How Safe Is Columbia for Travel? (2020 Updated) ⋆ Travel Safe

Safety Index:

United States : Safety by City

Columbia is both the capital city and largest city in South Carolina.

It is in the approximate geographic center of the state and is one of the first planned cities of the United States.

It is also home to the main campus of the University of South Carolina, and to the Army’s Fort Jackson.

Tourists come here to see: Fort Jackson – one of the major draws of visitors to Columbia; The South Carolina Statehouse – well worth the trip for fans of history and architecture alike.

Also, the city hosts many festivals throughout the year, which attracts local and foreign tourists.

Warnings & Dangers in Columbia

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Colombia is not the safest city in the area, but you can feel quite at ease if you follow the usual security measures. Avoid drunken showdowns and don't walk around the town late at night.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport is safe in Colombia, but the usual security measures should be followed. Keep track of your bags and belongings, especially if you are traveling in crowded vehicles. Taxis are safe. It can be challenging to call a cab quickly, so do this in advance.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW

In Colombia, pickpockets are not very common. You can meet them only if you behave completely irresponsibly: leave personal things unattended, do not monitor your pockets. Do not carry a lot of cash with you, and do not attract attention with expensive jewelry.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : HIGH

In Columbia, there is little risk of earthquakes. And a significant threat from the tornado. The city is equipped with a tornado risk alert system. Examine the weather conditions before you travel to this city and follow the recommended measures to ensure your safety.

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

Grave robberies and armed attacks are possible in Columbia. You should be very careful, especially in areas remote from the city center and in poorly lit streets. Be mindful of your surroundings. Do not walk around the city late at night; use a taxi to return home instead of walking.

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

There have not yet been registered acts of terrorists in this area. However, terrorists may try to launch attacks. Attacks can be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You must keep an eye on media reports and always be vigilant. Learn the political environment before your trip here.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

The most common fraud in Columbia is a telemarketing scam. Fraudsters can call or send SMS to find out your data and data on your credit cards. Be careful not to share this information with strangers.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM

Women can safely travel to Columbia if they observe the usual precautions, do not attract unwanted attention with their appearance and behavior and do not walk around the city late at night. To return to the hotel at night, it is better to use a taxi.

So... How Safe Is Columbia Really?

Columbia is not the safest city in the region.

The crime index is average.

The main problems are related to the theft of things, robberies, car thefts, vandalism.

There is also a problem with drug trafficking.

However, the city has crime, like everywhere.

Columbia does have gangs, break in’s, car theft, drug problems, and murders.

It is wise to know about how to protect yourself, to be very aware of your surroundings, and to behave in ways that do not invite trouble.

Be friendly but do not offer personal information.

There are some parts of town, limited areas, where drugs, prostitution, and alcohol generates crime.

Five Points is a favorite area around the university for late-night bar crawling, and they have also had some problems.

In the season, tornadoes in Colombia can also be unsafe.

You should think over an action plan in advance to ensure your safety if you get to the city at this time.

Nevertheless, the city is ready for such an element and is equipped with a warning system.

You need to watch and listen to local news to know how to act.

Using common sense and avoiding disadvantaged areas, you can safely travel in Colombia.

Useful Information

Visas - Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the United States diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or Visa Waiver Program countries. A valid passport is a must.
Currency - The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. It has a sign: $ and a code: USD. Also, it abbreviated US$. One dollar is divided into 100 cents (Symbol: ¢).
Weather - The best times to visit Columbia for ideal weather are mid-March to the end of May. Average temperatures in Columbia vary greatly and the weather feels nice some year, but often too hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year.
Airports - Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the primary commercial airport for Columbia and the Midlands region of South Carolina. The airport is 8 km southwest of Columbia, in Lexington County, surrounded by the city of Cayce and the towns of Springdale, Pine Ridge, and South Congaree.
Travel Insurance - The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance