Cactus Phone Card:
– Locals swear by Claro as the best option for phone cards.
– When you first land in Bogota, consider stopping by the Buero Museum. At its entrance, staff dressed in red shirts often sell phone cards with a variety of packages at prices that are much more competitive than those found in supermarkets.
– Once your data runs out, it’s easy to top up—just 7000 COP will get you another 2G of data.
Currency Exchange:
– The highest exchange rate we’ve come across in Bogota is around 3830 COP per USD.
– At the airport, expect rates closer to 3700, while Medellin and Salento typically match this figure.
– It’s wise to exchange about 20 USD at the airport as an emergency reserve, then head out into the city for better deals.
– For domestic withdrawals, many banks allow you to pre-arrange US dollar cash exchanges through their apps. Simply schedule it a week in advance for convenience.
Recommended Currency Exchange Locations in Bogota:
There are two or three excellent spots inside the Immerald Trade Center where security guards ensure safety. These locations offer great rates and are conveniently located near the Gold Museum.
Address: Av Jimenez de Quesada 5-43, Bogotá
Bank Withdrawals:
– Make sure to carry a bank card that waives fees, such as the Bank of China’s US study visa card, which eliminates domestic bank charges (though overseas bank fees still apply).
– Estimated withdrawal costs vary: Blanco Bogota < Davivienda < Blanco Colombia, ranging roughly between 15000-25000 COP.
City Transportation:
– In Bogota, taxis are highly recommended, with Uber being the go-to app for rides. Alternatively, try Indrive—a lesser-known but significantly cheaper ride-hailing service (up to 30%-50% savings compared to Uber!).
Inter-city Bus Guide:
– Each city has a central terminal, housing multiple bus companies. Use Google Maps and search for “terminal” to locate these hubs easily.
– Look for window stickers indicating each company’s destinations, then purchase tickets directly from the corresponding counter.
– Online platforms like RedBus or Busbud allow you to check ticket information beforehand (with an optional 6000 COP handling fee for advanced purchases).
However, offline options tend to be more comprehensive, with tickets generally available on the day of travel.
Postage Stamps & Post Offices:
– If you enjoy sending postcards and need stamps, you’ll need to track down a local post office.
– Searching for “postoffice” won’t work in Colombia; instead, look for “472” on your map.
– Visit any branch with blue storefronts, keeping an eye on their opening hours.
– International postage stamps cost approximately 10000 COP.
