What Locals Do to Stay Safe at the ATM in Bogotá

We’ve spent our whole lives living Bogotá, and ATM safety is key to our existence. 

Bogotá is a vibrant and modern capital, with world-class malls, luxury hotels, efficient banks, and busy commercial areas. But like any major city, especially in Latin America, withdrawing money from an ATM requires some caution. It’s not about paranoia—it’s about being smart, aware, and prepared.

Why ATM Safety in Bogotá Deserves Special Attention

Bogotá has come a long way in terms of safety, but it’s still a large metropolitan area where some of the usual urban risks apply. While the banking infrastructure is solid and the ATMs themselves are generally modern and functional, problems tend to arise because of where and how people access them. 

Street-facing ATMs, isolated locations, or poorly lit kiosks can expose users to card skimming, distraction scams, or petty theft. The issue isn’t the banks—it’s about the environment. Smart withdrawal strategies can eliminate most of the risk. Locals don’t avoid ATMs, but they are selective about which ones they use and when. It’s this local caution we’ve adopted and recommend to travelers.

Where We Actually Withdraw Cash

Over the years, we’ve developed a short list of safe, reliable ATM locations—and they’re all indoors. Our go-to spots are always in shopping malls or secure bank branches, never outdoors or attached to small retail shops. Malls in Bogotá offer an ideal combination of security features: visible cameras, on-site guards, bright lighting, and a high concentration of ATMs from trusted banks. 

Some of our most trusted mall locations include Centro Andino in Zona T, Parque La Colina in the north of the city, Unicentro for its longstanding bank presence, and Gran Estación, which is conveniently located for travelers arriving from the airport or staying in nearby business districts. These places not only feel safe, they’re designed to be secure. 

We avoid any ATM that’s exposed to the street, located inside a gas station, or attached to a corner convenience store. When we head out to withdraw cash, we walk with purpose and stay alert without being visibly anxious. We try to go mid-morning or mid-afternoon, avoiding late nights or overly busy rush hours.

The Banks We Trust

Not all banks are created equal when it comes to ATM service in Bogotá. Some operate better-maintained machines with more reliable technology and better customer service. We’ve narrowed our preferred list to four banks, all of which consistently offer clean, well-functioning ATMs in secure environments. 

• Davivienda is a top choice for both locals and travelers—it offers machines compatible with most international cards and tends to have visible security measures. 
• BBVA Colombia is a great option for European travelers, as it’s well-integrated with several international banking networks. 
• Scotiabank Colpatria is ideal for North American visitors, particularly Canadians, due to its links with Scotiabank branches abroad. 
• Bancolombia is another reliable option, widely available and user-friendly. These banks have interfaces that are easy to follow, anti-skimming features, and ATM designs that discourage tampering. 

Avoid unfamiliar or off-brand ATM providers, as well as any machine that looks poorly maintained. If an ATM seems dusty, damaged, or has a card slot that feels loose, we move on. A few minutes of caution beats hours spent on a phone call trying to cancel a compromised card.

How We Handle Withdrawals (and What We Watch Out For)

Every ATM visit is a routine we treat seriously, even if it only takes two minutes. First, we enter the bank or shopping mall and look for a machine we’ve used before or from one of our trusted banks. If there are two machines next to each other, we choose the one with better visibility and a working camera. We always cover our PIN with our hand—even if no one appears to be watching. 

We’ve learned not to count our cash at the machine. Instead, we take it, slide it into an inside pocket, and walk away discreetly. If someone starts a conversation with us or hovers too close while we’re withdrawing, we cancel the transaction immediately and wait until they leave or move to another machine. 

We avoid any ATM that has unusual stickers, bulky keypads, or components that seem slightly loose—those are potential signs of tampering. One smart habit we picked up is enabling mobile banking alerts. This way, every withdrawal shows up instantly on our phone, and we can spot any suspicious activity right away. Once the cash is in hand, we avoid pulling it out again in public. We tuck it into a zippered pocket or travel wallet that’s kept close—not in an open bag or outer pouch.

When and Why to Use the Hotel Concierge or Private Driver

There are times when it’s best not to handle ATM errands alone—especially on arrival day, after dark, or when you need to withdraw a large amount of cash. In those cases, we ask the hotel concierge for advice or assistance. Most reputable hotels can tell you which bank branches or mall locations are safest. 

Some high-end properties even have secure ATMs on-site, monitored and maintained by local banks. If staying in neighborhoods like Chapinero or Usaquén, and you’re not familiar with the surroundings, you can try asking the front desk to arrange a secure ride or a brief escort to a nearby financial plaza. While Bogotá is generally safe during the day, there’s peace of mind in having hotel staff involved, especially when dealing with larger withdrawals or unfamiliar areas.

Traveler-Specific ATM Advice

Every kind of traveler approaches banking differently, so here’s how we tailor our ATM habits. 

For luxury travelers, we recommend working with your hotel concierge to identify preferred partner banks or mall branches. VIP entrances and bank counters inside upscale commercial centers like Calle 100 or Zona G provide both comfort and safety. If you’re withdrawing large sums for fine dining, shopping, or private experiences, it’s smarter to make fewer, larger withdrawals during daylight hours. 

For business travelers, the Avenida Chile Financial Center and Parque 93 offer reliable ATM options close to major offices and coworking spaces. Use coffee or lunch breaks—not late evenings—to handle banking in these areas. For wellness travelers or anyone visiting spas and studios, remember that some boutique services prefer or require cash. In those cases, we withdraw ahead of time at malls in Chapinero or Usaquén and store a small amount of cash securely in a zippered wallet pouch for treatments or tipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common missteps when it comes to ATM safety in Bogotá. 

For example, if you stop at a street-facing ATM just because it’s convenient, someone could approach with a distraction tactic. 

Or you might be tempted to accept a currency conversion offer on-screen that switches the withdrawal to your home currency, not realizing you’ll lose a significant amount on the exchange rate. 

And you can run into a daily withdrawal limit that’ll leave you short on cash. Check your daily withdrawal limit in advance and confirm it with your home bank.

Final Thoughts: Smart Withdrawals Lead to Smoother Travel

Plan a Stress-Free Trip to Bogotá with Cielo Travel

You don’t have to become a local expert to enjoy Bogotá like one—thanks to Cielo Travel’s team of advisors, who can guide you at every turn. 

Set up a stress-free, fun trip in Bogotá that ticks off all the spots on your list, plus a few we know you’ll enjoy based on your travel style.