FAQs

Question

HOW DO I RSVP?

Answer

Online, on this site- top right! In fact, the sooner you let us know if you can make it, the better. Go to the 'RSVP' tab and enter the name that appeared on your invite to unlock your RSVP form. Please make sure to RSVP for all the events by November 1st 2023

Question

IS IT SAFE?

Answer

Yes! Cartagena is completely safe for travel (please! don't believe everything you see on Netflix). Like any international tourist destination, "no de papaya," meaning don't make yourself an easy target for pickpocketing. You should exercise common sense and not wear flashy clothing or excessive jewelry. Stay in well let areas if you must be out at night. Only bring as much cash as you need for the activity and leave the rest and your passport at home.

Question

WHAT'S THE CURRENCY AND HOW DO I TAKE OUT CASH?

Answer

Colombian Pesos, or COP. The exchange rate at the moment is about: $1 USD = $4,000 COP Useful conversions: $10,000 COP = ~$2.5 USD $25,000 COP = ~$6 USD $100,000 COP = ~$25 USD The best places to take out cash are ATMs. There's one in the departures area of the airport (you need to leave customs and re-enter) and several throughout the Walled City. While there are cash exchanges all over, we recommend against them because the exchange rates are usually not as competitive. Credit cards are widely accepted. We recommend double checking whether your bank charges foreign transaction fees, and letting them know you will be travelling abroad to prevent your bank from freezing your card. ** Understand your pesos. Get familiar with the paper money. Don't mix up a 2,000 COP w/ a 20,000 COP. It happens to the best of us. Get familiar with your cash and organize it from small to large.**

Question

WHAT ABOUT STREET VENDORS?

Answer

There are many street vendors who are often pesky and insisting . If you're not good at politely saying "NO" to them start practicing now. firm: NO GRACIAS, and no eye contact if not interested. We recommend not to get too excited with items the street vendors sell you because before you know it, you will find vultures. We recommend anything you buy to be in-store to prevent unnecessary irritation. If for any reason you have the urge to buy something, ask for prices first, Always insist get a price first then proceed. Take in count that anything you buy on the street valued over $100.000COP/~$22USD it's already too pricey.

Question

DO I NEED A PASSPORT AND/OR A VISA?

Answer

You need a valid passport. Some airlines will not allow you to travel unless your passport is valid 6 months post-travel **this means that your passport expiration date must be dated July 2024. (or later, depending your departure date from Cartagena)** To renew/apply for your U.S. Passport: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html Please note all immigration/customs for Colombia is online. Please use this below site to fill out your forms up to 48 hours prior to arriving in Cartagena. You will need to repeat this process upon departure as well. https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/public/preregistro.jsf

Question

DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH?

Answer

Cartagena is very tourist-friendly, with many hotel concierges and most restaurants and bar staff speak English However, if you feel like brushing up on your Español, we recommend downloading the free app, DuoLingo, or taking a few minutes to bone up on your travel phrases, for fun and the easy, gamified way to learn as much or as little Spanish you like. Even if you don't know any use the international sign language where almost anything can be accomplished with smiling and pointing.

Question

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? WHAT SHOULD I PACK!?

Answer

Cartagena is a tropical city, so you can expect it to be hot and humid. The average low and high temperatures in December ranges from 75*F to 85*F. It'll be warm/hot so we advise to wear loose and comfortable clothes. Don't forget to bring beach wear (sandals, flip flops, swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen).

Question

IS TIPPING CUSTOMARY IN COLOMBIA?

Answer

Typically a 10% tip (service) added to your bill. If service was extraordinary, feel free to add some extra pesos. If not, you will not be offending anyone. Please tip any tour guides you may use.

Question

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS!

Answer

Feel free to reach out to us at Macosta0520@gmail.com with any other inquiries about the wedding and if you need extra information to visit other places in Colombia and South America.