FAQs

Question

What is the "Old City"?

Answer

Cartagena's "Old City" or “Ciudad Vieja” also known as the "Walled City" or “Ciudad Amurallada” is a small piece of beautiful land surrounded by a colonial walled fortress. It is the best-preserved colonial city in Latin America, and where most of the wedding events will take place. Each of the events are walking distance from each other and all of our recommended hotels.

Question

What are the travel requirements?

Answer

To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your last day out of your home country. U.S. citizens do not need tourist visas for stays under 90 days. When landing in Colombia you need to show this completed check-mig form: https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en

Question

Are children invited?

Answer

While we love all the little ones, the wedding events will be adults-only. Mom & Dad get ready to party!

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Feel free to bring all your beach and tropical destination clothes for day-time events. For the wedding day, we would like all men to wear Long Sleeve Guayaberas, which are a traditional dress shirt, and any type of pants. You can buy good quality Guayaberas in Colombia for a good price. For the ladies, we suggest tropical cocktail! Please wear lightweight, airy materials that you'll feel comfortable dancing in! Bright colors and florals are encouraged :)

Question

Do I need cash in Cartagena?

Answer

While most places accept credit cards, you will need cash if you plan to take a cab from the airport and to purchase items from street vendors or smaller shops. City taxis do not take cards. We'd recommend pre-ordering some Colombian pesos from your bank in advance of your travels. You can also get cash at the airport (steeper exchange fees) or any ATM machines inside the walled city, but there may be a $ limit for withdrawals.

Question

What is the currency used in Colombia?

Answer

Colombia uses the Colombian peso. 1 US Dollar is equal to about $4.700 Colombian Pesos so you will definitely be getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Question

Are taxis safe? What is the best way to get around Cartagena?

Answer

Taxis are generally safe to hail from all major landmarks and most have set fares for popular destinations. At the airport, head to the yellow taxi line to take a cab to the old city, which should cost about $20.000 COP or about $ 5-6 USD. As with all taxis, please confirm the fare before accepting a ride. The ride from the airport to the walled city should be about 10-15 minutes. What we recommend: Uber and DiDI are ride share apps available to get around in Cartagena. No need to rent a car! Parking inside the walled city is very limited so you will not need a car and all of the wedding activities will be within walking distance from our suggested options inside the walled city.

Question

What is the weather like in Cartagena?

Answer

February in Cartagena is very tropical. Highs will range from the mid 80s to mid 90s. The sun is extra hot so pack that sunscreen! Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing.

Question

No hablo español...what do I do?

Answer

Cartagena is a city used to visitors from all over the world. Start practicing simple and useful travel phrases or download a translating app, if you want to impress. You will need to practice your Spanish with taxi drivers and street vendors, but many inside the walled city speak English.

Question

Can I use my cell phone in Colombia?

Answer

Most U.S. cell phone companies, will charge you to use your phone abroad. AT&T and Verizon have a $10/day travel pass to call, text, use google, maps, and social media. Call or go online to see what your cell phone company offers. You can also purchase a SIM card at the airport or download the app Airalo, which is what we do!

Question

Do I need to tip?

Answer

A 10% suggested tip or service fee is already added to most bills. This tip is suggested or voluntary and in most cases is more than sufficient, but you can add an additional tip if service was extraordinary.

Question

Can I eat the street food and drink the water?

Answer

Street food is a great way to see and taste your way through Cartagena. Just be aware of how the vendors are preparing food or if any ingredients have been sitting out in the sun. Also, it best to stick to bottled water versus tap water. When you go out to eat at a restaurant you may be asked if you would like water "con gas" (sparkling) or "sin gas" (still).

Question

Is Cartagena safe?

Answer

The Walled City and areas frequented by tourists are very safe, however, as in any major city, be aware of your surroundings and belongings. Please leave all valuables, passports, and large sums of cash in a hotel safe if you will be touring the city streets or going to the beach. If you run into any trouble here are some emergency numbers: National Emergency Number: 123 Information: 113 U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000

Question

Street vendors

Answer

Street vendors can be a bit pushy and very persistent so be prepared to negotiate if you are ready to buy a souvenir or simply just keep walking and say "no gracias." Don't be afraid to be firm.