Karen & Michael

February 19, 2022 • Cartagena, Colombia

Karen & Michael

February 19, 2022 • Cartagena, Colombia

FAQ

HOW DO I RSVP?

Online, on this site- top right! In fact, the sooner you let us know if you can make it, the better. Go to the 'RSVP' tab and enter the name that appeared on your invite to unlock your RSVP form. Please make sure to RSVP for all the events by December 1st, 2021.

IS IT SAFE?

Yes! Cartagena is completely safe for travel (please! don't believe everything you see on Netflix). Like any international tourist destination, "no de papaya," meaning don't make yourself an easy target for pickpocketing. You should exercise common sense (e.g., do not walk on dimly lit streets alone at night, do not flash wads of cash in public), but Cartagena is statistically safer than much of the U.S.

WHAT ABOUT STREET VENDORS?

There are many street vendors who are often pesky and insisting . If you're not good at politely saying "NO" to them start practicing now. We recommend not to get too excited with items the street vendors sell you because before you know it, you will find vultures. We recommend anything you buy to be in-store to prevent unnecessary irritation.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT AND/OR A VISA?

You need a valid passport. Some airlines will not allow you to travel unless your passport is valid 6 months post-travel **this means that your passport expiration date must be dated August. 19, 2022 (or later, depending your departure date from Cartagena)**

To renew/apply for your U.S. Passport: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Please note all immigration/customs for Colombia is online. Please use this below site to fill out your forms up to 48 hours prior to arriving in Cartagena. You will need to repeat this process upon departure as well. https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/public/preregistro.jsf

DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH?

Cartagena is very tourist-friendly, with many hotel concierges and most restaurant and bar staff speaking English

However, if you feel like brushing up on your Español. In that case, we recommend downloading the free app, DuoLingo, or taking a few minutes to bone up on your travel phrases, for fun and the easy, gamified way to learn as much or as little Spanish you like. But almost anything can be accomplished with smiling and pointing.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? WHAT SHOULD I PACK!?

Cartagena is a tropical city, so you can expect it to be hot and humid. The average low and high temperatures in February ranges from 75*F to 85*F. It'll be warm so wear loose and comfortable clothes. Don't forget to bring beach wear (sandals, flip flops, swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen).

WHAT'S THE CURRENCY AND HOW DO I TAKE OUT CASH?

Colombian Pesos, or COP. The exchange rate as of writing is

$1 USD = $3,400 COP

Useful conversions:

$10,000 COP = $3 USD

$25,000 COP = $7 USD

$100,000 COP = $30 USD

The best places to take out cash are ATMs. There's one in the departures area of the airport (you need to leave customs and re-enter) and several throughout the Walled City. While there are cash exchanges all over, we recommend against them because the exchange rates are usually not as competitive.

Credit cards are widely accepted. We recommend double checking whether your bank charges foreign transaction fees, and letting them know you will be travelling abroad to prevent your bank from freezing your card.

** Understand your pesos. Get familiar with the paper money. Don't mix up a 2,000 COP w/ a 20,000 COP. It happens to the best of us. Get familiar with your cash and organize it from small to large.**

IS TIPPING CUSTOMARY IN COLOMBIA?

There is typically a 10% tip (service) added to your bill. If service was extraordinary, feel free to add some extra pesos. If not, you will not be offending anyone. Please tip any tour guides you may use.

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS!

Feel free to reach out to us at Karenandbriley@gmail.com with any other inquiries about the wedding and if you need extra information to visit other places in Colombia and South America.