Is it safe to withdraw cash in Colombia or not?
I withdrew from Servibanca and Bancolombia ATMs inside Éxito supermarkets no problems. The machines work fine, and the guards are usually close by. But I avoid those freestanding machines in gas stations or on random streets. If you want safety + a better chance of card recovery if anything goes wrong, go to a bank-attached ATM between 10am-6pm.
Needed cash urgently and went to a 24-hour ATM near the Walled City after midnight. Sketchy crowd nearby and no security. Didn’t feel safe, and ended up walking away. Since then, I only use BBVA or Davivienda ATMs inside supermarkets or malls, usually before 6 PM. Way better vibe and safer environment.
I used ATMs inside El Tesoro Mall in Medellín and Centro Comercial Andino in Bogotá. Well-lit, with cameras and guards around. I always withdrew during business hours, and never more than 300,000-500,000 COP at a time. Carried it in a money belt or crossbody bag. But dark areas, night time, it is shady man. My advice: avoid night withdrawals and don’t use standalone ATMs especially in bus stations or party areas.
I withdrew cash in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena - no issues at all. But I was careful to only use ATMs attached to bank branches or inside malls, and always during the day. Never used a street-corner machine or sketchy kiosk. If you follow those basics, it’s totally safe. Colombia isn’t what it used to be but street smarts still matter.
Caja Social let me withdraw 1.5 million COP with a fee of 18,000 COP. ATM was working well and location was safe.
Bancolombia ATM near the square worked well with all cards. Best to visit during the day - lots of police around and it feels safer.
At Caja Social in Colombia, I withdrew 1.5 million COP with a fee of 18,000 COP. Machine worked well and felt safe inside the room, but be careful in general in colombia - when you step outside there could be shady people and not safe.
Two Davivienda ATMs at this Colombia location. The room can be locked from inside, felt safe despite the busy area.