FAQs

Question

Do i need a passport and/ or visa?

Answer

You need a valid passport. Some airlines will not allow you to travel unless your passport is valid 6 months post-travel **this means that your passport expiration date must be dated October, 23 2021 (or later, depending your departure date from Cartagena)** To renew/apply for your U.S. Passport: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html A tourist visa is NOT required for U.S. citizens staying less than 90 days.

Question

What is the weather like?

Answer

Cartagena is a tropical city, so you can expect it to be hot and humid. The average high and low temperatures in April ranges from 87*F to 78*F. It'll be warm so wear loose clothes. Don't forget to bring beach wear (sandals, flip flops, swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen).

Question

What is the currency rate and how do i take out cash?

Answer

Colombian Pesos, or COP. The exchange rate as of writing is $1 USD = $3,400 COP Useful conversions: $10,000 COP = $3 USD $25,000 COP = $7 USD $100,000 COP = $30 USD The best places to take out cash are ATMs. There's one in the departures area of the airport (you need to leave customs and re-enter) and several throughout the Walled City. While there are cash exchanges all over, we recommend against them because the exchange rates are usually not as competitive. Credit cards are widely accepted. We recommend double checking whether your bank charges foreign transaction fees, and letting them know you will be traveling abroad to prevent your bank from freezing your card.

Question

Is tipping customary in Colombia?

Answer

There is typically a 10% tip (service) added to your bill. If service was extraordinary, feel free to add some extra pesos. If not, you will not be offending anyone. Please tip any tour guides you may use.

Question

Is it safe?

Answer

Yes! Cartagena is completely safe for travel (don't believe everything you see on Netflix). You should exercise common sense (e.g., do not walk on dimly lit streets alone at night, do not flash wads of cash in public), but Cartagena is statistically safer than much of the U.S.

Question

What is the wedding attire?

Answer

Tropical formal attire.

Question

Do i need to speak spanish?

Answer

Nope! The 'Walled City' is very tourist friendly, with many hotel and restaurant workers speaking some English. It may be worth taking a few minutes to bone up on your travel phrases. But almost anything can be accomplished with smiling and pointing :)

Question

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Answer

Police: 112 Ambulance: 667 5244 Health Service: 125 Firemen: 119

Question

Are children invited?

Answer

Even though we love your little ones, we ask that only those in the bridal party attend the wedding. Feel free to make this a family vacation but most events will be for adults only.