Visiting Bogota
Visas
Many countries don’t require visas for stays in Colombia of less than 180 days for non-paid business activities. The following attachment lists nationalities exempted from entry visas:
All other countries require a visa which can be obtained at a Colombian consulate. On the web page of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://www.minrelext.gov.co) you can find a complete listing of consulates.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to travel to Bogota. However, in order to travel to certain regions in Colombia, a yellow fever vaccination may be required.
Arriving to Bogota
Once your plane lands and you disembark at the El Dorado International Airport you will pass through immigration, pick up your luggage and go through customs. Right after leaving customs you will find currency exchange windows where you can purchase Colombian pesos.
Transportation from the Airport
Once you have passed through customs, take the exit on the right hand side and proceed to the official taxi service booth. The attendant will provide you with a ticket that indicates how much you should pay the taxi-driver at your destination. Only take authorized taxis.
Getting Around
Bogota has a large fleet of yellow taxi cabs. All taxis should display a card that identifies the driver, taxi rates and should have a working taxi meter. We strongly recommend requesting taxis by phone (as opposed to hailing them in the street). Some reliable numbers to request taxis are: 211-1111, 311-1111, 411-1111 or 366-6666. When your taxi service is confirmed you will be given the license plate number of the car that will pick you up. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Some hotels provide car services, These cars are usually white and charge a bit more than ordinary yellow taxis. These cars may be contracted for a full day.
The TransMilenio is the Bogota rapid transit system and an inexpensive, efficient and safe transportation option. Consult their webpage for a system map and information: http://www.transmilenio.gov.co.
Emergencies
To report an emergency, dial 123. English speaking attendants may be available.
Hospitals
For an ambulance you can call the 123 emergency line or contact the following clinics directly:
Clínica del Country: 530-1350
Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá: 214-6611
Fundación Clínica Shaio: 624-3211
Clínica Reina Sofía: 625-2111
Colombian Red Cross: 437-6335
Weather
Bogota enjoys a pleasant, spring-like climate year round. The average temperature in the city is 14°C (57°F) and the temperature can reach 22°C (72°F) around mid-day. At night temperatures can fall to 6 °C (43°F). Rain showers are frequent and unpredictable so it’s advisable to always carry an umbrella.
Restaurants
Bogota has a wide variety of restaurants for all tastes including European, American, Asian, Middle Eastern and, of course, typical Colombian food.
The following areas are well known for a large number of restaurants:
-Zona T, at Calle 82 with Carrera 12
-Zona G, at Calle 69 with Carrera 5
-Parque de la 93, at Calle 93 and Carrera 12
-La Macarena, at Carrera 4 and Calle 30
Tips (propina voluntaria) are always included in the bill.
Attire
Business attire in Bogota is formal. Men usually wear suits and ties. Women wear dresses, skirts with jackets or pantsuits. Otherwise casual dress is fine. Only a few private clubs require a tie.
Night Life and Cultural Activities
Bogota offers many options when it comes to entertainment. Plan B (http://www.planb.com.co), Vive.in (http://www.vive.in) and Guía del Ocio (http://www.goguiadelocio.com.co/) have complete listings of galleries, shows, restaurants, bars and nightspots. Another useful source of information is the Bogota Institute of Tourism’s web page: http://www.bogotaturismo.gov.co.
Communications
Mobile Phones
There are three cell phone operators in the country: Movistar, Comcel and Tigo. You can easily acquire a prepaid cell phone card at any cell phone outlet.
WI FI
Outside of your hotel you can find numerous WI-FI points around the city, especially in shopping centers and cafés.
Leaving the Country
There are two exit taxes to be paid upon leaving the country:
- An Exit Tax of US$21
- An Airport Tax of US$30
If you have remained in the country for less than 180 days you are exempted from paying the exit tax.
Maps
Download maps of interest that may be useful while visiting Bogota.
Bogota Business Map - Invest in Bogota.pdf (684 Kb)
Bogota Tourism Map - Invest in Bogota.pdf (703 Kb)
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