Colombia

Travel information

Basics

Colombia


Colombia is located in South America.

Official language is Spanish. Colombia uses metric system (kilograms, centimeters, °C). Time zone is UTC-05:00.

Sockets & plugs

Colombia uses 110V, 60Hz with sockets and plugs Type A and Type B.


Sockets & plugs - Type A
Type A
Sockets & plugs - Type B
Type B

Money

Currency

Colombia uses the Colombian peso (symbol: $), code COP.

Banknotes come in denominations of 100000, 50000, 20000, 10000, 5000, 2000 and 1000 pesos. Peso is subdivided into 100 centavos. Coins come in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 pesos.


Tipping

Not expected, but can leave extra tip

Tipping is usually not expected in Colombia. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip. Receipts usually include a service charge. If there is a service charge there is no need to tip.


ATMs

Common

Automatic teller machines (local name: Cajero automático) are common in Colombia. You can usually find them in both large & small cities.

You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.


Communications

Internet

Internet speed in Colombia is on average 4.5 Mbps.

WiFi

WiFi coverage in Colombia is moderate. It's relatively easy to find one when needed.


Mobile phone

You can buy a SIM card for about 22,260.00 COP, which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 5 telecoms: Avantel, Claro, ETB, Movistar or Tigo Une.

Mobile phones

Colombia uses GSM mobile networks GSM 850 and GSM 1900.

Roaming

If you don't want to buy SIM card in Colombia upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.

Dial code

+57

To call Colombia, dial +, then 57 (the country code for Colombia), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.

International call
+ 57 1 1234567
Local call
01 1234567

For local calls within Colombia, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 1 .

Health & safety

LGBTIQ+

Sexuality, marriage & acceptance

Homosexuality is legal in Colombia.

Same-sex couples can be married like everyone else.

Homosexuality
Legal
Marriage
Legal

Vaccinations

Vaccinations listed are recommended

The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.


Hepatitis A
Malaria
Routine immunizations
Typhoid fever

These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.

Hepatitis B
Rabies
Yellow Fever

Travel advisories

1 country advisory

Alerts

Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.

Other

Emergency numbers

Universal
123
Police
123
Ambulance
123
Fire department
123