Colombia Travel Guide

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Shopping

Goods to look out for include gold jewelry, art, antiques and leather products. Colombia produces first-grade precious stones, and the emeralds are among the most perfect in the world. Bogotá has numerous large shopping malls as well as several distinct shopping districts.

Shopping hours: In colder cities such as Bogotá, typically Mon-Sat 1100-2100. In hotter cities, Mon-Sat 0900-2100.

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP; symbol Col$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Col$50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of Col$500, 200, 100, 50 and 20.

Currency Exchange

Currency should be exchanged at hotels, banks and bureau de change only, though most places charge commission. Travelers are advised against changing money on the street. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so. There are ATMs throughout the main cities; some will allow cash withdrawals using Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus.

Travelers Checks

The most commonly accepted traveler's checks are those issued by American Express and Citicorp. Traveller's checks can be exchanged at banks, hotels or bureau de change. They are generally not accepted as a form of payment, other than at major hotels.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local and foreign currencies is unlimited, but amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 must be declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1500. On the last business day of every month, banks close at 1200.

Exchange Rate