Do You Tip in Colombia?

Do you tip in Colombia?

Tipping in Colombia is common and handled in a distinctive, guest-friendly way. In restaurants, a 10 percent voluntary tip, the propina voluntaria, is usually added to the bill, and by law the server must ask whether you want to include it, so you can simply say yes or no. Accepting it is customary and polite for good service. Beyond restaurants, tipping is modest and optional: round up for taxis, tip tour guides a small amount, and leave a little for hotel housekeeping and porters. Because the restaurant tip is voluntary and clearly asked, you are never in doubt, and you will not accidentally tip twice. A yes to the 10 percent is the norm.

What currency is used in Colombia?

Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP), shown with the dollar sign, which can confuse visitors, so watch the number of zeros, since prices run high numerically. Cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, so you can travel largely cashless in urban and tourist areas. Still, carry some pesos in cash for small vendors, markets, taxis, and rural spots. Withdraw pesos from a bank ATM for a fair rate, use machines in secure locations, and choose to be charged in pesos rather than dollars if the ATM offers. A card with no foreign transaction fees saves money, and US dollars are not generally used for everyday spending.

What power adapter do you need for Colombia?

Colombia uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same flat two- and three-prong shapes as the United States, on a 110-volt supply that is effectively the same as the US, so American travelers do not need an adapter or converter. Your US devices, chargers, and appliances work as they do at home. This makes Colombia easy for US visitors electrically. Travelers from Europe, the UK, Australia, and elsewhere will need a plug adapter for Type A and B outlets and should confirm their devices accept the roughly 110-volt input, though most phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage and adjust automatically. A basic US-style setup is all you need.

Can you drink the tap water in Colombia?

It depends on the city. In major urban centers like Bogota and Medellin, the tap water is treated to a good standard and is generally considered safe to drink, and locals drink it. In coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta, in smaller towns, and in rural regions, the water is less reliable, so bottled or filtered water is the safer choice there. If you have a sensitive stomach or are unsure about a specific place, bottled water is a cheap precaution, especially early in your trip. Ask your accommodation about the local supply; in Bogota and Medellin, tap water is typically fine, while on the coast, lean toward bottled.