Bogota, like any city, can be dangerous. Of course right? Well no sh*t. Keep your head up and your chest out wherever you go. Also, try to figure out the important things early on as to keep your witts about you if something should go wrong. If you are alone and find yourself with no smart-phone to communicate? In another post I will present ways to do just that. Considering you have a smart phone on hand with data, you have enough options to get to where you need to go.
I think that this blog post won’t be that long but I wanted to get this down and out while it’s fresh. You see, I as a tourist tend to trust people in authority to help out and guide me when I’m lost or even just feeling lazy to google. In fact, I prefer to have that face-to-face contact when trying to find things. While a good strategy that pays off most times, it seems as though it is not always the best strategy. I hope to put down as much information for anyone who is travelling to, or already is in great, big, and beautiful Colombia.
I will go ahead and do my best to explain how to get around in the city but for now let me start off this one by stating that in Colombia, no matter how normal or friendly a person looks, no matter if that person is in a uniform and looks to be in a position of authority, and don’t talk about the shopkeepers, do not ask for directions. I think it’s really that simple. An anecdote. In 2015, I was in Bogota’s Transmileño. I say that because I don’t remember the station name. I had to go to another place from where I was and I can remember that it was a bigger station. Me here did not know where I was. It was the first time I got the confidence and a reason to move through Bogota alone. To visit Oscar. I got the directions thinking that it would be like the London Underground. My mistake. Anyway. Long story short, I asked one of the station workers. I did what she said to and ended up going the complete opposite direction. Honestly, I just got the feeling that i was in transit for too long and got off. So yeah. About Bogota
Lets Go!
First. Go here and get the citymapper app.
InDriver – This is a transport app similar to Uber. I put this one first because I have personally used it more than any of the others on this list. There was even a time where my phone had 30% battery, I was out late alone. I know.. Why get myself into that position in the firs place? A woman….. I downloaded the app and filled out the very basic information they asked for. Everything went through in under 5 minutes and I was out of that sticky spot. My point is, this is not going to ask you for a credit card or any lengthly process to start travelling. The downside is that I don’t know much about the process for the drivers so still exercise caution. Look out for an article about how to stay safe when travelling in taxis and public transport soon. Here is a link
Uber – Like in other places like Trinidad and Tobago, Uber is not legit. That is why it comes in second after InDriver. Other than that, it seems to be a safe option to use. I have only hopped into cars with friends that ordered a car using Uber because I never had a reason to use it. I have noticed over the time that Uber has better vehicles. Usually a private car that is clean. The drivers are also more accommodating and helpful. Other than the obvious luxury Uber brings to the table, it does the same job. From point A to B “Am I right?” It is good to have more than one app anyway in case of emergencies. uber.com
Transmileño – The city’s main public transport service. The locals don’t like it. Quite hectic. Works like a charm tho. I come from Trinidad and Tobago. A place where you need to know the routes by heart or don’t leave the house.I don’t think Transmileño has the best information systems to get from station to station, but there are enough stations for the city and as long as you know what bus to take you are fine. I also have been very pleased with the punctuality. I strongly suggest learning to use it. It is to me the cheapest and fastest way to move about the city. You can use this app to plan your trip using Bogota’s Transmileño. –
Walk/ Bike – Bogota is very pedestrian friendly. I have a cruiser skateboard, others use their bicycles, and some even have those cool electric scooters that don’t even cost too much here. There is almost always a bike path on the streets and drivers look out for people mainly. As long as you understand the grid systems of the city, you only need to know the address and potentially you can arrive. Be careful as usual. Try to keep on busy streets and not be on your phone. What I would do is go to a bakery, check the map properly to get a good bearing and learn what I can, then set off to find my destination or another bakery.
That’s about it. A quick overview about how to move about Bogota safely and efficiently. These four modes of transport have served me well and I am sure that with a little patience, you will make it to where you go. You’ll need that patience there. There are many more taxi apps. An honourable mention would be Cabify I guess. Do your research and know where you are going please. I hope you have battery or a charger on you. Enjoy Bogota.