Colombia Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Your Trip
Welcome to Colombia!
A country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Let's dive into some essential travel tips to make your Colombian journey unforgettable!
I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Colombia with my husband for three weeks, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Since my husband's family is from Colombia, I saw the country through a local's eyes, making it even more special. Being fully immersed in the culture was amazing, and I can't wait to return for more adventures!
As you prepare for your Colombian adventure, it's important to be prepared. In this guide, I'll share some valuable travel tips and insights based on my experiences in Colombia.
These tips cover various aspects of your trip, from navigating the airport procedures to understanding the local currency and staying safe. These tips can make the most of your trip and ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
Cartagena, Colombia
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Table of Contents:
Feel free to click on any section title to jump directly to that part of the post.
Travel Insurance and Accommodation Options
Safety Tips for Traveling in Colombia
Navigating the Airport: Tips for a Smooth Trip
As you prepare for your Colombian adventure, let's start with some tips for navigating the airport.
On your way to Colombia:
Immigration Form:
Make sure to check with your airline if you need to fill out an immigration form before checking your bags or boarding your flight. When we flew in January 2024, one was required, but we were not aware of it until we checked our bags.
On your way back home:
MPC App:
I highly recommend getting the MPC app: The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a game-changer for international travelers heading to the U.S.
It lets you breeze through customs by submitting your passport info and customs declaration electronically. I've used it myself, and it saved me so much time! Just download the app, follow the simple steps, and you'll be on your way in no time. Make sure to have your passport and travel details handy. Trust me, this app is a must-have for your next international trip!
Boarding Pass 4S Security Codes:
During our flight from Medellín to Miami, I was randomly selected for extra screening, indicated by the four dreaded S's on my boarding pass. Interestingly, it seemed like half of our flight was selected as well.
When boarding starts, they call your name and take you aside into a private area for a pat-down and to search through your belongings before allowing you to board the flight.
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Travel Story
On our way home, we had a layover in Miami and it turned out to be a bit of a hassle. Despite having an hour and 15-minute layover, it took over an hour to get our checked bags after going through immigration. This delay caused us to miss our connecting flight.
After getting our checked bags, we had to check them in again and go through the TSA security checkpoint. The TSA line was long, and each of our items got flagged for extra screening. We ran as fast as we could, but unfortunately, we didn't make it.
We were rebooked on the next flight home with a 56-minute layover in Charlotte. Unfortunately, heavy runway traffic delayed our plane's arrival, making us miss our connecting flight AGAIN. Thankfully, we had lounge access through Priority Pass (check them out to add a touch of luxury to your travels!), which made the wait for our next flight home more comfortable.
This experience taught us to always ensure there's enough layover time to reach the next gate in case of delays. And if possible, travel with a carry-on only. What should have been a 12-hour journey home turned into a 23-hour ordeal.
Currency & Cash Withdrawals
Now that you're familiar with airport procedures, let's discuss currency and other essential tips.
Colombia's official currency is the Colombian peso (COP).
While in Colombia, we used Bancolombia to withdraw cash when needed. You will find ATMs in airports and major tourist areas. They charge $26,000 COP, roughly $5 USD, for withdrawals.
You can also consider using WISE: The Wise card lets you spend money around the world with low conversion fees and zero transaction fees. With their multi-currency account and debit card you can spend and withdraw money in over 40 currencies from local ATMs — much cheaper than using your local bank.
It's a good idea to carry a small amount of cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards.
Tip: For an extra layer of safety when making withdrawals, try to avoid using outdoor ATMs.
Travel Insurance & Accommodation Options: Plan for a Stress-Free Stay
Now, onto our next crucial topics: travel insurance and accommodation choices for a smoother travel experience.
Travel Insurance:
Don't forget about travel insurance! It's essential for unexpected emergencies while you're exploring new cities, relaxing on the beach, or going on adventures. VisitorsCoverage offers a range of comprehensive plans to fit your needs and budget. Their easy online application process makes getting covered quick and hassle-free. Trust me, it's a small price to pay for big peace of mind!
eSIM:
Consider pre-purchasing an eSIM online at airalo.com for a seamless way to stay connected on your international adventures. Airalo's virtual eSIMs allow you to access local data plans without changing physical SIM cards. They offer plans for $8 USD for 7 days and $15 USD for 15 days. Stay connected wherever you roam!
Booking.com:
Check out Booking.com for your accommodation needs. They have a ton of options to choose from, whether you're looking for a cozy guesthouse, a stylish boutique hotel, or a beachfront resort. Plus, their flexible booking options and helpful reviews make it a breeze to plan your perfect Colombian getaway.
Viator:
Ready to take your trip to the next level? Why not spice it up with some awesome activities from Viator.com? They've got all kinds of tours and experiences all over the world, from sightseeing to food and wine adventures. Booking is super easy, so you can plan ahead and skip the lines. Whether you're into cooking classes or guided tours, Viator has you covered for an unforgettable trip!
Medellín, Colombia
Transportation in Colombia: Getting Around Safely & Conveniently
With your travel essentials in order, let's explore transportation options in Colombia.
One of the biggest culture shocks for me in Colombia was the intense driving environment, especially with the large number of motorcycles on the road. In my experience, renting a car is not for the faint of heart due to the challenging driving conditions.
Getting around Colombia is relatively easy though, with options ranging from Uber and taxis to flights between major cities.
Use Ubers or Taxis to get around:
Before getting into a taxi, make sure to agree on the fare. In Colombia, taxi drivers sometimes overcharge tourists. Agreeing on a price beforehand can help prevent this.
