Practical information
Practical information
Bogota, capital of Colombia, has an altitude of 2,625 meters above sea level and has the world's largest paramo, the Sumapaz. It has 7,363,782 inhabitants and is recognized as a multicultural, diverse and creative city. The Colombian capital is in constant change and progress, positioning itself as one of the most important cities in the region and an economic and cultural reference for Latin America.
Strategically located in South America, Bogota has more than 30 airlines operating daily direct flights to and from the major cities of America and Europe. This has been a key factor for foreign companies to choose Bogota as their strategic hub.
- Location
- Currency Exchange
- Visas and Documentation required to visit Colombia
- Health recommendations
- Electric Output
- Comunicate to and from Colombia
- Emergency Numbers
- Transportation in Bogotá
Located in the center of the country, in the Eastern Cordillera, Bogota has an area of approximately 33 kilometers from South to North and 16 km from East to West.
The official currency is the Colombian peso COP. Its rate fluctuates daily, according to the dollar variations mostly.
The suggested places for currency exchange are the different currency exchange offices located in the El Dorado International Airport, shopping centers and hotels. You can also make use of the extended network of cash machines that accept all types of electronic and credit cards. Do not forget to inform your bank that you will travel to Bogotá D.C. - Colombia - South America , to enable the use of your card.
Remember that if you enter the country with an amount exceeding USD 10,000, you are required to declare it in the form of Declaration and Luggage.
For more information visit www.banrep.gov.co
Currency converter by OANDA
Colombia requires visa to nationals of 100 countries around the world. Nationals of countries that require a visa must apply for a visa through Colombian consulates abroad in accordance with Resolution 0439 of 2016. The process can be done in person or online.
It is discretionary power of the National Government of Colombia, founded on the principle of state sovereignty, to authorize the entry, stay and departure of foreigners from the country without prejudice to the provisions of international treaties. The entry, stay and departure of foreigners from the national territory shall be governed by the general provisions of Decree 1067 of 2015 (Single Regulatory Decree of the Administrative Sector of Foreign Affairs) and the Resolution 5512 of 2015, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia. Check HERE to verify the countries that require a visa to enter Colombia.
Bogota has a vast network of public and private hospitals, many of which are internationally recognized.
Bogota, has complete coverage of sanitary and water supply, you can even drink tap water without any problems. In October, the rainy season, there are frequent respiratory and viral diseases such as influenza. Thanks to its location at 2,600m above sea level, diseases like Zika or Chikungunya are not present in Bogota.
If you have allergies or health problems due to some foods, remember to always ask what ingredients compose your plate. Colombian cuisine is varied. Always carry identification documents such as passport, identity card, health insurance card and medical prescriptions.
- Vaccines: If you come from South American countries like Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama, Guyane or any African nation, you should get vaccinated against yellow fever 10 days before your trip as it is a fundamental requirement to enter Colombia. The vaccine must be certified by The Ministry of Health of the respective country.
- Medical assistance and medicine purchase: Those wishing to visit Colombia should purchase a travel insurance with medical care coverage and emergency hospital care. Medicines that do not require a prescription can be purchased at drug stores and pharmacies. You should verify the expiration date printed on the package.
Bogota energy is 110 volts and electrical outlets are American type : two flat input pins.
- The country code for Colombia is +57.
- To make international calls from Colombia, using a landline phone : dial the prefix 005, 007 or 009 + country code - area code + phone number.
- To make long distance calls within the Colombian territory, from a landline phone: you must dial 05, 07 or 09 + city code + phone number desired.
- Mobile to Mobile : you must dial a ten-digit number.
- Landline phone to Mobile: 03 + 10 digit number.
- Mobile to Landline phone : 03 + city code + phone number.
In case of an emergency, dial 123 from any landline or mobile phone at any time of the day. Other numbers for emergency:
- 112 - National Police
- 119 - Fire Police
- 132 - Red Cross
- 126 - Highway Police
- 127 - Transit
- Office of the Mayor of Bogota - 0057-1-3813000 ext. 1901
To access the services of the Integrated Transport System -SITP, you must purchase and / or previously recharge a TuLlave or Frequent Customer transport card.
http://www.transmilenio.gov.co/es/articulos/medios‐de‐pago
Fares:
- Transmilenio $2.000 = USD 1, through TuLlave or Frequent Customer transport card.
- SITP $ 1.700 = USD 1, through TuLlave or Frequent Customer transport card.
Download HERE your mobile APP for Transmilenio.
Visit: http://www.transmilenio.gov.co/es/articulos/medios‐de‐pago
- Preferably take taxis serving in hotels or order one by phone service.
- Do not take these vehicles on the street, particularly at night.
- Inside the cab, the driver must have in a visible place for the passenger an identification of both the vehicle and the driver, including a chart of the rates by dialing meter units, with their respective equivalent in Colombian pesos (COP).
- Transportation to and from the airport, services provided at nightime, holidays, and services requested by phone, have an additional charge, which will be charged at the end of the service. The services outside the urban perimeter have different fares.