colombia travel info

COLOMBIA
Capital: Bogotá
Language: Spanish
Population: 47.7 Million
Time Zone: EST minus 1 hour
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
Electricity: 110V/60 HZ
Fun Facts
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In 1811, the city of Cartagena declared independence from Spain, and Bogotá soon followed.
Spanish soldiers tried to reclaim control in 1815, but Colombian forces led by the famed
Venezuelan general Simón Bolívar defeated the Spanish in 1819.
Bogotá has the most extensive network of bike paths in the world. Bogotá’s CicloRuta consists of
300 kilometers of protected bicycle lanes that connect the city center to outlying residential areas
and to main transportation hubs.
Colombia's biggest trading partner is the United States, which buys 40 percent of the country's
exports, including: coffee, bananas, oil, coal, gold, platinum, and emeralds.
Even though it takes up less than one percent of the world's land area, about 10 percent of all
animal species live in Colombia.
Colombia is a sort of rediscovered gem. The once troubled country has emerged in the past decade and
revealed itself as one of the most biodiverse, charming, and lively places to visit in South America. Having
over 300 beaches, untouched tropical paradises, rainforests, and dramatic mountain landscapes throughout,
Colombia is an accessible and enticing place to visit. Friendly locals welcome visitors and display hospitality
with warm smiles and festive music.
Cartagena
Cartagena is without a doubt one of the prettiest and most exciting cities in Colombia. Its beautiful azure-water
coastline is dotted with colors so vivid they’re surreal mixed with modern buildings that glisten against the
skyline. It is best seen on foot, allowing you to absorb the Spanish Colonial architecture and the European vibe
in the many city squares. You can even see the city by horse-drawn carriage – a popular evening activity when
the sun goes down and the soft lights enliven the city. The skies have a particular grace about them at dusk in
this great city, warming the coast with a soothing orange hue. Cartagena is also the place to experience the
culture and historical depth of its people – represented by their welcoming faces and comfortingly delicious
cuisine. This spectacular walled city gives you a feeling of the pulse of the entire country of Colombia, and
is sure to entice you to return.
Bogotá
This hip and vibrant capital of Colombia is packed with stylish and sophisticated entertainment spots,
restaurants, and shopping, while nestled amidst centuries-old architecture and the rugged Andean peaks.
As the sun sets in Bogotá, you’ll want to have your camera ready for the deep orange light that falls on the
cosmopolitan districts with the Andes as their backdrop. Take in the city by visiting its numerous markets and
museums, and the chic entertainment districts of Zona Rosa and Zona G. And don’t miss the views of the city
by traveling to the top of Mount Monserrat by Funicular and or cable car. One thing you won’t want to miss
is the impressive Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, just a short drive out of the city. This underground cathedral
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consists of a network of underground tunnels carved out of the salt mines below and is considered one of
Colombia’s most impressive architectural wonders.
Pereira
Pereira is part of the Coffee Triangle area, so called as it makes up the third largest coffee producing area
in the world. Sandwiched between a visit to the bustling city of Bogotá and Cartagena, a visit to Pereira will
have you surrounded by lush farmland and green hills, snow-capped mountains and dozens of quaint little
villages. The coffee region offers a perfect mix of Colombia’s more rural landscapes as well as a taste of
its leading export, coffee! Explore and taste the fine art of coffee production from the heart of Colombia and
visit numerous smaller villages to meet the locals.
Medellín
With consistent days of temperate weather, this revitalized city is known as “The city of everlasting spring.”
As far as a cosmopolitan center it’s on par with Bogotá and Cartagena, but with a distinctly artistic and
cultural edge. Loaded with great restaurants, nightlife and dotted with impressive sculptures, Medellin is a
great city to see on foot. You can also see it from a panoramic perspective by taking the cable car up the
mountainside. Museums, stylish dining spots and an indisputable air of progressive industry, make Medellín
the perfect spot to take in the Colombian way of life and delight in its rejuvenated atmosphere.
You can travel to Europe to experience architecture and history, maybe travel to the jungles of Ecuador for
Eco-tourism, Hawaii for tropical resorts, or adventure in Australia. Colombia offers a healthy mix of all of
these traveling appeals, and lies just on the precipice of South America, making travel easy and accessible.
