Colombia Andean peaks, Caribbean shores, coffee-covered hills and rainforest alive with wildlife

Colombia uses Type A and Type B sockets, the same flat two or three-pin design used in the US, running at 110V, unlike the European-style plugs and 220V found in several neighbouring South American countries. UK and European travellers should check that appliances like hairdryers or straighteners are dual-voltage before relying on them, since this is the reverse situation from Chile or Argentina.

The Colombian Peso (COP) is the local currency, and its scale takes a little adjustment, since everyday prices run into tens or hundreds of thousands. ATMs are widely available in Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, so arranging currency on arrival is straightforward.

Spanish is the national language, and Colombian Spanish, particularly the accent spoken in Bogotá, is often considered among the clearest and most neutral in Latin America, making it a genuinely easier destination for visitors with intermediate Spanish to follow. English is spoken in tourist- facing businesses in the main cities but less reliably elsewhere.

Yes, Bogotá’s tap water is treated to a high standard and safe to drink directly, a genuine surprise to visitors who assume bottled water is necessary throughout South America. Outside the capital, particularly in Cartagena and more rural areas, bottled or filtered water remains the sensible default.

Colombia operates on Colombia Time (COT, UTC-5) year-round, with no daylight saving changes. This is worth noting specifically if your itinerary combines Colombia with a country further south like Chile or Argentina, which do observe seasonal clock changes.

Cards are widely accepted in Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena’s hotels and restaurants, though smaller towns and local markets lean more heavily on cash. Colombian Pesos in a range of denominations cover day-to-day spending more comfortably than relying on cards outside the main cities.

Tipping is more discretionary here than in several neighbouring countries, with restaurants sometimes adding a voluntary service charge to the bill that you can decline if you prefer to tip differently. A modest cash amount for guides and drivers on tours is appreciated rather than strictly expected.

Colombia is one of the world’s leading sources of emeralds, but counterfeit or treated stones sold as genuine are a well-known risk for tourists buying outside reputable channels. Purchasing only from certified dealers, ideally with documentation of authenticity, rather than street vendors or unlicensed shops, is the only reliable way to avoid an expensive mistake.

Unlike the more formal, silent invitation system used in Argentine tango, asking someone to dance salsa in Colombia is typically direct and verbal, and a genuine willingness to try, even without polished technique, is far more valued than hesitating on the sidelines. Cali in particular takes its salsa scene seriously, and watching a few songs before joining in helps you read the room’s energy and pace.