Hotels have safe deposit boxes where you can store your valuables.
- Always use the official establishments for the services you may need. You can check with the event organizers or hotel employees, who can provide you with any relevant information.
- Most of the tourist areas, such as the Walled City, Bocagrande, Castillogrande and Laguito have no insecurity issues.
Emergency Numbers
Single National Emergency Line 123. This number will enable you to access all of the free emergency and security services offered by the Colombian government, 24 hours a day. The number is toll-free whether you use a mobile (cell) phone or a landline.
Other emergency numbers are:
| SERVICE | NUMBER |
|---|---|
| Red Cross hotline | 132 |
| Colombian Red Cross – Bolivar Section | +57 (5) 6625388 |
| Rafael Núñez International Airport | +57 (5) 6569200 |
| Traffic Police | 127 |
Tourist information for Cartagena
San Diego Plaza: A place where people can relax, and have something to eat and drink at the site’s open-air patios. Located in the historic downtown district.
San Felipe del Morro Castle: The largest military building in America. It was established as a strategic site with the purpose of watching out for invaders attempting to enter the city by land or from Cartagena Bay. The castle is located in the Pie del Cerro neighbourhood.
The Wall: Cartagena's historic centre is surrounded by 11 km of wall, which was built to protect the city from constant attacks by the enemies of the crown and pirates.
The Palace of the Inquisition: A baroque building which contains a museum and historical archive, the cornerstones of Cartagena’s history. There are also several rooms that provide context to events during the time of the Inquisition. It is in the historic downtown district.
The fort of San Sebastián: Located on Manga Island. Currently the fort is known for the Fishing Club, which has a marina where local and foreign ships anchor.
Rafael Núñez Museum: The museum preserves and disseminates the historical legacy of the thinking of the former Colombian president and, through dialogue, seeks to generate a collective memory in its visitors. It is located in the Cabrero district.
Zenú Gold Museum: Located in the historic centre, opposite the Bolívar Plaza. It was founded by the Bank of the Republic and opened its doors to the public in Cartagena de Indias in 1982, with a collection of gold and ceramic pieces of the main pre-Colombian cultures.
Other points of interest for tourists are: De la Popa Monastery, Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Bolivar Park, De la Aduana Plaza, Church of Saint Peter Claver, Church of Saint Dominic, Clock Tower, House of Rafael Núñez Museum, De las Bóvedas Plaza, Adolfo Mejía theatre.
Tourist information points in Cartagena: (PIT for its acronym in Spanish): PIT inside Rafael Núñez Airport; PIT inside the Cartagena de Indias Convention Centre; PIT outside the Port Society of Cartagena de Indias; PIT at San Pedro Plaza; PIT at Los Coches Plaza; Local PIT at Plaza de la Aduana.
Useful links:
cartagenadeindias.travelpolicia.gov.comigracioncolombia.gov.co