El Dorado International Airport
    IATA Code: BOG

    Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    El Dorado International Airport (BOG) Lies 15 km Northwest of Central Bogotá and Is Colombia’s Busiest Airport, with Two Passenger Terminals Joined by a Free Shuttle Bus

    View All eSIM Plans for Colombia
    Airport Data Sheet
    BOG
    IATA / ICAOBOG / SKBO
    ServesBogota, Colombia
    Coordinates4.7016° N, 74.1469° W
    Elevation8361 ft
    Number of Terminals2 Passenger Terminals
    Airport Opening HoursOpen 24/7
    Recommended Arrival Time2h Domestic, 3h International
    Official Websiteeldorado.aero
    // Airport Data

    Bogota El Dorado International Airport at a Glance

    Terminal 1 Handles Every International Flight and Most Domestic Ones across Piers A, B, C and D, While Terminal 2 — the Old Puente Aéreo — Serves Clic and Satena from Pier G. The Two Buildings Stand Apart on Avenida El Dorado and a Free Bus Links Them from 4 am to Midnight

    IATA BOG · ICAO SKBO · Elev 8361 ft
    // Connectivity

    Is There Free WiFi at Bogota El Dorado International Airport?

    Join the Airport_El_Dorado Network, Enter Your Details on the Access Portal and You Are Online at No Charge; If the Signal Drops You Can Reconnect as Often as You Need. A Paid Premium Tier Adds Full Speed on One Device from COP 15,000 for an Hour

    Where Can I Buy a SIM Card at Bogota El Dorado International Airport?

    Security Lane 02 · Place One Option on the BeltLive Compare
    X-Ray MonitorScanning · travelData.shop eSIM

    Airport WiFi

    Connection SpeedSlow / Unstable
    CostFree, Often Time-Limited
    Activation TimeLogin / Ads / Forms
    Documents NeededYes (eMail / ID / Login)
    CoverageOnly inside Airport
    SecurityPublic Network (Risk)
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyNo
    Local Phone NumberNo
    Can Pay in CashNot Applicable
    Where You Get ItAt the Terminal, Once You Land

    Local SIM Card

    Connection SpeedFast 4G/5G Speeds
    CostCounter Price, Varies by Desk
    Activation TimeQueue and Paperwork at the Desk
    Documents NeededPassport Often Required
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyNo
    Local Phone NumberYes
    Can Pay in CashYes
    Where You Get ItA Desk or Kiosk in the Terminal

    Roaming Options

    Connection SpeedFast, Depends on Your Plan
    CostYour Operator Rate, Can Be High
    Activation TimeInstant Connection
    Documents NeededNone
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyYes
    Local Phone NumberKeeps Your Own Number
    Can Pay in CashNo
    Where You Get ItAlready Active on Your Phone

    travelData.shop eSIM

    Connection SpeedFast 4G/5G Speeds
    CostFree Trial, Then from 1.99 $
    Activation TimeInstant Connection
    Documents NeededNone
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyYes
    Local Phone NumberOn Selected Plans
    Can Pay in CashNo
    Where You Get ItOnline, before You Leave Home
    PlanPilot™ AI · Verdict
    Set It Up before You Fly and You Land Already Online
    // Why eSIM

    Why Use eSIM Instead of Bogota El Dorado International Airport WiFi?

    Skip the Login Portals — Land, Tap Once, and You Are on a Fast Private Connection That Keeps Working Far beyond the Terminal

    Instant Connection

    Get Online the Moment You Land — No Searching for WiFi, No Waiting, No Login Screens

    Works beyond the Airport

    Stay Connected across the Entire Colombia — From the Airport to Your Hotel, City Center, or Road Trip

    No Public WiFi Risks

    Avoid Slow, Unsecured Public Airport Networks & Stay on Your Own Private Mobile Connection Instead

    Perfect for Travel Essentials

    Use Maps, Book a Ride, Check-In to Your Hotel, or Message Instantly after Arrival

    // Setup

    How to Get Internet at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    Get Connected Instantly after Landing — No Airport WiFi Needed

