FAQs

Question

General Travel Tips

Answer

1.) Download Whatsapp if you don't have an international plan so that you can make calls and send text messages while connected to wifi. 2.) Download Google maps to help you get around the city. 3.) BEFORE PURCHASING OR ACCEPTING ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE, ALWAYS ASK FOR THE PRICE FIRST! You'll notice that there are street vendors, street performers, and Palenqueras (women with colorful dresses that balance bowls of fruit on their heads) walking around offering to perform, take pictures, etc. Be aware that they will request payment, so do not accept their services unless you are willing to pay! 4.) If someone you aren't familiar with is trying to speak to you, they are most likely trying to sell you something. If you are not interested, say "no gracias."

Question

Is Cartagena Safe?

Answer

Yes! Colombia has come a long way since the days depicted on television and Cartagena specifically is regarded as one of the safest, most tourist-friendly areas in all of Colombia. The Walled City of Cartagena is very safe and very tourist orientated. The only thing you need to be aware of is pushy vendors and them giving "tourist prices." HOWEVER, please be aware of your surroundings just as you would in Detroit or any major city. Pickpocketing is much more common than in the US. People on the streets will be trying to sell you a wide variety of goods and services (legal and illegal); please do not engage.

Question

I Don't Speak Spanish... What Do I DO?

Answer

English is widely spoken throughout the city! You can also download the Google Translate app if you are not a fluent Spanish speaker!

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Currency in Colombia

Answer

The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). We recommend that you exchange some money at your local bank or at the airport when you arrive, but there are also some options near the hotels. There are also ATMs all over and most major credit cards are widely accepted. Most restaurants take Visa or Mastercard, but having Colombian pesos will help you when paying for taxis, vendors, and street food.

Question

Getting Around Cartagena

Answer

If you stay within the Walled City most locations are within walking distance. Uber exists in Cartagena! As long as you have an international data plan on your phone, you should be able to use Uber. Taxi drivers have set fares to the most popular destinations, so CONFIRM THE AMOUNT BEFORE YOU LEAVE TO AVOID HIGH TOURIST PRICES. Private taxi companies (that work directly with hotels) are usually white and will charge a little bit more. Taxis are generally $8.000-$11.000 COP ($4-6 USD) to most spots in the Walled City.

Question

Can I Drink Tap Water?

Answer

We recommend to play it safe with bottled water! Bottled water is readily available in the area. Tap water is fine for showering and brushing your teeth.

Question

Eating Food Sold on the Streets and Other Places Outside Hotels & Restaurants

Answer

We highly recommend not eating seafood from the streets or the beach.

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Tipping Customs in Colombia

Answer

There's typically a 10% tip (service fee) ALREADY ADDED to your bill. Feel free to add an extra tip. If not, you will not be offending anyone. Make sure to tip any tour guides you may use around 10%.

Question

Weather

Answer

The weather in Cartagena is sunny, hot, and humid all year long!

Question

Do I Need a Visa?

Answer

US and EU citizens don't need a visa.

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Still Have Questions?

Answer

Feel free to text or calls us! :)