🇨🇴 Traveling to Colombia? Here Are 15 Insider Tips You’ll ACTUALLY Use

Planning your first trip to Colombia (or Latin America in general)? Before you jet off with dreams of coffee farms and Caribbean beaches, you’ll want to know a few things that aren’t always in the guidebooks. I’ve gathered these practical travel tips straight from locals and seasoned travelers to help you stay safe, connected, and stress-free.

✈️ 1. Keep It Low-Key

Leave the diamonds and flashy tech at home. Petty theft can be an issue in big cities, so dress casual, keep electronics hidden, and avoid flaunting valuables—especially downtown and in busy transport hubs.

🎒 2. Master the Art of “Bag Body-guarding”

Always:

• Keep your bag zipped and in front of you.

• Use hooks under restaurant tables (they’re common).

• Never leave your phone or wallet on a table unattended.

• Skip the back pocket for anything valuable—trust us.

  
  

📶 3. SIM Cards: Get Claro

The most reliable coverage is with Claro. Prepaid SIMs are easy to buy and top up. Pro tip: register your phone’s IMEI or it could be blocked after 20 days (a policy to deter phone theft). Dial #06# to get your IMEI and register by dialing 233#.

🛑 4. Don’t Drink the Tap Water

Stick to bottled water. And when it comes to juices or ice—especially from street vendors—opt out unless you’re at a reputable restaurant. Same goes for fresh veggies; rinse them with vinegar if you’re prepping your own.

🍽 5. Tipping Etiquette = Easy

Most restaurants include a 10% suggested tip in your bill. It’s optional, but locals typically pay it unless the service is bad. No need to tip more unless it’s extraordinary.

🚕 6. Rideshare Like a Local

Apps like Uber, Didi, and Cabify work in major cities. Since these services are not fully "approved" by the government, when using them near a taxi-heavy area, walk a few blocks away before ordering. As well, sit in the front seat (except in official taxis) to avoid drawing attention.

📍7. Addresses Are... Quirky

Colombian addresses can be tricky. Something as small as writing "No." instead of "#" can send you to the wrong place. If possible, search by business name, not just the address.

🥗 8. Avoid Street Veggies

Unless you know it’s clean, say no to salads or fresh-cut fruit on the street. Better safe than sorry when it comes to water-borne bugs.

📱 9. Apps You’ll Want

• Rappi (food & grocery delivery)

• Google Maps (offline maps help in patchy zones)

• Didi/Uber/Cabify (transport)

• WhatsApp (everyone uses it)

💳 10. Cash Is Still King

You’ll use cards in cities, but smaller towns and some restaurants are cash-only. Always carry some pesos, especially in more rural areas or at tourist attractions.

☕ 11. Say Yes to Local coffee

Juan Valdez, Colombia’s most iconic coffee shop chain serves solid local brews. Try the Campesino coffee with panela or a granizado de café (coffee frappe)—bonus points if you add Baileys.

tostao is a cheap and safe option, and if you're looking for something more special, Café Quindio, or any local café is a good option.

🏥 13. Play It Safe with Pharmacies

Need help or feel uneasy? Pharmacies and small cafes are a safe spot to ask for directions instead of pulling your phone out on the street.

🏞 14. Skip the Car (Usually)

Public transport or rideshare apps work well in touristy cities. If you do rent a car, beware of “pico y placa” rules—license plates are restricted from driving during certain hours/days in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena.

🧃 15. Street Food? Choose Wisely.

Empanadas, arepas, and salpicón are popular and delicious—but stick to stands with a crowd (especially taxi drivers). That’s how you know it’s good and safe.

✍️ Final Word

Colombia is vibrant, diverse, and full of heart—but like any place, a little preparation goes a long way. These tips are your street-smart starter pack for navigating the culture, customs, and occasional chaos with confidence.

Ready to dive into Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and beyond? Stay tuned for my next post: "Bogotá: What to Eat, See, and Skip."