Is Armenia, Colombia dangerous?

Not at all!! 

Thanks!Do you live there,or have you? I'm considering moving there,but read on forums that there are lotsa scams and things don't work.Could you fill me in? Thanks!

frankg69 wrote:

Armenia  "...lotsa scams and things don't work."

When you say that, you are describing all of Colombia, at least compared to the US...

Colombians are prone to many scams - they seem to be especially attracted to and afflicted by pyramid schemes that promise to double their money or more in short order.  Expats who get involved in investment schemes may fall prey to this, too, but just exercise ordinary caution and skepticism - you're not going to get something for nothing, or reap big returns from some tiny input, no matter what you are promised.   Do a search for "colombia estafa piramide" and you'll get many hits.  Several of my otherwise-prudent family members got burned, along with many other Colombians, in a pyramid scheme that started in 2008 and affected the whole country.

Most scammers will not try to hook expats into investment scams, but instead as a gringo the thing you run into the most is price gouging or overcharging.  The defense is to learn and speak Spanish as best you can, and really get to know prevailing prices for things by being involved in the culture.  It helps if you have some native Colombian friends and/or significant other who can help you know what's going on - the saying is, no dar papaya, which means don't leave yourself open to getting taken advantage of in anything large or small - be cautious in your personal dealings, don't reveal details about your personal life and finances, where you are staying, etc. etc. at least until you know you can trust someone.

Overall is this a problem in Colombia?  No.  And even less in Armenia which has less crime than many cities in Colombia and by all accounts is a quite pleasant place to visit and live.  Given the history of earthquakes in that area (see  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Arme … earthquake ), I would be more worried about finding a place to live that complies with current building standards, designed to withstand large tremors.  But that also goes for Colombia in general.

Thanks so very much! I plan to visit there very soon and possibly stay.I understand it's hard to get good deals on furnished apts and that I should get a notarized rent contract.Does that sound right?

Many landlords and rental agencies will require a fiador or even several, to act as a guarantor for payment, especially for a furnished apartment - they are being cautious as it would be quite possible for an unscrupulous expat (or anyone) to pack up and leave (hacer conejo is the general phrase for skipping out without paying) and there'd be little recourse for the landlord who's left holding the bag.

Nevertheless by word of mouth and just walking around looking for signs in windows you may be able to find apartments for lease/rent by the owner directly, who may not require a fiador.  You may have to pay 6 months rent in advance - but everything is negotiable.

I would suggest first staying at an airbnb in the area until you can find something suitable.  You can often negotiate a lower rent for an extended stay: 
https://www.airbnb.com/s/Armenia--Colombia

On-line you can find many listings for apartments and rooms for rent, in addition to walking around and talking to people.  Locanto is sort of the Spanish equivalent of Craigslist::
http://armenia.locanto.com.co/Apartamen … iendo/301/http://armenia.locanto.com.co/Habitacio … iendo/302/

You'll also get many hits for apartments for rent by both agencies and owners doing a search for
colombia armenia arriendo apartamento
(particular means offered by a private individual, amoblado means furnished)

You might also consider Show Around, to get a local, native guide for Armenia to show you around the city and its sights and provide local information:
https://www.showaround.com/s/Armenia%20 … 7909999997

Actually hey are not so concerned about them skipping out - they wont even accept 4 months rent up front some of them.

They are concerned about people staying indefinitely and not paying- it is pretty hard to get someone out of an apartment once they are in there.It can take years in the legal system. And wrecking the place to boot.

This happens quite often with Colombian Tenants

if at all possible, rent from a EXpat or a Colombian who is used to honest expat renters

Thanks very much.This'll help us SO MUCH!!

Thanks muchly!!

Quechimba wrote:

They are concerned about people staying indefinitely and not paying- it is pretty hard to get someone out of an apartment once they are in there. It can take years in the legal system. And wrecking the place to boot.

This happens quite often with Colombian tenants.

Readers of International Living magazine and Live and Invest Overseas:

Hope you're paying attention to Quechimba's comments in this excerpt above.

This should serve as a warning to those who would follow the advice of such websites and magazines to buy overseas investment property and rent it out.

If you think a property manager is going to bail out an overseas landlord when deadbeats take over your exciting rental property... better think again.

cccmedia in Quindío

Well, Colombia is not dangerous in certain areas, of course bad neighborhoods are everywhere! But Armenia and all the "coffee triangle" area is one one of the safest places in the country and it is absolutely beautiful and the people is really lovely and warm as only Colombian people can be.
However there is a dark side... not everybody is nice, the thing around the country is: IF you are white, no matter if you are American or European, this only mean you are a "gringo" and sadly many people will try to take advantage of you and is not any surprise that you end up paying  $1000 COP for a bunch of coriander leaves that only cost $100 COP (illustrative example only)  but most of Colombians  are really nice people and want to help you without any interest. Just a little bit of common sense and keep your eyes open is all that you need.
The things not working here..... it's south america!!  But it's not so bad, the country still learning how to take care of tourist and try to improve more and more  to help the tourist and make them feel comfortable.

