Money & Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
The Colombian currency is the peso. The large numbers can be confusing at first: 100,000 COP sounds like a fortune, but it's only ~24€. Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 COP. Bills: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 COP.
Exchange rate (estimate 2025/26): 1 EUR ≈ 4,200–4,500 COP
ATMs
ATMs are available in all cities and tourist areas. The main banks: Bancolombia (red, most ATMs), Banco de Bogotá (blue), BBVA, Davivienda. Tips:
- Withdrawal limit: Usually 600,000–1,000,000 COP per transaction (140–240€).
- Fees: 12,000–15,000 COP (3–3.50€) per withdrawal by the Colombian bank + possible fees from your home bank.
- Best cards: DKB Visa or Wise Debit Card — minimal foreign fees. Revolut also works well.
- Safety: Only withdraw money in busy, well-lit areas. ATMs in shopping centers and supermarkets are the safest.
Credit Cards & Cash
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and shops. In rural areas, local restaurants, and for buses: cash only! Tip: If asked at the checkout “Ahorros o Corriente?", answer “Ahorros" (savings account).
Nequi & Daviplata: Colombia's mobile payment apps. Many small shops and taxi drivers only accept these apps or cash — no card reader. Not directly usable by tourists, but good to know.
💡 Tipp
DO NOT exchange money at the airport — the rate is poor. It's better to withdraw pesos from an ATM. In Bogotá and Medellín, there are also Casas de Cambio (exchange offices) with good rates. And: 50,000 and 100,000 bills are often not accepted in small shops — please choose smaller bills at the ATM.
