💰 Big Numbers: Don't Panic
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP), and the numbers are large. At roughly 4,100–4,300 COP per 1 USD, a restaurant meal might cost COP 45,000 (about $11 USD) and a hotel night COP 350,000 (about $85 USD). Quick math: divide by 4,000 for an approximate USD amount. Don't confuse COP 10,000 ($2.50) and COP 100,000 ($25) bills. They look similar at a glance.
🎧 Order Colombian Peso Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order COP → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Colombia
Colombia has a split payment landscape. Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena's tourist zones are increasingly card-friendly, but much of the country still runs on cash.
Cards work in tourist zones. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at restaurants in Bogotá's Zona T and Usaquén, El Poblado and Laureles in Medellín, and the walled city restaurants in Cartagena. Uber, DiDi, and Rappi all charge to your card. Cash is essential for street food vendors, Paloquemao market in Bogotá, colectivos (shared minivans), beach vendors in Cartagena, and every small business outside major cities.
USD is not accepted for everyday purchases. Colombia runs entirely on pesos. Casas de cambio on Calle 72 in Bogotá and El Poblado in Medellín exchange USD at 1–3% off the real rate, but ATMs with a no-FX-fee card usually beat them on the effective rate.
How to Get Pesos for Your Colombia Trip
Colombia has modernized its payments scene fast. Bogotá's Zona T, Medellín's El Poblado and Laureles, and Cartagena's walled city take Visa and Mastercard at almost every restaurant; Uber, DiDi, and Rappi handle ride-hailing and delivery on cards; even most colectivos in the major cities now have card readers. Cash still owns the street-food economy, the Paloquemao and Mercado de Bazurto markets, beach vendors in Cartagena and Santa Marta, the Cocora Valley horse rentals, the Tatacoa Desert lodges, and the rural coffee zone. USD is not accepted for everyday purchases (unlike Argentina or Peru), but the casas de cambio in Bogotá and Medellín offer competitive USD-to-COP rates if you bring clean dollars. Two cheap routes for getting pesos: pre-order before takeoff or pull from a Scotiabank Colpatria or Bancolombia ATM after landing.
Order pesos before you fly
For pre-arrival COP, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange ships physical Colombian pesos to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery, at a small spread over the bank rate. Useful for landing-day taxi cash and the first day's street food in Bogotá or Cartagena. Your home bank can also order COP (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi all stock it as a flagship Latin American currency); allow 5–7 business days. Colombia-specific perk: Scotiabank Colpatria is a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner, so once you land, BoA debit users withdraw at any Scotiabank Colpatria branch ATM with no operator fee and no BoA non-network surcharge. The cleanest setup for most Colombia trips: a Wise or Charles Schwab card for restaurant and Uber spending, plus pulls from Scotiabank Colpatria ATMs for cash. The fact that Colombian peso notes use eye-watering large numbers (50,000 COP is roughly $13) means a small ATM withdrawal still gives you a thick wad of bills.
Withdraw from a Colombian bank ATM
On the ground, the cheapest source of pesos is a major Colombian bank ATM. Bancolombia (the largest network), Davivienda, BBVA Colombia, Banco de Bogotá, and Scotiabank Colpatria all give the actual interbank rate with no markup. Most do charge a per-transaction operator fee for foreign cards (typically COP 14,000–17,000, posted on the screen before you confirm). Bancolombia historically has the highest withdrawal cap (up to COP 3,000,000) and the most reliable foreign-card acceptance. Maximize each pull to spread the operator fee. Two procedural rules: stick to ATMs inside bank branches, in shopping malls (Éxito hypermarkets, Centro Andino in Bogotá, El Tesoro in Medellín), or in well-lit metro station vestibules, rather than street-facing standalones in central Bogotá, downtown Cartagena, or the Comuna 13 area. And decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what a Bancolombia withdrawal will actually cost on your card after their fee plus your home bank fees? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & casa de cambio booths
Three traps to walk past in Colombia, and one important exception. The Servioccidente and Acción counters in arrivals at BOG (El Dorado), MDE (José María Córdova), and CTG (Rafael Núñez) advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–10% off the interbank rate, plus per-transaction fees. Honest exception worth knowing: licensed casas de cambio along Calle 72 in Bogotá's Chapinero, around El Poblado in Medellín, and the licensed shops near Cartagena's Bocagrande often offer the country's best USD-to-COP spreads, often 1–3% off the real rate. Action Cambios, Servimoneda, and Cambios Country are widely used by locals. The unlicensed touts in Cartagena's Old City and around Plaza de Bolívar in Bogotá use the "sin comisión" framing while baking the markup into the rate. Third, the standalone independent ATMs at smaller hotel arcades layer DCC pitches and operator fees on top. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at Scotiabank Colpatria, Bancolombia, Davivienda, BBVA, or Banco de Bogotá; decline DCC; and the licensed downtown casas de cambio are the one acceptable cash-to-cash route. Colombia does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-COP timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Colombia
Colombia's banking system is well-developed in cities. ATM withdrawal limits for foreign cards are decent, typically COP 1,500,000–3,000,000 per transaction (roughly $350–750 USD). Most major bank ATMs have English-language options. Banks charge COP 14,000–17,000 (~$3.50–4.00) per foreign withdrawal.