    1. 01
      Pre-Flight

      Choose Your DATA Plan

      Pick the Best Option for Your Arrival at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    2. 02
      Boarding

      Install eSIM in One Tap

      Activate Your eSIM Instantly with One Tap — QR Code Available as a Backup

    3. 03
      Arrival

      Get Online Instantly

      Start Using Internet Immediately at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    // Boarding Data

    Best Way to Get Internet at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    Compare Free WiFi vs Mobile Data & Choose What Works Best for You

    // FAQ

    FAQs about Internet at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    Everything You Need to Know about Getting Online at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    In Most Cases, Yes. eSIM Mobile Data Is Usually Faster, More Stable, and More Secure than Crowded Public WiFi at Bogota El Dorado International Airport, Especially during Peak Travel Hours
    Yes. You Can Buy and Install Your eSIM before Departure so Your Mobile Data Works Instantly When You Land at Bogota El Dorado International Airport
    No. If Your Phone Supports eSIM, You Don’t Need to Buy a Physical SIM Card at Bogota El Dorado International Airport — You Can Get Mobile Data Instantly Online
    Yes. Once Your eSIM Is Installed, Your Mobile Data Starts Working as Soon as You Land and Connect to a Local Network
    Most Travelers Are Comfortable with 1GB to 5GB for Navigation, Ride Apps, Messaging, and Light Browsing during the First Days after Arrival
    Yes. Most Dual-SIM Phones Allow You to Keep Your Regular SIM for Calls and SMS While Using eSIM for Mobile Data
    Yes. You Can Increase Your Data Amount and Also Extend Your Plan Validity, Depending on the Provider and Package Options Available for Your eSIM
    Support // LIVE CHAT 24/7

    Still Need Help?

    Chat With Our Support Team 24/7 for Help With Compatibility, Installation, Activation, or Connection Issues

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    // Terminal Guide

    First Time at Bogota El Dorado International Airport? Here’s What You Should Know

    Number of TerminalsF1
    2 Passenger Terminals
    Terminal 1 Carries Piers A, B, C and D; Terminal 2 Has Pier G. A Separate Cargo Terminal Handles Freight and Takes No Passengers
    BOG · Terminal Guide · F1
    Terminal LayoutF2
    T1 and T2 on One Avenue
    Both Terminals Face Avenida El Dorado. Terminal 1 Holds Every International Flight and Most Domestic Ones; Terminal 2 Serves Clic and Satena
    BOG · Terminal Guide · F2
    Transfers between TerminalsF3
    Free T1-T2 Shuttle Bus
    A Free Bus Links Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Every Day from 4 am to Midnight and Carries a Ramp for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
    BOG · Terminal Guide · F3
    Airport Opening HoursF4
    Open 24/7
    The Terminals Operate around the Clock. Shops and Restaurants Keep Shorter Hours, Most of Them Running from about 5 am to 9 pm
    BOG · Terminal Guide · F4
    Check-In and Security HoursF5
    56 Self Check-In Modules
    56 Self Check-In Modules and 19 Self Bag Drop Machines Sit on the Second Floor, and 40 VeryPax Gates Pre-Register You for the Domestic Piers
    BOG · Terminal Guide · F5
    Recommended Arrival TimeF6
    2h Domestic, 3h International
    The Airport Advises Two Hours before a Domestic Departure and Three before an International One. Allow More through the December Peak
    BOG · Terminal Guide · F6
    // Airport Parking

    Where Can I Park at Bogota El Dorado International Airport?

    See Practical Airport Parking Options, Walking Time to Terminals, Typical Price Guidance, and Booking Tips before You Drive to the Airport

    Parking Options
    4 Available
    Booking Advice
    Pre-Book Online
    Parking Ticket

    Short Stay Parking, Centre

    Typical Price
    COP 253 a Minute, COP 72,000 for 24 Hours
    Location
    The Central Area of Terminal 1, within Reach of Both the Domestic and the International Halls
    Best For
    Dropping Off and Picking Up

    The Car Park with 650 Spaces for Cars, Plus Bicycle Racks and Marked Bays for Drivers with Reduced Mobility. Bicycles Park Free

