FAQs

Question

SHUTTLE PICK UP LOCATION

Answer

Teatro Heredia located in the old city - Shuttle leaves at 4pm. Cr 4 #De La Merced 3638 Carrera 10 Centro

Question

What is the dress code for the welcome dinner the night before?

Answer

Since the restaurant we are going to is upscale, there are the following restrictions: No shorts and no flip flops. Here is our recommendation for what to wear: For men: Would recommend some slacks and a collared shirt, could be long sleeve or short sleeve. No need to wear a tie For Women: Since the ladies have a much better sense of style than men, please wear whatever you like!

Question

What is the dress code for the wedding?

Answer

Beach Formal is pretty relaxed. Only restrictions are no jeans, shorts, or flip flops. If you are looking for a recommendation: Men could wear a pair of linen or cotton pants, and a dress shirt or "guayabera". Women can wear summer or other types of dresses.

Question

Can I hail a taxi on the street?

Answer

It's preferred that you call a cab when possible. If you are staying at a hotel, the reception desk should be able to call a cab for you. If you are staying at an airbnb, check to see if there are nearby hotels in the area. You can go to a hotel and ask them to call you a cab even if you are not staying there. There are usually cabs parked in front of hotels. If you are at a restaurant or store, ask the waiter to call you a cab. If you have no other options but to grab a taxi on the street, make sure to ask how much they are going to charge you before getting into the cab. The minimum fare for any taxi is COP $7000, roughly around CAD$3.50, if they are charging you 5 to 10 times the minimum fare for a 5 minute ride, please get another cab. The following link has some fares for your reference. Also, please remember that taxis only take cash. https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/comprehensive-guide-to-public-transportation-in-cartagena-colombia/

Question

How much is a taxi from the airport to the walled city?

Answer

A taxi from the airport to the walled city and near by neighborhoods should be around COP $20,000, which is roughly around CAD $8. It is good practice to ask the driver how much they will charge you to take you to a destination before entering the cab. There are taxi stands at the airport that will charge you a little bit more but can be trusted to not rip you off

Question

How much is a taxi from the airport to the Conrad Hotel?

Answer

Since the Conrad hotel is at the outskirts of the city, the cab ride is somewhat more expensive. A taxi from the airport to the Conrad hotel is around COP $55,000, roughly equal to CAD $22. As mentioned before, please ak the cab driver how much they are going to charge you before getting into the cab or utilize the taxi stands at the airport.

Question

Is there Uber in Colombia?

Answer

Sadly, UBER has stopped operations in Colombia effective January 31, 2020

Question

Should I exchange money in Canada or in Colombia?

Answer

Our personal preference is to buy Colombian Pesos here if possible. You might have to order them from your bank or preferred exchange house. If you are exchanging money in Colombia, please do it only in official currency exchange place, not in the streets. The amount you would want to exchange is up to your discretion, I would recommend exchanging around CAD $300 - $400, which is roughly around COP $730k to $950k . It is better not to travel with a lot of cash on you, and if you run out you can use ATMs to withdraw.

Question

Are there alternatives to roaming for communication?

Answer

Please check your data provider to see how much daily roaming is in Colombia, as it is more expensive than roaming in the US. You can buy a pre-paid simcard with data and minutes, this is much cheaper than roaming. The link below has a great description of the pre-paid sim-cards you can buy over there. Just remember to verify that your phone is unlocked! http://bogotastic.com/comparing-the-best-prepaid-sim-card-plans-in-colombia-2/

Question

Should I buy from beach vendors?

Answer

We don't recommend buying anything from vendors at the beach. There are a lot of people selling anything from juices to massages at public beaches in Cartagena. A lot of the people walking around selling fruits, juices, and other food use dirty water while cooking and to create ice so it is better to avoid. There are also people walking around selling massages, braids, and other services. There have been instances where tourists end up being charged extraordinary amounts for these types of services, even after an original price was agreed upon, therefore it is recommended that you avoid them as well.

Question

Is it safe to walk around?

Answer

Yes! Cartagena is a very tourist friendly city, and all of you are staying in nice areas. Feel free to enjoy the nightlife and the sightseeing. Of course use common sense when walking around and stay away from unlit back streets.

Question

Will there be transportation provided to the hotel on the wedding day?

Answer

Yes we are in the process of organizing a bus that will take those staying in Cartagena from a pick-up location downtown to the hotel and a couple of buses that will leave the Conrad hotel at different periods of the night to bring people back. More details to be provided...

Question

What is the weather like in Cartagena?

Answer

It is hot and humid, plan accordingly!

Question

Tips and suggestions

Answer

1.Wear sunglasses, sunblock and light comfortable clothes. 2. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings 3. Only exchange money at a ‘bureaux de change’ - not in the street 4. Check the daily exchange rate. 5. The tip is included in your bill at restaurants, but the amount you pay is up to your discretion. it is usually 10%. 6. The only authorized departure and arrival dock for passengers headed to Islas del Rosario is the Muelle Turístico La Bodeguita in the city centre. 7. You can walk to most places and tourist sights but if you’d rather use transport then we suggest ordering a taxi. Is not necessary to tip them. 8. Leave your original passport at the hotel and carry a photocopy of it instead. 9. Any questions? Ask the locals; there always ready to help.