FYI
ACCOMODATIONS
You will be staying in our apartment for the days we are in Bogotá. We have one guest bedroom with a queen bed and its own bathroom and shower. We also have a full bed for the kids that we can either put in your guest room (which will be tight) or put in the downstairs tv area right outside the bedrooms. The apartment is located in the Chico neighborhood, specifically Chico Norte III. There are various restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies 1-15 minutes from our place if you forget or need anything. If there are things you think you will need while here (anything from steamers to shampoo) let us know and we will either have it already or have it ready by the time you arrive.
In Cartagena, we will be staying at the InterContinental Hotel. You will be in a 2 queen bed room with a view of the Caribbean coast.
WEATHER AND PACKING
When packing for our trip to Colombia, keep in mind that we’ll be visiting two very different climates. Bogotá, located in the Andes, has a cool and temperate climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 45-65°F. It can get a little brisk, especially in the evenings, so bring a light jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking. May is usually the end of rainy season, so it’s recommended that you bring a rain jacket.
Cartagena, on the other hand, is tropical and warm, with temperatures around 80-90°F. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunblock, and swimwear will be essential. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for the sun!
ALTITUDE IN BOGOTÁ
Bogotá sits at an altitude of 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) above sea level, which is much higher than most people are used to. At this elevation, the air is thinner, meaning less oxygen is available. It’s possible that you may feel some effects of altitude during their first few days, such as mild headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, especially after physical exertion. For what it’s worth, Amanda and I adjusted immediately with no issues. If you don’t, sounds like a skills issue.
To help your body adjust, it’s important to take things slowly at first. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and try not to overexert yourself. Altitude sickness is uncommon for most visitors, but if you experience any symptoms, rest and hydrate until you feel better. For this reason, our first full day in Bogotá will be mostly resting. The good news is that after a day or two, your body will usually acclimate.
CRIME
We’ll be staying in the Chico neighborhood, one of Bogotá’s wealthier and safer areas. While it’s generally safe, petty theft like pickpocketing can still happen, especially in crowded areas. To minimize risk, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid showing valuables in public, and use a cross-body bag or money belt. No des papaya!
Cartagena also has areas where you should be mindful of pickpocketing, especially in touristy spots like the Old City. Stay alert and take basic precautions to enjoy your trip without worries.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
As U.S. citizens, we do not need a visa to visit Colombia for stays under 90 days. Make sure to bring your passport, which must be valid for at least six months. It’s also a good idea to have a digital copy of your flight itinerary and accommodation details when arriving to the Bogotá airport, as immigration agents will ask where you are staying. I will provide our address before you arrive.
MONEY & CURRENCY
In Colombia, the local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in both cities, but smaller vendors and street markets might only take cash or transfer services similar to Zelle that are only available to locals with Colombia bank accounts. For this reason, carrying some pesos for day-to-day expenses is a smart idea.
You can exchange U.S. dollars at currency exchange booths in airports, but you’ll get a better exchange rate by requesting currency from your bank with advance notice. You’ll find ATMs readily available in Bogotá and Cartagena, but be aware of potential international transaction fees from your bank, and check with your bank before leaving to see if they have partner banks in Colombia that offer fee-free withdrawals.
It’s also worth noting that tipping is common in restaurants, with 10% being standard, and you’ll usually be asked if you would like to add this (“quieres agregar servicio?”).
INTERNATIONAL CELL PLAN
Verizon offers a TravelPass for $12/day per line, which allows you to use your plan’s unlimited talk, text, and data in Colombia just like you would in the U.S. If you don’t opt in to TravelPass, international rates apply, which are generally more expensive—$1.79 per minute for calls, and pay-as-you-go rates for data and messaging. To add TravelPass for your trip, text the word TRAVEL to 4004 when you arrive in Colombia.
Checklist
- U.S. passports
- Digital and printed copies of passports (put printed copies in your luggage and/or backpack).
- Address of where you’ll be staying in Bogotá. Immigration will ask when you land in Colombia. (Daniel will text you the address of our apartment)
- Credit and debit cards
- Some Colombian pesos (COP). Your bank can get you foreign currency in cash with advance notice, and usually it’s much better rates than ATMs and exchange houses in Colombia. Contact your bank at least 7 business days before the trip to inquire about their rates. Daniel can help you with this.
- casual clothing (no activities will require formal clothing)
- comfortable walking shoes
- light jacket
- rain jacket
- swim shorts for Cartagena
- sandals or flip flops
- sun hat or cap (for the sun)
- sunglasses
- Wall phone chargers and portable chargers (FYI: outlets in Colombia are the same as the U.S.)
- Kid’s entertainment for flight (tablet, Switch, headphones)