Explore Colombia

There are not usually any problems for minority groups in Colombia; it is actually one of the friendliest and open-minded countries in Latin America. Bigger cities are open-minded in general; however, in smaller rural communities, attitudes may be a little more conservative. Don't forget that Colombia is a roman catholic country, after all! It is a good plan to be more discreet in the more rural areas, who still sometimes pretend that homosexuality doesn't exist or maybe a little more conservative in their views. Still, on the whole, there are no issues in Colombia, only positive vibes. 

Colombia is infamous for its drugs production. Please remember that the majority of Colombians do not use drugs and foreigners using drugs in Colombia are frowned upon. Sometimes, being the scapegoats for the problems with regards to drugs in the country. After all, it was a popular destination for the cocaine exports. The police and drugs sellers often work together to set up tourists, so avoid anyone offering cocaine or marijuana. The police will expect a hefty payment for you to stay out of prison! 

Burundanga is a popular substance to render victims' unconscious and is native to Colombia. This can be used to spike drinks, cigarettes, candy or gum. Do not accept anything from a stranger…. it could be spiked! 

Be aware of these types of issues which are not common but do happen and can be easily avoided. 

With regards to documents, it is always best to carry the photocopy of your passport as identification and leave the original in a hotel safe. 

Safety in Colombia is certainly a lot better than it used to be! However, it is still necessary to take some precautions. Please remember that in general, Colombians are happy, fun-loving and friendly people and there are very few reasons why you should experience otherwise. There are some basics to remember and you will have a wonderful time in the country!  

Avoid wandering around unknown areas or deserted streets. Also, avoid using ATMs at night. Avoid anything to do with the drugs trade and be wary of any new "friends" offering cigarettes or drinks if you have only just met them. The border towns with Venezuela are a little dangerous at the moment with the on-going problems in Venezuela, so be extra careful if crossing the border there. 

In the larger cities, theft is common. If you leave your things unattended, they will disappear. Pickpockets are common as are distraction techniques, so be aware as thieves generally work in groups. Fake policemen are common and can catch you off guard. In general, police do not approach tourists unless you are misbehaving, of course. If "fake" police approach you, always look for a uniformed officer to help you out. Undercover policemen are very rare and wouldn't approach a tourist in any case! Inside banks, people can pretend to be bank officials – they are not….. No one will come and offer help unless you ask for it in a bank. 

A lot of travellers carry a bundle of cash in small notes on them, to hand-over in the case of robbery. The main thing to remember is to hand over what you have in the case of a robbery. Always remember that people have been killed for less! While rare, robberies do happen. Do not expect anyone to help you in the case of a robbery; you will be alone. This is why it's always best to be compliant and hand over what you have on you and don't take any valuables along with you. They are better stashed in your hotel safe. 

Most English speaking countries will not need a visa to enter Colombia. You are usually given a 90-day tourist visa on entrance to the country. Please check with your Colombian consulate if you are in any doubt. 

The national dish is called The Bandeja Paisa which originates in Antioquia. The is definitely a dish for those with an appetite and consists of pork sausages, ground beef, chicharrones, rice, beans, chorizo, avocado and fried eggs! Not for the feint-hearted! 

Tamales are a popular snack and come in a variety of forms but always wrapped in a banana leaf. This mashed corn is usually mixed with a meat of some type, onions and tomatoes.  

Arroz con Pollo Each country has its arroz con pollo and Colombia is no different! Here the rice is yellow and made with cumin and the chicken is tender with mixed vegetable. This is a staple meal in most homes. 

Fritanga is a variety of grilled meat and fried plantains that usually contain pork, chicken and beef. This is usually eaten with toothpicks so don’t wait for the cutlery to arrive to the table! 

Cocadas Blancas are a popular dessert in Colombia made from coconut similar to a macaroon… definitely something for the sweeter tooth!  

Enyucado is cake made from grated yucca, sugar, coconut and little touch of aniseed and is surprisingly delicious! 

