Travelling to Columbia with a Rolex?

[nikop]

You're absolutely fine in Cartagena. I'm guessing you're staying in Centro, Bocagrande, or Getsemani, all of which are as safe as any neighborhood in the US and Europe. There's even a nice AD within the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa (in Centro), which has popular sports models in stock and will give great discounts. If they don't have a model on hand, they'll overnight it from Bogota.

There's a lot of people spouting opinions about a place they knowing about. Cartagena (and Colombia as a whole) is a fantastic place, and you'll have an amazing time. I've been to over 40 countries, lived in six, and visited just about every major city on earth, and Cartagena is the one place I return to more than any other. If you need any recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. I'm actually reluctant to even assuage people's fears anymore because the place is starting to get overrun with tourists.

[kamilof]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

Hey guys. Booked a trip to Cartagena in May. My girl and I have been lusting after photos of this place for quite some time. Anyone ever been?

Yes, my wedding was in Cartagena - beautiful place!

Disregard replies that dismiss going to Colombia without even being there. Colombia is a beautiful country, people are friendly and Cartagena is a great Spanish colonial city.

As per your ROLEX watches, wear them with pride! Like any other destination in the world (or even walking around Brooklyn where I live) just be aware of your surroundings. I wear my Explorer everywhere I go in the world!

[bmrisko]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

I'm never the one with the "remarks" but some of you really really need to get on a plane and travel the world.

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Amen to that...

To answer OP's question, I always travel with a GMT, but in "sketchier" areas, I will throw it on a Nato strap to dress it down. However, I don't go out looking for trouble and just use common sense, same as if I were anywhere in the US.

[Marciano490]

I went to law school there and it's fairly safe nowadays. I wouldn't venture north of 125th wearing one, but as long as you stay around Morningside you should be fine.

[tkmc]

Hey There, I went to Cartegena Colombia a couple years ago. Beautiful place. Im sure you will spend a lot of time in Wall City.

It is safe, and I always felt safe. But I would leave it home. Why risk it.

Enjoy!!

[Number3]

Originally Posted by tbonesteak

While it is impossible to plan for bad things, and your story is a reminder of that, you can certainly do things to reduce the odds.

If someone said I'm going to London with the wife and kids and someone else says they're on their way to Sao Paulo to visit working girls, I'd say the guy in latter of the two scenarios is at much higher risk of having his watch stolen.

Depends which part of London. I lost my first Datejust to a gang at knifepoint back in 1995, and that was in the West End which is the upmarket bit!

[pickettt]

Where I wouldn't take my watch, I wouldn't take the rest of me.

[fixinbones]

Originally Posted by Teetime71

Just make sure it is insured. That way you can take it wherever you wish and not stress. Play it safe and don’t be conspicuous by displaying signs of wealth in unknown company or environs.


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I say leave it home. It may be insured but the trauma of being robbed and gun point can’t be under estimated.

[pilotjim]

That's why we have Timex.

[abozz]

Don't do it.

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

I live in Colombia (Please make sure you get the spelling right, people down here take offense to this)

I moved down here a little less than a year ago. Never take my Rolex off and I never will.

I live in the outskirts of Medellín where I am pretty much free to wear any watch I want. Withing Medellín and any other major city I do switch to a subtle explorer and throw the watch in a cubby when I know I'll be stuck in traffic. There are professional watch thieves who prey on people while they're sitting ducks in traffic.

Same as any other major city ... While in CTG I wear my Sub or whatever else I bring on the trip but I am also not dumb enough to venture outside the "good" areas of town.

I love this place and I've never felt unsafe but the truth is that if a thief here wants your watch, he'll get it so just give it up and don't get shot. If you can't afford to lose the watch, please leave it at home.

If you find yourself in Medellín and need some tips on all the wonderful things this place has to offer, PM me.

Welcome to Colombia !





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My apologies. I lived in British Columbia Canada for a good portion of my life. Spelling it that way is just a habit


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[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

My apologies. I lived in British Columbia Canada for a good portion of my life. Spelling it that way is just a habit


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Oh don't worry about me man ! I don't get offended at all... Just my personal experience the few times I've missed the spelling while down here.

