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Insider Tips for Your Vacation in Colombia

 

Insider Tips for Your Vacation in Colombia

 

Make sure your travels in Colombia are smooth and hassle-free. Read these helpful insider tips for Colombia to prepare yourself for an unforgettable vacation in one of South America’s most diverse destinations!

 

TIPPING

 

- A 10% tip (propina voluntaria) will usually be included in your bill in a restaurant or a café. As it is a voluntary tip, you have the right to ask for it to be removed from the check if you thought the service was not up to standard. Likewise, you can add extra money if you thought the service was exceptional. There are places that don’t add this tip, so be sure to check your bill carefully before paying.

- At airports, it is customary to tip porters, although this is voluntary.

- Over Christmas, it is typical practice to tip extra to taxi drivers or service providers who provide bonus services during the festivities.

 


 

GOING OUT

 

- Dancing is part of life in Colombia, and Colombians won’t take no for an answer if they want you to join in. If you go to a party, let go of your inhibitions and join in. It doesn’t matter how you dance, just that you enjoy the rhythm.

- Typically people buy litre bottles of alcohol for the whole table (such as a bottle of rum or aguardiente), rather than buying a single beer, or other drink. Ask that the bottle is opened at the table in front of you.

- The most popular drink in the country is Aguardiente (literally meaning burning water). This strong aniseed-flavoured spirit is usually drunk straight as a shot, without ice.

- Colombians usually go out in mixed groups. It is very rare for people to go out at night alone.

- If you go out to meet people in a bar or nightclub, note that there are certain rules that Colombians follow. Typically the furthest things will go is an exchange of telephone numbers, and a second meeting is arranged for another day.

- You can find a variety of music in Colombia. Latin music like salsa, merengue and vallenato is what you’ll hear most often. You might hear the phrase dancing “chucu-chucu” which means dancing to latin beats. There is also an electronic music scene in Bogotá where you will find internationally renowned DJs. Both Bogotá and Medellin have a varied music scene where you can listen to everything from local folkloric, indie to experimental music.

- A popular way to enjoy the nightlife in Colombia is on a Chiva, a traditional wooden bus. A Chiva Rumba is a party bus, where you'll go around the city at night, enjoying music and local drinks. 

 


 

CITY TIPS BOGOTÁ

 

- The traffic in Bogotá is bad, especially when it rains. During peak hours, a taxi driver may refuse to take you across the city to your destination. Try to avoid travelling around the city in these hours (7-9 am and 4-7 pm).

- Keep in mind that on Sundays, the ciclovía (cycleway) closes many streets in Bogotá, as well as other cities such as Cali and Medellín, to allow cyclists as well as runners, roller bladers and skateboarders to use the roads free of cars and buses. Bus routes may change drastically on these days, so make sure you ask where the alternative route goes on a Sunday.

- Bogotá is a very traditional city. Bogotanos, or Rolos, tend to be dress well and conservatively. Women wear long pants, even in hot weather. Leave the shorts for the coast.

- Bogotá can easily experience all 4 seasons in one day, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers, including a warm coat or jacket and umbrella.

 


 

TRAVELLING AROUND COLOMBIA

 

- Travel only to recognised tourist places. Despite Colombia’s improved security, there are areas outside the tourist routes that are still dangerous and difficult to reach.

- There are always security forces and sniffer dogs in airports, so don’t take any unnecessary risks.

- When travelling overland, keep in mind that there are various army checkpoints. Keep your documents such as your passport on hand to show them, and be sure your documents are all in order. The Colombian government is not lenient with expired visas.

 


 

VISITING NATIONAL PARKS

 

- If you’re going to Tayrona National Park, and need to walk from the beach or campsite, make sure you always leave with one hour of sunlight ahead of you. It is very difficult to walk through the jungle once the sun has gone down as there are no lights in the park.

- Bring water purification tablets with you, available at any pharmacy. In these remote areas, as well as coastal cities, be careful of drinks made with tap water on the street, as well as ice.

