South America
Colombia
Warm, sociable and good value: Medellín's nomad scene, Bogotá, the Caribbean coast and coffee country. Street crime and dating-app drugging need real care; English is limited outside tourist areas.
- Visa101 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyCOPUS$1 ≈ $3,311.93Details
- Price level38%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency123Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
- Tap waterFilter or boilSafe from the tap in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled or filtered on the Caribbean coast, in small towns and rural areas.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityBogotá (Chapinero) and Medellín are open, with big scenes and Pride around late June; small towns and the coast are more conservative.Details
- Internet231 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 45 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightTourists can drive with a valid home licence during their permitted stay; an IDP helps at police checks.
- Digital nomad visaYesVisa V Nómada DigitalDetails
Where to go in Colombia
16 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedellínCity | 3/5 | $1,510–2,570 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 30/100 |
| CartagenaCity | 3/5 | $1,660–2,720 | Dec–Mar | 27/100 |
| BogotáCapital city | 3/5 | $1,510–2,570 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 33/100 |
| Santa MartaCity | 3/5 | $1,270–2,110 | Dec–Mar | 50/100 |
| CaliCity | 3/5 | $1,270–2,110 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 56/100 |
| SalentoTown | 4/5 | $1,060–1,660 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 75/100 |
| GuatapéTown | 4/5 | $1,150–1,810 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 70/100 |
| San AndrésIsland | 4/5 | $1,660–2,570 | Jan–Apr | 42/100 |
| MincaMountain town | 4/5 | $1,060–1,750 | Dec–Mar | 71/100 |
| PalominoTown | 4/5 | $1,060–1,750 | Dec–Mar | 66/100 |
| Villa de LeyvaTown | 4/5 | $1,150–1,810 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 69/100 |
| San GilTown | 4/5 | $1,060–1,660 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 77/100 |
| JardínTown | 4/5 | $1,060–1,660 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 73/100 |
| BarranquillaCity | 3/5 | $1,270–2,110 | Dec–Mar | 56/100 |
| PereiraCity | 3/5 | $1,360–1,960 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb | 38/100 |
| LeticiaTown | 4/5 | $1,360–1,960 | Jun–Sep | 58/100 |
When to visit Colombia
Bogotá and Medellín are mild year-round, drier Dec–Mar and Jul–Aug. Caribbean coast: Dec–Apr is driest, busiest around Christmas and New Year.
Good to know
Entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy; police checks are common.
- Buying drugs is illegal, and street deals are a common setup for robbery.
Etiquette
- 'No dar papaya': don't make yourself an easy target
- Say 'buenos días' when entering shops and taxis
- Use 'usted' with strangers; first contact is fairly formal
Tipping
Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- Migración Colombia
- Check-MIG pre-registration
- Cancillería de Colombia: Visa types
- Speedtest Global Index: Colombia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.