The best is the recommendation of the airbnb, don't rent anything immediately if you are planning a long stay, better to take the necessary time to find the place that suits you.

Karen.ådahl wrote:

don't rent anything immediately if you are planning a long stay, better to take the necessary time to find the place that suits you.

The above recommendation needs clarification.  Not everybody has a relative to stay with.

cccmedia

Hi,I AM white but I speak Spanish very fluently,and my wife's a white Argentine.I've lived in Mexico and Argentina for the last 20 years,and have almost never been discriminated against, overcharged yes, mostly in Mexico.So you think I probably wouldn't be robbed in Armenia if we don't go out after 10 pm? Do you think we can rent at a decent price or a "gringo" price? Thanks so much!!

Hi,I AM white but I speak Spanish very fluently,and my wife's a white Argentine.I've lived in Mexico and Argentina for the last 20 years,and have almost never been discriminated against, overcharged yes, mostly in Mexico.So you think I probably wouldn't be robbed in Armenia if we don't go out after 10 pm? Do you think we can rent at a decent price or a "gringo" price? Thanks so much!!

frankg69 wrote:

Hi,I AM white but I speak Spanish very fluently,and my wife's a white Argentine.I've lived in Mexico and Argentina for the last 20 years,and have almost never been discriminated against, overcharged yes, mostly in Mexico...  Do you think we can rent at a decent price or a "gringo" price?

The answer to this question may depend more on your potential landlord(s) and supply-and-demand factors than on you.

Since you wife is the native Spanish-language speaker, perhaps she should make the initial inquiry to verify a fair rental amount.

IMO, being overcharged in Mexico or anywhere based on race .. would be discriminatory behavior.

cccmedia in Quindío

frankg69 wrote:

you think I probably wouldn't be robbed in Armenia if we don't go out after 10 pm?

Getting robbed at 7:01 p.m. in the Mocawa Plaza area:  extremely unlikely.

Getting robbed at 9:59 p.m. in El Centro:  more likely.

Other times, other places in town:  YMMV.

cccmedia in Armenia, Quindío

I understand and shall follow your advice! Yes,ANY kinda discrimination is discrimination.Thanks muchly!

Right,and air BNB can get expensive with time!

Discriminated never! It's just the opposite, people will love you just because you're a foreigner. But overcharged yes, please do not get me wrong with this ... I have recently been talking to the local wife of a Spanish guy, who have complained about this (like me) since they moved to Colombia many years ago. The guy is not that white, despite the 1.90mts he could be a local, but as soon as the locals hear the different accent (and we're talking about a native Spanish like your wife) they immediately change their mood and always try to charge a little more or if you are not about to buy something, then it is 99% possible that you get preference over Colombians. But I insist that it is not always so and not everyone behaves this way.

CCMEDIA told you about the time to be out in Armenia and the possibility of getting robbed, I totally agree with him! Depends on the zone.

The Airbnb is only for a few days for a while you are exploring the city and seeing which place you like, for example here in Manizales there are very nice areas to be around  but they are very noisy for sleeping and if you like the silence in the night and get a proper rest time, this would be a problem for you .... Now imagine how upsetting this situation is if you have a 6 month contract and you can not get out. Anyway there are expatriates everywhere who can help you to find a better option, here the renting agencies can be a real nightmare for the locals imagine a foreigner.

La esposa Argentina es una ventaja enorme! Mándala primero a ella a preguntar y verás la diferencia y tu español fluído te hará todo increiblemente mas facil.

Mil gracias! Y comprendo perfectamente.Es así aquí en México también.Realmente creo que Manizales sería mejor p/nosotros,y voy a estar ahí en octubre o los principios de noviembre.Nos gustaría conocerte.¿Sería posible? Gracias,Frank

Hola,Karen.¿Podría decirme en dónde están las zonas más tranquilas de Manizales? No soy rico.! Gracias!Frank

Hi again,Karen,I wanna rent directly from an owner in Manizales.Here in Mexico I'm paying about 750k pesos Col.for a 2 bdrm furnished apt,all bills paid,in a decent, convenient area.Are there rentals like that or better in Manizales? Also,I can eat a good lunch here with agua de fruta in a simple cafe for 6 mil pesos Col.here.Thanks so much for your help!Frank

Por supuesto!

Hi,

I was very lucky to find an apartment owner that was educated in the USA. Signed a 1 year lease in Estadio, Medellin. AND without a 6 month deposit up-front. It all depends on the people you deal with, as in any country. I am an african american and have not experienced any discrimination at all. There are bad areas in any country, just stay out of them. (made that mistake) A policeman advised me to leave the area. Yes, Armenia is a very nice area (and the women are beautiful as well), very safe. Good luck to you.
Viva Colombia!

Thanks so much for that info,and be well and happy! It appears a lot of the police in Colombia are decent.That's not true in Mexico.

