Is Cali, Colombia Safe? My Honest Experience as a 73-Year-Old Woman Living Here

When I tell people I’m a 73-year-old American woman living alone in Cali, Colombia, the first question is almost always the same:

“But is it safe?”

My answer is simple: Cali is as safe as you make it.

After spending time in Mexico, Panama, Spain, Costa Rica, Peru, and several cities throughout Colombia, I’ve learned that safety isn’t about finding a perfect destination. It’s about understanding your environment and making smart decisions.

Does Cali have crime? Absolutely. So does Chicago, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and almost every major city in the world.

What surprises many people is that my daily life in Cali feels quite normal. I walk to the grocery store, enjoy coffee at local cafés, shop at neighborhood markets, visit doctors and dentists, and spend afternoons along the beautiful Río Cali.

The city is vibrant, friendly, and full of life.

What I don’t do is pretend I’m invincible. I don’t wander unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night. I don’t flash expensive jewelry. I don’t take unnecessary risks just because I’m on an adventure abroad.

As retirees, especially women traveling solo, we have a tremendous advantage: we no longer need to prove anything to anyone.

Good judgment is far more valuable than courage.

One of the reasons I’ve enjoyed Cali is the strong sense of community. Building staff, security guards, shop owners, neighbors, and local friends often look out for one another. That doesn’t eliminate risk, but it does create a sense of connection that many people find comforting.

For me, Cali offers something I was searching for when I left the United States at age 71: a slower pace, lower living costs, warm weather, and opportunities to build a meaningful life abroad.

Would I recommend it?

Yes—with open eyes, realistic expectations, and a solid safety plan.