When I was traveling to Colombia for the first time a had many questions asked around. Unfortunately, I didn’t find all the answers, so I decided to collect all the things you should know before traveling to Colombia.
The socket is different than in Europe
In Colombia, plugs have two flat parallel pins. Don’t forget to purchase a travel adaptor for your electronics. Additionally, due to the lower voltage, your devices will have less power (hair dryer for example).
Local people don’t speak English
Don’t count on people in Colombia to understand English. It’s uncommon for people to speak English. The menu is typically only available in Spanish at restaurants, however, you can easily translate it using Google Translate. To make your life easier here, I advise learning some basic words.
Cars don’t stop on crosswalks
You can wait forever to cross the street on the crosswalk because no one will stop. Never. Using traffic lights is a safer way to cross the street, but still, you need to be cautious.
Traffic jam is terrible
The worst way to get around town is via car or taxi. Because traffic is so bad, it is preferable to take the subway. Use a plane to fly outside of the city because the average speed is 50km/h.
Avoid going to the city center and parks in the evening.
Surprised, are you? In Europe, the city center is where people gather after work, with the bulk of restaurants and events, but this is not the case in Colombia. In Colombia, the city center is considered the most dangerous part of town, and it’s best to avoid it in the evening. Don’t go there after dark, just like you wouldn’t in a park.
Don’t give a papaya
Colombians commonly say “no dar papaya,” which has nothing to do with papayas. In essence, it implies hiding anything precious when you’re outside. For instance, you shouldn’t use your smartphone while walking or on the bus or wear expensive jewelry. In conclusion, don’t let someone take advantage of you (with the implication that if you do, it will be your fault if they do).
You can buy everything here
I was told that Colombia didn’t have the same cosmetics brands I was accustomed to, so I brought liters of shampoo, shower gel, and other toiletries from Europe for a two-month stay. What a shock it was for me to find everything (and much more) in a neighborhood mall. Don’t copy me; everything is available here, and the cost is affordable.
You don’t need a lot of cash
In a large city, credit cards are accepted practically everywhere. But you’ll need cash if you’re outside the city. You can exchange it in specific places or withdraw it from an ATM (there are many of them)
Use Uber instead of a city taxi
There are many instances of tourists being robbed by city taxis and drivers even cooperating with bandits, using Uber is safer than using a traditional taxi because there are no records of these crimes. Even though Uber is only partially allowed in this country, you know your driver and have all the facts of your ride, so you may complain to support.
It’s pointless to check the weather forecast
Weather forecasts make no sense to check because it is unreliable and the weather is changing so frequently. Just be ready for both rainy and bright days.
Vaccinate against yellow fever
In Colombia, particularly in the jungles, there is a high danger of yellow fever. You should be immunized if you intend to visit Tayrona Park or any other rainforest location. Additionally, you can receive vaccinations in Colombia for no cost if you can provide your boarding pass ( here you’ll find details how to vaccinate for free https://www.dssa.gov.co/index.php/puntos-de-vacunacion-de-fiebre-amarilla-para-viajeros-internacionales). Since it takes the vaccine two weeks to start working, it is preferable to have the dose before leaving on your trip.
Portions in restaurants are huge
In Medellin, there’s a tradition to pack food that you can’t finish and give it to homeless people. And this happens often. Certainly Colombian food deserves its own page, but what is important to know is that portions are large.
Do you have any other questions? Ask us in the comments!