FAQs

Question

Why did we choose Cartagena as our wedding destination?

Answer

Cartagena has always been a special place for Sam, as he grew up vacationing there with his family. He also surprised Taylor with a trip there one year for Christmas, where she fell in love with the colorful streets, the vibrant culture, and amazing food. It's a place that most wouldn't think to go to for vacation, so this is a way for us to share this special city with all of you and spend a vacation with all of our friends and family who would like to join us.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

For the welcome cocktail Friday at Alquimico, we want you to wear what you want to be comfortable. It will be outside and warm. Think resort-style clothing. Taylor will be wearing a long satin cocktail dress, and Sam will be wearing khakis and a button down. For the wedding, it is semi-formal. Suits and ties for men (tuxes are also fine), and cocktail dresses or longer formal dresses are also welcome.

Question

Do we have to fill out a Migration Form to enter Colombia?

Answer

Yes, within 72 hours of your arrival. Please do this one that is directly off of the US travel site and FREE (scroll to the bottom of the page and click the one all the way to the left): https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en Please do NOT pay for this form! There will be other forms that ask you to pay and that is not necessary.

Question

Is there an itinerary?

Answer

Yes! Please see the first 2 photos in the gallery section for what we are up to throughout the week! Please join for none, any, or all!

Question

Is Cartagena safe?

Answer

Let me reassure you right away: yes. Cartagena de Indias is very touristy and therefore quite safe. There are dedicated police for the tourists, and we are not near the Venezuelan/Colombian border. But that’s not a reason to let your guard down completely. If there are lots of people around, it's safe to walk. Otherwise at night, I would take an uber if walking far. See below for tips, and things to look out for.

Question

What do I need to look out for to stay safe?

Answer

1. Nothing is ever free. Do not try "free" samples of anything including food or massages unless you want to pay. Don't let the street performers sing or play music for you because they will expect a tip. There will also be "palenqueras" (women dressed in colorful clothes and with a fruit basket on their heads) offering to take pictures with you, but they will expect a tip for doing so. 2. Watch out for pickpocketing. Don't keep anything in your pockets. I would suggest a small crossbody purse you can keep close to your body. Avoid backpacks, if possible. 3. Lock your valuables in the hotel safe in your room, just to be safe. 4. Always stay vigilant. No reason to be paranoid, but just be aware of your surroundings. 5. Take a taxi rather than walk too far at night. 6. Don't leave stuff unattended. 7. Don't flash your valuables, including expensive jewelry. 8. Pay with cash, when able, although credit card use is safe at all the well-established restaurants and stores.

Question

What is transportation like?

Answer

Uber is very fast and easy to use. I would highly recommend downloading Uber and setting up your payment method before getting there. This is probably the best option for non-spanish speakers since you can put in your exact location and destination with a set price (usually around $10 USD each ride). Taxis are also good options of getting from one place to the other, however, we recommend confirming the price before getting in. Remember, it will be in colombian pesos. Generally, things are at most a 10-minute taxi away. You wave them down as normal or approach ones sitting on the street. Only con is they sometimes do not take credit card or speak the best english, so you'll need to confirm that ahead of time as well.

Question

What is the best way to communicate with each other while in Cartagena?

Answer

I HIGHLY recommend everyone downloads WhatsApp for free communication via Wifi. You can use your phone number to create your free account, and it's an easy and popular way to communicate via wifi without using your phone cellular data. A lot of tours/businesses may require you to communicate with them through WhatsApp as well. Taylor and Sam's WhatsApp numbers are the same as their cellphones.

Question

What are some traditional Colombian dishes we would recommend?

Answer

- Arepas, fried cornmeal patty that is delicious. In cartagena, they make it de Huevo, meaning with egg and sometimes beef. Delicious! - Buñuelos, fried bread balls filled with cheese - Ceviche, not necessarily traditional to only Colombia, but the seafood is the highlight of this area and always delicious! - Patacones, which are smashed, double fried, green plantain patties served with cheese or meat - Fried fish plate, typically tilapia with patacones/tostones and coconut rice. Beware, they usually serve you the whole fish, so you have to avoid the bones! - Perro caliente, or street hot dogs, way different than american hot dogs since they serve them with cheese, potato chips, multiple sauces, and different meats on top like chorizo if you'd like - Cazuela de Mariscos, seafood stew with shrimp, calamari, and clams, typically in a coconut milk broth - Camarones al Ajillo, shrimp in a white wine/butter/garlic sauce - Sancocho, a hearty soup with root veggies like potatoes, yucca, corn, and plantains with protein of choice (fish, beef, chicken) - Fruit of any kind! It's way better than what we have in America

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

While we love you and your little ones dearly, we are limiting our guest list for the wedding and reception to adults only due venue restrictions. Thank you for understanding.