It’s simple to see how one would develop a love affair with Colombia – a few days here are merely a taste
of all the country has to offer you.
VISAS AND PASSPORTS
A visa for your visit to Colombia is not necessary for U.S. citizens. If you hold a passport from another
country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Colombia.
All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification
(your passport) on you and do not leave in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require
you to carry your passport with you at all times.
COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Colombia is 57. When calling to Colombia from overseas, dial your international access
code (011 from the U.S./Canada) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone
numbers in Colombia are 8-10 digits in length. Dialing from the U.S./Canada: 011 57# ### ####.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso.
Smaller denominations will come in handy. 1 peso = 100 céntavos (cents).
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Banknote denominations: $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000
Coin denominations: 50c, 100c, 200c, 500c, $1,000c
The US dollar is widely accepted in Colombia. Be sure to have on hand small bills and making change
can be a problem especially in smaller villages and cities.
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our Web site at www.globusfamily.com/currency.
Credit cards are accepted in Colombia in major city centers, and you should have no problems using them in
larger shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. Smaller shops may ask you to pay
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in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. The best way to obtain cash in Colombia
is through a bank ATM.
Traveler’s Checks are extremely difficult to exchange in Colombia. Their use is not recommended.
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.
Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as
provided by our experienced personnel.
The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is US $1-1.50.
An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately US $5-6.
A steak dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately
US $10-20.
Shopping
In open street markets, try not to touch items unless you are interested in purchasing them. If you would
like to take photos, please ask permission. Most vendors are happy to have their picture taken with the item
you have just purchased. If you are being confronted by vendors, smile, say nothing and then shake your
hand low to say no. This is polite and they understand. To many people, saying “No” means I want it at a
lower price and they will follow you in attempt to bargain.
In many areas of South America, bargaining for purchases is normal. First, ask for a price. Offer an amount
slightly below what you wish to pay. It is important to be polite and smile while bargaining. In most cases,
bargaining will not save you a lot of money. Keep different value bills folded and separated in different
pockets, that way you can pull out the exact money you need, and sometimes this can close the deal.
Opening a wallet or purse to pull a roll of bills out can lead to negotiation problems. Always finish the
transaction with Thank You and a smile.
TIPPING
Most restaurants include a service charge of 10%. Additional tipping is not required though always
appreciated. Tips should be left in cash and not added to the credit card payment.
Taxis do not expect tips.
Tipping hotel staff approximately US $1-2 (concierge, housekeeping, porter, etc.) is customary, but not
necessary.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Voltage for outlets is 110-220V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, a converter may be
necessary for your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet but may not convert
the voltage, so both devices are necessary.
Type A
Type B
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TEMPERATURES
Colombia’s climate is tropical along the coast, eastern plains, and Amazon; cold in the highlands with
periodic droughts. Colombians normally refer to rainy seasons as winter—but the differences in terrain and
altitude mean the rainy seasons are different in every corner of the country!
To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Colombia.
Month
Bogota
Cartagena
Medellin
January
43/68°F
75/88°F
55/72°F
February
45/68°F
75/89°F
55/72°F
March
47/68°F
76/90°F
55/73°F
April
49/67°F
77/91°F
56/73°F
May
49/67°F
77/92°F
56/73°F
June
48/66°F
77/92°F
55/73°F
July
47/65°F
76/91°F
54/73°F
August
47/66°F
76/92°F
54/73°F
September
46/67°F
76/91°F
54/73°F
October
47/67°F
75/91°F
55/72°F
November
47/67°F
76/90°F
55/71°F
December
45/68°F
76/89°F
55/71°F
To convert to Celsius, subtract 32, then multiply by 5 and then divide by 9.
FOOD SPECIALTIES
Colombia's cuisine is unique and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the world. Common dishes in
Colombia are arepas – corn patties willed with meats and cheeses and soups like Ajiaco and sancocho.
A popular meat dish is the Bandeja Paisa – a hearty meal of various meats, fried eggs, rice, beans and
plantains.
In restaurants, always ask if they have menus in English, as many establishments will.
Drinking Water
Bottled water is how many people drink water even at home. Never ask for tap water for many reasons.
