Travel Essentials › Colombia
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types A and B, 110 V. Emergency: One number for everything 123. Tipping: Restaurants ask whether to add the voluntary 10% service charge ('propina'); say yes if service was good. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water outside major cities.
Types A and B, 110 V
| One number for everything | 123 |
Restaurants ask whether to add the voluntary 10% service charge ('propina'); say yes if service was good.
Greetings. A handshake is standard on meeting; among friends and family a single cheek kiss (right cheek) is common, even between men and women.
Punctuality. Social plans often start later than stated ('hora colombiana'); business meetings expect more punctuality.
Politeness and formality. Colombians value courtesy and indirect communication; using formal 'usted' with strangers or elders is generally appreciated.
Tourist areas of major cities are generally safe with normal precautions, but street crime (muggings, phone theft) and drink-spiking with drugs like scopolamine occur, and some rural areas still see armed-group activity.
Scopolamine ('devil's breath'). A powder or spiked drink can incapacitate victims, who are then robbed; never accept drinks or accept help from unsolicited strangers, and watch your drink at all times.
Phone snatching. Grab-and-run theft of phones is very common; avoid using your phone on the street or near open windows/doors.
Fake taxis. Unofficial taxis have been used for 'express kidnapping' robberies; use Uber, Cabify, or taxis ordered by your hotel.
Women travelers. Women should expect some street harassment (piropos) but serious incidents are uncommon in tourist zones; avoid walking alone late at night and use rideshares after dark.
Legal · Mostly Safe
Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2016 and hate-based discrimination is a crime, making Colombia one of the more LGBTQ+-progressive countries in Latin America, though rural areas can be less tolerant and discretion is advised there.
| Coffee (café) | COP 5,000 | $1.20 |
| Local bus or metro ride | COP 3,000 | $0.75 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | COP 35,000 | $8.50 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | COP 45,000 | $11 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | COP 280,000 | $68 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | COP 400,000 | $95 |
2026-09
December-March and July-August are the driest windows; the shoulder rainy seasons (Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov) can bring flooding, especially in the Andes.
Colombia visa requirements by nationality