Questions about Medellin
Q: What places should I avoid at night in Medellin?
A: El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado and Sabaneta are very safe during at night, however, after 2 am we suggest you take a yellow cab to go home. If you happen to be around downtown, Belen, La 33 or any other area than the first four we alluded to, it is recommendable to avoid risks and take a taxi
Q: How easy can I get a Colombian phone number?
A: It’s very easy to find a prepaid sim card in Medellin. Usually the cost is around $10.000 cop (less than 3 dollars) and they work in most unlocked phones. You just need to charge the sim card with enough credit (in pesos), which will provide Internet mobile data and call minutes.
Please note that most town squares and parks have free Internet access for tourists and visitors.
Q: Is it safe to flag a cab on the street?
A: It’s usually safe, however if you can call a yellow cab or have someone to call it for you in a public establishment, please do so. You can download Easy Taxi an app in your mobile to request a yellow cab , it is available for Android and iOS.
Q: Should I tip the cabs in Colombia?
A: We locals don’t usually tip taxis, so they won’t be expecting you to tip them, however extra money would be highly appreciated.
Q: Can I use Uber in Colombia?
A: We don’t encourage Uber for our customers because it is considered illegal in Colombia. But if you find yourself in an emergency Uber is available in Colombia nationwide.
Q: What is the Emergency number in Medellín?
A: Our emergency number is 123.
Q: What is the weather like in Medellín?
A: There are no seasons in Colombia as you know them but we do have more rainfall in April, May, September and October. During the day the average temperature is79 °F (26 °C) all year round. During night time the temperature drops to 50 °F (17 °C) . You can find an accurate forecast via this link.
Q: What should I pack to go to Medellin?
A: As previously mentioned it’s hot but not humid during the day, so bring shorts and comfortable clothing. Your hotel may have a swimming pool so bathing suit, sunglasses and a hat are useful. In the evening it may be chilly for some people, so a couple of light jackets or sweaters are enough.
Q: Do I need a visa when visiting Colombia?
A: Americans, Canadians and Europeans do not need visa or it is only required when staying for more than 90 days.
Q: Do I need a vaccination when traveling to Medellin?
A: Generally to visit Medellin you do not need any kind of vaccination. However, for regions in Colombia like the Amazon or some areas in Choco you do need. Please research in advance for updated information or WhatsApp us so we can provide a more updated status.
Q: What is the native language of Colombia?
A: 92% of Colombian citizens speak Spanish as their native language, the remaining 8% speak different indigenous languages and dialects.
Q: Can people speak English in Medellín?
A: The majority does not speak any English or just the basics, although it depends on the person’s age and where you are in Medellín. Young people are more likely to speak fluent English.
Q: What time do shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies close at night?
A: Carulla Supermarket behind Oviedo is open 24/7 as well as many pharmacies. Please drop us a line stating where you are staying and we can help.
Q: Is tipping compulsory in restaurants and hotels?
A: A 10% of the total bill is usually charged but in some restaurants it is optional and the waiter will ask before handing the bill, so please check if there is “Servicio” or “Propina” written in the bill, so you don’t tip twice, at least not by mistake.
Q: What is the dress code to go out for dinner or go clubbing?
A: When we locals see someone wearing shorts and sneakers or flip-flops, we know straight away those are foreigners because we usually wear jeans in Medellín. In restaurants or discos, it is better to wear long pants or jeans and shoes.
Q: Is the US dollar widely accepted in Colombian commerce?
A: No, most of the shops only receive Colombian pesos (COP) or credit card, thus we recommend you to exchange dollars as soon you arrive in our country for the few shops than don’t receive cards.
Q: What is the best option to exchange the dollars into Colombian pesos?
A: Here you have 3 options:
- ATM: Usually the exchange rate and bank commission are not high, therefore, sometimes it is convenient to withdraw money from cash machines or pay with credit or debit cards. The bank we recommend that charges no commission and offers the best currency exchange rate is Davivienda.
- Currency Exchange Offices (Casas de Cambio in Spanish): There are plenty of them, you can look up on the Internet for the best rate, in our experience Surcambios offers good rates and it is conveniently located in the heart of El Poblado.
- Zeepod app is a very useful alternative to exchange money with other people with no intermediaries so you can set a meet up point and get a better price than at currency exchange places. You can download the app here and start looking for people interested in USD, Euros or even Bitcoins.
About Medellin Day Trips:
Q: Can I pay with US Dollar bills?
A: We don’t receive US dollars in cash.
Q: Can I pay with Venmo, Zelle, Credit/Debit Card or Paypal?
A: Yes to all of those options, however there is a commision of 4 to 5% for credit card payments and 6% for PayPal. Venmo and Zelle have no extra fees.
Q: What is the exchange rate if I pay you with cash in Colombian pesos?
A: The official exchange rate we are regulated by is found in this website, click here.
Q: How is your cancellation policy?
A: You can find our cancelation and refund policy here.
Q: What do you do with my personal information?
A: When you pay with credit card the third party card processor requires some information in order to validate authenticity of the transaction but we don’t have access to that information at all. In conclusion we don’t collect any information of the customer besides the pick up location, full name and passport number (if the person wants to be insured).
Q: Am I insured when I take tours with you?
A: All of our tours are designed and performed considering all the necessary precautions. Although we do provide an insurance for you for high risk activities such as Horseback Riding, ATVS and paragliding.
In any case, we suggest you activate your credit card insurance before traveling.
