£1 COP 4,970.56
Today
10:55 pm
-5h from you
Travel warning
Armed groups are active in many tourist areas, with attacks happening at places like airports, malls, and hotels, making it unsafe to travel to large parts of the country.
Weather in Colombia
Colombia
18°
Thunderstorm
Wed
13
18
Thu
12
19
Fri
12
17
Sat
11
16
Sun
11
16
SPF level in Colombia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Colombia
Language in Colombia
Tipping in Colombia
Tipping is not always expected in Colombia, but it's appreciated for good service. It's becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurant
10% is customary if service is not included. Check the bill, as some restaurants already add a 'propina' (tip).
Bar/Café
Rounding up or leaving a small amount is appreciated for table service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, but not required.
Hotel Porter
1,000 - 2,000 COP per bag is a common tip.
Hotel Housekeeper
2,000 - 5,000 COP per night is a common tip, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost is a general guideline, especially for good service.
Safety in Colombia
Tips for British travellers
Colombia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be very careful of pickpocketing and armed robbery in cities and on the Caribbean coast, especially when alone after dark.
Never leave your food or drinks unattended as criminals may drug you to rob or assault you.
Only use licensed taxis booked by phone, an app, or your hotel, as unlicensed taxis are linked to express kidnappings and robberies.
Carry a colour printout of your passport photo and visa page for identification, and keep your actual passport secure.
Do not consume traditional hallucinogenic teas like Yagé or Ayahuasca as they are linked to serious health risks, assaults, and robberies.
Bonus tips:
Do not photograph military or government sites as it is illegal and can lead to trouble.
Avoid driving at night due to poor driving standards, high accident rates, and the risk of crime on the roads.
Driving in Colombia
British drivers can drive in Colombia for a limited time using their UK driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Colombia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
123
Save 123 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Colombia
Voltage
110V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in Colombia is 110V, which is significantly lower than the UK's 230V. The frequency is 60Hz. Plugs are typically Type A and Type B. British travelers will need a voltage converter and plug adapter to use their appliances.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller establishments and rural areas may prefer or only accept cash. Always check beforehand.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Colombia
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural regions. Ensure ATMs display logos for major card networks like Visa and Mastercard.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a convenient way to get COP. Be aware that your bank may charge international transaction fees. Some ATMs may have daily withdrawal limits.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'Roam Like At Home' regulation no longer applies to UK mobile plans. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Colombia. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 30,000 COP (~£6)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Claro, Movistar, Tigo
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas, especially in cities. Quality can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in urban centers, allowing you to stay connected. However, it may be less reliable in rural areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan for consistent access.
Health & vaccinations in Colombia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities may require upfront payment. Check that your insurance covers all activities you plan to do.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
It is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Drink bottled or purified water and be cautious about food hygiene. Altitude sickness can be a concern in mountainous areas like Bogota. Consider bringing medication for diarrhoea.
Calling Colombia
Country code
+57
To call Colombia from the UK, dial 00 57 followed by the area code and the local number.
To call a number in Bogota, you would dial 00 57 1 xxx xxxx.
The country code for Colombia is 57. When calling Colombia from abroad, you must first dial your country's exit code, then 57, then the area code (if applicable), then the local number. Mobile numbers in Colombia are 10 digits long.
UK Embassy in Colombia
British Embassy Bogota
Carrera 9 No. 76-49, Piso 8, Bogota, Colombia
Airports in Colombia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.