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I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
I’m a paragraph. Double click here or click Edit Text to add some text of your own or to change the font. This is the place for you to tell your site visitors a little bit about you and your services.
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
I’m a paragraph. Double click here or click Edit Text to add some text of your own or to change the font. This is the place for you to tell your site visitors a little bit about you and your services.
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
I’m a paragraph. Double click here or click Edit Text to add some text of your own or to change the font. This is the place for you to tell your site visitors a little bit about you and your services.
Geography
Colombia is one of the biggest countries in South America. The distance of a road trip along the United States' west coast is approximately the same from the north to the south of Colombia. This country has six different regions: the Caribbean, Pacific, Andean, Orinoquia, Amazon, and Insular Region.
Climate & Weather
Colombia is in the equator zone, making it a destination all year. It has two main seasons; the rainy season from April to May; and from October to November; the dry season from December to January and from July to August. However, the climate varies because of the altitude difference.
Cartagena:
Average November High: 87.8 Degrees Fahrenheit
Average November Low: 80.6 Degrees Fahrenheit
Average November Precipitation: 5.5 inches
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Peso (COP).
At the time of writing, the exchange rate was:
1.00USD = 4,132.01COP
Cash and traveler’s checks can be exchanged at most hotels, banks, and airports.
Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are generally accepted in midrange and upscale shops, as well as at upscale restaurants and hotels around the country. In rural areas and small towns, you are unlikely to find establishments that accept credit cards. When booking tours, you're likely to get a better deal when using cash.
Emergency Services
Police: 112
Fire & Ambulance: 119
US Embassy Branch Office
Calle 13b, No. 26-78 Piso 5
Chambacu, Cartagena, Colombia
Phone: 011-57-1-275-2000
Official Language
Except for a tiny percentage of rural indigenous communities, Spanish is universally spoken in Colombia. It's hard to find Colombians who speak English, even in Bogotá, so it's important to brush up on your skills before your trip. Outside of Bogotá and the major cities, you'll be hard-pressed to find any English speakers, which can make traveling in a non-touristy country quite difficult if you don't speak any Spanish.
Time zone
UCT/GMT-5
What to wear
We recommend that you pack light. You will not need as many clothes as you think. Lightweight, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Sightseeing may require, at minimum, the ability to walk at a moderate pace for a mile or two, and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit vehicles, and navigate uneven streets. Travelers should take sunglasses, sun block with a high UV rating and swimming clothes. A jacket is recommended as many places have strong air conditioning. Please also take a rain jacket as inclement weather can be encountered at any time. As a general rule, we recommend leaving valuables at home; if you would be heartbroken to lose them, don’t bring them.
If the airlines misroute your luggage, we recommend you take in your hand luggage some clothes and basic toiletry articles in the event you are without your luggage for any period of time.
Finally, do not forget to carry an elegant outfit for the farewell dinner party!
Voltage, Frequency, And Plug/Outlet Type
In Colombia, all power outlets and the electricity run on 110V and 60 Hz. The electrical outlets used in Colombia are of type A and B. The electrical outlets used in Colombia are of type A and B.
Other facts and tips
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Security Concerns: Although Cartagena is generally safe, like in any tourist city, take basic precautions and keep an eye on your belongings. Consider taking a taxi booked from hotels or restaurants by the property staff rather than catching a taxi on the street. Always only carry small sums of money with you and do not wear valuable, flashy jewelry or display other expensive items.
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Get money out only from ATMs. Advise your bank, in advance, about your travel to Colombia to avoid any problems and that you can use your bank cards in cashing machines, stores, restaurants, etc.
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Larger stores, shops, supermarkets, and higher-class hotels and restaurants accept credit and debit cards from Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
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It is not mandatory to leave tips, but if the service is well, it is customary to leave around 10% in bars and restaurants.
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Passport: A valid passport is required for travel to and within Colombia. The passport must be valid at the time of entry and for 6 months following the completion of your trip. It is a good idea to make a copy of your passport and visa before arriving in Colombia and store it separately from the original.
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Leave your passport at the hotel (if not needed) and keep only a copy with you almost all the time.
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Vaccinations & Medicine: For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559 or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov/travel. We recommend consulting a licensed medical professional to determine if there are any recommended vaccines or precautionary medicines for your itinerary. Carry an adequate supply of any prescribed medications in your hand baggage, stored in their original, labeled containers.