FAQs ABOUT COLOMBIA

So you have decided to go to Colombia for your next vacation…..great choice!  So now that you are in the planning stage some questions may arise. With some local advice, we have created a list of Colombia FAQs to give you more information about Colombia. It covers everything from travel safety to visa requirements, to transportation, and beyond. For answers to everything about Colombia, ask the people who know best. Our Travel Designers are experts in the destination and are happy to answer any questions you may have about Colombia. Here are just some of the FAQs to get you started!

 

Cartagena de Indias

Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?

The general answer is NO! The Colombian visa process is easy to navigate, especially for American and European citizens.  If you’re traveling to Colombia as a tourist, you don’t have to apply for a visa in advance. When you land, show your passport and a valid return ticket, and you’ll receive a standard tourist visa, which is good for 90 days.

 

What kind of traveler are you?

Let’s face it. People want different things when they travel. Rather than spending hours sifting through blogs and top 10 lists written by people who may have totally different interests than you, why not start by sharing a little about what’s important to you when exploring a new destination? A little information can go a long way when our Travel designers are working on the perfect Colombia itinerary for you!

 

Cocora Valley

Is Colombia safe?

Allow us to dispel the rumors now…..Colombia is safe to visit. It's actually one of Latin America’s safest countries to visit! Even big-city Bogota has a low violent crime rate. Staying safe in Colombia is also easy for solo and female travelers.  Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Colombia each year, and the vast majority of them have no problems. At the same time, a small minority of tourists become victims of crime, as anywhere else in the world, including pickpocketing, drugging, and armed robbery. A savvy traveler who is aware of the risks and knows how to avoid them will significantly reduce the chances of anything happening. Most of the crime happens in major cities. When a crime occurs, it is often opportunistic, so knowing which areas to avoid and keeping a low profile will help you stay safer. If you are concerned about your trip to Colombia, check out our blog on Safety in Colombia or ask your Travel Designer.

 

What vaccines do I need before going to Colombia?

You probably have all your necessary vaccinations already. If you already have up-to-date routine vaccinations, like chickenpox and polio, you’re halfway there. The CDC also recommends that all travelers to Colombia get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid before visiting. Depending on where you’re traveling in Colombia, talk to your doctor about vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, malaria, and yellow fever.

 

Can I drink the water in Colombia?

This depends on where you're going. Colombia´s major cities are known for the high quality of their tap water. However, consuming tap water in the countryside can be a bit of a different situation. See what locals say about water quality if you're going off the beaten path, our Travel Designers trip can explain what precautions you should take. To travel in a sustainable manner, invest in a reusable water bottle with a filter to avoid buying plastic bottles during your trip.

 

Plastic Water Bottle on The Beach

Is it possible to take taxis?

 

Yes...but with a few basic precautions. However, keep in mind that they will likely be a more expensive form of transportation. Your driver might not speak English. And, as a non-local, you might get overcharged, so definitely negotiate the price before getting in the car. Public transportation is also an affordable and safe option for Colombia tourism. 

 

Is it safe to use my credit card in Colombia?

 

Yes, but it's good to carry cash. In big cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena you shouldn't have a problem using your credit card. However, it's always a good idea to carry cash. You will need cash if you use taxis, grab a snack, or buy a small souvenir. It is generally best to withdraw cash from ATMs in banks, hotels, or at the airport, on arrival.

 

What is the exchange rate?

Americans will find that the dollar (USD) is especially strong against the Colombian peso (COL). In fact, the exchange rate is currently around COL$3,200 to the dollar. There are currently COL$4,890 Colombian pesos to the Euro if you are coming from Europe. To put that in perspective, you can get a good lunch in Colombia for less than USD 5.00. Of course, the exchange rate fluctuates so always check online for a current standard exchange rate. 

 

Do I need to tip?

Sometimes. Most Colombians don’t tip in casual restaurants unless the service is excellent. If it is, they may leave behind COP 1,000 to COP 2,000 (that’s fifty cents to a dollar). At nicer restaurants, a 10% tip is a good idea. Some high-end places will automatically add a 15% tip to your bill. 

 

Tipping in Colombia

How's the weather in Colombia?

This depends on when and where you go. The weather you’ll experience in Colombia can vary wildly depending on where you go. Check out our Blog on the Best Time to Travel in Colombia for regional weather information.

 

Is the food good in Colombia?

It's incredible! Eating traditional foods is one of the best parts of Colombia. Try staples like arepas (crispy, fluffy maize dumplings often filled with meat or cheese) or feasts like bandeja paisa (a platter of rice, beans, three kinds of meat, fried eggs, ripe plantain, and avocado). Get local advice for where to go—our trip planners will suggest their favorite restaurants in town. See more about what to eat in Colombia here. 

 

How is the coffee in Colombia?

The coffee is Amazing! and a cultural staple. With over half a million coffee farms scattered throughout the country, coffee is an essential Colombian highlight. Home to “The Coffee Triangle,” each of Colombia’s coffee farms produce phenomenal coffee beans, all with their own distinct characteristics and flavor profiles, so spend your time in Colombia by drinking as much as possible.

 

 

Colombian Coffee Farm

What happens if I get sick on my trip?

Don't worry, Colombia's health care system has your back as long as you have a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy. Hospitals and clinics offer excellent quality of care and Colombia’s medical tourism industry is already attracting tens of thousands of people a year to its private and state-owned clinics.

 

 

Can I take public transportation in Colombia?

Yes, Colombia's public transportation is extensive. It’s quite easy to navigate Colombia’s cities using nothing but public transportation. Medellin’s famed metro system is currently Colombia’s only available metro. However, each major city has its own well-organized buses and colectivo systems. See more here about Getting Around Colombia

 

Colombian Bus

Which cities are worth visiting?

 

Bogota

Colombia’s capital and largest city, Bogota, is nestled in the Andes a whopping 8,500 feet above sea level. With its mix of colonial Spanish architecture and modern skyscrapers, Bogota boasts a plethora of incredible things to do, including museums, clubs, restaurants, and live music scenes.

 

Medellin

Forget the bygone stories of Pablo Escobar, Medellin is very safe and 100% worth the trip. Surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Andes, Medellin is home to over a dozen universities, a wealth of public art, and a thriving infrastructure, this “City of Eternal Spring” averages an ideal all-year-round temperature.

 

Cartagena

The quintessential Caribbean paradise, Cartagena boasts miles of picturesque beaches and islands lined with stunning resorts and electrifying nightclubs. Fill your Cartagena itinerary with walks through the cobblestone streets, breathtaking churches, and flower-covered balconies.

 

Cartagena

 

Do I need to speak Spanish to go to Colombia?

No, but it does help. Outside of resorts and other tourist locations, English isn’t widely spoken in Colombia. However, Colombia is known for its travel safety and openness to foreigners, so travelers can get by in Colombia with minimal Spanish.  However, knowing a few phrases can make a difference, so brush up on a few phrases beforehand!

 

Colombian Spanish School

These are just some of the most Frequently Asked Questions we are asked here at Va Expeditions when people book a trip to Colombia.  Please ask us here, if you have questions that do not appear here and we will be more than happy to answer any of your questions about Colombia.