Colombia: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  
January 10 Epiphany*
February 21 San José*
March 24 Holy Thursday
March 25 Good Friday
March 27 Easter  
May 1 Labour Day
May 9 Ascension*
June 1 Corpus Christi*
July 4  St Peter & St Paul*
July 20 Independence Day
August 7 Battle of Boyacá
August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
October 17-18 Spanishness Day
November 1 All Saints*
November 14 Independence of Cartagena*
December 8 Immaculate Conception
December 25 Christmas Day

Weekend- Saturday, Sunday

Health & Safety

Get shots for yellow fever and hepatitis before you land. Carry those malarial medicines. Even if you do catch a bug – don’t panic, there are drug stores all over – even in small towns and of course, get used to drinking boiled or bottled water - you’ll be safer. In the coastal swampy areas, carry your mosquito net along to avoid the risk of malaria. Hospitals give emergency medical treatment.

This is a warning! Be careful at all times. Robbers prowling around can rip you of money, jewellery, watches and bags. Only carry as much cash as you need – and save any bravery for later – just hand over the cash in case you get caught – the robber can be unpredictable. Hold on to your passport at all times – documents can be checked even on the streets. Never carry drugs and DON’T accept a cigarette or drink from a stranger – it could be laced with "burundanga" (an intoxicating substance). Also watch out for guerilla movements because kidnapping of loaded foreigners is common. It is better to avoid night travel.

Electricity

Electricity is 110 V, 60 Hz AC throughout Colombia. If your gadgets and gizmos are used to some other specifications, it is suggested that you carry an adaptor.

Customs & Duties

The following can be taken into Colombia without incurring duties: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 500gm of tobacco; 2 bottles of wine or spirits and perfume in reasonable quantity. Prohibited items are: Vegetables and plants and their products; meat and meat products.

Post & Communications

Two companies – Avianca and Adpostal run postal services. To ship parcels go to Adpostal. Avianca only deals with airmail. For intercity phone and faxes calls go to a telecom office where long distance pay phones are located. You’ll find these offices bus stations and airports.

Tipping

Restaurants in the up market areas expect a 19% tip and porters, cloakroom attendants, hairdressers, US$ 0.05 to 0.025. Taxi drivers normally don’t expect to be tipped.

English Language Media

The Colombian Post is the only English Language newspaper. Major international newspapers will usually be available in top end hotels.