Health

Emergency telephone numbers
Vaccines

Universal vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B)

Health risks

Depending on the region, be careful with malaria and altitude sickness, especially in Bogota. The capital is situated at 2700m.

Quality of public medical facilities
The health system is good. 85% of the population has medical coverage
Tap water
Do not drink tap water. Drink bottled water.

Practical information

Capital
Bogota
Major towns and cities
Medellin, Cali
Official languages
Spanish
GDP
USD 285 billion
Population
45,5 million
Area
1,141,748 km2
Currency

Colombian peso (COP)
Check the exchange rate

Time zone
UTC -5
Country code
+57 +area code +number of the person you are calling
International airport

El Dorado International Airport in Bogota (BOG), Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport in Cali (CLO), Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena (CTG), José María Córdova International Airport in Medellin (MDE)

Tourism & local way of life

Public holidays

Año Nuevo (New Year's Day) (January 1)
Día de los Reyes Magos (Epiphany) (January 6)
Día de San José (Saint Joseph's Day) (March 19)
Primero de Mayo (Labor Day) (May 1)
Ascensión (Ascension of Jesus) (observed the Monday six weeks and a day after Easter Sunday)
Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart) (observed the Monday ten weeks and a day after Easter Sunday)
San Pedro y San Pablo (Saint Peter and Saint Paul) (June 29)
Declaration of Independence (July 20)
Battle of Boyacá (August 7)
La Asunción (Assumption of Mary) (August 15)
Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) (October 12)
All Saints’ Day (November 1)
Independence of Cartagena (November 11)
La Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception) (December 8)
Navidad (Christmas Day) (December 25)

Climate
Tropical, humid on the coasts and plains, more moderate at higher altitudes.
Best time to visit
December to April
Housing
€350 for a studio in Bogota

Partenaires

Expat : The social network for expats living in Colombia
 

: Guides and services for expats living in Colombia