Airport to Lodging
Passing through customs is easy. Once you pass through customs you’ll enter a small gathering area. Tons of touts and sales people will mob you here. The taxi touts will over charge you here. Don’t talk to anyone and tell anyone where you are going or what you’re business is. Do not get a taxi in front of customs. Do not tell anyone you are an American. If you feel a little suspicious about your taxi driver asking too many questions, have him drop you off at a hotel you are NOT staying in, then leave a little later and go to your planned hotel destination. Turn sharply left, past the bank of pay phones, and continue walking to the ticketing / check-in hall. Walk to the other end of the lower terminal where you’ll find the official taxi stand. Expect to pay $10 to $15 for a taxi to downtown Bogota.
Caution Tips:
Never describe the purpose of your trip as business or indicate that you work for a large company. You are either a penniless student from an impoverished family or an out of work tradesman. Never describe any connection to a government agency or petrochemical business. It is very important that you have no connection to an organization that may be willing to pay a ransom. Do not carry business cards and memorize important telephone numbers family and business connections.
In baggage claim there’s a window to exchange currency. The rate at the airport is not as good as in town at the banks. Exchange $50-100. There are ATM’s at the airport but we suggest you don’t use them.
Drugs
Another issue you should be aware of is Burundanga. It’s the infamous drug that takes your will away. You’ll just give your robbers anything they want. So be VERY careful who you accept drinks / food / cigarettes from.
Do not purchase drugs while you are there, as if we have to say it.
Holidays
Jan 1 2001 New Year’s Day
Jan 6 Epiphany
Mar 19 St Joseph’s Day
Apr 12 Maundy Thursday
Apr 13 Good Friday
May 1 Labor Day
May 24 Ascension Day
Jun 14 Corpus Christi
Jun 22 Sacred Heart
Jun 29 Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Jul 20 Independence Day
Aug 7 Battle of Boyacá
Aug 15 Assumption
Oct 15 Columbus Day
Nov 1 All Saints’ Day
Nov 11 Independence of Cartagena City.
Dec 8 Immaculate Conception
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Jan 1 2002 New Year’s Day
Jan 6 Epiphany
Mar 19 St Joseph’s Day
Mar 28 Maundy Thursday
Mar 29 Good Friday
May 1 Labor Day
May 9 Ascension Day
May 30 Corpus Christi
Jun 7 Sacred Heart
Jun 29 Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Jul 20 Independence Day
Aug 7 Battle of Boyacá
Aug 15 Assumption
Oct 14 Columbus Day
Nov 1 All Saints’ Day
Nov 11 Independence of Cartagena City
Dec 8 Immaculate Conception
Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Language
Good advise for anyone going to Colombia is to learn a little Spanish or hang out w/ someone who does. It’ll save you time & money. If you know some Spanish then we recommend you contact the escort services in the paper. These chicks are hot & charge $20-$40.
Escort in Spanish is
Acompañante” or Modelo
Legal Age
Age of consent is 18 years old.
The official currency is the Peso. Exchange rate is tied to coffee prices and fluctuates approx., 700 peso = $1 Cdn or 1000 peso = $1 US. Some taxi drivers etc. may take US$ but most will not. Best exchange rate is at the banks but not recommended as time consuming with different hours open, lineups passport req. etc. The Casa de Cambios located mainly in Boca Grande offer only slightly less than bank rates and is much more convenient. For changing large amounts try the private banks in the larger jewelry stores (also cash advance) better rate than the casa’s and less hassles than the banks (passport still needed).
Best bet is of course ATMs there are hundreds mainly in Boca Grande and some take US/Cdn and other foreign cards and have instructions in English. If no ATM and need to exchange at night, try the casino as they will give a better rate than the hotel front desk.
Colombian Peso (peso) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of peso20,000, 10,000, 5000 and 2000. Coins are in denominations of peso1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50.
Tip
The exchange rate tends to be lower on the Caribbean coast than in Bogotá, Medellin and Cali. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange at hotels, banks, shops and travel agencies; but all establishments charge an exchange fee. All major credit cards are accepted, but check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travelers checks
These are not always easy to change in the smaller towns, except at branches of the Banco de la República. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars.
ATM
Servibanca is where you can access your ATM card. They are painted green and are usually inside of supermarkets and shopping areas.
Passports and Visas
Passport valid for at least 6 months required by all.
Visa
Not required by those traveling for touristic purposes for up to 90 days except nationals from countries listed below who do require a visa. A visitor’s permit will be issued on arrival and a 15-day extension to this period may usually be granted. All visitors must provide proof on arrival of sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Security
The Department of State warns U.S. Citizens against unnecessary travel to Colombia. Violence by narco traffickers, guerrillas, paramilitary groups and other criminal elements continues to affect all parts of the country. Citizens of the United States and other countries have been the victims of recent threats, kidnappings, domestic airline hijackings and murders. Colombian groups have been known to operate in the border areas of neighboring countries, creating similar dangers for travelers in those areas.
Tipping
Tipping is not necessary but it will be up to you. Colombians are kind people and if someone is nice to you and goes out of their way for you, treat them nice.
Taxi
Taxis will take you to local brothels-preferably during the day-cost $50 for all day/night. Taxis prices start at 2,500 for a 10-20 block ride. 20-30 blocks is usually 3,000. Prices go up about 1,000-1,500 at night.
Water
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized.