FAQs

Yes, Colombia is very safe. U.S. citizens safely visit Colombia each year for tourism, business, university studies and volunteer work. Medellín is largely considered to be one of the safest places in Colombia for travelers.

The Colombian Peso (COP) is the country's legal tender.

Yes. Other than smaller street vendors, you will be able to pay at most locations using any major debit or credit card.

Typically, the best exchange rate you can receive is when using your debit or credit card.

Note: Check with your local bank or credit card company to see if you will be charged foreign transaction fees. These can be between 1% and 5% of the purchase price.

Tip: If you are not charged foreign transaction fees, when paying for your bill with a debit or credit card, choose to pay in Colombian Pesos (COP). Your bank likely has a better exchange rate than the vendor.

The quickest and easiest way to find the current exchange rate is to go to Google and type in “USD to COP”.

Although most places accept major debit or credit cards, for smaller food vendors or souvenir vendors, you may need pesos.

To take out pesos, we recommend going to an ATM (“Cajero Automatico”) at one of the major banks such as Bancolombia or BBVA.

Tip: We do not suggest bringing USD to exchange once in Colombia. You will receive better exchange rates on withdrawals.

Tip: If you would like to arrive in Colombia with pesos, contact your local bank to arrange an exchange before leaving.

In August, in Medellín, the daily high temperatures are around 78°F and the daily low temperatures are around 62°F.

During the day, the climate can be fairly humid, especially if it rains. The weather in Medellín can feel quite random as it usually rains for at least 20 minutes every day. With that said, we would suggest bringing a light windbreaker or rain jacket.

If you are at a restaurant in Colombia, you will likely not receive the bill (“La Cuenta”) unless you ask for it. With that said, anticipate that you will stay at restaurants for a longer period of time than in the United States.

No, the tap water in Colombia is NOT safe to drink. You will need to buy bottled water to drink. Bottled water in Colombia is very affordable and you can find it at any hotel, convenient store, grocery store or gas station.

To be on the safer side, we also suggest brushing your teeth with bottled water. Locals do not have any issue with drinking the tap water but since your immune system is not used to it, you will get sick.

Absolutely. Although tipping is generally not expected in Colombia, those that are in the service industry take great pride in their work and are willing do anything and everything to make sure you enjoy your experience.

We suggest tipping at least 20% for any service you receive. For reference, minimum wage in Colombia is $10 USD per day, so your extra generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Yes. Similar to UberEats or DoorDash in the United States, Colombia has Rappi.

You can download Rappi on the Apple App Store or via the Google Play Store.

• Bandeja Paisa - A platter that consists of two types of Colombian sausage, ground beef, rice, red beans, a fried pork rind called chicharrón, an arepa, a plantain, a slice of avocado, and a fried egg to top it all off.

• Ajiaco - A chicken and potato soup, served with corn on the cob, chopped avocado, capers and a drizzle of sour cream.

• Buñuelos - Slightly larger than a golf-ball, these tasty bread balls are formed with salty flour, are fried until golden brown, and can be filled with cheese, dessert creams, and more.

• Arepas - Arepas are a type of bread made from cornmeal that can be served with any meal. There is a more bland white corn version that can be served as an accompaniment or a sweet yellow corn version that may be filled with cheese and can be served alone.

• Patacones - A plantain smashed down into a thick pancake, then deep-fried in oil until golden brown. It is commonly served with a salsa or guacamole.

• Empanadas - Small-sized snacks that are typically stuffed with minced beef and cubed potatoes and encased in a doughy cornmeal bread, which are generally deep-fried. In the United States, you may have tried empanadas but they are always made with puff pastry. They are completely different and much better in Colombia.

• Exotic Fruits - Maracuyá, Gulupa, Uchuva, Zapote, Mangostino, Guanabana, Lulo, Curuba, and more. If you see any of these fruits around town or on a menu in solid form or in a smoothie, don’t think, just order. They are all delicious and you can’t go wrong!

No. Electricity in Colombia runs at 110 volts, similar to the US, so you will not need an adapter or converter.

We suggest that you check with your service provider as Colombia is not commonly covered on phone plans similar to Mexico or Canada. Most service providers offer international day passes that start at $10 per day.

Tip: If you are interested in purchasing a SIM card. Once you arrive at the airport in Medellin, go to the Verano store and purchase a Tigo SIM card for the best service. For more information, you can use this link.

The average cost of living in Colombia ($548) is 74% less expensive than in the United States ($2112). Colombia ranks as the 158th most expensive country in the world out of 193 countries.

Tip: Food, services, and accommodations are of the cheapest categories in Colombia. Take yourself to a high-end restaurant, spend a day at the spa, or enjoy the day at your hotel, you will not be disappointed.

Tip: Although the service industry is significantly less expensive than the United States, we suggest being overly generous with tips as it goes much further than you know.