Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Colombia. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Colombian Peso ($)
Best SIM Provider
Claro
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Digital Nomad Visa (V Visa)
2-year visa for remote workers earning $3,000+/month. Can apply online or at Colombian consulate.
Official applicationMedication Restrictions
Prescription medications
Carry medications in original packaging with prescription. Personal supply for duration of trip is generally acceptable.
Essential Apps
UberWorks in most cities
DiDiOften cheaper than Uber
InDriveNegotiate your fare
Notes for Visitors
- Rappi works with international cards
- Uber requires data to call - get a local SIM
- Apps generally work with international phones and cards
SIM Cards & Internet
Local SIM strongly recommended. Claro, Movistar, and Tigo all have good coverage. Available at airports. Data is affordable. Essential for using ride apps safely.
- SIM registration requires passport
- Tourist SIMs available at airport kiosks
- Data essential for safety apps like Uber
WiFi Reliability
Good WiFi in cities. Most cafes offer 10-30 Mbps. Coworking spaces have reliable fast internet.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Cash is still king in Colombia. Cards accepted at malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants. Cash essential for street food, local shops, and taxis. Always carry pesos.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs inside banks (Bancolombia, Davivienda) during business hours. Max withdrawal 600,000-800,000 COP typically. Watch for card skimmers. Fees around 15,000-20,000 COP.
Tipping Culture
10% service charge often included in restaurants ('propina voluntaria'). If not, 10% is standard. Taxis: round up. Hotels: 10,000-20,000 COP per bag.
- The '#x27; symbol means Colombian pesos, not USD
- Large bills (50,000 and 100,000) can be hard to break at small vendors
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Most convenient. Use designated pickup areas.
Pre-paid at counters. Fixed rates by zone.
Bus rapid transit from airport to city
Local Transport
Safest and most convenient option
BRT system. Cheap but very crowded.
Excellent metro system with cable cars to hillside neighborhoods
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Colombia requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Min rental age
21
Detailed road rules aren't available for Colombia yet — check with your rental agency on arrival.
Renting a car in Colombia
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Colombia across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Exercise increased awareness, especially at night
- Use Uber/DiDi rather than street taxis
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark
- Medellín's Poblado and tourist areas are generally safe
- Trust your instincts and don't accept drinks from strangers
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Colombia is relatively LGBTQ+ friendly for Latin America. Same-sex marriage is legal. Bogotá's Chapinero has a vibrant scene. Medellín is also welcoming. Rural areas may be more conservative.
- Chapinero in Bogotá is the main LGBTQ+ neighborhood
- Medellín's Parque Lleras area is LGBTQ+ friendly
- Pride celebrations in major cities
- Smaller towns may be more conservative
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Accessibility is challenging. Sidewalks are often uneven or blocked. Medellín's metro system has some accessibility. Modern malls and hotels are usually accessible. Historic areas are difficult.
- Medellín's metro and cable cars have some accessibility
- Modern shopping centers are generally accessible
- Historic Cartagena has challenging cobblestones
- Wheelchair rental and assistance services exist but limited
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Papaya Crime
Opportunistic theft from those who flash valuables ('dar papaya').
Prevention: Keep phones hidden. Don't wear flashy jewelry. Be discreet with valuables.
Express Kidnapping
Forced ATM withdrawals. Rare but exists. More risk at night in certain areas.
Prevention: Use ATMs inside malls during day. Never use street ATMs at night. Use Uber, not street taxis.
Taxi Scams
Unlicensed taxis overcharge or rob tourists.
Prevention: Only use Uber, DiDi, or official radio taxis. Never hail cabs on the street.
Fake Police
Scammers in fake police uniforms demand to check your wallet.
