In 2011 there have been a number of murders and car bombs related to the ongoing mafia war between drug cartels in the city. Shopping centers all over the city have been scenes of shoot outs between rivaling mafia factions. It is advised to avoid shopping centers with poor security, although some of the biggest and most well guarded malls in Cali have been scenes of murders too. (http://www.semana.com/nac...)
As of 2011 the guerrilla movement FARC-EP has urban militias in the city and surroundings. Extreme caution is advised due to the risk of explosions, gunfire and kidnappings. (http://colombiareports.co...) (http://www.elespectador.c...) U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnappings. (http://travel.state.gov/t...)
In November 2010 the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning regarding Cali, warning of a surge in crime, general insecurity and kidnappings. (http://travel.state.gov/t...)
Cali is considered more dangerous than most other major cities in Colombia; (http://www.semana.com/not...) therefore, keep your eyes open at day and night. Try to take a taxi at night.
Avoid backstreet in the downtown El Centro and Sucre neighborhoods. This area is especially dangerous. Walking alone at night at Avenida sexta can be unsafe.
As in most other cities, it is unwise to walk with jewelry or let people around you know you have cash on you. Most places around hotels are safe.
Try not to talk on cellphones while walking through streets; that might lure in robbers. Also do not use MP3 players or other valuables in public.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a warning to travellers to reconsider their need to travel to Cali because of the uncertain security situation in the area. (http://www.smartraveller....)
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There is a great high tech hospital in town: Fundación Valle del Lili with many bilingual doctors. (http://www.valledellili.org)