Some basic facts about traveling in Colombia:
Passport & Visa
Citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries require a valid passport to enter Colombia. Visas are not required if you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
What to Bring
The country’s climate varies by region. Temperatures vary in relation to elevation rather than latitude. So dress accordingly the areas you will be visiting.
Electricity
The country operates on 110 volt like the United States. Electric outlets accept U.S.-type plugs. This means that transformers are not necessary for tourists from the U.S. We have seen 220 volt outlets in very remote locations.
Insurance
No need to say, but always wise to buy travel insurance before any of your international travels.
Water
They say tap water is safe in most cities, personally, we recommend you avoid drinking tap water, specially in rural areas. As an extra precaution some travelers choose to brush their teeth with bottle water in those rural areas too.
Language
The majority of Colombians speak Spanish.
Currency
The Colombian peso (COL$) is the official currency. Money is denominated in notes of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000, and coins of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos.
Time Zone
All of Colombia is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, that is, the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) Colombia does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Vaccines
Photo:  Majestic Wax Palms in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle. Cocora Valley © Kike Calvo