🚨 **Safety**: The image of streets filled with drug dealers shooting at each other couldn’t be further from reality. In fact, it’s safer than many major cities in Europe or the U.S. Strolling through commercial districts at night poses no issues. Even Medellín, famous for its “gangster culture,” is surprisingly secure—no need for a “safety guide” here.
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🛂 **Entry Requirements**:
1️⃣ A valid U.S. or Schengen visa with at least six months remaining.
2️⃣ Get your yellow fever vaccine at customs about ten days ahead of time (you’ll need proof of paid flight reservations to qualify). Afterward, they’ll issue a small yellow booklet (though it wasn’t checked during entry).
3️⃣ Register your information 72 hours before arrival and keep a screenshot handy—it might be necessary to board your plane. Website: apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co
4️⃣ Book a hotel in advance; otherwise, you may not be allowed on the plane.
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💰 **Money**: Cash reigns supreme in many places, and some businesses charge an extra 10% for card payments. Exchange rates at Bogotá’s airport are better than those at touristy shops by 1%-3%. When using credit cards, expect to be asked how many installments you’d like—just go with one unless you’re looking for trouble.
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✈️ **Flights**: Domestic flights don’t include free checked baggage. Buying luggage allowance online while booking is significantly cheaper than doing so at the airport.
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🚖 **Taxis**: Use Uber—it’s reliable. If you’re in Bogotá, always add at least 50% more time to your trip due to unpredictable traffic. Google Maps tends to underestimate travel times, and local drivers often take overly confident detours that end up slowing things down. Note: There’s no Uber on San Andrés Island.
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🚗 **Car Rentals**: Officially, renting a car with just a Chinese license can feel murky when consulting the consulate. However, in practice, direct licenses work fine without hassle, and local authorities rarely question Asian faces behind the wheel. Websites like Zizuche or Ctrip might not list available cars, so book directly through local sites such as Localiza or Alamo. Avoid driving in Bogotá altogether; elsewhere, roads are less congested and drivers more disciplined. Pay tolls in cash.
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💬 **Language**: Outside American hotels, Western restaurants, and service windows, assume everyone speaks Spanish. Download offline language packs for translation apps if needed—they come in handy even when typing back-and-forth becomes the mode of communication.
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📶 **Internet**: The cheapest data plans come from the three main carriers (under ¥10/day), though there are restrictions. Devices supporting eSIMs can purchase packages beforehand domestically. Alternatively, plenty of roadside stores sell physical SIM cards.
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🍽️ **Food**:
**Local Cuisine**:
1️⃣ Breakfast staples include fried goods like Arepas (large savory pastries) and giant fried banana slices.
2️⃣ Main courses feature hearty combinations of meats (fried pork belly, grilled chicken, beef strips) served alongside rice.
3️⃣ Appetizers consist of acidic marinades paired with seafood or meat dishes.
4️⃣ Soups packed with corn and chunks of protein (chicken, beef, or pork) make for satisfying meals all on their own.
Though simple in appearance, these dishes pack unique flavors worth savoring. For authentic experiences, stick to street-side eateries—often where the best tastes lie.
**Western Options**: High-end dining options in urban areas rival Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in both variety and quality.
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🛏 **Accommodation**:
– In large cities, opt for familiar comfort via American chain hotels.
– For smaller towns like Salento, boutique guesthouses offer charm.
– Colonial-style mansions dominate historic cities like Cartagena.
One exception: San Andrés, where accommodations tend to lean toward basic rather than luxurious.
