FAQs

Question

Do I need to exchange money?

Answer

Restaurants, bars and hotels will always accept credit cards but you will want to have Colombian pesos on you when you take taxi’s, buy something from a vendor, when you go to the beach and when you want to tip someone. You can exchange money at a local currency exchange in Colombia, pull out money from an ATM in Colombia, or check with your bank or foreign exchange bureaus before you leave. You might even receive better rates here in the US since you wont have to pay a withdrawal or foreign transaction fee.

Question

Will my cellphone work in Colombia?

Answer

Yes you should we able to use your cellphone in Colombia. In most cases, you will only have 3G but most places have wifi that you can connect to (hotels, restaurants, bars). Some cellphone carriers have international plans where you have to pay per day to use your cellular data. We suggest contacting your carrier before you leave to see what your plan offers.

Question

How can I contact restaurants, hotels, locals or tour companies in Colombia to make plans or reservations?

Answer

We highly suggest downloading the app WhatsApp. You get fast, simple secure messaging and calling for free. That means you can message a restaurant you want to make reservations at. You can call a tour guide for your day excursion to Minca. And its a great way for all of us to stay in contact if you are connected to wifi and don’t want to use your cellular data. That’s how Dan and I communicated with everyone and all establishments in Colombia.

Question

How can I communicate with someone who doesn’t speak English?

Answer

If your in a situation where your alone without a friend or acquaintance who speaks Spanish we suggest downloading the Google Translate app. This will help you translate English to Spanish and Spanish to English and can help you communicate with whoever your trying to. We also suggest translating your messages on WhatsApp if your messaging a restaurant or establishment to make a reservation.

Question

Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID to go to Colombia?

Answer

As of December 14, 2021, non-resident foreign travelers must present proof they have been fully vaccinated for covid-19 for at least 14 days prior to travel. We are hoping that this will change in the coming months and will keep everyone updated. You will also need to provide a negative COVID test to return to the United States 24 hours before travel. You can set this up with your hotel to be tested.

Question

Will there be a shuttle bus to the wedding and back to the hotel?

Answer

Yes. We are providing a shuttle to and from the wedding on Friday January 13th for anyone staying at the two hotels we suggested. It’s only about a 6 minute drive from both hotels.

Question

Why are there so many vendors on the beach?

Answer

You will notice when relaxing at the beach at your hotel, or any other local beach, there are a lot of people approaching you to sell their items (Beer, food, jewelry, clothing, massages). If you aren’t interested just tell them ‘no gracias’. Some vendors may be especially pushy (the massage ladies) please tell them no gracias and don’t let them start massaging you if you don’t want one. Always settle on a price before a service is given to you.

Question

Is Colombia safe to travel to?

Answer

Yes, Colombia is safe to travel to. But just like traveling to any other foreign country you need to always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t make yourself a target, don’t wear expensive, flashy jewelry. Don’t wander the streets alone at night, always stick with a buddy or group of people. I feel safer walking the streets of Colombia than I do at home here in Chicago. A lot safer actually HAHA.