Cali has a reputation for being one of the more dangerous cities in Colombia. However, crime has been steadily decreasing for years, and most of the violence occurs in Eastern Cali, a region where most expats never visit.
Do you need a passport to go to Cali Colombia? All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year.
Then, Do they speak English in Cali Colombia? Very little English is spoken, especially in less touristy places (and Cali definitely counts as « less touristy »).
Is Cali worth visiting? Apart from the odd mugging, Cali is safe for backpackers, including lone, female travellers. Don’t let an outdated reputation keep you from visiting the most vibrant city in Colombia. Cali is worth a visit! As long as you don’t join a drug cartel, then you’ll be fine.
FAQ
Is Colombia safe for 2021?
Reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Colombia due to civil unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Colombia? Most self-funded younger foreigners or fixed-income retirees seem to live in Colombia on a budget of $1,000 to $2,500 per month, a fraction of what they were spending in their home country.
Can I carry a knife in Colombia? While carrying a knife is just a violation of the Colombia Police Code that is sanctioned with a fine of about 200,000 pesos. So, if you carry a knife in Colombia, you can be fined and the knife confiscated.
Can I visit Colombia without knowing Spanish? Hire a Spanish guide
Another option, if you are thinking about how to travel in Colombia without the language, and you want to feel super safe, is to hire a tour guide. There are many ways in which to find this kind of service. For example, in some cities like Medellín you can find many free tours in the town squares.
Do I need to know Spanish to go to Colombia?
Most people visiting Colombia are in the same situation as you. Being able to communicate in local language to some extent certainly helps, even if its only basic knowledge, but it isn’t must. On the other hand, as it is your third visit to South America, why not putting a bit of effort into learning good basics.
Do I need to speak Spanish in Colombia? More than 99.5% of Colombians speak Spanish. English has official status in the San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands. In addition to Spanish, there are several other languages spoken in Colombia.
How do people dress in Cali Colombia?
There are no rules in general for dressing in Colombia, however to avoid sticking out it is recommended men wear trousers and closed-toed shoes, especially at night. For the girls opt for skinny jeans, a pretty shirt, sandals (not flip-flops), flats and heels if you fancy dressing up your outfit.
Are there beaches in Cali Colombia? The Colombian Pacific coast does not really have « lay on the beach, soak in the sun » type beaches. And even though Cartagena is on the Caribbean, it’s not really a « lay on the beach, soak in the sun » type beach town. The one true beach town in Mainland Colombia is Santa Marta.
Why is Cali Colombia popular?
Cali is known by the rest Colombia as the « Rumba Capital » and by the world as the « Salsa Capital », thanks to its characteristic street parties and dance.
Is Colombia expensive?
Colombia is one of the cheapest countries to travel through from South America. However, it is decisive which destination you visit, for example, Cartagena is expensive to visit compared to other places in Colombia. Before you travel, it is important to know how much budget you need for Colombia.
Is Colombia a third world country? Yes, it is. Colombia can be described as a third world country by modern definitions. Economically, it is less advanced than the first and second world countries. The country faces high levels of corruption, poverty, crime, and some cities are still unsafe.
Do I need a Covid test to enter Colombia? As of December 28, 2021, all international travelers aged 18 years and over, regardless of whether they have Colombian nationality, who intend to enter Colombia from a cruise ship, must present the result of the PCR test with a negative result, issued in advance no more than 72 hours before boarding.
What is considered rich in Colombia?
While the wealth of 71% of adults in Colombia is, on average, less than $10,000, just over 2% of adults have wealth of more than $100,000. Colombia’s richest have fortunes representing 4.6 times the state’s annual investment in education and equivalent to 22% of GDP according to Oxfam.
How much is a house in Colombia in US dollars? While you can pay $1 million or more for a large two-story, El Poblado home, a comparable home in cities such as Manizales or Pereira will cost $250,000 to $300,000.
Is 50 US dollars a lot in Colombia?
In fact, Colombia as a whole isn’t as cheap a place as many travellers believe. However, with a budget of $50 there’s plenty that you can do in Bogotá and still feel that you’ve made the most of the city.
Will I get kidnapped in Colombia? Will I get kidnapped in Colombia? The chance of being kidnapped in Colombia nowadays is slim to none. The historic ceasefire agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC and increased security forces in cities and along major roads have led to a significant decrease in kidnappings.
Are guns banned in Colombia?
Gun possession in Colombia is restrictive. The country’s Constitution of 1991 allows civilians the right to possess and carry a gun after obtaining a license, but in recent years presidents have issued decrees severely restricting carry permits.
How much cash can I bring to Colombia? While you’re traveling with our guides, they will be paying the entrance fees, so you do not need cash for this. How much cash to carry. Assuming you are going somewhere you cannot use your debit or credit card we suggest carrying a maximum of $200,000.
