Travel advice for Colombia.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Colombia.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US dollar (USD)

  • Change cash in local currency when outside larger urban areas

Local currency / ISO Code

Colombian peso COP

Further Information

Credit cards

 

  • Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

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Practical Information:

National language

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

Time difference with Switzerland

- 6 h / - 7 h during our summer time

Capital

Bogotá

Country code for calling Switzerland

90 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

110/150 volt / adapter required

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid after end of stay, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Bogotá, Cra. 9a no 74-08, Piso 11, Edificio Profinanzas
Tel. +57 1 349 72 30

Opening hours

Banks

8.00 - 11.30 h and 14.00 - 16.00/16.30 h (Mon - Fri)
Bogotà: 8.30 - 15.30 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 12.00 h and 14.00 - 18.30 h (Mon - Sat)

Driving
  • Swiss driver's license accepted; international driver's license recommended.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).

  • CH sticker and breakdown triangle mandatory.

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Risk of dengue fever.

  • Year-round risk of malaria throughout the country.

  • Vaccination against yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Most of the country's volcanoes are found in the Cordillera Central, some of them are active.
There is a potential risk of earthquakes and mudslides.

Security

  • Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.

  • Travelers should pay close attention to their personal security.

  • Join a guided group tour when possible and choose to travel by air.
    Travel to the border areas with Ecuador and Venezuela is not advised.

  • Relatively high crime rate, especially in the cities.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

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Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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