Traveler Information

In Bogotá, you can find a wide range of accommodations, from luxury and boutique hotels to budget hostels and rental apartments. It is recommended that you book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

The most popular areas to stay in Bogotá include La Candelaria (the historic center), Chapinero (a vibrant area with restaurants and bars), and Usaquén (a quiet area with colonial charm). Each area offers a unique experience and a variety of lodging options.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP). Official currency exchange offices and banks are the safest places to exchange money; many of them are located in shopping centers and at transportation terminals (land or air) such as El Dorado International Airport. The exchange office must issue an official receipt for the transaction.

You can also withdraw cash from ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, but it’s advisable to carry cash for small purchases.

If you’d like to check the exchange rate for your currency against the Colombian peso, you can do so officially using Colombia Travel’s official currency converter.

Internet and connectivity:

Most hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. You can also buy a local SIM card to have mobile data during your stay or acquire an eSIM for coverage in Latin America.

Purchase of local sim cards:

The main telecommunications companies in Colombia are Claro, Movistar, WOM and Tigo. You can buy a SIM Card at the airport, in shopping centers or in specialized shops.


Remember that you can also acquire an eSIM and check the connection in the country.

El idioma oficial en Bogotá es el español. Aunque en zonas turísticas y hoteles algunas personas dominan el inglés, conocer algunas frases básicas en español te será de gran ayuda:

• "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" (Hello, how are you?)
• "Gracias" (Thank you)
• "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (How much does it cost?)
• "¿Dónde está el baño?" (Where is the bathroom?)
• "Me llamo [tu nombre]" (My name is [your name])

Entry requirements for Colombia vary depending on the traveler’s nationality. Many countries in the Americas and Europe do not require a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport with at least six months remaining from the date of entry is required. It is recommended that you check with the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information, or visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Chancellor's office).

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is located at an altitude of 2,625 meters above sea level, giving it a temperate and cool climate year-round. Average temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50–68°F). If you’d like to check the weather during your stay, you can visit the Clima Colombia website. The city doesn’t have distinct seasons like other places in the world, but there are periods of heavier rainfall, mainly in April–May and October–November. During your stay, we recommend wearing light clothing but also bringing a coat or jacket for cool nights or rainy days.

* Public transport:

Bogotá has an extensive and efficient public transport system. The TransMilenio is a fast bus system that connects the whole city with stations distributed at strategic points.

There are also urban and collective buses better known as SITP, which cover more specific routes.

TransMilenio also has a TransMicable that mainly concites with the Togotan town of Ciudad Bolívar, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the capital.

To facilitate your stay, it is recommended to use the TuLave rechargeable transport card. You get it at TransMilenio stations or at points authorized to use transport.

There are also intermunicipal buses that connect the city center with the surrounding municipalities such as Chia, Cajicá, Madrid, Zipakirá and Facatativá; that is, they operate only with cash payments.

You can use platforms like TransMillennium and the app TransMiapp available on all digital platforms. Google Maps It works for you to move around the city on public transport. Or you can look for some of the taxis applications available in Bogotá.

* Rental of vehicles and bicycles:

If you prefer more autonomy, you can rent a car in one of the many car rental agencies located in the city and the airport.

Here you will find several points of interest where you can rent your vehicles.

Bogotá is also a friendly city for the environment through the use of bicycles, with more than 500 km of cichlorroute. There are several bike rental services available at various points in the city. You must download the application from Tembici and follow the instructions.

Safety recommendations when using transport:

By using public transport, keep your belongings close and avoid showing valuable objects. It uses only official taxis or transport applications for greater security. If you drive, follow the traffic rules and be careful at peak hours due to dense traffic. It also verifies mobility restrictions for private vehicles designated from the Mayor of Bogotá through the Pico and Placa.

When using public transportation, keep your belongings close to you and avoid displaying valuables. Use only official taxis or ride-hailing apps for added safety.

If you’re driving, follow traffic laws and exercise caution during rush hour due to heavy traffic. Also, check the mobility restrictions for private vehicles issued by the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá.

If you prefer more independence, you can rent a car at one of the many car rental agencies located throughout the city and at the airport.

Here are several locations where you can rent a vehicle.