Hi everybody,

As a reminder, we are on the Colombia anglophone forum.
Therefore it is best if we can write in english only please so that everyone can understand and participate.

Have a nice day ,

Priscilla
Expat.com team

Thanks, Priscilla,I'll remember that!

Understood

Hi,

"Danger" is a relative term. A danger in comparison to....?

I know some places in the world and I know Armenia just tell me your baseline for comparison and I will tel you...

By the way look at that (I am not an affiliate or something):

https://www.numbeo.com/crime/

I enjoyed reading (a little) about Armenia here. I know the name and have seen some pictures of it on Google Images. I does look nice.

Art

I enjoyed my first three trips to Armenia (a total of several months between June 2016 and April 2017).

I was not pleased with the five weeks I most recently spent there, although the deep dental work I needed was performed brilliantly by Dr. Lopez and his root-canal-specialist friend.

1.  The Asian food restaurant across from the Portal del Quindío mall closed while I was there.  Not enough repeat customers, the manager told me.

2.  Last year, there were two casinos dealing low-stakes blackjack.  One of them closed the 21 table this year.  The other casino  boosted the betting minimum to five times the previous level on the only dealer-shuffled game.  Ugh.

3.  I discovered that the beautiful Parque de la Vida is not adequately safe during rainy periods (even if visiting when it's not actually raining).  The inclines into the park and some interior areas are too slippery when wet.  I bought hiking shoes when in Armenia last December, but they didn't solve that problem during a wet September.

4.  The Mocawa Plaza apartment where I stayed twice this year is being sold.  I don't rave about the owner's management-style anyway.  The latest problem is that he has not refunded my sizeable security deposit.  When I contacted him about two weeks ago, he claimed he couldn't process the refund by Visa card.  I'm still waiting for his supposed deposit to my bank account.  Don't get me started on the swimming-pool situation.

cccmedia in Depto. de Nariño

I talked yto my friend at the gym today and he says he knows 5 people who were robbed n Manizales recently. which s way safer than Armenia.

But then it could be just chicas lieing o scam him. I doubt it though, he aint that dumb.

I hate to sound like a professional skeptic but that sounds hard to believe.

Unless a person is going in really dangerous areas, I just don't think the average Colombian regardless of their economic strata, is that dangerous (for a guy).

Colombians just aren't like that. I've lived in Barranquilla (2.5 yrs) and Medellin (5 months) and I haven't seen very much that I identified as threatening behavior.

That's just my opinion though.

Art

Dear Art,

The post you found dubious is probably the worst-sourced, least-credible post I've ever read on expat.com forums.

The poster gave third-hand, non-specific information.  He had heard from a "friend at the gym" who supposedly knew about five "people" in Manizales who may or may not have been "robbed":  they may have merely been "lied to" by "a chica."

You're right to doubt such third-hand, third-rate misinformation in a post that does a disservice to this forum while besmirching the people of Manizales.

cccmedia in Departamento de Nariño

I think the question is incorrectly stated.I may suggest another way to approach the matter.I would ask instead....How safe would be living in Armenia? or Is it a good decision to relocate to Armenia,? or Could anyone is able to share if Armenia would be a good place to relocate?.I'm not pretending to put words in another mouse but rather,getting what I want to know while making emphasis in the pros rather than the cons.

For what it's worth, here is the numbeo.com crime comparision between Cali, Colombia and Armenia, Colombia:

https://www.numbeo.com/crime/compare_ci … y2=Armenia

Armenia is ranked by the responders as safer than Cali in almost every category - so it probably is.  And although Cali as the third-largest city in Colombia suffers from many big city problems including a high level of crime, I as well as many others both expats and natives feel quite safe there, as long as you take what are regarded everywhere in Colombia as normal precautions.

Everything is relative - and relatively speaking, Armenia seems to be safer than many parts of Colombia, but you should always be alert.  It's not a walk in the park even though Armenia has a very nice one!

I've never been in a more entrancing/enchanting public park than the Parque de la Vida in Armenia, despite its purported slipperiness!

guidofeb12 wrote:

I would ask instead.... Is it a good decision to relocate to Armenia,? or Could anyone is able to share if Armenia would be a good place to relocate?

It's obviously possible to compare safety statistics and cost-of-living data between Armenia and other places.

However, recommending Armenia for an individual poster based on precious little information about his or her needs and desires .. is a dubious proposition.

If you like a small city with a Spanish-speaking population, it might be good for an Expat.

If you need contact with other Expats, it's probably a terrible place unless you are willing to drive to Expat gatherings an hour away in Pereira once or twice a month.

If you like mild weather with plentiful rain, it might be good for you.

If you crave historical buildings in El Centro, it might not work.  The earthquake 20 years ago destroyed a high percentage of those buildings.

Given that the weather, safety and cost-of-living stats are tolerable, visit Armenia and find out for yourself if it's a good place for you to live.

cccmedia in Depto. de Nariño