City in Bolívar, Colombia
Cartagena
Walled colonial old town, Caribbean sunsets and boat trips to the Rosario Islands. Great for first-time visitors; heat, humidity, beach vendors and high old-town prices are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,660–2,720Comfortable, one person · $5.5M–9MDetails
- Value for money27/100Better value than 26% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Jun, 30°CDetails
- Air quality20.6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2016) · PollutedDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water, and ask for ice from purified water; tap is treated but often tastes poor and varies by pipe.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$36–75Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, chains and many restaurants; carry cash for street food, taxis, boats, beach chairs and island lunches.Details
Where to stay in Cartagena
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Getsemaní | Backpackers and nightlife: street art, hostels, plazas |
| Old Town (Centro Histórico) | Colonial streets, boutique hotels; pricey and tourist-heavy |
| Bocagrande | Beach high-rises, malls, apartments and hotels |
| El Laguito and Manga | Quieter residential stays; calmer, less walkable |
Apps that work in Cartagena
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: Street taxis rarely use meters, so settle a fare first; staying around Old Town you can mostly walk. Never accept unsolicited rides from touts.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, chains and many restaurants; carry cash for street food, taxis, boats, beach chairs and island lunches.
- 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
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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.