Traveling to Colombia - Safety Guide 2024

If you are a Spanish citizen , you are in luck. You do not need to process any prior visa to travel to Colombia. Just make sure your passport is valid.

When you arrive in Colombia, your passport will be stamped and you will be ready to start your adventure.

• The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP) .
• If you prefer to carry cash , you can exchange your Colombian pesos at the exchange houses that you will find in the tourist areas of the main cities. 
• Avoid exchange offices at airports , they usually offer less favorable rates.
• A more practical option is to use a credit card , such as VISA or Revolut, which offers a great exchange rate and charges no fees.

Colombia is a large country, so transportation may vary depending on the distance you want to travel:

• For long distances, we recommend considering internal flights. By booking them in advance, prices are usually reasonable.
• In cities, we recommend UBER or INDRIVE to move within the city . Avoid taking taxis on the street and, if you need one, request one through the hotel.
• Between nearby cities (such as Cartagena and Santa Marta) you can request private driver services for greater security or use Uber .

Colombia has seen significant improvements in terms of security in recent years , especially after the peace process with the FARC. While security has greatly improved, it is important to follow certain precautions:

• Avoid walking through city centers after dark in cities like Bogotá . Cartagena is an exception, the center is the most touristy and there is greater security. Explore busy and safe areas at night.
• "Don't give papaya" is a local expression that means not to attract unnecessary attention. Avoid displaying valuable items, such as expensive jewelry or expensive cell phones.
• Safety may vary by region, so learn about safe areas and follow local recommendations.

• Colombia has two main seasons : the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season occurs in April-May and November-December.
• The climate varies by region, from ALWAYS WARM Caribbean to ALWAYS AUTUMN and rainy in Bogotá .

• The voltage in Colombia is 110V, and the plugs are type A/B, the same as in the United States .
• Make sure you bring this type of plug or a universal adapter if you are traveling from Spain.

The time difference with Spain varies depending on the season.

• In summer , Colombia is 7 hours behind Spain.
• In winter , due to time change, the difference changes to 6 hours less .

Upon arriving in Colombia, we recommend purchasing a local prepaid SIM card from operators such as Tigo or Movistar. They are cheaper than those purchased from Spain and will keep you connected during your trip.

• We will provide you with a SIM Card upon arrival in Cartagena if you request it in advance.

Try typical dishes such as Bandeja Paisa, Sancocho, Ajiaco Santafereño, Fried Snapper with Patacones and coconut rice.

The culinary variety is surprising, delicious and varies by region.