Capital: Bogotá
Local weather:
The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. Though the temperature varies little throughout the year due to Colombia’s proximity to the equator, it does vary according to altitude.
Current weather
Local currency: Colombian Peso
Currency Converter
Local time: GMT – 5
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Domestic airlines:
https://www.latam.com/en-ca/flights-within-colombia
Custom tips:
The amount is not large, usually about 2-5,000 Colombian pesos (COP), but always appreciated. A more fancy or luxury restaurant may already include a 15% service charge. Therefore, always be sure to
Health tips:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia
Safety issues:
Like anywhere else in the world, there are areas that are fine and areas that aren’t. But overall, Colombia is a traveler-friendly destination and very safe for visitors. Find out why below, along with all the info you’ll need to have a safe trip.
Vacation rentals:
https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/south-america/colombia
https://www.homeaway.com/d/36184/colombia
https://cartagenacolombiarentals.com/
Visa Information:
https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/abc
Important holidays:
https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/colombia/index.php
Driving Advice:
If you are a tourist visiting Colombia without a visa you can use your valid driver’s license from your home country with your passport to drive in Colombia.
Car Seat Laws:
The law states that everyone in a moving car in Colombia must wear a seat belt.
Power:
Electricity in Colombia runs at 110 volts, so transformers are not necessary for tourists from the U.S. If you are planning to use anything with a three-prong plug, bring an adapter, as some establishments only have two-prong outlets.
Tourism Website:
Official Language:
Spanish and English
Vaccination Required:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia
CARTAGENA
Local Transport
Yellow Taxis:
Taxis are probably the easiest way of getting around Cartagena, and they are likely to be your most used form of transportation in Cartagena, especially if you’re just visiting. While Cartagena’s taxis are the most expensive in the country and prices to go longer distances can be quite expensive, they’re still considerably cheaper than in the United States or other more developed countries.
Collective Taxis:
Collective taxis are basically shared taxis that charge a fixed fee per person and follow a set route. Depending on where you are getting them, they wait until they are full (4 people per taxi) to leave or pick up people along the way.
Private Cars:
There are other private forms of transportation in Cartagena. There is a fleet of white SUVs that usually work directly with hotels, although they sometimes are willing to pick you up on the street. If you happen to hail one, expect to pay about the same price as a normal taxi.
Motor taxis:
There are also motorcycle taxis in Cartagena, although they’ve been restricted in some neighborhoods.
Transcaribe Buses:
Transcaribe is a system of public transportation in Cartagena that was opened in 2016. It is meant to function in the vein of a subway with lanes and stations especially for it through Centro and down the main thoroughfares of the city.
Other Buses:
These buses (often referred to as busetas) can be identified by their bright colors and the guys called sparrings that hang out the door shouting out the route trying to get passengers. There are no designated stops and they can be hailed down or passengers can call for stops anywhere along their routes.
