Practical information for travelling in
COLOMBIA

Currency: the Colombian peso

Colombia's currency is the Colombian peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels and restaurants, but cash is still needed in villages, markets and small shops. ATMs are easy to find in towns; use those inside banks or shopping centres and let your bank know you are travelling. Exchange rates change daily, so check a currency converter before you go.

Language

Spanish is the official language, spoken alongside 65 indigenous languages. English and French are not widely spoken outside tourist services, which is why our guides travel with you in your language.

Time zone

Colombia is on UTC-5 all year, with no daylight saving time. That is 5 hours behind London in winter and 6 hours in summer.

Plugs and voltage

Colombia uses type A and B plugs, at 110 volts and 60 hertz, the same as North America. Travellers from the UK and Europe need a plug adapter; most phone and laptop chargers accept 110 volts, but check hair dryers and other appliances.

Drinking water

Tap water is treated and considered safe to drink in Bogotá and some other large cities. In rural areas and on the coast, we recommend filtered or bottled water.

Emergency number

The national emergency number in Colombia is 123. During your trip with us, you also have a direct line to our team.

Flights to Colombia

Bogotá's El Dorado airport is the country's main international gateway, with direct flights from London and Paris of around 11 hours. Medellín, Cali and Cartagena also receive international flights.

Getting around Colombia

Domestic flights connect the main cities in about an hour. By road, the mountains make journeys longer than the map suggests: allow three to four hours from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva, for example. We plan each itinerary to combine flights and private transfers so you spend your time travelling well, not waiting.

Entry requirements and health

See our frequently asked questions for visas, the Check-MIG form, vaccinations and altitude.

Updated by Colombie Travel, Colombia DMC and member of ANATO and ACOTUR. Last reviewed: November 2026.