Ice is rarely used as well.
CUSTOMS AND CULTURE
Greeting and Interaction
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The best way to address people when you do not know their name is to simply use “Señor” (male)
or “Señora” (female).
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It’s normal to introduce yourself with a polite greeting of “buenos días/tardes” (good morning/
afternoon or evening).
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Greeting customs in South America also incorporate a lot of personal contact. Women will
generally greet other women by kissing once on each cheek, right to left. Men will also kiss women
on the cheeks when greeting them, but handshaking is reserved for between two men.
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People here have a tendency to stand relatively close to each other when they are talking.
Although you might find that this is perhaps a little too close for your liking, you should just accept
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that this is normal behavior, and trying to create more space between you and your counterpart
could be seen as rude.
Public Restrooms
Ladies should always travel with tissue. If public restrooms have toilet paper, it is sometimes rationed. Hand
sanitizers are recommended to bring with you as some bathrooms may not have hot water and soap. In
some public restrooms you are required to pay a small fee.
A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Spanish:
CONVERSATION
¡Hola! Hi!, ¡Buenos Dias! Good morning!, ¡Buenas Noches! Good evening!, Me llamo _______. My name
is _______., ¿Cómo se llama usted? What is your name?, Mucho gusto. Pleased to meet you., ¿Cómo
está usted? How are you?, Bien, gracias. ¿Y usted? Fine, thanks. And you?, Mas o menos So-so, ¡Hasta
luego! See you later!, Adiós. Good-bye., Por favor. Please., Vivo en ________I live in _____________,
(Muchas) gracias. (Muy amable.) (Many) thanks. (Very kind.), De nada. You're welcome., Lo siento.
I'm sorry., ¿Me permite? May I?, Disculpe. Excuse me. (To get someone's attention.), Con permiso.
Excuse me. (For leaving or passing through.), Perdón. Excuse me. (For sneezing, arriving late, etc.),
¡Salud! Gesundheit! (When someone sneezes.) Cheers! (For toasting with drinks.), ¿Me pasa _______ por
favor? Could you please pass me _______?, Sí. Yes., No. No., Gracias Thank you, No entiendoI don’t
understand, No hablo español I don’t speak Spanish,¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English?, ¿Dónde
está el baño? Where is the bathroom?, Está cerca? Is it near?, Está lejos? Is it far?, Siga recto. Go
straight ahead., Gire a la derecha. Turn right., Gire a la izquierda. Turn left., Nescito esto. I would like
this., Una mesa para dos, por favor. A table for two, please., La carta, por favor. The menu, please.,
La lista de vinos, por favor. The wine list, please., primer plato appetizers, plato principal main course,
postre dessert, Quisiera algo para beber. I would like something to drink., Un vaso de agua, por favor.
A glass of water, please., Una Cerveza. Beer, Una Copa de vino tinto/blanco Glass of red/white wine,
La cuenta, por favor. The check, please., Incluye la propina? Is the tip included?, Desayuno Breakfast.,
Comida lunch, Cena dinner, ¡Buen provecho! Enjoy the meal!, ¡Salud! To your health!, Está riquísima!
It's delicious!, Plato. plate, Tenedor. fork, Cuchillo. knife, Cuchara. spoon, Servilleta. napkin, Hielo. ice,
Sal. salt, Pimiento. pepper, Azúcar. sugar, Sopa. soup, Ensalada. salad, Pan. bread, Mantequilla. butter,
Pollo. Chicken, Carne. Beef, Cerdo. Pork, Quisiera la carne poco cocida. I like my steak rare., Quisiera
la carne a medio cocer. I like my steak medium., Quisiera la carne bien cocida. I like my steak well done.
NUMBERS
Cero. Zero, Uno. 1, Dos. 2, Tres. 3, Cuatro. 4, Cinco. 5, Seis. 6, Siete. 7, Ocho. 8, Nueve. 9, Diez.
10, Once. 11, Doce. 12, Trece 13, Catorce 14, Quince 15, Dieciseis 16, Diecisiete. 17, Dieciocho. 18,
Diecinueve. 19, Veinte. 20, Cien. 100, Mil. 1000.
Last Updated 7/1/16
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