FAQs

Question

IS CARTAGENA SAFE?

Answer

Yes! The seaside city of Cartagena is one of the safest places in the entire country, as well as one of the most popular tourist destinations. Crime against tourists is practically unheard of in Cartagena, and you can stay safe in the city as long as you use common sense and exercise normal precautions - just as you would in any new city, walk with a friend at night and just be aware! We understand anyone being weary - we were before going as well - but as soon as we arrived to the "Walled City" we felt extremely safe!

Question

HOW TO PAY IN CARTAGENA?

Answer

Major credit cards are widely accepted in Cartagena. However, we recommend carrying a small amount of cash because some small businesses can be cash only. ATM's are also available around the city. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).

Question

COMMON TOURIST TRAPS

Answer

Cartagena is a popular tourist destination, as such there are some common "tourist traps" to keep in mind. While the typical traveling best practices apply, such as not traveling with valuables and haggling with vendors, be mindful of staying within high-traffic tourist areas at night. We also don't recommend exchanging foreign currency or buying emeralds in the street, no matter how enticing the exchange rate or price. Street vendors can be very persistent so if you do not want a souvenir, simply keep walking and say "no gracias". Beware of the rappers. If they sing at you just ignore it. They are harmless, but they might try to get some pesos from you. Just simply walk away and say "no gracias."

Question

TRANSPORTATION IN CARTAGENA

Answer

All of our events (besides the beach day excursion), will take place within the "Walled City" of Cartagena. This part of the city is easily walkable, and our events will only be a short walking distance from the recommended hotels and stays! If you don't feel up for walking it's also very easy to catch a cab. Uber is also available! You can easily call an Uber from the airport. Taxis from the airport to the "Walled City" cost about $20,000 COP (~$5 USD). We recommend reaching out to your hotel and having them set up a cab to meet you at the airport and take you to the "Walled City." Whenever taking a cab, make sure to agree on the price beforehand. (Cuanto cuesta = How much does it cost?)

Question

USEFUL SPANISH PHRASES TO KNOW

Answer

Hola. = Hello. Adiós. = Goodbye. Por favor. = Please. Gracias. = Thank you. No gracias. = No thank you. Puedo Tener = Can I Have? Cuanto cuesta = How much does it cost? De nada. = You’re welcome. ¿Cómo se dice ___? = How do you say ___? No entiendo. = I don’t understand. Dónde está…? = Where is…? Aeropuerto = Airport. ¿Habla inglés? = Do you speak English? Sí. = Yes. No. = No. Find more here: https://blog.rosettastone.com/102-essential-spanish-phrases-for-traveling/