Scopolamine and dating apps in Colombia: protecting yourself in Medellín and Cartagena
What the British FCDO warns about scopolamine, dating apps, taxis and fake police, and how to apply it if you go out as a couple.
The most repeated problems in official Colombia advice are not exotic: spiked drinks, dates that end in robbery, and fake taxis. We summarise the British FCDO safety advice (checked on 7 November 2026) and turn it into rules for couples.
Scopolamine
The FCDO explains that criminals use scopolamine to incapacitate victims, sometimes through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols or even paper flyers, leaving the victim open to robbery, sexual assault and other crimes. Official advice: do not leave food or drink unattended, do not accept anything from strangers, and seek medical help quickly if you feel disoriented. As a couple, agree beforehand that one of you never drinks anything they did not see poured.
Dating apps and websites
According to the FCDO, some criminals use dating apps and websites to target foreigners travelling alone, and they work in teams. Its advice is clear: do not accept invitations from strangers to their accommodation. That also applies to lifestyle meet-ups arranged by message: always meet somewhere public, and do not go to a private home without knowing others in the group.
Taxis and express kidnappings
The advice mentions express kidnappings, assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis, often near ATMs at night. Use licensed phone or internet-based services, or ask your hotel to book, and do not hail taxis in the street. Authorised taxis are yellow with white plates; Uber and Cabify can be used with well-known companies.
Fake police
The FCDO warns of criminals posing as police who ask to inspect your money. Ask to be taken to a CAI (Centro de Atención Inmediata) before showing anything.
Golden rule
Go out with a way home, a charged phone, only the cash you need and your location shared with someone you trust. If something feels wrong, leave, no explanations needed.
A note on sources
This summary follows only the FCDO text and does not add anecdotes or statistics. Check the current version of the advice before each trip.
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