Bogotá is also a bike-friendly city, with more than 500 kilometers of bike lanes. There are several bike rental services available throughout the city. Download the Tembici app and follow the instructions.

What you need to know

• Cost: completely free.
• Duration: Between 45 minutes and 2 hours.
• Guides: professional tour guides registered with the National Tourism Registry (RNT.
• Capacity: Maximum 20 people per tour. Even if only 1 person registers, it takes place!

Registration: Sign up at the Tourist Information Points (PIT), via WhatsApp at 3058129209, or by emailing [email protected] 

Available tours

La Candelaria Historical Center
A journey to the heart of Bogotá’s history and architecture.

Monday to Sunday

10:00 a.m. (English) and 2:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Meeting point: Templete al Libertador, Journalists' Park

Registration form here

Recommendations:

Bring a valid ID, comfortable clothing, water, and sunscreen. Obey traffic rules and stay with the group at all times. The consumption of alcohol or psychoactive substances is prohibited during the tours.

Important:

All activities offered are free of charge. No staff member is authorized to request payment. If anyone does, report it to: [email protected] 

Health Recommendations:

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Purchase a plan that includes medical and emergency coverage. Review available options and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Bring your personal medication with you

Hospitals and Pharmacies:

Bogotá has high-quality hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are widely available, and many of them offer 24-hour service.

Bogotá cuenta con un sistema de transporte público extenso y eficiente. El TransMilenio es un sistema de buses rápidos que conecta a toda la ciudad con estaciones distribuidas en puntos estratégicos.

También hay buses urbanos y colectivos mejor conocidos como SITP, que cubren rutas más específicas.

Para facilitar tu estadía, es recomendable usar la tarjeta de transporte recargable TuLlave para hacer uso del transporte.
Solo los buses intermunicipales, que conectan el centro de la ciudad con los municipios aledaños como Soacha, Funza, Chía, Cajicá, Madrid, Zipaquirá y Facatativá funcionan con pagos en efectivo.

Puedes utilizar plataformas como Transmilenio y la app TransMiapp disponible en todas las plataformas digitales o Google Maps para moverte por la ciudad en transporte público. O puedes buscar algunas de las aplicaciones de taxis disponibles en Bogotá.

Many countries in the Americas and Europe do not require a visa for short stays of up to 90 days.
A valid passport is required for at least six months from the date of entry. It is advisable to consult with the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country to obtain the most up-to-date information or to enter the official page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.cantilleria.gov.co

Follow these steps to enter the country with your pet.

1. Anger vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine must have been applied at least 30 days before the trip and not more than one year before the entry into Colombia.

2. Health certificate: Within 10 days of the trip, an official or accredited veterinarian in your country of residence must issue an international health certificate, which states that your dog or cat is in good health, free from contagious diseases and with daily vaccines.

3. Review in Colombia: Upon arrival, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) will check the certificate and check your pet at the airport.

And ready! With these steps, your hairy partner pHe will hear you come to discover all the magical corners of Bogotá and Colombia.

For more official information and follow the step by step, visit the ICA page: https: / / www.ica.gov.co / importation-y-export / other-procedures / requirements-for-import-pets / entry-of-perros-y-gatos@-@ a-Colombia

En caso de tener alguna inquietud, puedes buscar orientación con el personal de seguridad del Aeropuerto El Dorado o de la Policía Aeroportuaria, cuyo personal está debidamente uniformado e identificado. Por tu comodidad y seguridad, te recomendamos llevar elementos de valor tales como computadoras y joyas en el equipaje. Asonal Equipajeros es la organización autorizada por el Aeropuerto El Dorado para el préstamo de carros portaequipajes; su personal se encuentra debidamente uniformado e identificado y dispuesto para prestar el servicio de manera confiable. Taxi Imperial es la compañía autorizada para prestar servicio de taxi en el aeropuerto El Dorado; allí encontrarás personal debidamente identificado que te guiará para tomar un servicio de taxi seguro. Desde otro destino hacia el aeropuerto, puedes solicitar tu servicio a través de https://app.taxiimperial.com.co/crea.cuenta

Follow these steps to enter the country with your pet..

