Barranquilla is a large Latin American city, and Carnival brings massive crowds, late nights, and high energy. The most common visitor issues are opportunistic theft and nightlife-related vulnerability. This page is about reducing risk with planning and awareness—not guarantees.
Plan these first:
Transport • Hotels
What actually happens most (and what to do)
Most incidents are:
- Pickpocketing in dense crowds
- Phone snatching when distracted
- ATM distraction scams
If something happens: lock your cards and phone immediately, then ask your hotel staff for help with next steps and local reporting.
Scopolamine / escopolamina awareness
Scopolamine (escopolamina)—sometimes described as “getting scoped” or “Devil’s Breath”—is a real, situational risk most associated with nightlife and drink tampering, not random street encounters.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended
- Don’t accept drinks/cigarettes/gum from strangers
- If you suddenly feel far more intoxicated than expected, seek help immediately and go to a staffed place (venue security, hotel, a busy well-lit area)
Express kidnapping (high-level context)
Express kidnapping refers to short-term abductions intended to force withdrawals or transfers. It’s not the typical tourist experience, but it’s part of Colombia’s security landscape.
- Use trusted transport (ride apps, hotel-arranged cars)
- Avoid isolated areas late at night
- Carry only what you need; keep limits and backups separate
Nightlife (the part that matters most)
- Don’t walk long distances late at night
- Use ride apps or hotel transport
- Move in pairs or groups when possible
- If someone in your group is impaired, getting back safely comes first
Related planning:
Parties • LGBT • Transport
Mace / pepper spray (gas pimienta)
Visitors ask about this a lot. In Colombia, pepper spray (gas pimienta) can be treated as a restricted item—especially around crowds or events—and may be confiscated or lead to a fine. For Carnival, don’t rely on carrying it as your safety strategy.
What to wear & carry
- Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes
- Secure crossbody or zippered bag
- Minimal valuables
- Sun protection for daytime events
- One card + small cash; backups at the hotel
Emergency + tourist help (save these)
- Emergencies (police/ambulance/fire): dial
123 - Barranquilla city help line: dial
195(24/7; bilingual English option is available) - Barranquilla tourism WhatsApp: +57 312 219 5227
Also save your hotel front desk number, screenshot your hotel name/address in Spanish, and keep a photo of your passport (store the physical passport in the hotel safe when possible). If you’re at a hotel or official event, asking staff or security to call for you is often faster.
Police presence & expectations
Carnival is a major civic event and you’ll usually see visible police/security presence in main Carnival areas. That helps—but precautions still matter in crowds and nightlife settings.
Where to go next
Transport • Schedule • First-Timers • Hotels