Bancolombia
Colombia's largest bank with 4,800+ ATMs nationwide. The most extensive coverage from Bogota to small towns. Reliable with foreign Visa and Mastercard withdrawals. English-language interface available. Highest withdrawal limits for foreign cards. Found at airports, malls, and on nearly every commercial street.
Top PickDavivienda
2,800+ ATMs nationwide. Colombia's second-largest bank. Modern ATMs with English option. Distinctive red branding makes them easy to spot. Strong presence in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, and Cali. Reliable for foreign card withdrawals with competitive limits.
Recommended
Banco de Bogotá
2,500+ ATMs nationwide. One of Colombia's oldest banks (founded 1870). Strong coverage across all major cities and tourist destinations. Part of the Grupo Aval conglomerate. Reliable systems for international card processing.
Recommended
BBVA Colombia
1,500+ ATMs. Part of the global BBVA network. Their international banking infrastructure means smooth processing of foreign cards. Good presence in major cities. English-language interface available.
RecommendedScotiabank Colpatria
1,200+ ATMs. Part of the Global ATM Alliance, so Bank of America, Barclays, BNP Paribas, and other alliance members may avoid the foreign ATM surcharge. Good presence in Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
Some ATMs in Colombia (especially Servibanca machines near Cartagena's walled city and standalone ATMs in El Poblado) offer to convert your withdrawal to USD at a "guaranteed rate." Always decline and choose Colombian Pesos (COP). The DCC markup is typically 5–12%. Select "sin conversion" or "moneda local" on the screen.
ATMs to Avoid in Colombia
Not all ATMs are equal. Independent operators charge more and push DCC aggressively.
Euronet
Expanding in Cartagena's walled city, Bogota's tourist zones, and Medellin's El Poblado. Aggressively pushes DCC with a 7–12% markup. The "accept conversion" button is made prominent while "decline" is small. Higher base fees than bank ATMs.
AvoidServibanca
Colombia's largest independent ATM operator. Found in convenience stores and gas stations. Lower withdrawal limits (COP 300,000–600,000, roughly $70–150 USD) for foreign cards, higher fees, and less security oversight than bank ATMs.
AvoidUnbranded ATMs in Tourist Areas
Standalone machines in Cartagena's walled city, Medellin's El Poblado, Bogota's La Candelaria, and near nightlife zones. Higher fees, lower limits, and greater card skimming risk. Only use ATMs inside recognized bank branches.
AvoidStreet Money Changers
Unlike Peru's regulated cambistas, street money changers in Colombia are not licensed or regulated. High risk of counterfeit bills, short-changing, and theft. Use only licensed casas de cambio (exchange houses) if you need to convert USD cash.
AvoidPaying by Card in Colombia
Card Networks
Visa has the widest acceptance in Colombia and should be your primary card. Mastercard works at most of the same terminals. American Express is accepted at international hotel chains and some upscale restaurants in Bogotá's Zona Rosa and Cartagena's walled city, but not widely elsewhere. Discover has minimal acceptance.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Tap-to-pay is spreading in Bogotá (Centro Comercial Andino, Unicentro) and Medellín (Centro Comercial Santa Fe, El Tesoro). Modern restaurants in El Poblado and Cartagena's Getsemaní neighbourhood increasingly accept contactless. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at NFC-equipped terminals in major cities. Outside tourist zones, chip-and-PIN remains standard. Nequi and Daviplata are Colombia's popular mobile payment apps, but they require a Colombian bank account or cédula, making them impractical for tourists.
Where Cards May Not Work
Street food vendors (arepas, empanadas, fresh juice stalls) across all cities are cash-only. Paloquemao market in Bogotá and local markets in every city require cash. Colectivos (shared minivans) and local buses accept only cash. Beach vendors in Cartagena and Santa Marta want cash. The Coffee Region (Salento, Filandia, Jardín), San Gil, Minca, and other off-circuit destinations are heavily cash-dependent. Stock up at a Bancolombia ATM before heading out.
Tipping in Colombia
Tipping Guide
At restaurants, the server will ask "Desea incluir el servicio?" (do you want to include service?). Say "sí" to add 10%. This "propina voluntaria" is technically voluntary but customary, and most Colombians accept it. Leave tips in cash when possible, even if paying the bill by card. Hotel porters receive COP 5,000–10,000 per bag, and housekeeping similar per night. Taxis: tipping is not customary. Round up if you like. For tour guides (Cocora Valley hikes, Cartagena walking tours), COP 20,000–40,000 for a half-day and COP 40,000–80,000 for a full day is generous. Spa treatments: 10–15% of the service cost.
