Frequently Asked Questions

That’s easy. We’ll always recommend using bank ATMs. Here you’ll get the best exchange rate, so more bang for your buck. Those cambios (money exchanges) you see at the airport after baggage claim are tempting but they won’t give you the best rates. Colombia might have a Caribbean coast, but no one accepts US dollars here. You do have to use Colombian Pesos, especially when making smaller purchases (bottled waters, etc.). Many places will accept credit cards, although not all, particularly the “moms and pops”-type of vendors. If you still need, we can arrange for a guide to accompany you to a local money exchange.

We welcome everyone to travel to beautiful Colombia just as they are. Many of our clients will plan a year in advance. Some plan a few months ahead. For others, their plans are entirely last-minute. We do our best to accommodate everyone according to their nature. Of course, the more time we have, the more ability to confirm everything, exactly in the way and in the order you wish once we receive your deposit.

It’s a relatively smooth process, rather typical especially if you’ve traveled internationally before. Follow the EXTRANJEROS (or “Foreigners” line) and follow it through to the counters. You’ll have completed an immigration form before your flight. When you get to the counter, you’ll be asked the reason for your visit. “VACATION” is the correct answer usually. They will ask you for your hotel and its address. We’ve included that for you on your confirmation voucher. Show the official a printed out copy with the information on it. This will cover you if you haven’t spoken Spanish since high school. They might have you place your bags on a conveyer belt to be x-rayed, but that’s it. Go meet your driver or guide outside of Baggage Claim/Customs just like the instructions on your itinerary. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it.

Because of its proximity to the equator, Colombia doesn’t really have seasons, besides wet or dry. Climate here is dependent primarily on elevation. Bogota has a higher elevation, so it is colder there. Medellin is known as the City of Eternal Spring because daily weather is consistently like springtime every day of the year. Yep, you read that right. Along the coast, the temperatures are hotter with more humidity, although chances are you won’t care because you’ll be immersed in those warm and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean or sipping a piña colada by the pool to cool off.

We invite you to come as you are. Consider the activities you have booked and how you plan to spend any free time you have most comfortably. Take into consideration all the destinations on your itinerary. You’ll need warmer clothing for Bogota, lighter clothes for Medellin. Going to the coast? Well then don’t forget to pack swimwear and very light, breathe-able fabrics for this part of your trip.

It is and certainly one of the reasons our founder has made both a home and a business here. Read more on our blog post here.(https://www.outincolombia.com/post/is-colombia-safe-for-gay-travelers) Colombians themselves are a very diverse people, and are friendly & welcoming to foreign visitors in their beautiful homeland.

Not when you book an itinerary (https://www.outincolombia.com/itineraries)with OUT in Colombia. Our guides are bi-lingual. Although most of our drivers speak Spanish only. If you'd prefer an English-speaker to meet you at the airport, let us know and we'll book a guide to go along for the ride. Colombia is sophisticated but not very commercial. English fluency is not as prominent here as in, say, Argentina’s capital. This is what makes this country so magical. Feel free to brush upon on some key words and phrases before you arrive. If you like, we can book you an express, crash-course in Spanish to familiarize you with all the local lingo. Colombian Spanish has its own stylings and phrases. There are Colombian Spanish books on Amazon you can also read before you get here.

If you’re from the U.S., you won’t need a special adaptor for Colombia. Electricity here runs at 110 volts, the same as the states; the outlets here also accommodate the same plugs you use at home.