30 GENERAL INFORMATION
Bogota, go to "citizen services", then "travel services", and then "health
providers available in Bogotá".
Eye Care
If you have issues with your eyes, you can find eye doctors very easily. Glasses
are cheap in Colombia. Contact lenses are more expensive if you need a western
brand, and some brands are not available. You can find contact lens solution in
all cities. Getting an eye exam and prescription is inexpensive.
Dental
Colombia's dental care system is known for being one of the best in the world. If
you have problems with your teeth you can find a good dentist in most areas.
SAFETY
Colombia has enjoyed a drastically improved security situation in the past few
years. Kidnappings have decreased tremendously when Colombia was known as
the world's kidnapping capital a decade ago. The major guerrilla movements
have dropped kidnapping as a major source of funding. There are still a few
hundred documented kidnappings a year, but taking foreigners statistically has
almost completely stopped. Foreigners are more at risk for petty theft and
robbery. In this respect, travelers should treat Colombia like all other Latin
American countries. Theft is common and anything of value needs to be secured
at all times. Strict procedures must be followed when protecting your
possessions. It's extremely important to protect your drinks while in bars and
never accept drinks, cigarettes and food from strangers.
KNOCK - OUT DRUGS (BURUNDANGA)
There are drugs in Colombia that criminals use to disable and control their
victims. The criminal will steal all of the victim's possessions and in many
instances use the victims ATM cards for multiple withdraws. Many of these