Cartagena, Medellín & Beyond: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
For Bogota-specific tips (TransMilenio payments, zona-by-zona card acceptance, and ATM locations), see our Bogota Money Guide. Also see Medellin and Cartagena.
Don't confuse bills. COP 10,000 (blue, ~$2.50) and COP 100,000 (green/yellow, ~$25) can look similar in dim light. Always double-check before paying. Locals say "mil" for thousands: "diez mil" means 10,000 COP, "cien mil" means 100,000 COP. A coffee for "tres mil" is COP 3,000 (~$0.75), not three million. Count your change carefully at busy markets. The most common tourist mistake is overpaying by 10x.
Bancolombia ATMs typically offer the highest withdrawal limits for foreign cards (COP 2,000,000–3,000,000 per transaction). Withdraw COP 1,000,000+ at a time to minimize the COP 14,000–17,000 per-transaction fee impact. Airport exchange counters at El Dorado (Bogotá) and Rafael Núñez (Cartagena) offer rates 5–10% worse than city casas de cambio. Use an ATM instead.
Scotiabank Colpatria is part of the Global ATM Alliance, so Bank of America, Barclays, BNP Paribas, and other alliance members may avoid the foreign ATM surcharge. Look for their branches in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
Money Safety in Colombia
Staying Safe
Use ATMs inside Bancolombia, Davivienda, or Banco de Bogotá branches or inside shopping centres (Centro Comercial Andino in Bogotá, Centro Comercial Santa Fe in Medellín) during business hours. Never use isolated ATMs at night, especially near bus terminals in Bogotá's La Candelaria, Cartagena's Getsemaní, and Medellín's centro.
"Paseo millonario" (express kidnapping) is a risk where victims are forced to withdraw from multiple ATMs. Prevention: never hail taxis on the street. Use ride-share apps (Uber, DiDi, InDriver) or official taxi stands at airports and hotels. This risk is concentrated in Bogotá and Cali, not in smaller tourist towns.
Distraction theft at ATMs is common. Someone "helpfully" taps your shoulder while an accomplice reaches for your cash. Use enclosed bank vestibules with locked doors whenever possible. Inspect card slots before inserting to check for skimming devices, and cover your PIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Colombian prices have so many zeros?
The Colombian peso trades at roughly 4,200 COP per $1 USD. A restaurant meal costs 25,000–60,000 COP, which is only $6–14. Colombians often drop the last three zeros when speaking ("veinticinco" means 25,000 COP). Quick math: drop three zeros and divide by 4.
What are Colombian ATM withdrawal limits?
Most ATMs limit foreign card withdrawals to COP 300,000–600,000 per transaction ($70–140). This is among the lowest in South America. Banks charge COP 10,000–18,000 per withdrawal. Bancolombia tends to allow the highest limits for foreign cards.
Is Nequi or Daviplata useful for tourists?
Nequi and Daviplata are Colombia's popular mobile payment apps. They require a Colombian bank account or cedula (ID), so they are not practical for short-term tourists. Some restaurants display Nequi QR codes alongside card terminals.
Is Cartagena or Medellín more card-friendly?
Both are fairly card-friendly in tourist zones. Cartagena's walled city restaurants and Medellín's El Poblado restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard. Cash is still needed for street food in Getsemaní, colectivos, and small shops in both cities.
What does "propina voluntaria" mean on Colombian bills?
Colombian restaurants add a "propina voluntaria" (voluntary tip) of 10% to the bill. The server asks "desea incluir el servicio?" You can accept or decline. If you decline, leaving a smaller cash tip is polite. Most Colombians accept the voluntary 10%.
Is it safe to use ATMs in Colombia?
Use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping centres (Centro Comercial) during business hours. Avoid street-facing ATMs at night near bus terminals in Bogotá's La Candelaria, Cartagena's Getsemaní, and Medellín's centro.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend pesos like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card at bank ATM | Best (small local fee only) | ★★★★★ | Primary method for most travelers |
| No-FX-fee credit card | Best (zero fees) | ★★★★☆ | Hotels and restaurants in cities |
| Casa de cambio (USD cash) | Good (1–3% off mid-market) | ★★★☆☆ | Converting USD cash backup |
| Airport exchange counter | Poor (5–10% worse) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Colombia Quick Facts
| Currency | Colombian Peso (COP). Large numbers are normal (divide by 4,000 for USD) |
| Exchange Rate | ~4,100–4,300 COP per 1 USD |
| ATM Limits | COP 1,500,000–3,000,000 per transaction (~$350–750 USD) |
| ATM Fees | COP 14,000–17,000 (~$3.50–4.00) per foreign withdrawal |
| Card Acceptance | Good in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena tourist areas. Cash-heavy elsewhere |
| Best Strategy | No-FX-fee card at Bancolombia ATMs. Carry cash for local eateries and markets |
| Tipping | Say "si" when asked about 10% service charge at restaurants |
Colombia City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for Colombia's biggest cities. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.