Bogota Bogota Dc, Colombia Travel Guide
Required Vaccinations: None for entry to Bogotá for most travelers. Recommended Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations (MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, Flu). Hepatitis A and B. Typhoid (especially if eating street food). Yellow Fever (if traveling to jungle or rural areas outside Bogotá).
Drinking Water: Tap water in Bogotá is generally safe by locals. For tourists, especially those with sensitive stomachs, Bottled water is often recommended. Food Hygiene: Exercise caution with street food. Opt for vendors with high turnover, hot food, and good hygiene practices. Stick to reputable restaurants.
General Emergency: 123 (connects to Police, Ambulance, Fire). Ambulance (Cruz Roja - Red Cross): 132. Police: 112 or 156 (National Police).
Check your home country's embassy or consulate information prior to your trip. In case of emergency, call 123. Give your location and the type of emergency. Follow the instructions given.
Avoid certain areas, especially at night.
Certain parts of downtown (Centro) especially at night, areas south of La Candelaria, and some peripheral areas.
Exercise increased caution with belongings. Avoid walking alone at night.
Awareness in crowded and tourist zones.
La Candelaria (daytime generally safe, exercise caution at night), regions near TransMilenio stations.
Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common. Keep valuables secure.
Generally safer and more luxurious.
Northern neighborhoods like Usaquén, Chapinero, Chico, Rosales are generally safer and more luxurious.
Standard urban precautions. Be discreet with electronics.
Bogotá has improved in safety, but petty crime is common. This occurs especially in crowded areas and tourist zones. Pickpocketing is common in TransMilenio, Plaza de Bolívar, and markets.
Scams like distraction scams or fake police officers can occur. Express Kidnappings (Paseo Millonario) are rare for tourists but can occur with unregulated taxis. Use ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis called by your hotel.
Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
Be discreet with phones and cameras, avoid using them while walking.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
Use ride-sharing apps or taxis from reputable services.
Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, especially after dark.
Bogotá's climate stays consistently cool and mild year-round. Layering your clothing works well. Temperatures fluctuate between day and night, and between sunny and cloudy conditions.
Outerwear: A Waterproof and windproof jacket or an insulated jacket is helpful, especially for evenings or cooler days. A light rain jacket is a good idea.
Keeping important documents organized and secure is a top priority for international travel. Have both physical and digital copies.
Colombia uses 110V voltage and Type A/B plugs (same as North America). Travelers from other regions will need a Type A/B adapter.
The activities you have planned determine what extra gear you should bring.
A Small backpack, a reusable water bottle, rain gear, and sturdy Hiking shoes are key.
Consider renting specific items like specialized gear for short-term use, especially for activities you only do occasionally.
Small additions enhance your travel comfort and security. Don't forget individual comfort items for transit and security devices.
Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and important documents. This safeguards your data against loss or theft.
An External hard drive or USB stick provides a physical backup for critical files. Keep it separate from your main devices.
Store offline copies of tickets, reservations, and passport photos on your phone. This provides access even without an internet connection.
Minimize your environmental impact. Carry a Reusable water bottle (like LifeStraw), a reusable shopping bag, and sustainable utensils.
Opt for solid toiletries to reduce plastic waste.
