2023 Travel Guide to Colombia

1. U.S. Embassy in Colombia

   • As of December 6, 2021, you need to show a negative test result 1 day before travel to the United States.

   • As of November 8, 2021, if you’re not a U.S. citizen you’ll need to show medicated proof before to boarding an airplane to the United States.

   • Be sure to check the U.S. Embassy in Colombia website here

2. Check-Mig website

   • This website is mandatory. You need to fill it out an present it to customs when you arrive

3. Phone Service / Mobile Hotspots

   • Consider purchasing international service before you travel. Make sure you call your service provider about all the details. Off the bat, Simple Mobile has free international travel and international data plans for cheap.

   • Also consider bring additional phones for a safety measure

4. Noob Friendly Countries

   • Check http://colombia.travel/ for information on Cities that are perfect for “noobs”, or beginners, so you can research where to go, what to do, and practical information

5. Etiquette

   • Don’t dress around with a tank top, shorts, and sandals. This is common “Gringo” attire. Avoid English lettered shirts to repel hagglers. Be polite to everyone, even if a street vendor tries to get too pushy trying to sell you something. “Dont give papaya!” . To give papaya means to give someone an opportunity to take advantage of you. If you start counting money in public, you are giving papaya.

6. Translators

   • Translators will help you get by if your Spanish is lacking, but you also run the risk of “Giving papaya” because your phone is exposed or they can tell you don’t know Spanish giving off the Gringo radar. You can buy a separate translator if you don’t want to use Google Translate but make sure it’s truly offline

7. Lodging

   • Considered Hostels. It’s the cheapest option for most. Check out Hostelworld.com

   • Airbnb is also a good option . So have security, but talk with the host first to get the rules if you try to back guest/friends

8. Documents

   • Make copies of you IDs. Carry a copy of your passport. carry a spare wallet too

9. Meds

   • Bring some over the counters with you in case for emergencies. It’s completely up to you. Allergy relief, Diarrhea relief, Pain killers, etc.

10. Currency Exchange

    • You get a legitimate currency exchange if you use an ATM verses going to booth and have someone exchange it for you

    • It’s the safest going to a bank and using the ATMs there

      • Most people go to Bank of Colombia and using their ATMs

      • Malls with guards are safe options as well

        • In Cartagena, I used the ATMs in the Bocagrande Mall on the top floor and the mall within the Walled City called Centro Comercial La Serrezuela

    • Google’s COP to USD converters

      • The COP to USD conversion link

11. iVisa

    • If you need help with getting all your travel documents together so get to you destination with no problems, then iVisa is for you

    • They have a 4.6 average score on TrustPilot and more than 24k reviews.

    • Learn about it here

    YouTube Link to the video 2022 Travel Guide to Colombia