FAQs

Question

What currency is used?

Answer

In Colombia, they use the Colombian Peso (COP).

Question

What is the exchange rate for USD-COP?

Answer

Check here to see the most current exchange rate! https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/currency-converter/usd-to-cop-rate.html

Question

How much cash should I bring?

Answer

You will want to bring $800-$1000 USD in Colombian Pesos. Also have a credit card for back up, you never know. You can order your currency from your bank but do not wait til the last minute. Banks do not keep Colombian Pesos in their vaults. Order your currency at least 2 weeks prior to leaving for Colombia. When you order your currency, DO NOT JUST SAY PESOS or you will be coming to Colombia with useless Mexican Pesos. You basically want cash for cabs, street vendors, etc. Most restaurants, take credit but you can also just pay with cash.

Question

Is the water safe to drink?

Answer

Yes! This isn’t Mexico 🇲🇽 you’ll be fine.

Question

Do I need power adapters for electronics?

Answer

Nope! Colombia uses the same plugs as we do.

Question

Is tipping customary in Colombia?

Answer

Yes! Unlike Europe, tipping is very much appreciated by cabbies, waitstaff, bartenders, hotel staff, and anywhere you feel is appropriate.

Question

How should I respond when someone asks where I’m from?

Answer

Please do but do not tell someone that you are from America. It can be misconstrued as insulting being that they are from America as well. Colombians are from South America and we are from North America. A simple US or United States would suffice.

Question

What should I do if someone offers to buy me a shot of “Aguardiente”, also known as firewater.

Answer

Take the shot! It means that the person/persons who offered to buy you the shot, like you and if you don’t, it can be taken as an insult.

Question

Can I joke about Pablo Escobar or Griselda Blanco?

Answer

No!!!! Many Colombian families were negatively impacted by this time in history and take great offense to these references. So please be respectful and do not joke about it.

Question

How do I get around Cartagena?

Answer

Download Cabify! Avoid using regular street cabs as they may be dishonest and charge you more than they should.