Ipiales, in general, is a safe town. However, like any city near a border, theft can be more likely than in other towns due to the constant movement of people, making it easy for a would-be thief to disappear. Use common sense: Keep an eye on your belongings at all time (and your bag well on your person). Don’t display large amounts of bills; keep only what you immediately need at hand—especially when changing money.
Many locals travel only during the day, as guerrilla activity and robberies continue to be a problem (although less so than in the past due to the military’s presence on the roads and checkpoints). A number of bus companies do offer overnight service to Pasto, Popayán and Cali.