    BOG · SH · Short Stay Parking, Centre
    Parking Ticket

    Long Stay Parking, North

    Typical Price
    COP 72,200 for the First 24 Hours
    Location
    Near Gate 1 of Terminal 1, with Some Covered Bays
    Best For
    Leaving a Car for Several Days

    Days Two and Three Cost COP 58,000 Each and Every Day from the Fourth Costs COP 39,999, so a Week Here Is Far Cheaper than at Short Stay

    BOG · LO · Long Stay Parking, North
    Parking Ticket

    Business Parking, South

    Typical Price
    COP 515,000 a Month
    Location
    The Southern Car Park at Terminal 1, Sold as a Continuous Monthly Space
    Best For
    Flying Out of Bogotá Every Week

    Charged by the Minute at COP 253 or at COP 72,000 for 24 Hours If You Use It for a Single Trip Rather than Taking the Monthly Rate

    BOG · BU · Business Parking, South
    Parking Ticket

    Terminal 2 Parking

    Typical Price
    COP 230 a Minute, COP 70,000 for 24 Hours
    Location
    The Central Area of Terminal 2, beside the Domestic Departures Hall
    Best For
    Domestic Flights and the Cheapest Daily Rate

    Motorcycles Pay COP 161 a Minute and Bicycles COP 10; a Month Costs COP 450,000 for a Car. This Is the One Car Park with No Electronic Payment

    BOG · TE · Terminal 2 Parking

    The Official Car Parks Are Run by Central Parking and Every One of Them Is Open Continuously. Rates Read from the Airport Site on 5 September 2026

    // Airport Lounges

    What Facilities Does Bogota El Dorado International Airport Have?

    Lounges at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    Access Key — Who Gets in, Stated Once
    Priority Pass× 3

    Priority Pass Members Enter Free; Day Passes and Annual Passes Are Sold on the Lounge’s Own Website

    Airline & Status× 1

    Avianca Passengers Only, by Cabin and Frequent-Flyer Status; the Airline Publishes the Conditions on Its Own Site

    Star Alliance× 1

    Business Class on Copa or a Star Alliance Partner, or ConnectMiles Gold, Platinum and Presidential Membership

    Airline & Status× 1

    LATAM Passengers by Cabin and LATAM Pass Status; the Airline Publishes the Conditions on Its Own Site

    The Lounge Bogotá

    Terminal 1 · Domestic Departures, Pier D, after Security
    FoodCoffee BarDrinksHigh-Speed Wi-FiWork AreasRest Areas
    BOG · Pass 01 · Open 24 h Daily

    Open around the Clock, and the Only Lounge on the Domestic Side of Terminal 1

    El Dorado Lounge

    Terminal 1 · International Departures, Pier A, in Front of Gate A8
    BuffetCinemaGames RoomChildren’s Play AreaWi-Fi
    BOG · Pass 02

    A Six-Hour Maximum Stay, and Children under 12 Come in Free with an Adult

    Harmony Lounge

    Terminal 2 · Pier G, Floor 1
    DrinksSnacksAir ConditioningQuiet Seating
    BOG · Pass 03 · Mon-Fri 5:30 am to 9:20 pm, Sat to 8:20 pm, Sun 6 am to 9:10 pm

    The Only Lounge in Terminal 2, and It Closes Overnight with the Terminal around It

    Avianca Sala VIP

    Terminal 1 · Level 3, in Both International and Domestic Departures
    FoodDrinksWi-FiQuiet Seating
    BOG · Pass 04 · Daily 4 am to 10:30 pm

    Two Rooms: One behind International Departures, One on the Domestic Side at Pier D

    Copa Club

    Terminal 1 · International Departures, Pier A Mezzanine, near Gate A7
    Hot FoodBar ServiceWi-FiWork AreasRest Areas
    BOG · Pass 05 · Daily 3:30 am to 9:30 pm

    The Mezzanine Room by Gate A7, and the Earliest of the Six to Open at 3:30 am

    LATAM Sala VIP

    Terminal 1 · International Departures, Pier A, Level 3, in Front of Gate A1
    ShowersBusiness CentreHigh-Speed Wi-FiReading Material
    BOG · Pass 06 · Daily 3 am to 1 am

