Medellin is a city situated in the valleys of Colombia at an elevation of 5,000 feet. This city is known as the country’s industrial center, making it a hub of people, mostly in the form of traffic. Getting around Medellin as a foreigner will take some time to adjust to and a lot of patience.
If this is your first time driving a car rental in Medellin, or even Colombia in general, we have some advice to help you adjust. Keep reading to explore the best tips for driving in Medellin.
Plan Ahead
Traffic in Medellin is in a near-constant state of gridlock. It seems like everyone is driving around in a car, so the traffic jams start as early as 5 A.M. and last well into the night. Using apps for driving time estimation is always a great idea, but you should take the assessed time with a grain of salt and always prepare for a little more time spent sitting in traffic.
The same rules usually apply to public transport if you ride the Medellin buses, as all the vehicles get stuck in the same places. So, either plan ahead and leave early or ride the metro.
Be Careful
Driving always requires caution, but even more so when you’re moving around one of the big cities in Colombia. Bus drivers are aggressive, and bikers and cyclists constantly slip in and out of lanes. So, the best idea is to drive a little slower than you’re used to and pay a lot of attention to your surroundings.
Check your rearview mirrors as often as it is safe to do so; however, don’t rely solely on them. Use your car windows to double-check your sides for any incoming vehicles.
Don’t Try To Bend the Rules
Sometimes, drivers bend the traffic rules; however, this can get you in trouble with the law. So when you happen to be looking for Medellin apartment rentals or heading out to explore the city with your car, make sure you follow the rules.
The transit police, or Transitos as they are more commonly known, are there to enforce traffic laws. So, whenever you decide to drive, put your seatbelt on, put your phone aside, and don’t park where it isn’t allowed.
Keep An Eye on the Speed Bumps
Medellin doesn’t have any speed radars throughout the city, but if you think you can drive above the set speed limit, you will be disappointed. Instead of radars, the city has installed speed bumps designed to make drivers lower the speed of their moving vehicles.
If you don’t pay attention while driving, you will hit one and damage your car. So, stay alert, and keep your speed limit at a legal level.
Be Patient
Most people want to get in their car, do their errands, and then return to their accommodation. You don’t want to wait in lines, and you certainly don’t want to sit in gridlock. However, the unfortunate reality is that you simply have to be patient.
Colombians are very graceful people who extend a lot of understanding and patience, so try to reciprocate that whenever you can. Maybe you will be forced to spend a little more time in traffic than you originally planned, but look on the bright side – you’ll get more time to explore this Colombian gem, even if it’s from your car seat.
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