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[dwamps]

Originally Posted by Marciano490

I went to law school there and it's fairly safe nowadays. I wouldn't venture north of 125th wearing one, but as long as you stay around Morningside you should be fine.

[Hpozzuoli]

I have gone a few times recently. My brother in law is from Tumaco. His mother has been sick almost a year now. Anyways I went twice with him meeting family and settling some family matters. I would say it all depends on where you are. My BIL cautioned me not to take anything of value and I didn’t. I could see how something small like sun glasses or rings could attract attention in some smaller towns let alone a Rolex.

[RollieRoll]

So, I've been there recently and in Cartagena, it's really damn safe as long as you STAY WITHIN THE WALLS. I would not venture out on foot with a Rolex outside the walls . And it Bogota and Medellin, it's pretty safe as they are big cities, but as with every large city, you have to be careful and be cognizant of your surroundings.

I did not care for Colombia. Would I wear a luxury watch there? No, I wouldn't, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. Good luck.

Please, please do not buy coke or mess with a prostitute with a Rolex on your arm. I'm not saying you will do either of those two things, but if you plan on engaging in any of those activities, DO NOT TAKE YOUR ROLEX.

I hope no one here makes any inferences or assumptions about me based on this post

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by RollieRoll

So, I've been there recently and in Cartagena, it's really damn safe as long as you STAY WITHIN THE WALLS. I would not venture out on foot with a Rolex outside the walls . And it Bogota and Medellin, it's pretty safe as they are big cities, but as with every large city, you have to be careful and be cognizant of your surroundings.

I did not care for Colombia. Would I wear a luxury watch there? No, I wouldn't, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. Good luck.

Please, please do not buy coke or mess with a prostitute with a Rolex on your arm. I'm not saying you will do either of those two things, but if you plan on engaging in any of those activities, DO NOT TAKE YOUR ROLEX.

I hope no one here makes any inferences or assumptions about me based on this post

The wife says hookers and cocaine only on birthdays and that’s not till July. So we are safe


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[Andrejb]

P.s that last comment was a joke lol


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[RollieRoll]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

The wife says hookers and cocaine only on birthdays and that’s not till July. So we are safe


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Then I'm confident she will give you a pass on occasional key bumps in bathroom stalls. 🤣

[RollieRoll]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

P.s that last comment was a joke lol


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Ditto

[BillA]

If you have to ask, you have answered your own question

[DoctorA]

I travel internationally with at least two watches. As long as you’re staying at a safe place and stay away from “shady” places, you should be fine. You can always tuck it under your cuff if you feel unsafe

[Flyinghunter]

Heres a fun read from the US Dept. of State regarding this locations safety assessment :

https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentRe...aspx?cid=21611

[mvera339]

I have traveled numerous times to Medellin and never take any expensive watches. .. i take with me my daily omega seamaster. I rather play it safe. . especially when I'm not able to carry a firearm. Enjoy your travels!

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by MK25toLife

I’ve been to Carta and didn’t wear mine, I chose to play it safe.

+1. Europe , Cancun, PV mex, But def not Columbia.

[Sjmoore11]

I’m actually heading to Colombia for the first time in 2 weeks. Will visit Bogotá, Leticia (Amazon), Cartagena and spend a few days trekking in the mountains. In true WIS fashion I’ve spent entirely too much time debating what watch to take! Ultimately I decided to leave the Rolex at home and I’ll be sporting a Sinn U1 on NATO. I figure the odds of any problems are low, but why take the chance?

[Hulley]

This may sound a little strange but I bought my first Rolex, a SubC, last year and I look forward to taking it with me on vacations. I want my watch to have a story like I do. When I pass it along, I want to say that Sub has accompanied me all over the world. Hell, I'm getting re certified in Scuba just so I can use it as intended. I waited a long time to earn my Rolex, it goes with me!

[Romeomikehotel]

As long as it’s insured who cares, you pay for insurance for a reason

[Cabaiguan]

This is a g-shock trip.


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[ferrissteve11]

G Shock or even a nice Seiko also can fill the slot.

[WhiskeyKoffee]

This sounds like an episode of "I shouldn't be alive" just waiting to happen.