Money Matters
- Credit and debit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants
- Paying with Colombian pesos (COP) is generally cheaper than paying with US$
- You can safely use debit cards in malls and the larger supermarkets and drug stores
- Look here for more info on money matters in Colombia
Locals & language
- Because Cartagena is one of the most touristy cities in Colombia, you will encounter more people who speak English there than in the rest of Colombia, especially at hotels and tour operators
- The “Costeños” (residents of the coastal region) are warm and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you ask for directions and someone walks all the way with you. This is (usually) not meant to be intrusive, but polite. They feel responsible for your safety.
Medical info
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Cartagena. Only if you are entering Colombia from Brazil, a yellow fever vaccination required.
Doctor
Click here for more information:
Facebook ClĂnica Medihelp Services Cartagena
(also home visits)
MedicApp
An App service, where you can request a doctor’s consultation “at home” 24 hours a day.
Look here for more information and to download the App:
Website MedicApp
Hospital
Look here for more information:
Website Clinica Bocagrande
Dentist
Click here for more information:
Website Cartagena English speaking Dentist
Consulates
The United States don’t have a consulate in Cartagena. There is an American Embassy in Bogotá.
Embassy United Kingdom Bogotá
Packing List
- Light clothes and shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Anti mosquito spray
- Cap/hat
- Rain jacket in rainy season
- Thermos for water
- Medicines if you want a particular brand
- Book: Love in times of cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Márquez. The book takes place mostly in Cartagena
Supermarkets and drugstores
Opening hours
Supermarkets are generally open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some drugstores are open 24/7.
Well-known supermarkets in Cartagena
- Éxito; medicines are also sold here
- OlĂmpica; medicines are also sold here in the Drogerias OlĂmpica 24/7
- Carrefour, Carulla, Falabella and Jumbo. Carulla is a more expensive supermarket that sells many imported products.
Wifi
Most hotels and hostels have wifi, at least in the common areas. There are also buses and minivans with wifi.
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