Destinations › Colombia › Cartagena › Rules
Cartagena, Colombia
3 laws, restrictions, and customs in Cartagena that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.
Colombia has reported cases of criminals using scopolamine (devil's breath) to render victims docile and compliant. It is administered in drinks, food, or even applied to paper. Victims have no memory of the incident.
Phone and chain snatching is common in all major Colombian cities, especially Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. Robbers often operate on motorbikes.
Colombia has decriminalised possession of small amounts of cocaine and cannabis for personal use, but sales are illegal. Do not buy from strangers — police informants operate in tourist areas and arrest buyers, then demand bribes.