    Showers and a Business Centre, and It Is Open All but Two Hours of the Day

    // Passenger Facilities

    Lounges, Food, ATMs and Storage

    Check Practical Terminal Services While Waiting, Arriving or Departing: Food, ATMs, Storage, Charging, Accessibility Support and More

    Cash Machines Run around the Clock in Both Terminals — Banco de Bogotá, Bancolombia, BBVA, Davivienda, Servibanca, Itaú and Banco Caja Social, on Floors 1 and 2 of Terminal 1
    Four Exchange Houses Trade Here. Globo Cambio and Aerocambios Open 24 Hours in Terminal 1, Aerocambiar Covers Both Terminals, and Cambios Güendi Runs 4 am to 11 pm
    Left Luggage Is Open 24/7 — Terminal 1 in the Public Hall Opposite Gate 11 at COP 20,000 for 12 Hours, Terminal 2 Opposite Gate 2 at COP 10,000, Where Bags Are Also Wrapped
    The Lost Property Office Is on the First Floor past Door 1, towards Medical Services, Open Every Day 6 am to 10 pm. Items Are Held 60 Calendar Days and Are Never Posted Out
    Around 68 Restaurants, Cafés and Bars Trade across the Two Terminals, Landside and Airside. Most Run from about 5 am to 9 pm, so Little Is Open in the Small Hours
    About 86 Shops Trade Here. Duty Free Sits in Terminal 1 International Departures, with Counters by Gates A8 and B3 and One before Baggage Reclaim on the Way In
    Nursing Rooms Sit at Five Points in Terminal 1 and One in Terminal 2, Opened by Scanning the QR Code on the Door. Children’s Play Areas Adjoin the Waiting Areas at Piers A to D
    Colombian Law Bans Smoking in Enclosed Public Places, so Both Terminals Are Smoke-Free. The Marked Outdoor Areas Are at the Terminal 1 Entrances, on the First and Second Levels
    Both Information Points Keep Counters Built for Wheelchair Users, Lend Wheelchairs for the Public Areas and Offer Sign Language on a Tablet through the SERVIR App

    The Information Desks Are on the Second Floor of Terminal 1 between Gates 5 and 6 and on the First Floor of Terminal 2 at Gate 2. For a Wheelchair in the Boarding Area, Ask Your Airline

    // Overnight Stay

    Where Can I Sleep at Bogota El Dorado International Airport?

    Find On-Airport and Nearby Hotel Options, How to Reach Them from Arrivals, Expected Nightly Rates, and Practical Booking Tips for Late Arrivals or Early Departures

    Hotels Nearby
    2 Available
    Inside the TerminalBOG · H1

    wait n’ rest

    How to Reach
    Walk from the International Departures Concourse; No Need to Leave Airside
    Location
    Terminal 1, International Departures, Pier A, between Gates A12 and A13
    Best For
    Long International Connections

    Private Rooms Billed by the Hour, with Self Check-In, Soundproofing, Temperature Control and Charging Points

    Inside the TerminalBOG · H2

    Sleep Oasis

    How to Reach
    Walk from the Terminal 1 Public Hall; No Boarding Pass Needed
    Location
    Terminal 1, Public Hall, Second Floor, between Gates 8 and 9
    Best For
    A Nap before a Dawn Departure

    Sleeping Pods Rather than Rooms, Open around the Clock, and They Hold Your Luggage While You Rest

    Both Sit inside Terminal 1 — One Airside for International Connections, One Landside in the Public Hall — so Neither Needs a Road Transfer. Hotel Shuttles Wait at Floor 1, Door 1

    // City Transfer

    How Do I Get from Bogota El Dorado International Airport to Bogota?

