FAQs

Question

What should I know before traveling to Colombia?

Answer

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Just bring a valid passport with at least six months before expiration. // U.S. dollars can be exchanged easily at the airport, or you can withdraw Colombian pesos at ATMs. // No vaccines are required for entry, but some travelers choose to get routine travel vaccines when traveling to South America. Talk to your doctor if you have questions, but overall, we've never had issues. // For drinking water, we personally drink bottled water when staying. // Pack for warm weather, and don’t forget sunscreen! Like any destination, it's smart to stay aware during your travels. But please know that Colombia is full of warmth, life, and some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. We love this country deeply—it’s where Gabriella's family is from—and we’re thrilled to be able to share its beauty with you. You’ll be in good hands. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions! We're here.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

March is one of the best months to visit Cartagena! It falls during the city’s dry season, so you can expect plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and low rainfall. Daytime highs are typically around 30–33 °C (86–91 °F), with balmy evenings in the mid-20s °C (mid-70s °F). The air is humid year-round, but coastal breezes help keep things comfortable—especially near the water. What to pack: Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and something airy for the evenings. If you’re planning to explore the Old City or the islands, bring comfortable shoes and a hat for sun protection.

Question

What is the best form of transportation in the city?

Answer

Leaving the airport in Cartagena, there are plenty of taxis that you can use to take you to your destination. Traveling around the city you can take taxis easily – and we personally use Uber to travel to most places. We recommend keeping some cash on hand to pay for the occasional taxi ride, craft item, or other small expense. Most rides are just $4-8! Like any city, you should take only yellow taxis or Ubers and politely decline any other solicitations for ride services.

Question

What is the conversion rate from COP (Colombian Pesos) to USD?

Answer

The U.S. dollar goes a long way in Cartagena! An easy way to calculate your conversion is that 100,000 COP is approximately $25 USD. 40,000 COP is about $10 USD.

Question

Will everybody speak English in Cartagena?

Answer

Cartagena is a bustling hub for tourism and very used to international guests. However, it goes a long way to learn some basic Spanish words, have Google Translate ready, and know that not all locals are going to speak English. If you're ever in need of help or local travel advice, hotel front desks are generally fantastic guides and fluent speakers. Even when we're not staying at a hotel, we'll occasionally stop into one to arrange a cab or help with other travel needs.