You’re off to Colombia!
There is so much to think about when visiting any new country, from making sure you’ve got the right visa to what to pack.
To help you focus on the excitement instead of the admin, our Colombia Travel Specialists have put together their most frequently asked questions and first-hand experience below.
Whilst we have done our best to cover as much as possible, please feel free to get in touch if you find you’re still left looking for answers.
Before departure
All travellers (including children and infants) must have an individual machine-readable passport and it must be valid for six months beyond your intended return date. You will be required to show an onward or return flight ticket. Find out more on our visa and passport page.
As long as you hold a valid British passport and are staying in Colombia for no longer than 90 days, you won’t require a visa to travel.
Find out more on our visa and passport page.
Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.
We recommend taking lightweight and breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat to protect you from the sun. If you plan on visiting higher elevations, you may also want to pack warmer layers and a raincoat, just in case. Swimwear is essential for a cooling dip in the sea too!
It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Travel Health Pro website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.
Departure
We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:
- Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
- Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
- Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
- Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
- Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
- Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
- Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!
Arrival
The primary language in Colombia is Spanish. Here are a few key words and phrases to get you started:
Hola – Hello!
Buenos dias/tardes/noches – Good morning/afternoon/evening
Me llamo/llama – My name is.. (m)/(f) *Hint: two ‘ll’ is pronounced as a ‘y’ sound.
Adios – Goodbye
Hasta luego – See you later
Hasta pronto – See you soon
Necesito ir a el bano – I need to go to the bathroom
Donde esta el bano – Where is the bathroom?
Cuanto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
Me gustaria una cerveza/una ron por favor – I would like a beer/a rum please!
Una cerveza, por favour – One beer please!
Colombian cuisine varies by region, but generally includes staples like rice, beans, meat, and plantain. Some popular dishes include arepas (corn cakes), bandeja paisa (a large platter of rice, beans, meat, and more), and empanadas (stuffed pastries). Colombian food can be described as flavoursome and hearty with a kick of spice!
Colombian culture is diverse and vibrant, but some aspects to keep in mind include the importance of family and community, the love for music and dance, the passion for football, the value of respect and hospitality towards others, and the appreciation for traditional foods and drinks such as coffee, arepas, and aguardiente. It’s also important to be aware of the country’s history and current social and political issues, we recommend avoiding bringing up such topics with locals – let them take the lead.
Safety
Colombia has made significant progress in terms of security and stability in recent years, but like any country, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while travelling. There are some regions that it is advised not to travel to, so naturally we don’t offer trips in these areas.
We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.
Tips and practical information
The currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso, which is indicated by the ₱ sign or by the abbreviation COP. You can withdraw money at Bogotá airport, but you will find ATMs everywhere in Colombia. You can also pay in US dollars in some places.
If you want to pay in a restaurant, shop or hotel by card, you will need to use a credit card, not debit.
Tipping in Colombia is very common and often expected. Keep in mind that some restaurants already add a service charge to the bill, in which case it is not necessary to leave extra.