Fly into José María Córdova International Airport (MDE).

Most U.S., EU, and Korean passport holders do not need a visa for short stays. All travelers must complete the Check-Mig form online before arrival and departure — this is required for entry and leaving Colombia.

Immigration in Medellín can sometimes take time due to long lines, so we recommend planning accordingly and being patient. Colombia moves at a different rhythm — things are a bit more relaxed and less hurried than in NY/NJ. Think of it as the loving South: slower, warmer, and worth the pace.

About 45–60 minutes by car or bus, depending on traffic.

Uber is widely used, but it is not fully legal in Colombia and operates in a gray area. Many locals and visitors use it daily without issue — including Eddy and me. Occasionally, drivers may ask you to sit in the front seat or act as if you’re a friend if stopped by transit police. If you prefer a fully regulated option, registered taxi apps like Coopebombas and hotel-arranged transportation are always available, though they are typically more expensive.

We do not recommend hailing taxis on the street, as they are not always well regulated and can sometimes lead to overcharges. Taxis are safe when ordered through hotels or official taxi apps. Many people also choose to use Uber for a fixed fare and pricing transparency.

Some cash (COP) is helpful for small purchases like street food, cafés, or local vendors, but credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and hotels. In some places, especially smaller businesses, you may be asked to pay via a bank transfer called “Bancolombia QR code”. If you run into a situation where that’s the only payment method accepted, feel free to text Aleja — she’s happy to help.

For a 3–4 day trip, $100–200 USD worth of Colombian pesos (COP) is more than enough for small expenses like cafés, tips, quick lunches, taxis, or local shops

💱 Where should I exchange money?

ATMs in the city offer good rates. Avoid airport exchange counters if possible. Western Union is a convenient and reliable way to exchange money — you can even arrange it online ahead of time. Your hotel can also recommend their preferred exchange location nearby.

Tipping in Colombia is appreciated but not as automatic as in the U.S.

🍽 Restaurants

Many restaurants include a voluntary 10% service charge (“servicio”), and they will usually ask if you’d like to include it. In most cases, it’s customary to say yes.
If it’s not included, leaving 10% is standard in nicer restaurants.

☕ Cafés & Casual Spots

Tipping is not expected, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.

🚕 Drivers

Taxis and Uber do not require tipping, but rounding up is common.

🧳 Hotel Staff

Small tips (5,000–10,000 COP) for bell staff or housekeeping are appreciated.

🧑‍🏫 Tour Guides

For guided tours, 10–15% or 20,000–40,000 COP per person is common, depending on the length of the tour.

In hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, yes — many people speak at least some English. In other places, it may be more limited, but people in Medellín are incredibly kind and will genuinely try to make it work — whether that’s with gestures, Google Translate, or a mix of both. A simple “hola” and “gracias” goes a long way and is always appreciated.

You don’t need to be fluent — just a few basics will go a long way.

👋 Essentials

• Hola — Hello

• Gracias — Thank you

• Por favor — Please

• Buenos días — Good morning

• Buenas tardes — Good afternoon / evening

🍽 Getting Around

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?

• La cuenta, por favor — The check, please

• ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?

• Con tarjeta, por favor — By card, please

🚕 Transportation

• ¿Acepta tarjeta? — Do you accept card?

• Aquí está bien — Here is fine (when stopping a car)

💛 Friendly & Fun

• Mucho gusto — Nice to meet you

• Qué rico — So delicious

• Qué bonito — How beautiful

Even attempting a few words will be met with big smiles — Colombians truly appreciate the effort.

Medellín is warm during the day (70–80°F / 21–27°C) and cooler in the evenings (around 60–65°F / 16–18°C). Light layers are recommended. Always bring a small rain jacket — weather apps aren’t always reliable, and quick tropical showers can happen unexpectedly.

For the wedding, we especially recommend bringing layers. Llanogrande tends to get colder at night, sometimes dropping to the mid-50s°F (12–14°C), so a wrap, blazer, or light coat will be helpful.

🧴 Is sunscreen necessary?

YES — the sun is strong year-round.

Most international phone plans work in Colombia, but we recommend checking with your provider before traveling. Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the city, and you can also purchase an eSIM or short-term data package locally. Providers like Tigo or Claro offer convenient 5-day prepaid packages that are easy to set up.

Colombia uses Type A & B plugs (the same as the U.S.) with 110V, so U.S. travelers will not need an adapter.

Like any major city, awareness is important. You can feel safe, especially in recommended neighborhoods and tourist-friendly areas.

A few helpful tips shared by locals and frequent travelers:

• Avoid bringing expensive jewelry, large cameras, or holding your phone openly on busy streets.

  • If using your phone for directions, step inside a shop or stand against a wall rather than near the street.

  • Do not use your phone near open car windows — especially in traffic. Motorcycle theft (phone snatching) can happen quickly.

• Keep bags zipped and worn securely (crossbody bags worn in front are ideal). As in cities like Barcelona or Madrid, pickpocketing can happen in busy areas, so staying mindful in crowds is helpful.

• Use Uber or official taxi apps rather than hailing taxis on the street.

• Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash in visible areas.

• Stick to well-lit, active areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar and dark areas.

If something feels off, trust your instincts. Step into a shop, café, or hotel and ask for help — people here truly look out for each other. It’s the Colombian version of “If you see something, say something”… except here, they’ll actually step in and help 💛

Medellín is vibrant, welcoming, and full of kind people — millions of visitors come each year without issue. Being aware (not anxious) is the key.