Prevention: Real police won't check your money. Ask for ID and offer to go to station.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Colombia's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
14-24°C (57-75°F)
Low rainfall
Dry and pleasant
Mar – May
14-22°C (57-72°F)
High rainfall
Rainy season starts
Jun – Aug
13-21°C (55-70°F)
Low rainfall
Dry season, festival time
Sep – Nov
14-22°C (57-72°F)
High rainfall
Rainy
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Tap Water
Tap water safety depends on where you are.
In some places the tap water is fine to drink, and in others it is not. Ask your hotel or host, and choose sealed bottled water, or water that has been filtered and treated, when you are not sure. If you stick to bottled water, use it to brush your teeth too.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
110V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
A, B
Same as US - no adapter needed for American devices. European devices need adapter and converter.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
Commonly Spoken
English Proficiency
Limited English outside tourist areas. Colombian Spanish is considered easy to understand. Learning basics is highly recommended.
Essential Phrases
Hola
Hello
OH-lah
Gracias
Thank you
GRAH-syahs
¿Cuánto vale?
How much?
KWAN-toh VAH-leh
¡Qué chimba!
Cool! (slang)
keh CHEEM-bah
Parce
Buddy/Friend (slang)
PAR-seh
La cuenta
The bill
lah KWEN-tah
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Growing vegan scene in Medellín and Bogotá with dedicated restaurants. Traditional cuisine is meat-heavy. Say 'soy vegano/a'. Fresh fruit juices and salads are everywhere.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Easier than vegan with many rice, bean, and plantain options. 'Corrientazo' (set lunch) often has vegetarian components. Specify 'sin carne' clearly. Eggs and cheese widely available.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Many traditional dishes are naturally GF with rice, corn, and plantains as staples. Arepas (corn cakes) are GF. Say 'sin gluten'. Watch for cross-contamination in kitchens.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires standard international export certificates and localized agricultural agency validation desk check-ins.
Timeline
10-15 days before travel
Quarantine Risk
None
Regulatory Framework
Local agency signoff (ICA, SENASA, AGROCALIDAD, SAG).
Key Constraints
Requires external parasite treatment (ticks/fleas) within 10-15 days of departure. Vaccination logs must show clear serial numbers.
Pet Culture
Exploding urban nomad support. Major rental hubs packed with local pet culture, leash laws, and pet fashion.
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Cultural Tips
Colombians are genuinely warm — expect personal questions about your family, your trip, and your feelings about Colombia within five minutes of meeting someone
Social punctuality is flexible. Being 15-30 minutes late to a gathering is normal. Being on time to a party is considered awkward.
Never bring up drugs, cartels, or Pablo Escobar. Colombians have heard it all and are exhausted by the stereotypes. Talk about food, music, or nature instead.
Learn at least basic Spanish — English is rare outside Bogotá's north end and Cartagena's old city. Even broken Spanish earns massive goodwill.
'No dar papaya' is the golden rule — don't give thieves an opportunity. Keep your phone in your pocket, don't wear flashy jewelry, and stay aware.
Tipping: 10% service charge (propina voluntaria) appears on most restaurant bills. The waiter will ask 'desea incluir el servicio?' — say yes.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Colombians will break into salsa at birthdays, family dinners, office parties, and while waiting for a bus. If you can't dance, they'll teach you on the spot.
'Tinto' means a small cup of sweet black coffee — not wine. You'll be offered one at shops, offices, and strangers' homes throughout the day.
The arepa debate between regions is dead serious — Antioqueño-style (thick, white) vs. costeño (thin, fried with egg) sparks genuine passion
'¿Quiubo?' or 'Quiubo parce' is the real street greeting — way more common than textbook 'hola, ¿cómo estás?'
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Only visiting Cartagena - Medellín, Bogotá, coffee region are incredible
Flashing expensive phones or jewelry in public
Taking unmarked taxis off the street - use apps only
Underestimating altitude - Bogotá is at 2,640m, take it easy
Not trying the food - Colombian cuisine is underrated
Expecting everything to be cheap - tourist areas have increased prices
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Colombia
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
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