What budget to travel Colombia? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Colombia?

Most museums are free of charge or charge a small fee, the equivalent of 2 or 3 euros. Even the prestigious museums run by the Banco de la República are free: the Botero Museum and the regional Gold Museums in particular (the one in Bogotá is only free on Sundays, but its entrance fee is modest).

Rates for archaeological sites and national parks are higher, but still affordable, at around $50-60,000 for the most expensive. The latter sometimes offer the possibility of coming for two consecutive days, as in the archaeological parks of Tierradentro and San Agustín. Colombians, or local residents, often benefit from preferential rates, as do foreigners with permanent residency in Colombia. Children under 2 or 3 don't usually pay. Children under 12 and adults over 60 also benefit from preferential rates, as do students. In national parks, people under 25, if they are nationals or residents, also benefit from a preferential rate. Rates for local guides vary widely, but are always quite low by European standards. Don't hesitate to leave a tip.

Colombians are great sportsmen and women. In the city, from early morning onwards, we like to take care of our bodies: running, fitness gyms (most open at 6am), yoga, etc. In public parks, too, there is often free access to exercise equipment. In public parks, too, there's often free access to exercise equipment, and in the nicer areas of the big cities, young people from well-to-do families come to work up a sweat under the guidance of their personal trainer. Given the reasonable cost of activities, a trip to Colombia can be the perfect opportunity to try your hand at paragliding (around San Gil, Medellín, Armenia...), kayaking and rafting (San Gil, Medellín, San Agustín...), scuba diving (in Medellín, San Agustín...)..), diving (off Taganga, Cartagena, Capurgana and on the Pacific coast), kitesurfing (Cabo de la Vela, Santa Veronica, Lago Calima) and even a gentle massage in the shade of the palm trees!

For locally-made products - leather shoes or bags, textiles marked Hecho en Colombia ("made in Colombia"), especially lingerie, handicrafts, jewelry in gold, silver, emerald, etc. - prices are fairly economical. On the other hand, for all imported products (wines, gourmet foods, electronics, sun creams, etc.), prices are quite high. Cartagena's historic center is full of magnificent boutiques, but they are often more expensive than elsewhere. As far as handicrafts are concerned, it's always better to buy from the craftsman or in the town/region of production, rather than in the souvenir stores of tourist towns, or worse, at the airport (as a last resort!).

Payment by credit card is accepted almost everywhere, but more rarely in craft markets and small villages (bring cash, preferably in small denominations). When you pay by credit card, you can usually pay in a single instalment(a contado) or in several instalments(a cuotas). You will be asked how many times you wish to pay(¿en cuántas cuotas?). Payment on credit is highly developed and even encouraged by the banks, which make their money with high interest rates. For example, you can pay for your supermarket purchases in 36 monthly instalments, or even 48!

Online payment is also becoming increasingly widespread (the long confinement of 2020 has helped its development). MercadoLibre.com is the most popular online sales site, offering both new and second-hand products at attractive prices, with fast, efficient home delivery. A safe site.

Nightlife is often the main expense for young mochileros (backpackers)! But if you keep it reasonable, you can have a good night out for the equivalent of 20-30 euros maximum, between club tickets and drinks. Cover (paid admission) in dance bars and clubs is around $20,000 (5 euros), a little more in trendy places. A local beer in a bar costs between $5-10,000, a little more if it's craft. A cocktail from $12,000 in a cheap beach bar, up to $30-50,000 in a bar specializing in cocktails (watch out for happy hours!).

What budget to eat Colombia?

In popular markets(plazas de mercado) or restaurants, a meal with soup, dish of the day and natural lemonade costs around $6-8,000 (around €2). In more upscale restaurants, thealmuerzo del día runs around $15,000 and the à la carte dishes around $25-30,000, which is still very reasonable. And for the equivalent of €20-30, you can really indulge yourself with inventive recipes fusing Colombian and international flavors.

