Cartagena Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Policía de Turismo Cartagena
  +57 5 660 1210
  Centro de Convenciones — 24/7, English/basic French
• SIC Consumer Defence (regional)
  +57 5 663 5510
  Consumer complaints — sic.gov.co

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 123 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Policía de Turismo Cartagena on +57 5 660 1210 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/cartagena

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Emerald 'wholesale' scam
   A 'jeweller friend' offers wholesale emeralds; the stone is worthless synthetic.
   Avoid: Buy only from certified Colombian jewellers with Fedesmeraldas certification (Bogotá more than Cartagena).
   If it happens: Dispute card charge with your card issuer — 'not as described.'
2. 2. Jet-ski / banana-boat damage claim
   Operator invents $500+ 'motor damage' after your ride; deposit and card get charged.
   Avoid: Book through your hotel's licensed activity desk or a certified tour operator.
   If it happens: Dispute card charges with your card issuer — send your video evidence.
3. 3. Drink-spiking in Getsemaní bars
   Scopolamine ('devil's breath') added to drinks; victims wake up hours later, robbed.
   Avoid: Never accept a drink from a stranger, even opened.
   If it happens: If you feel woozy or 'floaty' after a sip, tell a friend or bar staff immediately.
4. 4. Taxi no-meter overcharge
   Airport → Walled City is $30,000 COP but tourists routinely pay $150,000.
   Avoid: Agree fare BEFORE getting in; typical fares are published at tourism kiosks.
   If it happens: Pay only what you agreed; photograph plate.
5. 5. Fake police 'passport check' in Walled City
   Two men flash badges and demand to inspect wallet 'for counterfeit money.'
   Avoid: Real Policía Nacional wear uniforms with clear insignia.
   If it happens: Refuse and walk toward a busy street or hotel; call 123.