    Bus & Train at Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    See Exact Route Options, Departure Points, Schedule Windows and Ticket Tips for Getting to the Center after Landing

    Bus Connection

    K86

    TransMilenio Dual Route K86, Portal El Dorado

    Departure Stop
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Door 2
    Arrival Stop
    Portal El Dorado, the Trunk Terminus and Interchange for the Calle 26 Corridor
    Schedule
    Every Day, Including Sundays and Holidays · Mon-Fri 5:30 am to 11 pm, Sat 6 am to 11 pm, Sun and Holidays 7 am to 10 pm
    Ticket
    COP 3,550 a Journey, Paid Only with a Tullave Card — No Cash Is Taken on Board

    The Tullave Card Is the Only Way to Pay for Public Transport in Bogotá. Buy One at the Kiosk on Floor 1 of Terminal 1, Opposite Door 1, and Top It Up at Any Station or Portal

    BOG · K86 · TransMilenio Dual Route K86, Portal El Dorado
    16

    TransMilenio Feeder Route 16-14, Portal El Dorado

    Departure Stop
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Door 4
    Arrival Stop
    Portal El Dorado, Where the Trunk Routes across the City Begin
    Schedule
    Every Day, Including Sundays and Holidays · Mon-Fri 4:30 am to 12:20 am, Sat from 5 am, Sun and Holidays from 5:30 am
    Ticket
    COP 3,550 a Journey on the Same Tullave Card as the Trunk Network

    The Earlier and Later of the Two Services, and the One to Take for a Dawn Departure or a Late Arrival. Both Leave from Terminal 1, so Allow for the Shuttle If You Land at Terminal 2

    BOG · 16 · TransMilenio Feeder Route 16-14, Portal El Dorado
    // Ground Transport

    Taxi, Ride Apps and Car Rental

    Compare the Main Door-To-Door Options after Landing, Including Official Taxi Pickup Points, Ride-Hailing Availability and On-Airport Rental Counters

    Ride Apps
    Uber, DiDi, Cabify
    Rental Companies
    10 Available

    Regular Taxi

    Official Operators
    Taxi Imperial
    Pickup Point
    Lane 1, between Entry Doors 8 and 10, outside Terminal 1 Arrivals
    Travel Time to Center
    About 30 min, Longer in Traffic
    Payment Methods
    Metered on the City Tariff; Carry Cash, as Cards Are Not Guaranteed

    Ride Apps

    Uber
    Around the Clock across Bogotá
    PricingIn-App Fare, Quoted before You Book
    Pickup PointAgreed in the App with the Driver; the Airport Designates No Ride-Hailing Rank
    NotesThe Widest Driver Supply of the Three in Bogotá, Which Is What Makes It the Most Reliable at an Awkward Hour
    BOG · Ride Hail · Uber
    DiDi
    Around the Clock across Bogotá
    PricingIn-App Fare, Quoted before You Book
    Pickup PointAgreed in the App with the Driver; the Airport Designates No Ride-Hailing Rank
    NotesUsually the Cheapest of the Three on the Same Route, Though Drivers Can Be Scarcer Late at Night
    BOG · Ride Hail · DiDi
    Cabify
    Around the Clock across Bogotá
    PricingIn-App Fare, Quoted before You Book
    Pickup PointAgreed in the App with the Driver; the Airport Designates No Ride-Hailing Rank
    NotesBogotá Is Its Main Colombian City and It Sits above the Other Two on Price, Vetting Its Drivers More Tightly
    BOG · Ride Hail · Cabify

    Car Rental

    Alamo
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7
    Vehicle Pickup
    A Second Counter Sits at the CAC, Next to the Freight Office

    Shares Its Counter Staff and Telephone Number with Enterprise and National

    BOG · Rental Desk · Alamo
    Budget
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7

    On the Arrivals Side of Terminal 1, in the Row of Rental Counters by Door 7

    BOG · Rental Desk · Budget
    Enterprise
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7

    On the Arrivals Side of Terminal 1, in the Row of Rental Counters by Door 7

    BOG · Rental Desk · Enterprise
    National
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7

    On the Arrivals Side of Terminal 1, in the Row of Rental Counters by Door 7

    BOG · Rental Desk · National
    SIXT
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7

    On the Arrivals Side of Terminal 1, in the Row of Rental Counters by Door 7

    BOG · Rental Desk · SIXT
    Localiza Rent a Car
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7

    Rents by the Day, the Week or Up to Twelve Months with No Minimum Term

    BOG · Rental Desk · Localiza Rent a Car
    Economy Rent a Car
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7

