Colombia, Cool & Dry
A curated packing list for your trip from Cartagena Caribbean nights to Medellín spring weather and Bogotá at altitude. Built for Colombia's climate range, salsa rhythm, and the easy hospitality that runs through every region.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free 90 days, Check-Mig required
US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter visa-free. Extendable once for another 90 days. The Check-Mig online form is mandatory within 72 hours of each flight in AND out of Colombia. Onward ticket required at the border.
Cards in cities, cash for street food
Colombian peso (COP) is local. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) work nearly everywhere in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena. Cash for street vendors, taxis, small towns, and tipping. ATMs are reliable; Bancolombia and Davivienda are major networks. Withdraw COP, not USD.
Tipping is light
10% service charge (propina voluntaria) is often added at restaurants; you can confirm or decline. Round up taxis. COP 2,000-5,000 per bag for porters, COP 10,000-20,000 per day for housekeeping, COP 30,000-50,000 per day for guides. Cash tips beat card tips.
Bogotá altitude is real
Bogotá sits at 2,640m (8,660 ft). Day one: hydrate, walk slowly, skip the aguardiente. Most travelers feel mild altitude effects. Medellín and Cartagena are at low elevation, so a Bogotá-first itinerary often eases the swing.
Stay alert in cities, especially after dark
Colombia is far safer than its 1990s reputation, but petty crime and "express kidnappings" (forced ATM withdrawals) happen. Use Uber or InDriver after dark, never accept drinks from strangers ("la burundanga" scopolamine drugging is real), do not flash valuables. Tourist neighborhoods (El Poblado, Getsemaní) are well-policed.
Type A and B plugs at 110V
Same as the United States and Mexico. North American travelers do not need an adapter. UK, EU, and Australian travelers do; check single-voltage hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Layered for the climate range. Beachwear for coast, sweater for Bogotá, breathable for Medellín.
Shoes
Cobblestones in Cartagena Old City, salsa floors in Cali, beach in Tayrona.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies (droguerías) are well-stocked in cities. Pack travel sizes; restock at Locatel or Cruz Verde.
Health & Medications
Tropical conditions and altitude both require a real kit.
Documents & Money
Check-Mig at every flight. Cards in cities; cash for daily spending and tipping.
Tech & Electronics
Type A/B at 110V. Same plug as US/Mexico.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel cobblestones better than hard wheels.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights to Bogotá; short hops between cities.
Weather & Climate Gear
Caribbean sun, tropical humidity, Bogotá rain. Pack for all three.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Salsa lessons, coffee tours, Tayrona hiking, all reward preparation.
Safety & Precautions
Tourist areas are well-policed; awareness is the rule. Use rideshare apps after dark.