Question

What is the cheapest way to fly there?

Answer

Unfortunately, you'll likely be changing flights a time or two to get to Cartagena, but compared to other international flights, it's possible to make it affordable. I would suggest looking at direct flights to Cartagena (CTG) from Miami (first choice), Fort Lauderdale, or Atlanta, rather than from Detroit to Cartagena all in one booking (although you can try first to see the price difference). Miami has several nonstop flights to Cartagena, but you'd just have to coordinate flying to Miami first. Full disclosure, we have flown Spirit before and it went okay, so that is an option! Avianca is also a great option.

Question

What is the weather in Cartagena in January?

Answer

Typically, high of 87 degrees F, low of 75 degrees F.

Question

What is the conversion rate of colombian pesos to USD?

Answer

Currently 1 USD = 4.000 Colombian pesos, but it changes daily. The currency symbol is the “$”, just like in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Remember that the meaning of periods and commas in numbers is reverse of that in the USA. So $ 15.000, means fifteen-thousand Colombian pesos (about $3.88 USD). To find how much something costs in dollars just divide the amount (the price in pesos) by $4.00 COP or the Current exchange, (remember this change daily).

Question

How should I pay for food, drink, gifts, etc.?

Answer

US Dollars are generally not accepted. Majority of places accept credit cards, but not all, so I would make sure to have some colombian pesos on you at all times. Also, I would check if you have foreign transaction fees on your credit card ahead of time to avoid extra charges. In general, credit cards are best for larger purchases, and pesos for when you're bartering with the locals.

Question

Where can I exchange currency?

Answer

There are plenty of ATMs in Cartagena, but we recommend getting cash (colombian pesos) at the currency exchange places outside of the airport, as they will give you the best exchange rate. If you want to have some to start, you can do it at the airport, but the rate is slightly worse when compared to downtown and is best to ask first. The ATMs in the airport are located in the back corner of the departures section at the Rafael Nunez International Airport. Otherwise, when walking downtown, you will come across currency exchange places, but just ask the rate beforehand! Anything around 3.8 colombian pesos to 1 USD is good. Other options closer to the hotels are: - Giros y Finanzas Casa de Cambio America - Centro Avenida Venezuela No. 8A-87 - Centro La Matuna - Avenida Venezuala No. 9-48

Question

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Answer

It helps but is not necessary to get around in Cartagena. Most hotel concierges and most restaurant and bar staff speak English. I would also recommend downloading Google Translate to assist you if you run into trouble communicating with someone.

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink. You can err on the side of caution and drink bottled water when able, but you do NOT have to worry about ice in drinks or eating fruits or veggies at restaurants, because they use purified water for that. The tap water at hotels is safe for showering and brushing your teeth as well!

Question

Do I need an adapter for electronics?

Answer

Nope. Colombia uses the same plugs and outlets than USA.

Question

How do I avoid street vendors?

Answer

The street vendors in Cartagena can be exhausting. They will see you from miles away trying to sell their products/services. Even if they annoy you, remember that they are not doing this for fun. You must act respectfully and firmly. If they see you hesitating or embarrassed, they will continue to talk to you. Suggestion: Look at them in the eyes and smile. Then, say “Está bien, gracias” or “No, gracias." Then go on your way without worrying about their answer. If you’re not comfortable saying no, you can try to ignore them as well.

Question

What is the time zone in Cartagena?

Answer

EST, same as Eastern United States!

Question

Is there Wifi in Cartagena?

Answer

Yes, many of the hotels offer WiFi. Unless you have an international plan, you should switch your cell phone to “airplane mode” to avoid any surprise charges for international roaming, texting, and/or data usage.