Q: I am a US citizen. Do I need to have a visa to travel to Cartagena, Colombia?

A: United State citizens do not need a visa to enter Colombia. If you are a US citizen, then you will need to show your US passport to the immigration officer when entering the country.

Q: Are there any special immigration requirements to travel to Cartagena and Colombia?
A: Individuals planning to enter or leave Colombia, regardless of their nationality or purpose of travel are required to complete the Check Mig Colombia Form within 72 hours of boarding your flight, with the latest deadline being 1 hour before departure.

Airlines do ask for the completion of the Check-Mig form at check-in.

Below is the website and travelers are expected to fill out the form 72 hours before travel.

Check-mig - Migración Colombia (migracioncolombia.gov.co)

Q: Where are the Rosario Islands located?
A: The Rosario Islands are located off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, and are a popular destination known for their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. 

Q: What are the main activities at the Rosario Islands?

A: Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Diving, boating, walking by the mangroves, visiting the oceanarium to see dolphins in their natural habitat and more. Check with us. We have unique experiences you may explore when visiting the Rosario Islands.

Q: How can I get to the Rosario Islands?

A: By boat. The only island that you can get to by land is Baru. Also, most private islands and hotels in the Rosario Islands will arrange private or shared boat transportation. Check with us, as we can book either group boat transportation or private boat transportation for you.

Q: When going on a Rosario Islands Day tour, what do I need to bring?
A: Sunscreen, comfortable clothes and a personal towel. The hotels in the Rosario Islands prioritize eco-friendliness and typically offer towel rental services to conserve water and energy resources. Wear a swimsuit, but also bring a change of clothes. It is advised to wear comfortable shoes but avoid wearing flip flops when riding on the boat.

Q: Can I stay overnight at the Rosario Islands?
A: It's advisable to book your tour to the Rosario Islands in advance to secure your spot, especially if you plan to visit a resort and stay overnight. Check with us, as we offer several options of hotels to stay overnight or for a day tour in the Rosario Islands.

Q: How long is the day tour at the Rosario Islands?

A: Boats leave at 8:30AM and they typically depart from the Rosario Islands back to Cartagena early in the afternoon (3PM), before the sea gets too choppy. The return trip can be rough due to waves, so this is why the return must be in the early afternoon. Tides will be higher after 4PM. 

Q: What is the currency in Cartagena, Colombia? 

A: Colombia's official currency is the peso (COP), with denominations in bills ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 and coins from $50 to $1,000. The exchange rate can fluctuate due to various factors like inflation, interest rates, government debt, and economic stability.
To convert United States Dollar (USD) to Colombian Peso (COP), you can use the current exchange rate posted in websites such as the TRM Colombian Peso website:Dollar to Colombian Pesos Exchange Rate
 When exchanging currency, it's important to be aware of potential fees. Credit card companies and ATM networks typically charge a 1% conversion fee on foreign transactions, and merchants may also add supplemental fees.

Q: Is traveling to Cartagena, Colombia safe? 

A: Colombia is known for travel safety and openness to foreigners, with major cities like Cartagena being the safest for tourists. As usual, and as you would when you travel to a favorite travel destination, be aware of not leaving your belongings unattended, secure your passport and important travel documents in a safe location at your hotel. Also, as with any major tourist destination, be aware of pickpockets, and keep your mobile phone safe with you at all times. 

Q: Do I need to know Spanish to visit Cartagena, Colombia? 

A: English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas, but travelers can get by with minimal Spanish. Knowing a few phrases can be helpful.

Q: What are the most important aspects of Cartagena when it comes to visiting and importance.
A: Cartagena is a vibrant city known for its colorful colonial architecture, flower-draped balconies, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It's a popular destination offering diverse cultural experiences. Make sure you ask us about the cultural experiences we offer such as: walking tour, dance classes, cooking classes, gastronomic tour, restaurant recommendations, etc. 

Q: Do I need to tip in restaurants and how much?
A: A 10% service charge is often included in the bill. Saying "yes" to this is customary.

In small family-owned restaurants, tipping a few thousand pesos is appreciated if no service charge is included.

Q: What is the guideline for tips when shopping from street food stands?

A: It is not customary to tip food vendors, but rounding up to the nearest peso is a kind gesture.

Q: Are there any hotel staff tip guidelines?

A: Tipping porters, concierge, and maids with small amounts like 2,000-5,000 COP is standard practice.

Q: Are there any guidelines for giving tips to tour guides?
A: Tipping tour guides is customary, with the amount being discretionary based on the quality of service.

Q: Guidelines for giving tips to baggage handlers at the airport?
A: A small tip of about $5,000 pesos or approximately USD$1 or USD$2 is expected for baggage handlers at airports. That suggested amount is a starting point and hopefully serves as a reference.

Q: What are the electrical sockets and plugs used in Colombia? 

A: Colombia uses the same electrical power plugs as the United States. In Colombia, power plugs and sockets of type A and type B are used. The standard voltage is 110 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. You will need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type A in Colombia. Sockets type B can fit your plugs but may not always be available locally. It is recommended to pack a 3-to-2 prong adapter to fit your plugs B into sockets type A. Voltage converters are generally not needed in Colombia as the standard voltage (110 V) is close to that of devices typically used in the United States (120 V). Most devices with chargers like tablets, laptops, cell phones, etc., labeled 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz' can be used worldwide without a converter.