Karson & Martín

Saturday, February 15, 2025 • Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia

Karson & Martín

Saturday, February 15, 2025 • Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia

Q + A

Here you can find all of the most frequently asked questions. We hope this page helps answer any/all of your questions. If you need any further information or have any other questions , feel free to reach out to Karson (678-620-4677) or Martín (770-598-7517)

WEDDING DAY FAQS

WHAT DO I WEAR?

We would love for everybody to be nice and cleaned up, but we would also love to mix in a bit of a colorful vibe. Our wedding is going to be formal long dresses/suits with a colorful flare.

Ladies

Gentlemen

Can I bring a guest?

If your guests name is listed on your invitation when you RSVP, then yes! Otherwise we would like to keep the wedding as an intimate event with close family and friends.

How will I get to the wedding venue?

The wedding ceremony is very close to the old city. Transportation will be the responsibility of the guest. Uber is super popular and cheap around the city!

Cartagena FAQS

Is Cartagena safe?

This is the most common question we've received and the short answer is, yes! Cartagena is the most visited and safest city in all of Colombia. Like any international tourist destination, "no de papaya," meaning don't make yourself an easy target for pickpocketing. Like any city you visit in the world, just be wise and aware of your surroundings. We will have our group there, so hopefully you will never feel alone either :)

What is the currency in Cartagena?

The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). For current exchange rates go to: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ It is also helpful to note that commas and periods are used oppositely to how they are used in the US. So here is an example: $1.00 = 3,894.99 Colombia Pesos. Best is to pay with a credit card. If cash is preferred, there are ATMs all over the city. Check to see what the rate of the USD is before you leave the U.S..

CAN I USE USD IN CARTAGENA?

No. Make sure to always have some Colombian pesos on you, which you can get from any of the many ATMs around. Also remember that most major credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and/or bars. Let the your banks know you are going to Cartagena before you leave to avoids any blocks on your cards. IMPORTANT: Discover is not widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard are the best credit cards.

CAN I DRINK THE WATER?

Some tap water is safe, but it's always better to err on the side of caution, bottled water and beers (cervezas) are readily available in the area. You don't need to worry about ice in your drinks if you are eating at a restaurant frequented by foreign travelers, as the bar probably uses purified ice! And when in doubt, just grab a beer instead. Tap water is fine for showering and brushing your teeth.

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 around 10%.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEING A TOURIST IN COLOMBIA?

1. 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. 2. 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.

HOW IS THE WEATHER IN February?

Cartagena is a tropical city which means it is hot and humid throughout most of the year. The temperatures in February are usually highs of 87 and lows of 75 with a nice ocean breeze. That being said, stick to light clothing. Bring sunscreen. Stay hydrated.

DO I NEED TO LEARN SPANISH?

I mean... this could be a great time to put your skills to the test, but no. Cartagena is constantly welcoming tourists from all over the world. Luckily, English is spoken all over the city.

How do I get around the city?

Walking is super fun in the city. Uber is very popular in the city and the rates are amazing compared to the States. You can use your credit card to pay and tip the drivers. Taxis are also available around the city. Tips are usually in cash.

Is wifi accessible throughout the city?

The hotel you are in will have WIFI for you, but most coffee shops in the city have WIFI available.

Can I eat food from the street vendors in Cartagena?

I would consider it safe to eat, but use your judgement. Always go to the most popular vendors. I typically try to avoid the stands with ceviche, but there some incredible stands with empanadas and arepas that are safe.

Popular Spanish phrases to know: (screenshot for reference)

BASIC TERMS:


Hola. = Hello.

Buenos días. = Good morning.

Buenas tardes. = Good afternoon.

Buenas noches. = Good evening.

Adiós. = Goodbye.

Sí. = Yes.

No. = No.

Por favor. = Please.

Gracias. = Thank you.

De nada. = You’re welcome.

Lo siento. = I’m sorry.

Perdón. = Excuse me.

¿Habla inglés? = Do you speak English?

¿Cómo se dice ___? = How do you say ___?

No entiendo. = I don’t understand.

Me llamo… = My name is…

¿Cómo se llama? = What’s your name?


WHEN ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS


¿Dónde está…? = Where is…?

¿Cuál es la dirección? = What’s the address?

¿Puede mostrarme en el mapa? = Can you show me on the map?

¿Podrías escribirlo, por favor? = Could you please write it down?

a la izquierda = on the left/to the left

a la derecha = on the right/to the right

todo recto = straight ahead

al lado de… = next to…

norte = north

sur = south

este = east

oeste = west

al fondo = at the end


AT A RESTAURANT


Una mesa para ___ por favor. = A table for ___, please.

dos = two

tres = three

cuatro = four

Tengo una reserva a nombre de… = I have a reservation under the name of…

¿Qué recomienda? = What do you recommend?

¿Qué hay en este plato? = What’s in this dish?

Soy vegetariano/a.* = I’m vegetarian.

Soy vegano/a.* = I’m vegan.

No como… = I don’t eat…

Tengo alergia a… = I’m allergic to…

La cuenta, por favor. = The bill, please.

¿Aceptan las tarjetas? = Do you accept credit cards?

Solo se acepta efectivo. = Cash only.

un desayuno = a breakfast

un almuerzo = a lunch

una cena = a dinner

una comida = a food

una bebida = A drink

una entrada = an appetizer

un plato principal = a main dish

un postre = a dessert

una agua = a water

un café = a coffee

un té = a tea

una cerveza = beer

un vino = a wine

caliente = hot

frío = cold

picante = spicy

una cuchara = a spoon

un tenedor = a fork

un cuchillo = a knife

un vaso = a glass

un bol = a bowl

un plato = a plate

una servilleta = napkin

Delicioso. = Delicious.

¡Salud! = Cheers!


EMERGENCIES


Ayúdame, por favor. = Help me, please.

No me siento bien. = I don’t feel well.

Necesito un médico. = I need a doctor.

La cita médica = doctor’s appointment

Necesito a la policía. = I need the police.

un oficial de policía = a police officer

Mi medicamento está ____. = My medication is ____.

en mi bolso = in my bag

en mi bolsillo = in my pocket

en mi maleta = in my suitcase

¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercano? = Where is the closest pharmacy?

¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? = Where is the closest hospital?

Me duele ___. = My ___ hurts.

la cabeza = head

el estómago = stomach

el pecho = chest

Me siento mareado. = I feel dizzy.

Tengo fiebre. = I have a fever.

Tengo problemas para respirar. = I have trouble breathing.

seguro médico = health insurance

Farmacia = Pharmacy

How is Cartagena organized?

We will be mostly in Centro, Getsemani and Manga.