Always double-check that the taxi meter is reset before your cab takes off. You should only see the base fare on the meter, which will depend on your location. In Medellín, for example, it could be around 4,900 COP.
We mostly opted for Uber, and it was surprisingly budget-friendly!
Remember to lock your doors while in taxis or Ubers for added safety!
Many roads in Colombia are windy. To help with motion sickness, look straight ahead, chew mint gum, and consider taking Dramamine if needed.
La Ceja, Colombia
Bathroom Etiquette
Besides the intense driving conditions, another culture shock for me was the bathroom customs in Colombia:
Toilet Paper: In most places, you can't flush toilet paper down the toilet. Look for signs indicating this.
Restroom Fees: Some public restrooms charge a small fee for use. Make sure they provide you with toilet paper.
Safety Tips for Traveling in Colombia
Stay safe and make the most of your trip to Colombia with these essential travel tips.
While Colombia has significantly improved safety, it's always wise to be cautious. Stay safe while traveling in Colombia with these tips!
"Don't give papaya" or "no des papaya" is a popular saying in Colombia, meaning don't make yourself a target by flaunting valuables like your shiny watch, jewelry, or smartphone.
To stay safe, avoid walking around with your phone in your hand. It's also wise to leave valuables at home.
Consider using a thin fanny pack that can be hidden under your shirt instead of carrying a purse, especially in places like Medellín. Even though locals carried their purses around comfortably, I still followed this rule since I wanted to err on the side of caution.
Watch your step! In some areas, there's a lot of uneven pavement and potholes.
Remember to lock your doors while in taxis or Ubers.
In my experience, pedestrians don't always have the right of way in Colombia. Crossing the street can be nerve-wracking, as some drivers seem to treat red lights as optional. Be cautious and choose your crossing spots carefully.
It's important not to leave your drinks unattended at bars or restaurants to avoid any potential risks.
Medellín, Colombia
Packing List for Colombia: Weather & Essentials & Best Time to Travel
Your packing list will vary depending on your destination in Colombia, so it’s best to pack appropriate clothing for different climates, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the region.
For example, Medellín is known for its eternal spring weather year-round, with an average temperature of 72.5 °F (22.5 °C).
However, Bogotá tends to be on the cooler side, with an average temperature of 57F (14C).
And the coast is much warmer, with an average temperature of 88F (31C).
I barely wore all the long sleeves and additional sweaters I brought for chilly nights. I could have gotten away with just a couple of sweaters and something more dressy for nights out. But a raincoat is necessary for those tropical rain storms.
The months with the highest rainfall are usually April, May, October, and November.
The driest and best months to visit Colombia are from December to March.
Remember to pack your sunscreen, hat, and bug spray! Bug spray is especially important.
Guatapé, Colombia
Dining Out: Discovering Colombian Cuisine
One of the best ways to experience Colombian culture is through its food.
Don't miss out on trying an arepa for breakfast! This Colombian staple is delicious and can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.. It is a corn cake that’s crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. There are a few varieties, such as Arepa Blanca, Arepa de Chócolo, and Arepa Amarija. Load that baby up with butter and cheese for a simple yet delicious treat!
Arepa Blanca
One of my favorite Spanish words is 'Chicharron,' which refers to a small piece of pork belly that is typically fried and is often found in the Colombian national dish, Bandeja Paisa, which you gotta try, even if you don’t like Chicharron! Because this dish is also packed with red beans, white rice, ground meat, fried egg, plantain, chorizo, arepa, and avocado. It is a hearty meal!
Bandeja Paisa
Overall, we noticed that restaurant service is more relaxed in Colombia. If you’re ready for the check, you might need to let your server know.
Check your bill at restaurants before paying to ensure everything is accurate.
In Colombia, 10% is usually the standard tip amount in restaurants. Double-check to see if it has already been included in the bill.
I didn't get sick during my 3 weeks in Colombia, but it's always a good idea to have Tums and Pepto on hand just in case.
Colombia has all kinds of fruits I’ve never seen or heard of before, so trying fruit juices is a must! Some of the local fruits and juices (jugo, pronounce “who-go”) you must try:
Maracuyá (passion fruit)
Curuba (belongs to the Passionflower family)
Uchuva (Golden Berry)
Tomate de arbol or tamarillo (tree tomato)
Pitaya (Dragon fruit)
Guanábana (soursop) *is another one of my favorite words
Mamoncillo (look like limes, tastes like berries—doesn’t come in juice form)
Guayaba (Guava)
Papayuela (papaya)
Carambola (star fruit)
Zapote (oval in shape, and has sweet flesh)
Even snacks taste better in Colombia! Here are some of my favorites:
NATU CHIPS PLÁTANO MADURO
Margarita RECETA CLÁSICA
Margarita Limón PARA COMPARTI
LA REINA ROSQUITAS
nuthos MANI DULCE
Coffee DELIGHT
Jumbo
CHOCORAMO
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Colombian Experience
As we wrap up our Colombian adventure, I'm reminded of the incredible experiences and memories we've made. Colombia's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality have truly left a mark on me.
I hope the travel tips I've shared will help you navigate this beautiful country with ease. Whether you're exploring lively cities, indulging in local cuisine, or soaking in natural wonders, Colombia has something special to offer.
So, pack your bags, prepare for an unforgettable journey, and get ready to be amazed by Colombia's beauty. Your adventure awaits!
Medellín, Colombia
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Join the conversation:
What are your top travel tips for staying safe while exploring a new destination? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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