Caution and Common Sense.

Travel in Colombia remains a cause for concern

Despite an improved business outlook, Colombia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Of particular concern is a rise in kidnapping. The targets: Foreign business executives.

The U.S. Department of State's latest available advisory, updated in June 1999, warns against travel to Colombia because of high crime, guerrilla and paramilitary activities and narcoterrorism. U.S. citizens should be extra-careful because they are considered "legitimate military targets" by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

While guerrilla action and narcotics trafficking are of utmost concern, common criminals commit 75% of the murders, the State Department says.

Avoid public transportation. When you need a taxi, have your hotel concierge make the arrangements. Guard your hand luggage and travel documents, particularly at the airport in Bogota and in hotel areas. Visitors sometimes are slipped the disorienting drug scopolamine in drinks, cigarettes, gum and even on powder-laced paper.

Insiders say that it's best to ask the Colombian company or government agency with whom you are doing business to hire bodyguard/security services and set up other details for your protection.

Bogota's altitude ranges between 2,000 and 2,650 meters (6,560 and 8,692 feet). Altitude sickness can occur, but only for the first day or two. Just take it easy. Bring clothing suitable for a cool climate. The temperature can change suddenly.

Doing business in Bogota could not be more different from the United States or Europe. While Bogotanos are formal in their dress and language, punctuality is scarce. A 9 o'clock appointment can easily start at 10. A quick trip to the bank to change traveler's checks becomes a 1.5-hour ordeal.

Bogota has a rich and diverse nightlife. The Zona Rosa (around Calle 82 between Cras. 11 and 15) is full of swinging discotheques and lively restaurants. Again, the U.S. government warns of the potential for violence.

Santiago de Cali, also known as "La Sultana del Valle" or "The Land of the Beautiful Girls," is the second-largest city in Colombia and the world capital of salsa music. At the same time, Cali has been singled out as a place to avoid because of security concerns.

Major industries are production of sugar, foodstuffs and paper. Most multinationals, including Gillette, Warner Lambert, Baxter and Colgate-Palmolive, are in northeastern Call.

Plan your schedule carefully. Business hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 2 to 6p.m. Virtually, everything shuts down at lunchtime.

Medellin is often associated in foreigners' minds with violence--and it's certainly seen a lot of it. But there's more to this city encircled by mountains than drug crime.

Medellin is distinguished as a thriving industrial center, particularly for textiles and foodstuffs.

Each year, it hosts an international poetry festival; the Antioquia Museum showcases a renowned collection of the works of Fernando Botero. Its the only city in Colombia with a subway.

POPULATION: 40.8 million * AREA: 1.1 million sq. Km. * GDP [*] (1998): US$ 84.8 billion * GDP [*] PER CAPITA: US$ 2,079 * EXPORTS (1998): US$ 10,821 million * IMPORTS (1998): US$ 14,030 million * LITERACY RATE: 91.3% * LIFE EXPECTANCY: 70 years * LANGUAGE: Spanish * TELEPHONE COUNTRY CODE: 57 * TELEPHONE CITY CODE: Bogota: 1 * CURRENCY: US$1= 1,655 PESOS (AS OF MAY 21, 1999) * JANUARY MEDIAN TEMPERATURE: Bogota: 14 Centigrade, 57.2 Fahrenheit, Medellin: 22[degrees]C/71.6[degrees]F, Call: 26[degrees]C/78.8[degreesF * JULY MEDIAN TEMPERATURE: Bogota:13.5[degrees]C/56.3[degrees]F. Medellin: 27[degrees]C/80.6[degrees]F, Call: 25[degrees]C/ 77[degrees]F

(*.) 1995 constant prices