Phone Calls

Citizens of the European Union, most countries in the Americas, Australia & Oceania, as well as several Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. In cases when an entry visa is required, the application can often be done online. Nationals of Cuba …

The best time to visit Cartagena is early in the year, between January and March. This period is characterised by favourable weather and doesn't get too humid, which is perfect for both city exploration and nearby island-hopping. Streets begin to feel emptier as vacationer waves of December and early January subside, giving way to …

The largest air hub on Colombia's Caribbean coast serves multiple destinations within the country, as well as several major international ones such as New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City. The trip to central Cartagena usually takes no longer than 20 minutes. Taxis are always available; these operate on fixed fares rather than meters …

Private buses circulate around Cartagena, each one's main stops indicated in the front window. Fares are very inexpensive, and the buses can be flagged down off the side of the road. Inside the old town, most locations are easy to reach on …

Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but make sure to be clear on the exact fare prior to boarding, as local taxis do not use meters. When getting a cab, opt for calling an operator and ordering one rather than just getting into one in the street, as this puts you at a higher risk of …

Medical care is generally of very high quality in Colombia, making medical tourism from nearby countries increasingly popular. If you happen to require medical attention while in Cartagena, refer to one of the city's private hospitals: Hospital Naval is one of the most reputable. Pharmacies/drug stores are readily available throughout Cartagena, including ones that operate 24/7. …

Cartagena, Colombia is generally a very safe place to visit, with most trips being completely trouble-free. It may be a good idea, however, to take certain safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings at all times, as petty theft and pick-pocketing do occur in touristy areas. There are certain neighbourhoods outside the …

While establishments across Cartagena do increasingly accept credit and debit cards for payment, many still either only do so nominally or operate on cash alone. Cash will definitely be needed for smaller purchases, especially from street vendors. A relatively high service fee may be charged at some restaurants for card payments, so it's generally a …

Although Cartagena is generally safe to visit, there are a few things to watch out for during your stay. People posing as police officers and asking to inspect your documents and money, supposedly to ensure their authenticity, are one common way of catching unsuspecting tourists off guard. If this happens to you, demand to be …

It's possible that you'll be approached by people selling drugs in the street, at bars or nightclubs — be sure to politely refuse all such offers, and never consume or carry drugs on your person, as this is both illegal and can be a set up for yet another elaborate scam. The "dealers" may …

The main public post carrier in Colombia is the "4-72"; the office closest to you may be located on their website. It is important to note, however, that 4-72 is notoriously unreliable, and anything more valuable than a simple postcard is best sent via a private carrier, such as DHL. 4-72 has a reported …

Cartagena is a common day-stop for cruises whose routes lie through the Caribbean. The cruise port of Cartagena, Colombia, is located roughly 4km from the Old Town, where the majority of Cartagena's attractions lie. To reach the city center, one will either need to take a short walk from the pier to the Cruise Ship …

+57 is Colombia's country code, 5 is the area code for Cartagena. +57 5 will then normally be followed by a 7-digit local phone …

Power plug types A and B are used in Colombia (these are plugs with two parallel flat pins, common throughout North America). Voltage 110 V; frequency is 60 Hz. If the standard voltage in your country is between 110 and 127 V, you will NOT require a voltage …