FAQs
Question
What do I need to know about my passport?
Answer
Please check your passport! Colombia requires your passport to have an expiration date at least 6 months after your return date. Please also note: - Your passport must be undamaged and in good condition - You need at least one blank page for entry stamps - U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for stays under 90 days - Passport renewals can take time, so we recommend checking sooner rather than later
Question
Is there an immigration form that needs to be filled out in advance?
Answer
Yes, Check Mig is the immigration paperwork that you need to fill out online within 72 hours of arrival. Make sure to bring a copy of the form with you just in case it is requested. https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en
Question
When should I plan to be in Cartagena?
Answer
We’ll be celebrating in Cartagena from Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 26, 2026. Join us for as much or as little as you’re able, and feel free to extend your trip and make a vacation of it!
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
We recommend staying in Cartagena’s Historic District (the Old City), located approximately 15 minutes from the airport. The bride and groom will be staying at the Bastión Luxury Hotel prior to the wedding and our reception venue on the night of the wedding. Please visit our Travel Page for recommended places to stay.
Question
What should I know before booking an hotel reservation?
Answer
International visitors to Colombia are exempt from the 19% VAT (IVA) on hotel accommodations when paying with a foreign credit card and presenting a non-Colombian passport at check-in. Please be sure to confirm that the 19% IVA is removed before completing payment or at checkout. If the tax appears on your bill, kindly ask the hotel front desk to remove it before paying.
Question
What is the currency?
Answer
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). We would recommend exchanging currency because some Colombian vendors, including taxis and small restaurants may not accept a credit or debit card but most will. There are many currency exchange locations in Cartagena once you arrive, but we would recommend using Bancolombia's ATMs for the best exchange rate or exchanging at your local bank before traveling. Stores, bars and restaurants accept credit cards. However, you will need to exchange money for cab rides, street vendors, souvenirs, etc.
Question
How can I get around in Cartagena?
Answer
Uber works very well in Cartagena. If you have an international cellphone plan, ordering an Uber is quick and easy. If you’re staying in the Walled City (Historic Center) or Getsemaní, most places are easily walkable. For trips to other areas of Cartagena, such as Bocagrande, both Ubers and taxis are readily available. Uber is generally the safest and most affordable option, though private taxis (often arranged through hotels) are also reliable. Taxis in Cartagena do not use meters, so be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip. Taxis accept cash only, a tip of about 2,000 COP is customary, and the exchange rate is approximately 4,000 COP = 1 USD.
Question
Is Cartagena Safe?
Answer
It is very safe, especially in the tourist heavy historic center. As with any tourist destination, exercise common travel precautions, such as staying aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, and avoiding isolated areas at night.
Question
What will the weather be like in July?
Answer
Cartagena in July is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). We recommend light, breathable fabrics.
Question
Do people in Cartagena speak English? Will I struggle if I do not speak Spanish?
Answer
In Cartagena’s popular areas, especially the Old Town and tourist spots, many people, including hotel and restaurant staff, will speak some English. However, if you encounter language barriers, tools like Google Translate or ChatGPT can help translate anything you need quickly. It’s always appreciated if you know a few simple Spanish phrases, but you should be able to get by comfortably without it in most areas.
Question
Should I tip?
Answer
A 10% gratuity (service) is usually added to your bill. If the service was extraordinary, feel free to add a few extra pesos. If not, you won’t offend anyone. If you sign up for any excursions or tours, we recommend that you tip your guides.
Question
What do I do if approached by street vendors and/or rappers?
Answer
Street vendors can be very persistent so if you do not want a souvenir, simply keep walking and say "no gracias". Beware of the rappers, they love Americans! If they sing and you do not plan on tipping them, walk away!! They are harmless, but they might try to get some pesos from you if they rap for you. Just simply walk away and say "no gracias."
Question
Can I bring a plus one?
Answer
While we are thrilled you want to share our special day with another person and we would love to give everyone a plus one, unfortunately at this time due to restrictions at our venue we can only accommodate those who are formally invited. Please refer to your invite for the number of allotted guests. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to reach out to us to ask!
Question
Can I bring my children?
Answer
We kindly request an adults-only celebration, with the exception of babies, as we understand new parents may need to attend their little ones.
Question
Is the wedding outside?
Answer
Yes. The ceremony will take place entirely outdoors on an open-air patio. The reception at Casa Estrella will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, with the main stage and key moments happening on the open-air patio. Dinner will be in an air-conditioned room.
Question
What should I wear to the wedding?
Answer
Dress to impress! Our dress code is Summer Formal - colorful floor-length dresses and light-fabric suits or light weight summer tuxedos.
Question
What time should I show up to the ceremony?
Answer
Our ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m., please arrive 20 minutes early to find a seat and be ready to start the celebrations on time!
Question
Where is the closest beach?
Answer
Beaches in Cartagena are beautiful to look at from the balcony of a hotel but not so great to spend the day. The best way to go about this is to buy day passes to the beach clubs (which we have planned) take a look under the “Schedule” tab for more information.
Question
What should I pack?
Answer
Cartagena is hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothing like linen dresses, shorts, and lightweight shirts, along with dressier outfits for evening events. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and dressy sandals for evenings, swimsuits with a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sweat-resistant makeup. Don’t forget your passport, cash in Colombian pesos, a small crossbody bag, and a phone charger.