South America

Money, cards and tipping in Colombia

Capital: BogotaSpanishUpdated October 2026

COPPeso

Money in Colombia

Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, chains and most city restaurants; cash rules in small shops, markets, taxis and on the coast. US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Price level: about 38% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Medellín	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in malls, chains and most Poblado restaurants; carry cash for small shops, bakeries, taxis and street food.
Cartagena	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels, chains and many restaurants; carry cash for street food, taxis, boats, beach chairs and island lunches.
Bogotá	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work almost everywhere in Chapinero and malls; carry cash for street food, markets, small shops and taxis.
Santa Marta	Mostly cash	Cards work in malls, chains and many hostels; cash is needed for markets, taxis, beaches, small restaurants and Tayrona entry.
Cali	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards are accepted in malls, chains and many restaurants; keep cash for street food, taxis, small shops and salsa clubs.
Salento	Mostly cash	Cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed for small shops, jeeps and market food. There are few ATMs; bring cash.
Guatapé	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in some restaurants and hotels, but cash is needed for entry, snacks, boats and small shops. ATMs exist in town.
San Andrés	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels, restaurants and shops in Centro, but cash is needed for small beach shacks, taxis and tours.
Minca	Cash only	Mostly cash. Few places take cards and ATMs are unreliable or absent; bring cash from Santa Marta.
Palomino	Cash only	Mostly cash. A few hostels take cards; ATMs are scarce and often empty, so bring enough cash from Santa Marta.
Villa de Leyva	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in many hotels and restaurants on the plaza; cash is needed for small shops, taxis, markets and entry fees. ATMs exist in town.
San Gil	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in some hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed for adventure tours, markets and small shops. ATMs are in the centre.
Jardín	Mostly cash	Cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed for trails, cafés and small shops. ATMs exist on the plaza.
Barranquilla	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards are fine in malls, chains and many restaurants; cash is needed for street food, taxis, markets and Carnival vendors.
Pereira	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in malls, chains and many restaurants; cash for markets, taxis, small shops and rural trips.
Leticia	Mostly cash	Cash is needed for markets, mototaxis, boats and small tours; ATMs exist in town but can run dry. Cards work in some hotels.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Colombia?

Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.

Is Colombia cashless?

Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in malls, chains and most city restaurants; cash rules in small shops, markets, taxis and on the coast.

What currency does Colombia use?

The Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.