1. Rabies vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine must have been administered at least 30 days before the trip and no more than one year before entering Colombia.

2. Health certificate: Within 10 days prior to your trip, an official or accredited veterinarian in your country of residence must issue an international health certificate stating that your dog or cat is in good health, free of contagious diseases, and up to date on vaccinations.

3. Inspection in Colombia: Upon arrival, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) will verify the certificate and inspect your pet at the airport.

And that's it! With these steps, your furry friend will be ready to join you in discovering all the magical corners of Bogotá and Colombia.

For more official information and follow the step by step, visit the ICA website https: / / www.ica.gov.co / importation-y-export / other-procedures / requirements-for-import-pets / entry-of-perros-y-gatos@-@ a-Colombia

In case of an emergency, you can contact the following numbers::

• Single Emergency Hotline: Dial 123 from your mobile phone.
• Fire Department: Dial 119 from your mobile phone.
• Red Cross: Dial 132 from your mobile phone.

If you need to file a report, you can contact:

• Report Support Hotline: Call +57 601 377 9595 (select option 9, then option 5).
• Attorney General's Office Reporting Hotline: Dial 122 from your mobile phone.

Before traveling, it’s important to know the location and contact numbers of your country’s consulate.

Book your travel packages and services, including accommodation, guided tours, and transportation, with authorized companies, verifying that they are registered with the National Tourism Registry (RNT).

Plan ahead the places, routes, events, or tourist attractions you’ll visit.

Purchase your tickets for the city's tourist attractions and events through official websites or at the box offices with authorized staff.

Top 10 Safety Recommendations

1. Follow the instructions given by tourism service providers and authorities to enjoy the city safely.
2. Leave your passport and original identification documents at your place of lodging. Ask at the front desk for help making copies of them and carry these copies with you when exploring the city.
3. If you don’t need to carry valuables with you at all times, leave them at your place of lodging.
4. Keep an eye on your personal belongings.
5. Always walk through crowded, well-lit areas.
6. Avoid contacting people through dating apps or meeting strangers.
7. Use your cell phone in safe places; avoid using it on the street.
8. Carry only the cash you need. Use electronic payment methods or debit and credit cards whenever possible.
9. Keep your phone’s Bluetooth disabled to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.
10. If you’re out partying, never leave your drink unattended, and don’t accept drinks from people you’ve just met.

Official exchange houses and banks are the safest places to change money. Many of them are in the mall and at transport terminals, whether land or air, in this case, at El Dorado International Airport. The exchange house needs to issue an official document on the transaction. In the same way, you can use your international debit and credit cards.

Bogotá has several Tourist Information Points where visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and travel tips. These points are located in strategic places such as El Dorado Airport, La Candelaria, and other tourist attractions throughout the city.

The Tourist Information Points are designed to guide and assist visitors during their stay in Bogotá, offering city itineraries and how to get around.

The capital currently has eight (8) Tourist Information Points. Five of them are detailed below:

1. Monserrate Tourist Information Point

Location: At the base of Monserrate Hill, near the Sanctuary church.

Services: Information on how to get to Monserrate, funicular and cable car schedules, and guidance on the destination's main attractions.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Sundays and holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

2. José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden Tourist Information Point

Location: Near the Botanical Garden’s Tropicario.

Services: Information on botanical collections, exhibits, events, services available within the park, and educational activities.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. –
Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

3. Ciudad Salitre Bus Terminal Tourist Information Point

Location: Inside the Bogotá Bus Terminal, at the intersection of Avenida La Esperanza and Carrera 68.

Services: Information on national and international destinations, bus schedules, and additional services such as luggage storage, restaurants, and currency exchange offices.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

4. International Center Tourist Information Point

Location: At the International Center of Bogotá.

Services: Information on hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, cultural activities, and entertainment options. It also provides maps and assistance with public transportation or taxis.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed on public holidays.

5. El Dorado International Airport Tourist Information Point

Location: Passenger terminal, international arrivals, just outside the Migration checkpoint.

Services: Information on hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, cultural activities, and entertainment options. It also provides maps, tourist brochures, and assistance with public transportation, taxis, and car rentals.

Horarios de atención:
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.