    On the Arrivals Side of Terminal 1, in the Row of Rental Counters by Door 7

    BOG · Rental Desk · Economy Rent a Car
    NÜ Car Rentals
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 7

    On the Arrivals Side of Terminal 1, in the Row of Rental Counters by Door 7

    BOG · Rental Desk · NÜ Car Rentals
    Flash Rent a Car
    Desk Location
    Terminal 1, Floor 1, Public Hall in Front of Door 11

    The One Terminal 1 Desk That Is Not in the Door 7 Row, so Look Further along the Hall

    BOG · Rental Desk · Flash Rent a Car
    Europcar - Fox
    Desk Location
    Terminal 2, Floor 1, Public Area, Serving Both Departures and Arrivals
    Hours
    Open 24 h Daily

    The Only Rental Desk at Terminal 2 and the Only One Publishing Round-the-Clock Hours

    BOG · Rental Desk · Europcar - Fox

    Every Desk but One Stands in the Terminal 1 Public Hall on Floor 1, by Door 7. Only the Terminal 2 Counter Publishes Its Opening Hours; the Rest Follow Their Own

    // Airport FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions about Bogota El Dorado International Airport

    About 15 km, to the Northwest, along Avenida El Dorado — the Calle 26. A Taxi Takes around 30 min in Normal Traffic and Far Longer at the Morning and Evening Peaks
    Two. Terminal 1 Handles Every International Flight and Most Domestic Ones from Piers A to D; Terminal 2, the Old Puente Aéreo, Serves Clic and Satena from Pier G
    Take TransMilenio Route K86 from Door 2 or Feeder 16-14 from Door 4, Both on Floor 1 of Terminal 1, to Portal El Dorado. The Fare Is COP 3,550 on a Tullave Card
    Yes. A Free Shuttle Links the Two Terminals Every Day from 4 am to Midnight and Carries a Ramp for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
    Terminal 1 Charges COP 253 a Minute and COP 72,000 for 24 Hours. Terminal 2 Is Cheaper at COP 230 a Minute and COP 70,000 a Day. Long Stay Falls to COP 39,999 from Day Four
    The Meter Runs at COP 159 for Every 100 m and Starts at COP 4,500, and Any Journey to or from the Airport Adds a COP 8,000 Surcharge. Bogotá Set These Rates on 12 February 2026
    The Airport Advises Two Hours before a Domestic Flight and Three before an International One. Add Time in December, When It Handles over 100,000 Passengers a Day
    Yes. Join Airport_El_Dorado, Register on the Portal and You Are Online at No Charge, Reconnecting as Often as You Need. A Paid Premium Tier Starts at COP 15,000 an Hour
    Yes. wait n’ rest Has Rooms Airside in Terminal 1 International Departures, between Gates A12 and A13, and Sleep Oasis Has Pods in the Public Hall on the Second Floor
    Three. The Lounge Bogotá on the Domestic Side of Terminal 1, El Dorado Lounge by Gate A8 in International Departures, and Harmony Lounge in Terminal 2
    // Know before You Go

    Travel Tips & Essential Information for Colombia

    Colombia is a diverse South American destination known for Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Andes cities, coffee regions, and Amazon rainforest. Visitors commonly split time between Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, and smaller nature destinations. Travel is generally straightforward, but security awareness and sensible transport choices matter.

    Colombia AT A GLANCE
    Colombia
    LanguageSpanish
    Capital CityBogota
    CurrencyColombian peso (COP)
    Time ZoneCOT
    Emergency123 · 112
    Driving SideRight
    Plug TypeType A and Type B
    Voltage110V, 60Hz
    Compare Local SIM & eSIM Plans →

    Official Languages: Spanish

    English is limited outside tourist areas. In major tourist zones, airports, larger hotels, and some restaurants, basic English is commonly available, but many everyday interactions are in Spanish.

    Mobile Network: Mobile coverage is generally good in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali, and other major towns. Coverage can weaken on mountain roads, in national parks, in parts of the Amazon, and in remote coastal or border regions. 4G is common, and 5G is limited but expanding in some urban areas.

