FYI
You will be staying in our apartment for the days we are in Bogotá. We have 3 downstairs bedrooms with a queen bed and a full bathroom in each of the rooms. If Mitchell and Shaina bring the bebe, they will take the master bedroom. We’ll have a mattress in the upstairs living room. The apartment is located in the Chico neighborhood, specifically Chico Norte III. There are various restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies 1-15 minutes from our place if you forget or need anything. If there are things you think you will need while here (anything from steamers to shampoo) let us know and we will either have it already or have it ready by the time you arrive.
When packing for our trip to Colombia, keep in mind that we’ll be visiting two very different climates. Bogotá, located in the Andes, has a cool and temperate climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 45-65°F. It can get chilly, especially in the evenings, so bring layers, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking for our walking tours. Although not during rainy season, a rain jacket is always advisable in Bogotá.
Cartagena, on the other hand, is tropical and warm, with temperatures around 80-90°F. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunblock, and swimwear will be essential. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for the strong coastal sun!
Bogotá sits at an altitude of 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) above sea level, which is much higher than most people are used to. At this elevation, the air is thinner, meaning less oxygen is available. It’s possible that you may feel some effects of altitude during their first few days, such as mild headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, especially after physical exertion. For what it’s worth, Amanda and I adjusted immediately with no issues. If you don’t, sounds like a skills issue.
To help your body adjust, it’s important to take things slowly at first. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and try not to overexert yourself. Altitude sickness is uncommon for most visitors, but if you experience any symptoms, rest and hydrate until you feel better. For this reason, our first full day in Bogotá will require very little walking. The good news is that after a day or two, your body will usually acclimate.
We’ll be staying in the Chico neighborhood, one of Bogotá’s wealthier and safer areas. While it’s generally safe, petty theft, like pickpocketing, can still happen, especially in crowded areas. To minimize risk, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid showing valuables in public, and use a cross-body bag or money belt.
Cartagena also has areas where you should be mindful of pickpocketing, especially in touristy spots like the Old City. Stay alert and take basic precautions to enjoy your trip without worries.
As U.S. citizens, we do not need a visa to visit Colombia for stays under 90 days. However, all travelers are required to complete the CheckMig form online within 72 hours before arrival and again before departure. The form collects basic information and helps streamline entry into the country.
Make sure to bring your passport, which must be valid for at least six months, and save a digital copy of your completed CheckMig form with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to have a digital copy of your flight itinerary and accommodation details when arriving to the Bogotá airport, as immigration agents will ask where you are staying. I will provide our address before you arrive.
In Colombia, the local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). You’ll find ATMs readily available in Bogotá and Cartagena, but it’s a good idea to notify your bank in advance of your international travel to avoid any issues with card usage. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in both cities, but smaller vendors and street markets might only take cash or transfer services similar to Venmo that are only available to locals with Colombia bank accounts. For this reason, carrying some pesos for day-to-day expenses is a smart idea.
You can exchange U.S. dollars at currency exchange booths in airports, but you’ll get a better exchange rate by requesting currency from your bank with advance notice. Be aware of potential international transaction fees from your bank, and check with your bank before leaving to see if they have partner banks in Colombia that offer fee-free withdrawals.
It’s also worth noting that tipping is common in restaurants, with 10% being standard, and you’ll usually be asked if you would like to add this (“servicio?”).
Below are details about international plans for T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T so you can choose the option that works best for you:
- T-Mobile: If you’re on T-Mobile’s Go5G plan, you’ll have access to 5GB of data and texting in Colombia at no extra cost, with calls costing $0.25 per minute. Data speeds might be slower, but it’s a solid option for basic browsing and messaging. You can also upgrade to faster speeds with the International Pass, which offers high-speed data for $5/day.
- Verizon: Verizon offers a TravelPass for $12/day, which allows you to use your domestic plan’s talk, text, and data in Colombia just like you would in the U.S. If you don’t opt for TravelPass, international rates apply, which are generally more expensive—$1.79 per minute for calls, and pay-as-you-go rates for data and messaging.
- AT&T: AT&T also has a International Day Pass for $10/day, giving you access to unlimited calls, texts, and data from your domestic plan while in Colombia. Without the Day Pass, you’ll be charged $2.05 per minute for calls, $0.50 per text, and pay-as-you-go data rates. If you plan to use your phone regularly, the Day Pass is a better value.