Getting Colombian Pesos

Colombia has transformed into one of South America's most popular travel destinations, offering incredible diversity from Caribbean beaches to Andean highlands and Amazon jungle. The Colombian Peso (COP) is the only currency you'll need, though the large denominations can take some getting used to - you'll regularly handle notes in the tens of thousands.

The good news is that Colombia has a modern, reliable banking system. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, card acceptance is growing rapidly, and the country is very welcoming to foreign visitors. With the right approach, managing your money in Colombia is straightforward.

Best Ways to Get Colombian Pesos

There are several options for getting Colombian Pesos, each with different advantages depending on your travel style:

ATM withdrawals with Wise or Revolut - The most convenient option for most travellers. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees to withdraw Pesos from ATMs in Colombia. You'll get competitive exchange rates and can access cash as needed. Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, and Davivienda have extensive ATM networks.

Using your debit card directly - Card acceptance has improved significantly in Colombian cities. Many restaurants, hotels, shops, and supermarkets accept Visa and Mastercard. This reduces your need for cash, though you'll still want some Pesos for markets, street food, and smaller establishments.

Exchange USD cash in Colombia - While US Dollars aren't commonly accepted for purchases, you can exchange them at banks and casas de cambio (exchange offices). Rates are generally fair, especially at established exchange offices. Bring crisp, undamaged bills.

Order Pesos before you travel - UK exchange services can provide Colombian Pesos, though rates are typically poor due to the currency being less commonly traded. This is only worthwhile if you want a small amount for immediate arrival expenses.

Using Cards in Colombia

Card acceptance in Colombia is good in major cities and tourist areas, though it varies by location. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express has more limited acceptance.

Where cards work well: Hotels, upmarket restaurants, shopping malls, large supermarkets (Éxito, Carulla, Jumbo), chain stores, tourist attractions with ticket offices, and most businesses in areas like Bogotá's Zona Rosa or Cartagena's walled city.

Where you'll need cash: Street food vendors, local markets, small neighbourhood shops, tiendas (corner stores), most taxis (though Uber and DiDi accept cards), smaller towns, budget hostels, and local buses.

Some establishments add a surcharge for card payments (typically 3-5%), so ask before paying. It's also worth having a backup card as occasionally cards get declined or machines malfunction.

ATM Tips for Colombia

Colombian ATMs are generally reliable, but it's important to use them safely and smartly:

Where to withdraw: Use ATMs inside banks, shopping malls, or supermarkets. Bancolombia has the largest network and their ATMs are consistently reliable. Banco de Bogotá, Davivienda, and BBVA are also good options. Avoid standalone ATMs on the street.

Withdrawal limits: Most ATMs limit withdrawals to around COP 600,000-800,000 per transaction (roughly £120-160). Some allow higher amounts. You can usually make multiple withdrawals, though you may need to re-enter your card.

ATM fees: Many Colombian ATMs charge a fee of COP 10,000-15,000 (about £2-3) per withdrawal. Bancolombia ATMs often have lower fees for international cards. Your UK bank may also charge a fee unless you're using a fee-free card like Wise or Revolut.

Safety: Withdraw during daylight hours, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid counting money openly. If the ATM looks tampered with or someone is hovering nearby, find another machine.

Decline DCC: Always choose to be charged in Colombian Pesos, not your home currency. This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) which uses poor exchange rates.

Money Tips by Destination

Bogotá: The capital has excellent banking infrastructure. ATMs are everywhere, card acceptance is good, and you'll find casas de cambio in the Candelaria historic district and Centro Internacional. The Zona T and Zona Rosa areas are very card-friendly.

Medellín: Colombia's second city is modern and well-connected. El Poblado neighbourhood has abundant ATMs and most restaurants accept cards. The metro system only accepts rechargeable cards, which you can top up with cash at stations.

Cartagena: The walled city and Bocagrande are tourist-friendly with good card acceptance. However, vendors in the old town and at beaches often prefer cash. ATMs are available but can have queues during peak season.

Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero): Smaller towns like Salento and Filandia are more cash-dependent. Withdraw what you need in Pereira or Armenia before heading to smaller villages. Card acceptance is limited outside main tourist areas.

Caribbean Coast: Places like Santa Marta and Palomino vary in card acceptance. Beach clubs and hostels often prefer cash. Make sure you have enough Pesos before heading to Tayrona National Park or more remote coastal areas.

San Andrés: This Caribbean island has good tourist infrastructure and reasonable card acceptance, but bring enough cash as ATMs can run out during busy periods.

Tipping in Colombia

Tipping culture in Colombia is relaxed but appreciated. Many restaurants add a 10% "propina voluntaria" (voluntary service charge) to your bill - the server will ask if you want to include it. You can decline if service was poor, but it's customary to accept for normal service.

Restaurants: If no service charge is added, 10% is standard for good service. For casual meals or street food, tipping isn't expected.

Hotel staff: COP 5,000-10,000 for porters, similar for housekeeping per day if you wish.

Tour guides: COP 20,000-40,000 per day is appropriate for group tours. For private guides, COP 50,000+ is generous.

Taxi drivers: Tipping isn't expected, but rounding up to the nearest COP 1,000 or adding COP 2,000-3,000 is appreciated for good service or help with luggage.

Spa and personal services: 10-15% is customary for massage therapists and hairdressers.