FAQs

Question

Are you canceling or postponing the wedding?

Answer

The wedding has been postponed to March 20, 2021. See you there!

Question

Is Medellín Safe?

Answer

So while Medellin is generally safe, it pays to keep a few things in mind when staying here. Basically, it’s all about traveling smart. Colombia isn’t the violent scourge of Latin America that many perceive it to be, but it stills pays to watch your bags.

Question

What is the culture like?

Answer

In Colombia, people are very warm and polite, they walk with a smile and greet you on the street. So always be cordial and acknowledge the locals, greet them and return the courtesy of a good morning (buenos dias) or good evening (buenas tardes). *True story: When Richard and I landed in Medellin and walked out of the airport, the taxi drivers walked up to us to offer their services, we just walked right by them without acknowledging them. Our behavior didn’t land well, and we immediately got called “estupidos” y “bobos.” Prevent altercations due to what might be perceived as rude in another culture. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. By the end of the trip, we smiled and greeted everyone we crossed paths with, from the Uber driver to the stranger walking beside us.

Question

What are the Emergency numbers we should know?

Answer

In the off chance that you run into any trouble while galavanting through Medellin, here are some numbers to call for assistance. National Emergency Number: 123 Tourist Police: (1) 3374413 Information: 113 U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

Medellin is one of the many cities in Colombia with an excellent water purification system. That means tap water is absolutely safe to drink.

Question

What is the Weather Like in Medellín?

Answer

Medellín's weather is of its charms; the city earns its nickname as “La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera” (the City of Eternal Spring) with an average year-round temperature of 72.5 °F (22.5 °C). During the average day in the city, the average temperature usually ranges from 63.2 to 82.1 °F (17.4 to 27.8 °C). *Pro-tip: I found Medellin to be a bit dry, bring a humidifier/purifier for the room ladies. Crusty dry skin under makeup might not be the look you want for the wedding.

Question

What is the Best Way to Exchange Money?

Answer

There are several options for exchanging money, including currency exchanges, banks, and ATMs. One of the best ways to exchange money with a rate as close as possible to the XE rate is to use ATMs. Again, use caution as you would when using an ATM in Miami; be aware of your surroundings and take cash out during the day. ¡OJO!

Question

Part I: What Colombian Dishes Should I Try?

Answer

Bandeja Paisa: A plater that has a steak (or ground beef), crunchy chicharron (pork crackling), chorizo sausage, and served with rice and red beans, a fried egg, plantain, arepa, and fresh avocado. Ajiaco: A chicken and potato soup, served with corn on the cob, chopped avocado, capers and a drizzle of sour cream. Sancocho: Another hearty soup, consists of meat, plantain, cassava, coriander, sweetcorn, and potatoes. Buñuelos: Slightly larger than a golf-ball, these tasty morsels are concocted of salty flour and small curd white cheese. They are rolled into a ball then fried until golden brown. Pan de Bono: Bread made of cornflour, cassava starch, cheese, and eggs. Delicious! Arepas: An arepa is basically a type of bread made from cornmeal. There are two kinds: a bland white corn version as an accompaniment or a sweet yellow corn version with cheese that stands on its own. Patacones: A green plantain squashed into a thick pancake, then deep-fried in oil until golden brown.

Question

Part II: What Colombian Dishes Should I Try?

Answer

Pan de Yuca*: Bread made of cassava starch and cheese. Empanadas: Small-sized snacks that are typically stuffed with minced beef and cubed potatoes and encased in a doughy cornmeal bread, which are generally deep-fried. Fritanga: A communal basket of food. In the basket: grilled meat like beef or chicken, sausage, chicharrón (pork rind), arepas, patacones, corn, and potatoes or French fries. Tamales*: A corn cake that can be filled with everything from chicken, pork, rice, potatoes, peas, carrots, corn, and cheeses, then wrapped in plantain tree leaves and steamed. Lechona: A roasted, stuffed suckling pig. And the many Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia: Granadilla*, Carambola, Chontaduro*, Guama, Guayaba, Lulo*, Mora, Guanabana, Mamoncillo, Maracuyá, Nispero, Papaya, Zapote... try it as a juice, smoothie, milkshake, ice cream, or alone. *Karina's Favorites