    Roaming/SIM/eSIM: For short stays, roaming is the easiest option but can be expensive unless your home plan includes Latin America. For most visitors, a local SIM usually gives the best value for data and local calls, though registration rules and passport identification may apply. eSIM is convenient if your phone supports it and is often the best balance between setup ease and price, especially for arriving connected at the airport. If you plan to visit remote areas, download offline maps and transport details in advance because coverage can drop outside main cities.

    Cards are widely accepted in major cities, airports, chain hotels, upscale restaurants, and many supermarkets. Cash is still important for taxis, small shops, markets, rural areas, and some intercity bus terminals. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted.

    Tipping is common but not always mandatory. In many sit-down restaurants, a voluntary service charge of around 10 percent is commonly added or offered, and staff may ask whether you want to include it. Check the bill before adding extra. For taxis, people typically round up rather than tip heavily. In hotels, small tips for porters and housekeeping are appreciated. For guides and drivers, tipping is customary when service is good.

    Plug Type: Type A and Type B

    Voltage: 110V, 60Hz

    Adapter: Visitors from countries using Type A or Type B plugs usually do not need an adapter. Visitors from most of Europe and many other regions typically need a plug adapter. Devices designed only for 220V may need a voltage converter.

    Tourist travel is common in Colombia, but safety conditions vary by city and region. Petty theft such as phone snatching and bag theft is a practical concern in urban areas. Some border, rural, and remote areas may have higher security risks, so checking current government travel advice before intercity or remote travel is important.

    • Use registered taxis, ride-hailing apps where locally permitted, or hotel-arranged transport, especially at night.
    • Avoid displaying phones, jewelry, watches, cameras, or large amounts of cash in public.
    • Keep your phone away from the street edge when walking or sitting near roads to reduce snatch theft risk.
    • Use ATMs inside banks, malls, or supermarkets during daytime if possible.
    • Do not resist during a robbery; personal safety is more important than belongings.
    • Ask locals or hotel staff which neighborhoods to avoid after dark.
    • Be cautious with nightlife, drinks, and invitations from strangers; drink spiking can occur.
    • Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original secured unless needed for travel or official checks.

    Do

    • Carry small cash for taxis, tips, and small purchases.
    • Confirm taxi or car details before entering the vehicle.
    • Use hotel safes or secure luggage storage for valuables.
    • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases; it helps significantly.
    • Check altitude and climate for each stop, especially if combining Bogota with coastal destinations.
    • Book reputable operators for trekking, jungle trips, and adventure activities.

    Avoid

    • Do not walk alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, even in popular cities.
    • Do not leave bags or phones visible on cafe tables or hanging on chair backs.
    • Do not assume every area within a city is equally safe for tourists.
    • Do not carry all your bank cards and cash in one place.
    • Do not take unofficial transport from airports or bus stations.
    • Do not use your phone openly in crowded streets if people around you are warning against it.

    Local Cultural Tips

    • A polite greeting matters. Say hello and goodbye in shops, hotels, and small businesses.
    • People commonly address others with courtesy, especially in formal settings. A respectful tone is appreciated.
    • Casual clothing is fine in many places, but people in major cities often dress neatly, especially for evenings out.
    • Weather varies strongly by altitude, so pack by region rather than season alone.
    • Punctuality is more expected for tours, transport, and business than for some social situations.
    • Football is widely followed and can be a good topic for friendly conversation.
    • Greet people before asking for help or service.
    • Use polite forms such as senor or senora when appropriate.
    • Ask before photographing people, especially in markets or Indigenous communities.
    • Keep your voice moderate in churches and religious sites.
    • Swimwear is for the beach or pool, not for walking around town.
    • Respect local advice about where not to go, even if a map makes it look nearby or convenient.
    // Ready When You Land

    Get Online without Bogota El Dorado International Airport WiFi. Activate Your Free eSIM Trial When You Land

    Get a Free eSIM Trial for Colombia When You Land at Bogota El Dorado International Airport, Then Continue with 1GB or Unlimited Data for Maps, Taxi Apps & Travel Essentials

    View All eSIM Plans for Colombia