Capital city in Bogotá Capital District, Colombia
Bogotá
High-altitude capital with excellent museums, restaurants, coworking and a growing nomad scene. Cold, grey weather, altitude and street crime are the trade-offs; the metro is still under construction.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,510–2,570Comfortable, one person · $5M–8.5MDetails
- Value for money33/100Better value than 32% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJul–Aug, Dec–FebWarmest: Feb, 20°CDetails
- Air quality16 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableBogotá's tap water from Acueducto is treated and generally safe, though some visitors choose filtered water in older buildings.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$39–85Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work almost everywhere in Chapinero and malls; carry cash for street food, markets, small shops and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Bogotá
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Chapinero (Zona G, Zona T) | Restaurants, nightlife, LGBTQ+ scene and coworking |
| Usaquén | Safe, upscale; Sunday market, cafés and calm streets |
| Parque 93 and Chicó | Business-friendly, safe, higher prices |
| La Candelaria | Old town with museums and budget stays; avoid at night |
Apps that work in Bogotá
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: Street taxis can be risky; order by Uber, DiDi or the Taxis Libres app, or use hotel taxis. Uber is technically unlicensed but widely used.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work almost everywhere in Chapinero and malls; carry cash for street food, markets, small shops and taxis.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
Going to Bogotá solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.