FAQ

Question

Is vaccination required to travel to Cartagena?

Answer

While there are currently no government mandates around vaccination status, we kindly ask that for the safety of all our guests, that everyone be fully vaccinated so we can celebrate safely. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Question

What to do in Cartagena?

Answer

We love Cartagena for so many reasons - the food, the history and the beaches - to name a few. We are working on putting together a "travel guide" for our guests who want to experience the city we love so very much! In the meantime, a google search will give you a lot of helpful articles on the best things to do in the city!

Question

Is Cartagena safe?

Answer

Cartagena's walled city is perfectly safe and the is safest metropolis in Colombia. In general, the further from Old Town, the less savory the neighborhoods. As in any other major city, stay aware, be cognizant of your surroundings and keep your belongings close. In the off chance that you run into any trouble, here are some emergency numbers everyone should know ... National Emergency Number: 123 Tourist Police: (1) 3374413 Information: 113 U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000

Question

What COVID precautions are required to travel to Cartagena?

Answer

Short answer: TBD - the vaccine rollout is ongoing in Colombia and there has been a recent drop in new cases of COVID-19 in recent weeks. A negative PCR test is required to return to the US. Rapid (24hr) PCR tests are readily available, and can be coordinated by hotel staff/concierge. If you need help setting up testing, please reach out to one of us!

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Caribbean Cocktail is the name of the game! That means: Men - a light suit or dress shirt since Cartagena is hot. Women - tropical dressy cocktail attire. Have fun with your attire - Bright colors and tropical prints are encouraged! Just remember, it's hot during the day and warm at night, so please dress in something light and breathable that you’ll be able to dance the night away in!

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

While we love your little ones, our wedding is going to be an adults-only event so that everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home so you can celebrate with us.

Question

Are there any other events around the wedding that I can attend?

Answer

Yes! We will be updating our website with more details as we get closer to our date!

Question

Is it safe to hail a cab? How much should they cost?

Answer

It is safe to hail a taxi, especially from landmarks. When you arrive to Cartagena Airport, do make sure you get a taxi cab from inside the airport, don't go for the guys trying to grab you calling themselves uber. **Please let us know if you'd like an arranged pickup from the airport!!** Taxi drivers have set fares to the most popular destinations, so you should confirm the amount before you leave. Private taxi companies (that work directly with hotels) are usually white and will charge a little bit more, but rides are comparatively very inexpensive. Taxis from the airport are generally $ 15,000 COP ($ 4-6 USD) to most spots in walled city.

Question

I do not speak Spanish - what should I do?

Answer

No need to worry. Cartagena is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Colombia, well-equipped to handle visitors from all over the world. While English is widely spoken throughout the city, be prepared for some shops and street vendors that only speak Spanish. We recommend downloading a smartphone app such as Duolingo to help you practice a few key terms. The Google Translate App offers a Spanish file to download that can still be used while offline if you will not have an internet connection while in Colombia.

Question

How are the beaches?

Answer

Cartagena is right on the ocean but the beaches are not great and infested with peddlers constantly trying to sell you cheap sunglasses, t-shirts and questionable-looking shrimp cocktails. Most people looking for the white sand/emerald water experience take a short boat ride to Playa Blanca or the nearby Islas de Rosario.

Question

What currency is used in Colombia?

Answer

The Colombian Peso is the official currency and the symbols are "$", "COP", or "COL $". Check out https: //www.xe.com/currencycon ... to see conversion rates.

Question

What's the best way to exchange money in Cartagena?

Answer

ATM'S are your best bet for exchanging money, as the fees are significantly less than those at the airport and most exchange houses in the walled city. Instead of converting US $ at the currency exchanges, we recommend getting Colombian pesos at an ATM (such as Bancolombia) instead. The exchange rate ATM machines provide will usually be very close to the actual exchange rates that can be seen on XE. Just remember that there are ATM usage fees for each withdrawal so try to plan your spending ahead.

Question

Can I use my credit card? Do I need cash?

Answer

Yes, credit cards are accepted in all major shops, restaurants, and hotels (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most common). Most credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, but we recommend double checking with your bank and telling them that you will be traveling abroad to Colombia so they don't freeze your card. While many places accept credit cards, you will need cash for taxis and to purchase items from street vendors and mom-and-pop shops. You will also need cash if you plan to take any trips outside of the city

Question

Is it customary to tip?

Answer

It's typically customary to tip around 10%. Many of the nicer restaurants will automatically add a service charge (or tip) to your bill, so make sure to check before paying.