How Things Work in Colombia

A 10% propina is added at restaurants and is voluntary by law, but expected in practice; tip guides and drivers 10–20%.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia has excellent urban transit including Bogotá's TransMilenio BRT and Medellín's Metro with cable cars, plus intercity buses and affordable domestic flights.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia has good private hospitals in major cities, but travel insurance is essential as costs for foreigners can be high and quality varies outside urban areas.

Updated 2025-06

Drug laws are strictly enforced despite Colombia's reputation; scopolamine (burundanga) is used in tourist-targeting crimes, and LGBTQ rights are legally protected.

Updated 2025-06

Dial 112 for national emergencies, 123 for police, 125 for ambulance, and 119 for fire services.

Updated 2025-06

Dress is casual in hot coastal cities but layers are essential in Bogotá and highland areas; Colombians dress stylishly and modest attire is required at churches.

Updated 2025-06

The drinking age is 18; aguardiente is the beloved national spirit, beer is widely available, and alcohol is very affordable throughout the country.

Updated 2025-06

Bargaining is acceptable at artisan markets and street stalls, especially in tourist areas like Cartagena, but fixed prices apply in malls and formal shops.

Updated 2025-06

Photography is generally unrestricted for tourists, but avoid photographing military/police operations, conflict-sensitive areas, and always ask permission in indigenous communities.

Updated 2025-06

Most shops open on Sundays; Sunday markets are often the best day to visit, and Bogotá's famous Ciclovía closes major roads to cars every Sunday morning.

Updated 2025-06

Always use ride-hailing apps (Uber, InDriver, Cabify) — never hail a street taxi, as unofficial cabs are linked to documented kidnapping crimes called 'paseo millonario'.

Updated 2025-06

Tap water is not safe to drink in most of Colombia — always drink bottled or filtered water.

Updated 2025-06

Bancolombia, Davivienda, and BBVA Colombia ATMs accept foreign cards, but use ATMs inside banks or malls during daylight hours to avoid robbery risk.

Updated 2025-06

Claro has the best nationwide coverage; buy a SIM at airports or phone stores with your passport, or use an Airalo eSIM before you arrive.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia uses Type A and B plugs at 110V/60Hz — the same as the USA and Canada; European visitors need both an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

Updated 2025-06

Scopolamine ('devil's breath') is Colombia's most dangerous tourist scam — never accept anything from strangers; fake police, ATM scams, and romance scams are also common.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia has made remarkable safety improvements and major tourist areas are generally safe with sensible precautions, but petty crime and occasional violent crime still require vigilance.

Updated 2025-06

Colombians are warm, hospitable, and socially expressive; greet with a kiss on the cheek, embrace coffee culture, and avoid casual references to the country's drug history.

Updated 2025-06

Colombian Spanish is considered among the clearest in Latin America; English is available in tourist areas of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, but very limited outside these zones.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia's Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Tayrona, San Andrés) offers excellent beaches, but some Tayrona beaches have dangerous currents and swimming is prohibited there.

Updated 2025-06

Colombians drive on the right; an international driving license is valid, but avoid driving at night in rural areas and never stop for unknown roadblocks.

Updated 2025-06

Colombian food is hearty and regional; the menú del día (set lunch) is excellent value, coffee is world-class, and tropical fruit juices are a highlight everywhere.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia is predominantly Catholic with many historic churches; dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), speak quietly, and be respectful during services.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia has no single best season as its climate varies dramatically by altitude and region — Bogotá is cool year-round, Cartagena hot year-round, and Medellín is perfect most months.

Updated 2025-06

Colombia is affordable by international standards — eat the menú del día for lunch, use the Metro in Medellín, and take free walking tours to stretch your budget.

Updated 2025-06