Colombia
Colombia, located in South America, is a country with varied landscapes, rich culture and exceptional biodiversity. Known for its lively music, mesmerizing dances and renowned coffee, Colombia offers a unique experience to visitors. Bogota is the capital and largest city of Colombia, offering an interesting combination of modernity and historical heritage. The city has colorful neighborhoods such as La Candelaria, full of colonial buildings, museums and art galleries. Colombia is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity , with landscapes ranging from the beaches of the Caribbean to the lush rainforests of the Amazon and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The Tayrona National Park is an unmissable place, offering heavenly beaches and unspoilt nature.
Capital
Bogota
Langage spoken
Spanish
Currency
$ - Colombian Peso
$1 = €0.00021
Telephone code
+ 57
Visa
Holders of a French passport do not need a visa to enter Colombia and can stay there for up to 90 days upon presentation of a return ticket.
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French students traveling to Colombia for a period of less than 6 months do not need a visa. They must present upon arrival a passport that does not expire within the next 6 months and a letter of acceptance from the university where the exchange will take place.
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For more information, click here .
Missteps
An increase in crime has been noted in recent months throughout the capital and in several large cities. Be vigilant in the streets and avoid isolated and dark places, particularly at night.
The pint of beer costs
0,90€
(85% cheaper than in France!)
The cost of living is
59%
cheaper than in France.
(56% cheaper in Bogota than in France)
-54%
-64%
-65%
The McDonald’s Menu costs
5€
(50% cheaper than in France!)
Local expressions
¡A la orden!
Come, place an order!
Chevere / Bacano
So good, great!
¡Qué pena!
Excuse me
For beach lovers: Tayrona Park - La Punta Gallina
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For adventurers : The Lost City - Mongui - The Tatacoa Desert
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For nature lovers : Caño Cristales
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For a good meal: Aracataca - The Matiz
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If you miss EMOTR: The El Lleras neighborhood in Medellin - Video Club in Bogotá - Cafe Havana in Cartagena
Places to visit
Culinary specialties
La bandeja
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L'arepa​
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Pirarucú a la patarasca
An anecdote
Colombia is also the country of Shakira!
A must-have
All the beach essentials and a pair of hiking shoes.
Attention
If you're not careful,
we will have to learn to be!
Transport
Bus: When travelling between cities, buses are often the most popular and economical means of transport in Colombia. Bus companies such as Bolivariano, Expreso Brasilia and Copetran offer regular, comfortable journeys to many destinations throughout the country. Buses are generally well maintained and often offer comfortable air-conditioned seats for long journeys.
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Taxis: Taxis are ubiquitous in Colombian cities, providing a convenient way to get around quickly and easily. Fares are generally affordable, but you should always agree the price with the driver before you get in. Taxi booking apps such as Easy Taxi and Tappsi are also popular for booking journeys in complete safety.
Nice neighborhoods: La Candelaria, Chapinero, Usaquén, Zona G.
Neighborhoods to avoid: Ciudad BolÃvar, Kennedy, Bosa.
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Rent budget: For those looking for accommodation in Bogotá, prices vary depending on various factors such as the size, location and amenities of the apartment. In neighborhoods like La Candelaria, rents can start around COP 500,000 per month for shared accommodation, providing an affordable option for students and young professionals.
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Finding accommodation: Websites like FincaRaiz, Metrocuadrado and OLX are popular resources for finding accommodation for rent in Colombia.
Accommodation
Climate
Colombia enjoys a varied tropical climate due to its location close to the equator. In coastal and low-lying areas, the climate is hot and humid all year round, while in mountainous regions such as Bogotá, temperatures can be cooler, especially at night. The rainy season, from May to November, can bring heavy downpours, particularly on the Caribbean coast.
Vaccine
For travelers to Colombia, it is often recommended to get vaccinated against diseases like hepatitis A and typhoid fever, especially if you plan to travel to rural or undeveloped areas. It is also advisable to update vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria and measles.
Memory
Native to the Caribbean coast region, the sombrero vueltiao is a traditional hat hand-woven from iraca palm fibres. This emblematic hat is often worn by locals and is a unique souvenir of Colombian culture.