After my journey to Colombia, I can see why it’s changing into a prime journey vacation spot! While you go to Colombia, you’ll be amazed on the vibrant colours. There’s such wealthy selection in the whole lot – tradition, delicacies, geography, local weather… the whole lot! I spent two weeks in three Colombian cities and nonetheless haven’t seen half of the nation. Bogota, Cartagena, Cali. The planning course of for a visit to Colombia seems to be easy, however it isn’t. Attending to know in regards to the native tradition is vital, and establishing contact with an area previous to going there may also help you get essentially the most out of your go to.
These are the ten issues you should know in case you’re visiting Colombia.
1.Colombia is a Protected Nation to Go to
The nation was as soon as shunned attributable to its ugly reference to cartels and violence. That’s not the case, and what stays is a vibrant nation with magnificent surroundings, nice individuals, and a deep tradition. Actually, elements of Bogota, such because the elegant Zona-T that looks like another cosmopolitan metropolis from the developed world, are paying homage to cities elsewhere on the earth. The Medellin Metro , which has emerged from the shadows of drug cartels in Medellin and has grow to be some of the profitable worldwide, is a masterpiece of development and engineering.
Violence mustn’t stop you from going to Colombia. Nonetheless, it’s wise to be cautious when touring. Security measures, similar to another international metropolis would possibly present, are vital. Follow areas which are closely frequented – in your first journey, think about widespread vacationer spots or the cities of Colombia. As a result of Colombia continues to be grappling with financial gaps, ostentatious riches and branded equipment are greatest averted it.
2.It’s vital that you just comprehend the Colombian Peso.
The native forex is the Colombian Peso (COP$), which has been in use since 1874 and is available in denominations of mil, Spanish for thousand. A cappuccino may price $5.000 at a restaurant or cafe, which interprets to 5 million colones. The mil is continuously averted in colloquial speech. Denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 and 100000 pesos can be found on generally used banknotes.
3. You need to make the most of credit score or debit playing cards, or automated tellers to get the perfect price.
Even higher you probably have a card with no transaction charge from one other nation. Citibank playing cards are glorious for change charges at ATMs, that are largely present in main cities and don’t cost further charges you probably have a card. Despite the fact that the charge exists, you should still get monetary savings utilizing a card for fee or withdrawing money from an ATM in case you don’t have a Citibank card.
4. Be sure to have the precise visa earlier than deliberate journey.
Before you purchase a vacationer visa to enter Colombia, at all times verify the necessities. For some passport holders from USA, European Union and Canada, no visa is required for entry; whereas those that maintain United States Visa or Schengen Visa (besides transit visa) are granted entry certainly. Should you’re unsure about your nation’s standing, it’s best to go to Migración Colombia’s web site or name their buyer help quantity for clarification. They’re additionally aware of e-mail inquiries.
5. Earlier than you go, verify the climate app.
This can’t be overemphasized: each metropolis has a novel local weather attributable to their differing altitudes. For instance, Bogota has year-round chilly climate like autumn in NYC whereas Medellin is barely hotter and Cartagena is a sunny, tropical coastal city. Gown appropriately for every vacation spot:Cartagena requires a hat, sun shades, (a lot of) sunscreen together with mild clothes; whereas in Bogota, you’ll want denims and scarves in addition to refined western put on.
6. Learn how to Journey in Colombia
Touring by aircraft is normally the quickest approach to journey between cities, and it’s not that pricey. To get nice reductions, go to LAN’s, Avianca’s, or Copa web site. Similar to different locations on the earth, taking public transportation inside a metropolis goes prevent cash in comparison with different choices. In Medellin, they’ve a superb metro system that I feel it is best to expertise no less than as soon as. The Transmilenio is Bogota’s variation of public transport, and it’s a bus speedy transit system. It may be obscure at first, however the locals are at all times prepared to assist out in case you’re misplaced.
7. Investing in a Journey Information Is beneficial.
Sure, even you probably have already carried out your homework. And it’s because these manuals maintain monitor of the entire trivia and historic information that they comprise, quite than following a selected path. I used to be astounded by Colombia’s historical past and discovered that my journey information was really a very good storyteller.
8. To Go to Colombia, You Don’t Must be Fluent in Spanish
I had an incredible time in Colombia, despite the fact that I don’t know a lot Spanish! Not many individuals converse English there (particularly in Medellin), however a few of them do. The individuals in Colombia are very useful and affected person, so if it is advisable, you’ll be able to act out phrases or write issues down on a chunk of paper. This got here in useful for me once I wanted to ask the Transmilenio employees for route numbers in Bogota – they didn’t converse any English.
I like to recommend signing as much as Babbel so as to achieve a grasp of the language fundamentals earlier than your journey. This fashion, you’ll be able to concentrate on having fun with your self whereas overseas as an alternative of fighting studying frequent phrases.
9. Go With an Urge for food
Although you’ll find many acquainted worldwide dishes in Colombia, do take the chance to pattern a number of the native delicacies as properly. Ajiaco (a rooster soup spiced with Colombian herbs) is a Bogota specialty, as is cazuela de fríjoles (purple bean stew). Arepas (flattened maize patties) are generally consumed for breakfast or lunch, whereas empanadas (meat- or cheese-filled pastries) make glorious snacks. And in case you’re feeling daring, attempt mondongo–a soup created from slow-cooked diced tripe.
10. Haggling is Accepted
That is particularly evident with taxis and avenue distributors. I purchased a necklace from a Bogota avenue vendor for less than $10COP; he had initially quoted me $50COP. You will discover them throughout Parque Lleras in Medellin, however you should definitely haggle when shopping for sombreros in Cartagena. This could sufficient so that you can get began. Colombia is an exquisite nation, and I strongly suggest that you just go there on trip. And, don’t overlook some of the vital issues – your digital camera!
