For job reasons I have to go to Colombia, is it too dangerous? Any security tips?
538825
Full-auto weapons and armored vehicles, and enough money to bribe the public officials
948002
-Dress:formality increases as you move inland. Suits in dark colors are preferred. You may be judged by how you dress so choose conservative attire which is not dated or well-worn. Grooming is important in Colombia as it is in most countries. Pay close attention to the condition of shoes, accessories, hair and nails.\n-Language :The official language of Colombia is Spanish and spoken by around 43 million people. \nEating Habits:Lunch is the main meal of the day and a popular choice for a business meal.\nColombians tend to be a very formal people, and there is a great emphasis on proper table manners. Needless to say, touching food with the hands, chewing with your mouth open, and trying to talk with a mouth full of food will be frowned upon. \n-Colombian Society & Culture\nMost Colombians would consider themselves to be Roman Catholics.\nThe family takes centre stage in the social structure.\nIt is still common for children remain at home until they marry. \n-Etiquette and Customs in Colombia\nMen shake hands with direct eye contact.\nWhile shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day: "buenos dias" (good day), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening/night). Women often grasp forearms rather than shaking hands. \nMost Colombians have both a maternal and paternal surname and will use both.\nColombians typically ask numerous polite questions and go through other pleasantries. Expect inquiries as to your health, your trip, your family, and any friends or acquaintances you have in common.\nWhen going to a Colombian's home, bring fruit, a potted plant, or quality chocolates for the hostess. \n--------------------------------\nIt's an asset to make the effort to learn Colombian history and culture before your visit. Having a basic knowledge of these subjects will do a great deal in establishing rapport. Generally, Colombians are very proud of their culture and national accomplishments.
504043
My big concern would be the language, since I don't speak Italian. Try to learn phrases, or at least have them written down and review often, for: help, call the police/ambulance, do you know where X is, do you speak english. I have been lost in a country where i didn't speak the language and trust me, it sucks.\nBesides that, consider your basic travel concerns: know where your belongings are at all times, bring prescriptions with you, don't walk down dark streets alone, walk like you mean business even if lost, don't overpack, have a plan B in case something happens (as much as you can foresee) keep a copy of your embassy's phone number with you, as well as contact for credit card companies and your credit numbers just in case something does happen and you have to cancel them.
1175266
First of all, is Colombia... second, is the Guerrilla the one doing it for money and to scare the government... many people think that they do it becasue they need money for weapons and suplies.
730938
Wow, from the responses I think you are better off not travelling to the UK.  By the way the weather is rubbish and (as evidenced below) some of the people can be irritatingly ignorant and unfriendly.  Do a lot more research before you decide to travell as you will most likely end up working in Burger king or Starbucks than with computers!\n\nGood Luck
1165311
Mate,\n\nIf you're escaping for "a while", it will be worst when you'll get back home... But if you need a break, get to Costa Brava in Spain, especially all the area North to Barcelona, I'd say that would be a good place for you. Check out sites that are offering work abroad as this is important for you to get money to sort yourselves out. email me if you need assistance.
988637
it would become and international incident and more then likely the country would not like all the heat they get from not forcing you to return but it also depends on what country because there are some that we do not have extradition with and you would be charged with the crime of running away so them might just let you stay, 99% of countries will send you home when they find out about it
85129
Cool question. Like any big city, parts are crime-ridden and violent. The tourist areas and beaches are heavily policed. You still need to use common sense and basic travel safety rules. (see link below).\n\nUS State Dept. Brazil travel warning says:\n\n>>\nPolitical and labor strikes and demonstrations occur sporadically in urban areas and may cause temporary disruption to public transportation. By nature, protests anywhere in the world have the potential to turn violent. While it is unlikely that U.S. citizens would be targeted during such events, U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Brazil are advised to take common-sense precautions and avoid any large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.\n>>\n\n\nYou can keep up to date at the US State Department travel warning web site (see link below).\n\nOr you can call the State Dept. up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free 8-8 Mon-Fri
690267
Sure, as long as you can tolerate disgruntled customers who might miss their flight, alarms beeping when someone doesn't take their belt off, & saying "Sir, you CAN'T bring this on board."\n\nIf you can handle that, you'll be fine.\n\nUPDATE: Oh, yeah...frisking.
562998
whatever "radio", it only takes 20 bucks to get out of a "jail type" situation in mexico. so longs as you keep 20s in all different pockets, if you pull out 40 or 60 from one pocket then that will be your fee... and your watch if your wearing one. i knew some germans that lived pretty good there. if you could stand to live off fish and tecate then i would suggest the east coast of baja, if your just in it for the foolishness then i suggest cabo(if you want to puke i suggest the cabo wabo), if you want to feel like your in the states i suggest cancun.
529328
It's a pretty violent place. There are safer places in the U.S. Good luck to you.
751105
ill be going with an ak and lots of ammunition.  in all honesty though, if you go and stay in the tourist area surrounded by everyone, then you should be fine.  Now if you get outside of the local area, then you may not make it back alive.
614745
Yes it is very bad. Asked my wife who is a RN in mexico and she said it could have a HUGH possiblity of killing him if they give him antistics.
492181
Just be careful and don't go somewhere, where you are not safe. Be careful
586556
You can bet on it.  Homeland Security is keeping an eye on trains, chemical plants, nuclear plants, sewage plants and seaports and all other areas that me be open to an attack.
1061753
No you'll be just fine. If anyone gives you a problem, just ignore them. We have some stupid people here. But we also have some of the most welcoming people. You'll find many Muslim people here. Don't worry about security in regards to your religion. Just be careful of your average pickpocket. Welcome!
662464
Not enough information in your question to be able to say if I would feel threatened.  It would depend different things.  Is the leadership of the country hostile?  Do they say they want you wiped off of the map?  Is the leadership of the country trustworthy?  Does the leadership of the country have respect for human life and human rights?  Is the country stable?  There are a lot of things that I would need to consider to decide if I was threatened.