Dishes are always hearty in Colombia, and it's often possible to ask for leftovers to be packed away if you don't finish your meal. It's also worth noting that hotels without restaurants sometimes allow meals to be delivered. In Colombia, the Rappi company dominates the delivery market , far ahead of Uber Eats and a few others.

Drinks are cheap, even in touristy places. On average, for a tinto or espresso, you can expect to pay around $4-5,000 in a café, and a little more for a cappuccino. A large natural fruit juice(jugo) costs around $5-6,000. A local beer in a 330 ml bottle costs around $5,000; almost double that for an imported or craft beer. Beer is rarely served on draught, but some establishments are starting to do so, especially when they distribute craft beer.

What is the budget for accommodation Colombia?

As a general rule, accommodation rates are affordable in Colombia, compared to other destinations in the region. Those on a budget will opt for a hammock or a bed in a dormitory (between $25 and $75,000). A comfortable double room with private bathroom costs between $100,000 and $300,000. For luxury, there's no limit. Prices also vary widely by locality. There are big differences between accommodation in the historic centers of Cartagena and Popayán, for example.

In classic hotels, rates are given per room (single, double, triple, quadruple...), with the exception of all-inclusive establishments (full board, drinks, activities...), found mainly in San Andrés, or on the islands off Cartagena.

Inhostels, prices are quoted either per room, when private (with or without private bathroom), or per person when sleeping in a dormitory. Breakfast is often included for private rooms, more rarely for dormitories, where a supplement of $10-15,000 is charged.

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but sometimes incur additional charges (around 5%). Rates are quoted in Colombian pesos, more rarely in US dollars (except for the most expensive establishments, or certain hostels). It's best to pay in pesos, as the exchange rate is rarely favorable when paying in dollars.

Travel budget Colombia and cost of living

The cost of living in Colombia is very affordable for a European. Bear in mind that the minimum monthly salary (which many don't even reach) is 1 million pesos (around 230 euros). If you're traveling on a small budget (dormitory accommodation, a local breakfast, meals on the run or in the markets, public transport, a few cab fares, museums and nightlife), count on the equivalent of €20 to €30 per day. For a more comfortable budget (private room, meals in tourist restaurants, domestic flights or car rental, daily activities and excursions, guides, outings), allow between €40 and €80, based on two people. More than €150 per day is a real treat (boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, all-inclusive excursions, domestic flights or private drivers). Cartagena is the most expensive city in Colombia, along with the San Andrés archipelago and Providencia, although it is still possible to travel economically (youth hostels, markets, etc.).

Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but not in small towns or shops. Some establishments and agencies charge an additional fee (usually 5%) for card payments. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) have been developed, but many tourist villages still don't have any, or only one, which quickly runs out of money at weekends or breaks down... Withdrawals are generally limited to $300,000, but this depends on the bank. Most cash dispensers immediately reject your card, asking you to hand it in before asking for your PIN. For each foreign withdrawal made with your card, a commission is deducted by both the distributor's bank and your bank, unless you choose otherwise.

Merchandising(regateo). You can't haggle just anywhere in Colombia. If you speak a little Spanish, you can ask for a discount in low season, on scheduled buses or in certain hotels. However, haggling is not an institution and is a matter of good judgment. It's not very smart to haggle with a craftsman who sells you his products directly, unless you're buying a large quantity. In the markets, you can ask with a smile for a ñapa, which is a small gift in kind for the purchase of a certain quantity of products.

Tip (propina). Outside popular restaurants, it's customary to leave the waiter 10% of the bill. Some chic or tourist establishments include service in the bill. Gratuities are generally appreciated by hotel staff (baggage handlers and receptionists in large hotels) and guides.

Taxes. IVA(Impuesto al Valor Agregado), the equivalent of French VAT, is 19%. Some everyday consumer goods benefit from an IVA of 5% (coffee, flour...) and others are exempt (meat, milk...). Since 2016, non-resident foreign tourists in Colombia have been exempt from IVA in hotels and certain tourist services listed in the National Tourism Register (land-based tourist transport, travel agencies, guides...). All you need to do is present your passport with the entry stamp.