Aguardiente is the popular tipple made from aniseed and sugar cane. 

Health services in the cities are of a good standard. The issue is that you will need to pay at the moment you receive treatment, so please remember to ask for receipts if you will be making a claim on your travel /health insurance. Health insurance in Colombia is essential, so make sure you have a suitable travel and health insurance policy that covers you for all eventualities. As you head to more rural regions, decent health care is a lot less sparse and will definitely not speak English, so come prepared for this. It is always a good idea to visit your travel clinic to see the recommended vaccines. As in most of Latin America, mosquito-related illnesses are common, so the best thing to do is avoid getting bitten. Zika and malaria are relatively common, as is dengue fever. Take repellent and wear light coloured clothing, especially in jungle regions. 

Pharmacies are well-stocked and cheaper than in the UK or the USA. 

Water should be treated and filtered outside of the major cities. It is highly likely that it will make you sick if not. 

If you become ill when travelling in rural regions, it is always best to get back to a city for treatment, especially if it is severe. Take a first aid kit with you with insect repellent and creams for infections, as especially in the jungle, as cuts can easily turn into infections. 

The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso, often abbreviated to COP. Denominations come in notes of $1000, $2000, $5000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 and $100,000. The exchange rate varies, but to make a rough estimation, $10,000 COP is equal to $5 USD!  

The majority of banks in Colombia will not change money. There are specialist exchange banks, however, who do. These are a better and more secure option than the money changers on the street where false notes and a variety of dodgy transactions could and often do happen! 

Fake notes are an issue in Colombia and common places to receive them are in taxis, from the street money changers and in bars. Also worn and dirty notes are sometimes not accepted, so try not to receive these older notes and carry small denominations on you to help avoid any issues. 

ATMs are widely available and international cards are accepted. You can pay in most places with a credit card; however, online transactions are still a rarity, except for the major airlines or hotels. 

Colombians love their carnivals! They are happy, friendly, party goers and will include you in the festivities. Barranquilla has the biggest folkloric carnival in Colombia and it is celebrated between the 13th and 16th of February each year. Carnival is a mixture of the Spanish influence, the Afro Colombian influence and the indigenous and a sight to behold! 

Colombians are also Football-bonkers! If there is a Colombia match or a local team playing, you will certainly know about it! Athletico National from Medellin is probably the most successful team, but the national team has been decent for some time now. Try and catch a game while you are there! 

The Arts are usually promoted via the Universities and colleges in the cities of Colombia. Gabriel Garcia Marquez won the Nobel prize for literature in 1982 and Fernando Botero is recognised worldwide for his painting and sculptures. 

Hotel options are comprehensive and varied, ranging from small family-run places to 5-star hotels. Cities have a wide range of accommodations and for all budgets. There are many reasonable backpacker's hostels in the big cities also, as well as boutique hotels and family-run houses and hotels. The luxury 5-star hotel chains are all present in the major cities, including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Novotel. 

Once you leave the bigger cities with options abound, the more remote areas will have limited accommodation options. There are a great range of boutique hotels throughout the cities and the coffee growing regions. 

There are also a wide range of backpacker hostels and family-run hostels or "casa familiares" throughout Colombia. The national parks have camping facilities as well as being able to rent a hammock for the evening! Just remember the insect repellent! If you are looking for a longer-term option, then you may prefer to rent an apartment. Air B and B is a popular choice and even hostels rent out long term mini-apartments and will give you a better price the longer you stay! 

Camping is an option, especially in the national parks and along the Caribbean coast near the beaches. It's not a major camping country and you need to take extra care with your belongings, but there are options available. 

Men in Colombia will greet with eye contact and a firm handshake. Once men know each other well, they will often hug. Women will often take your arm at the elbow instead of the handshake and this will become a kiss on the cheek once women know each other. Between men and women can be any combination of the above depending on how well people know each other. Buenos Dias, Buenas Tardes or Buenas Noches are the associated verbal Greetings depending on the time of the day.