Things You Need To Know Before You Go

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Colombia is a stunning country with so much to offer – from amazing hiking trails to incredibly gorgeous white sand beaches to aromatic coffee.

But, as with any new place you visit, it’s important to adequately prepare yourself for what to expect – so we’ve prepared this guide on things to know before visiting Colombia so you can go in fully prepared.

Travel to Colombia is very different from traveling to destinations in Europe, USA or Australia – you have to consider things like vaccinations, exchange rates and local currency, language barriers and safety.

So, go in prepared, and take heed of these Colombia travel tips that you should know before your trip!

Things to Know Before Going to Colombia

It’s Colombia, not Columbia

First thing’s first – before you visit this stunning country in South America, you need to know how it’s properly spelled.

It is Colombia, not Columbia.

Don’t feel bad if you thought it was the latter – it’s a very common mistake.

Colombians are friendly

If you make the effort to learn just enough Spanish to be able to communicate with the locals, you can meet some really incredible people.

This is especially true for people who are guides on the free walking tours, which are very popular in larger Colombian cities.

They are almost always friendly locals, who are eager to introduce you to their cities, and tell you everything about it, including some personal stories.

Colombia is safe to visit, but be on your guard

A lot of travelers are concerned about safety in Colombia. Even though the days of drug cartels and brutal violence are just a dark spot in Colombia’s history, it’s still far from being one of the safest countries in the world for tourists.

However, Colombia is safe to visit, you just need to be mindful of strangers and be on guard in your interactions. Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and be aware that criminals can often pose as police officers and ask for your passport. Just don’t give it to them.

Generally, staying safe in Colombia is not much different to staying safe in big European cities – just use your common sense, and you should be fine.

That means staying away from poor neighborhoods and not venturing far outside tourist centers.

Keep your valuables…