Traveling to Colombia might be one of the best decisions you’ve made, given that there are a lot of surprises you might experience, especially if it’s your first time. Nothing describes Colombia better than nature’s haven – the picturesque surroundings and the friendly natives will make you wish you could stay longer.
And you can stay as long as you want and have the time of your life, but a few pointers will make your stay more enjoyable and safer. República de Colombia has a lot to offer; you just need some careful prepping.
Keep reading for tips to keep in mind before traveling to Colombia. Moreover, our Colombia travel tips will have you feeling like a local – knowledgeable enough to enjoy the wonders of Colombia.
Find Available and Affordable Domestic Flights in Colombia
Learn how to get around Colombia fast and securely. One of the many perks of this travel-friendly destination is that there’s a pool of affordable national flights you can easily book.
If the location on your mind can be easily accessed by car or train, go for it. On the other hand, if you’re in Bogota and want to check out Medellin, hopping on a plane will save you an 8-hour drive. You’ll find plenty of cheap domestic fares, so it’s a no-brainer.
Also, you should know that the pinnacle of the tourist season in Colombia is December through the middle of January, and June to August. Flights can be a bit pricier during this period, so booking in advance is a good idea.
A Taxi Is the Go-To Means of Transport to Get Around Safely
Even though Colombia is no longer the chaotic country you’ve heard about in the news, taxis are recommended as the safest transportation.
You can call a cab whenever you want to get from one place to another, especially in a big city like Bogota.
If you’ve had a great night out at some of Colombia’s bars and restaurants, and you’re headed to your hotel or B&B late at night, avoid walking alone. Just as in any other place in the world, street thefts are common, which is yet another reason to get a cab.
In Colombia, taxi fares are pretty affordable, and finding a cab isn’t that hard, especially if you have a Cabify or an Uber app. Forget about hailing a cab as it can turn into a scam, instead call for one yourself, or ask the owners of the place you’re staying in to get you one.
English Isn’t That Common in Colombia
Regardless of what you’ve read or heard about Colombians speaking English well, it isn’t true. In fact, only 10% of Colombians speak decent English, which means you should do your part too and learn some basic Spanish before landing in Colombia.
Suppose you’re a first-time traveler to Colombia. In that case, you might have difficulty communicating with people, even if you already know how to say hola, gracias, and dónde está el hospital – it will take more than a couple of words to get by in Colombia.
To avoid feeling like a complete stranger (a total tourist), learn some common phrases.
Colombians Have a Specific Way of Greeting
One of the local staples of Colombia is the way the people greet each other. In Colombia, women give kisses, while men do handshakes. While two women seeing one another on the street will kiss each other on the cheeks, two men seeing each other will greet by shaking hands.
However, women and men can kiss on the cheek as part of their greeting, but only if they are more than acquaintances.
Medellin Has the Only Public Transport System in Colombia
Public transport system in Colombia is only available in Medellin. You can find trains and cable cars that will be your best means of transport while in Medellin (if you want to experience the city in all its glory).
However, in Bogota, the public transportation system is only made of buses, serving 8 million city residents. You can imagine how (in)efficient this type of transport can be.
Trust Medellin VIP to Help You Make Memories
We hope our travel tips will make it easier for you to enjoy the lovely Columbia! Whether you’re a first-timer in Colombia or coming back to Medellin, knowing how to get around is key. Here at Medellin VIP, we know how to cater to the transportation needs of our clients to feel like genuine VIPs.
Other than transportation, our vacation rentals will leave you speechless! Choose where you want to spend your time in Medellin, and maybe go on some of our tours.
Let’s get in touch and plan the trip of your life!
