The medical care in the country, as far as the larger cities are concerned, can be compared with that in Europe. In rural areas, however, it is often problematic in terms of technology, equipment and/or hygiene. Visitors to Bogotá should plan a few days to acclimatize, the high altitude can cause dizziness and dizziness. Alcohol consumption should be kept low. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who plan to enter the WHO-designated infection areas within 15 days of their stay and are over one year old. Exceptions are transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Colombia. Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for travelers visiting the following departments below 2300 m: Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlántico, Bolivar, Boyacá, Caldas, Caquetá, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Guainía, Guaviare, Huila, Magdalena, Meta, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Riasaralda, San Andrés, Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Vaupés and Vichada as well as Cauca, Nariño and Valle de Cauca, the central and southern Choco Department and the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena and Medellín and the cities of Acandí, Juradó, Riosucio and Unguía in the Department of Choco, the cities of Albania, Barrancas, Dibulla, Distracción, El Molino, Fonseca, Hatonuevo, La Jagua del Pilar, Maicao, Manaure, Riohacha, San Juan del Cesar, Urumita and Villanueva in La Guajira Department. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not required to enter Colombia, but the risk of infection cannot be ruled out. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Typhoid occurs, poliomyelitis does not. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [4] Low risk of malaria under 1 year-round. 600 m altitude throughout the country. The less dangerous form of malaria Plasmodium vivax is predominant (60%). The more dangerous form of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, is said to be resistant to both chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.
Food and drink
Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before drinking, brushing your teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is usually not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Process dry and canned milk only with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. eating pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Chikungunya occurs. Vaccination is not possible. As a precautionary measure, the most efficient protection possible against insect bites is recommended. Mosquito-borne dengue fever is found nationally, particularly in Tolima, along the Atlantic Coast, Magdalena and Cauca River valleys, Putumayo, and the Cordillera Oriental foothills. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Typhus occurs mainly in slums in the cool highlands. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or needles and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Whooping cough (pertussis) is endemic in many regions. Travelers should check their vaccination protection or possible immunity due to an illness that has already occurred. Leishmaniasis occurs nationwide. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. rabies occurs. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and infections in the regions have increased. Symptoms include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The infection often goes unnoticed or only has mild symptoms. The isolated deaths documented so far were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women not to travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks if they are not absolutely necessary. because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended.
Health certificate
Although a measles vaccination is not officially an entry requirement, travelers must expect that it will be required when crossing the border. Foreigners applying for permanent or long-term residence permits require a Certificado de Salud and a negative HIV test in Spanish. Certificates you bring with you are usually accepted.
Money
Currency
1 Colombian peso = 100 centavos. Currency code: $, COP (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 pesos. Coins in denominations of 1000 (not minted anymore), 500, 200 and 100 pesos. The 20 and 10 pesos coins are still in circulation but are no longer minted. Warning: There are many counterfeit US$ banknotes in circulation in Colombia.
Credit cards
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept international credit cards, especially Mastercard and Visa. American Express and Diners Club are only accepted in the most exclusive locations. Cash can be withdrawn with a credit card at some ATMs, some machines are very outdated and keep the card. A replacement card is recommended when travelling. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. ATMs can be found in tourist areas and larger cities. They should only be used in busy areas and, if possible, accompanied and used. Before using the ATM, it should be checked whether it has been tampered with. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: travelers,
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are generally not accepted in Colombia.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 09.00-15.00. Some banks also offer extended opening hours, including nights and weekends. On the last day of each month the opening hours end at 12.00 noon. There are restrictions during Holy Week and at the turn of the year. The banks are often busy at lunchtime. However, despite the longer waiting time, it is recommended to choose the busier times of the day for withdrawal purposes.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import and export of national and foreign currencies; Declaration obligation from an equivalent value of US$ 10,000, declaration recommendation also for smaller amounts. Export of local and foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon entry but may not exceed the equivalent of US$10,000.
Currency Exchange
The exchange rate is i. Generally cheaper on the Caribbean coast than in Bogotá, Medellín or Cali. The most common are US dollars, which can be exchanged in hotels, banks, shops, travel agencies and exchange offices (opening hours of the exchange offices: Mon-Fri from 09.00-16.00, Sat from 09.00-12.00); a fee is charged everywhere. However, not all banks will exchange dollars, and there are usually time restrictions on foreign currency exchanges. Euros can also be exchanged. It is forbidden to change money at unrecognized dealers.
