Things To Remember Before Going To Colombia

You’re in for a treat when you travel to Colombia. The country has so much to offer!

Traveling to Colombia?

In that case, you’re in for a treat.

Colombia has so much to offer. The country is known for its vibrant festivals, diverse landscapes, and rich culture. That is why thousands of international travelers frequent going to Colombia.

Pristine Caribbean beaches, the snow-capped Andean mountain peaks, interesting fauna and flora, countless national parks and rainforest, and the friendliness of the locals are some of the many things that make Colombia a must-visit country.

1. You may need to learn their language.

English isn’t widely spoken in Colombia, so when you travel to Colombia, you may need to learn a few Spanish phrases if you want to get by. That, or download an app that helps you translate English to Spanish and vice versa. It also helps if you have a local friend to act as your guide while you’re there.

2. Know the local etiquette

When talking to a local, make an effort to steer the conversation toward what’s great about Colombia. Naturally, avoid talking about drugs or “violence in Colombia”. Don’t forget to be respectful towards Christianity and Catholicism since they form the locals’ justification on a lot of aspects of their life.

Bonus tip: You can talk in a louder voice. They are more lenient with the level of noise depending on the social situation.

3. It’s a safe country.

Don’t believe what the media tells you. In truth, Colombia is a safe country to be in. But like all other countries in the world, no matter how safe it is, as a traveler you should exercise caution in all your dealings. Here are some rules you should follow while in Colombia:

• Get a taxi during the nighttime. Never wander alone in the streets late at night.

• Never hire unlicensed street taxis. Use Uber or Cabify instead.

• When walking on the side of the road, make sure your bag isn’t facing the street. Every now and then there’s a robbery via motorbikes so it’s best to avoid being a victim.

• Keep valuables like jewelry and cash out of sight. Consider using a plain bag to carry your expensive camera and check your surroundings before using it.

4. Colombia has no seasons.

Colombia’s weather is based on altitude. For example, Bogota has cooler temperatures during day and night, while Cartagena is the exact opposite. Medellin also has warmer temperatures.

If your visit is a multi-trip around the country, you will need to bring different ranges of clothes. Be prepared for both warm and chill weather.

5. Medellin is the only place with a good public transport system.

It’s easier to get around the city of Medellin. Aside from taxis and the famous aerial cable cars, they have a fully-functioning metro and bus transit system, so public transportation is not a problem there.

You might fall in love with Colombia.

There are so many people to meet and sights to see in Colombia.

Experience it for yourself and learn what millions of people have been raving about.

This story was originally published on Medium: Things To Remember Before Going to Colombia