Question

What documents need to be completed before boarding my flight to Colombia/U.S?

Answer

Travelers must complete Migración Colombia’s online Check-Mig form (https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig) within 72 hours of boarding an inbound or outbound flight from Colombia. If the normal form’s website is down travelers can find a contingency website (https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/public/preregistro.jsf).

Question

What is the Colombian currency and exchange rate?

Answer

The currency in Colombia is Colombian pesos ($). Denominations are in the thousands. Lately, the conversion rate has been 3800 COP to 1 USD. Most common bills are 2, 5, 10 and 20 thousand pesos. There are also coins for 100, 200, 500, 1000 pesos if you get change. There are 2 other bills which correspond to 50 and 100 thousand pesos - try to avoid having these unless shopping, as they are hard to break for change when needed. While many places accept credit card, there are also places that only accept cash, so we would suggest visiting an ATM upon arrival and having some cash on you at all times. The rates at the airport are pretty good, so if you want to exchange there, you are getting a fair rate. Use ATMs within grocery stores, malls, and shopping centers - not on the street. As an additional safety measure, don't go extract cash from an ATM and leave right away. With currency rate almost 4 to 1, public bus or metro will cost you less than a dollar. Most uber rides will be less than 5 USD. Cost of food varies, but meals can be anywhere from 3-10 USD/person, unless you are eating somewhere fancy.

Question

What considerations should we have for safety in traveling to Colombia?

Answer

Colombia, especially Medellín, is known for its beautiful weather, vibrant culture, and is ranked among the best cities for Americans to retire and visit. The locals, known as Paisas, are warm, friendly, and always happy to help travelers feel at home. Like any major city, it’s important to be mindful and use common sense. Most incidents tend to happen around transportation, so we recommend using rideshare apps or reputable taxis rather than hailing one on the street. When using public transportation, keep valuables out of sight and enjoy the scenery without distractions. Scams are uncommon in Medellín compared to other tourist destinations, and locals are generally honest and fair. Taxis typically use meters, but it’s a good idea to carry small bills, as drivers may not always have change. Overall, Medellín is a safe, welcoming city when you travel smart: move in groups when possible, use trusted transportation, and trust your instincts. We’re so excited to share this special place with you and can’t wait to celebrate together! 💛 🇨🇴

Question

Can I drink the tap water?

Answer

Unlike remote locations in the country, tap water quality is excellent, completely safe to drink, and likely tastes better than most places in the US. :) If you are traveling to smaller towns or other areas outside of the city, then stick to bottled or filtered water.

Question

Do I need to tip?

Answer

Tipping in Colombia is not required like in the US. However, if you are served well, it is common courtesy to leave anywhere 10% at most.