- You will need a yellow fever vaccination. Preferably get this done before your travels, but you can also get the shot at the airport or in any centro de salud in Colombia. In addition, if you feel a fever starting, make sure you go to a doctor immediately and let them know where you’ve been. Malaria and Dengue Fever are also common in certain parts of Colombia.

- If any animal scratches or bites you, immediately see a doctor. If you think you’re going to have close contact with animals on your trip, it is a good idea to get a rabies vaccine beforehand.

- Always take your trash out of the national parks. It is a good idea to keep a disposable bag on you for this.

- Remember that most beaches, especially in the parks, don’t have lifeguards. Don’t swim in isolated areas without a companion or other people around for your own safety.

- When travelling to places like Tayrona National Park, buy everything you need in town beforehand as these items will be limited and expensive inside the park.

 


 

COLOMBIAN PEOPLE

 

- Colombians are very friendly and like to help, but be wary of people trying to take advantage of tourists. If someone wants to help you with something like your luggage or take you somewhere “sin compromiso” (without commitment), you can politely say no without feeling bad for rejecting their help.

- People in Colombia are very warm. The men shake hands and will give you a pat on the back or a hug. Women greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.

- Remember that Colombia has a very recent history of conflict and loss, and people may be sensitive to talk about this history. Try to be objective and observant, and not to impose your opinions or make jokes about Colombia’s history.

- If you need help with directions, start by saying “Disculpe, me podría ayudar…” People will be more open to helping you.

 


 

FOOD

 

- The best way to save money is eat lunch from the menu ejecutivo (executive menu). This set menu is not only cheap, but typically provides a hearty and healthy meal that is great value for money.

- You can buy delicious and cheap food and drinks on the street that are safe to consume, from arepas and fruit, to juices and flavoured waters.

- On the coast, people will give you a taster of oysters or shrimp, but then try to overcharge you for it. Be firm and don’t eat these tasters, even if the vendor insists it’s free.

- If you have a hangover, order a “levanta muertos” soup (revive the dead) for breakfast, more commonly known as caldo de carne, which is made from potato soup and prime rib and is sure to revive you.

 


 

SOUVENIR SHOPPING IN COLOMBIA

 

- When buying souvenirs, do not buy things made from tortoise shell (carey in Spanish). They are made from hawksbill turtles which is an endangered species.

- If you buy a sombrero vueltiao, a typical Colombian hat, make sure that you buy one that is made by local artisans and not imported cheaply from China.

- On the coast, you can haggle on the price. Ask for a “ñapa” (extra). In Medellín, however, the negotiating skills of the paisas (locals from Medellín) is renowned, so negotiating a low price here is difficult.

 


 

SAFETY

 

- Taxis are an issue, especially in Bogotá. Always use an app like Uber, Easy Taxi or Tappsi, or get the name of a reputable radio taxi company.

- Be careful about your drinks in bars, especially if a man or woman you don’t know offers you a drink. There are cases of drugging incidents using scopolamine, also called “burundanga,” “the devil’s breath,” or the zombie drug. The drug puts you under a zombie-like spell, affecting your memory and free will, and is used by criminals to extract money. Avoid this by being vigilant about your drink and going out in groups where you can keep an eye on each other.

- There are a number of card cloning scams in Colombia. Keep your credit or debit card in sight at all times when paying. Your waiter / cashier should never take your card away from you.

- When using ATMs, never accept help from a stranger.

- There are ‘counterfeit cops’ in some tourist locations looking for easy targets. These men are posing as police and warn of a possible crime situation before asking for your ID, passport, or cash. In this situation, it is recommended that you show your ID, but don’t let the officer touch it, and demand to go to the police station to talk to his/her superiors.

- Follow the usual safety precautions: don’t walk alone through dark places, avoid secluded areas, don’t walk in the street with your cellphone out, don’t flash your wealth, and always keep an eye on your belongings.

 


 

<<Check out all our Travel Guides about Colombia>>

 

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