Name: Republic of Colombia
Dialing code: +57
Population: 43 million
Capital City: Bogota
In this section you will find general information about the country that might be useful in your trip.
There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for Colombia unless you are arriving within 6 days from a yellow fever infected area. You may feel it prudent to ensure your tetanus vaccination is up-to-date. There is a risk of Malaria if you are travelling to any rural area below 800 meters. We Suggest you to talk to your GP for recommended vaccination/ immunisations.
- Climate on Colombia's main cities
In Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, which is 2.640 metres above the sea level, the annual average temperature is 14ºC (57.2ºF).
Medellín, which is 1.538 metres above the sea level, the annual average temperature is 24ºC (75.2ºF).
Cali, which is 995 metres above the sea level, the annual average temperature is 23ºC (73.4ºF).
Barranquilla, which is 3 metres above the sea level, the annual average temperature is 27ºC (80.6ºF).
Cartagena, which is 2 metres above the sea level, the annual average temperature is 28ºC (82.4ºF).
110/120V 60Hz – American (USA) Standard Connection
Gratuities of around 10%, if service is not included
1.00 British Pound = 3,476.44 Colombian Peso
(Source: www.CurrencySource.com 16/05/08)
Debit/Credit cards are generally accepted in major cities. Travel cheques can be cashed in major banks and larger hotels but may prove difficult outside the cities – we recommend US dollar travellers cheques.
Spanish is the national language but English is spoken in the business environment.
Punctuality is appreciated in all cities. For business meetings in Bogotá formal attire is recommended (suit and tie). Business cards should be exchanged after introduction.
- Re-confirmation of flights
It is essential that you re-confirm your return flight at least 72-hours before departure. Failure to do so may result in the airline CANCELLING all onward flights without reference.
Colombia is 6 hours behind GMT.
Telephone Area Codes: (you should include the code 57 for Colombia)
Bogotá: 1
Cali: 2
Medellín: 3
Cartagena: 4
Mobile: if you are calling to a mobile the code is:
(0057) 310 + Number (7 digits)
(0057) 313 + Number (7 digits)
(0057) 315 + Number (7 digits)
(0057) 300 + Number (7 digits)
If you are in Colombia and are calling from a mobile you need to dial:
310 + Number (7 digits)
If you are in Colombia and are calling from a landline a you need to dial:
(03) 310 + Number (7 digits)
From 8:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00
Stores are usually open from Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 19:00 pm or 20:00 pm, and during the weekends from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
In Bogotá: From 9:00 to 15:00; other cities: from 8:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:00. The last working day of every month, service is available only up to 12:00.
A custom tax is required at the airport when leaving the country: USD45 (You have a discount of 50% according with the duration of your visit). Please ask in the airport.
We recommend using pre-booked taxis or taxis ordered at the hotel.
Just a few words on safety – provided you obey normal rules as you would in any large city you will not encounter anything untoward. If you go off on your own, even by taxi, you could be placing yourself at risk. We do not want to be over-dramatic, but please take care and stick together wherever possible.
If you would like to read further information on Colombia's internal conflict, and security conditions, please download this document:
PDF - Additional Information
