FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Covid-19 Related Questions – Last Updated June 20th
Q: How was Medellin impacted by the Coronavirus?
A: Medellin so far has handled the Covid-19 effectively. There was a strict quarantine from the very beginning of the pandemic that slowed down the propagation of the virus in the city. The local government has employed diverse technological tools to face the pandemic such as Medellin Me Cuida (Medellin Takes Care of Me), an app offering aid to those who signed up and requested help.. Medellin has been mentioned in different international newspapers and broadcasters, a recent article called “Colombia’s Medellin Emerges as Surprise COVID-19 Pioneer” by The New York Times was published where it explains the reasons Medellin has managed it so well and The Economist recently praised Medellin’s local government for its response to the pandemic “Medellin’s Medical Marvel”
Q: Statistics of Covid-19 to contextualize
A: Medellin´s population is around 2.7 million people and at the present time the city has identified 15971 active cases and 420 people have died. You can see updated information about our situation here . Athough it’s in Spanish, is easy to navigate. Updated August 8th/2020.
Q: Is it possible and safe to travel to Medellin?
A: The national government will allow international flights to and from Colombia from September 1st on. Medellin is arguably the safest big city in the Latin-American region to travel to right now, so if you are looking for a safe destination where you can relax, surrounded by nature, and meet the warmest people, all at much more affordable prices than major destinations in the US, Canada and Europe, you need look no further .
Q: What are the restrictions I need to be aware of when I get to Medellin?
A: Everyone has to wear a facemask in public spaces. Social distancing, full-body and shoe soles’disinfection procedures with alcohol are required before stepping indoors in public places (e.g. in malls, shops, hotels, cars). We at Medellin Day Trips strictly follow these guidelines in our tours. Please feel free to check the bio-security protocols we have incorporated with our customers.
Q: What happens if I book a tour with you and due to the uncertantity I need to cancel?
A: At Medellin Day Trips we are aware of the uncertain times we are going through right now, for that reason we have a more flexible cancelation policy. In case something occurs you just need to cancel the tour with at least 2 hours of the starting time and 100% of the amount paid will be refunded.
In case you have questions about anything else related to Covid-19 in Medellin or Colombia or about how Medellin Day Trips is managing it please do not hesitate to chat with us through WhatsApp, Instagram, email or fill out the contact form.
About Medellín city:
Q: What places should I avoid at night in Medellin?
A: El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado and Sabaneta are very safe during at night, however, after 2 am we suggest you take a yellow cab to go home. If you happen to be around downtown, Belen, La 33 or any other area than the first four we alluded to, it is recommendable to avoid risks and take a taxi
Q: How easy can I get a Colombian phone number?
A: It’s very easy to find a prepaid sim card in Medellin. Usually the cost is around $5.000 cop (less than two dollars) and they work in most unlocked phones. You just need to charge the sim card with enough credit (in pesos), which will provide Internet mobile data and call minutes.
Please note that most town squares and parks have free Internet access for tourists and visitors.
Q: Is it safe to flag a cab on the street?
A: It´s usually safe, however if you can call a yellow cab or have someone to call it for you in a public establishment, please do so. You can download Easy Taxi an app in your mobile to request a yellow cab , it is available for Android and iOS.
Q: Should I tip the cabs in Colombia?
A: We locals don´t usually tip taxis, so they won’t be expecting you to tip them, however extra money would be highly appreciated.
Q: Can I use Uber in Colombia?
A: We don’t encourage Uber for our customers because it is considered illegal in Colombia. But if you find yourself in an emergency Uber is available in Colombia nationwide.
Q: What is the Emergency number in Medellín?
A: Our emergency number is 123.
Q: What is the weather like in Medellín?
A: There are no seasons in Colombia as you know them but we do have more rainfall in April, May, September and October. During the day the average temperature is79 °F (26 °C) all year round. During night time the temperature drops to 50 °F (17 °C) . You can find an accurate forecast via this link.
Q: What should I pack to go to Medellin?
A: As previously mentioned it’s hot but not humid during the day, so bring shorts and comfortable clothing. Your hotel may have a swimming pool so bathing suit, sunglasses and a hat are useful. In the evening it may be chilly for some people, so a couple of light jackets or sweaters are enough.
Q: Do I need a visa when visiting Colombia?
A: Americans, Canadians and Europeans do not need visa or it is only required when staying for more than 90 days. Please click here for more information.
Q: Do I need a vaccination when traveling to Medellin?
A: To visit Medellin you do not need any kind of vaccination. However, for regions in Colombia like the Amazon or some areas in Choco you do need. Please research in advance or tell us your plans so we can advise you accordingly.
Q: What is the native language of Colombia?
A: 92% of Colombian citizens speak Spanish as their native language, the remaining 8% speak different indigenous languages and dialects.
Q: Can people speak English in Medellín?
A: The majority does not speak any English or just the basics, although it depends on the person’s age and where you are in Medellín. Young people are more likely to speak fluent English.
Q: What time do shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies close at night?
A: Carulla Supermarket behind Oviedo is open 24/7 as well as many pharmacies. Please drop us a line stating where you are staying and we can help.
Q: Is tipping compulsory in restaurants and hotels?
A: A 10% of the total bill is usually charged but in some restaurants it is optional and the waiter will ask before handing the bill, so please check if there is “Servicio” or “Propina” written in the bill, so you don’t tip twice, at least not by mistake.
Q: What is the dress code to go out for dinner or go clubbing?
A: When we locals see someone wearing shorts and sneakers or flip-flops, we know straight away those are foreigners because we usually wear jeans in Medellín. In restaurants or discos, it is better to wear long pants or jeans and shoes.
Q: Is the US dollar widely accepted in Colombian commerce?
A: No, most of the shops only receive Colombian pesos (COP), thus we recommend you to exchange dollars as soon you arrive in our country.
Q: What is the best option to exchange the dollars into Colombian pesos?
A: Here you have 3 options:
- ATM: Usually the exchange rate and bank commission are not high, therefore, sometimes it is convenient to withdraw money from cash machines or pay with credit or debit cards. The bank we recommend that charges no commission and offers the best currency exchange rate is BBVA.
- Currency Exchange Offices (Casas de Cambio in Spanish): There are plenty of them, you can look up on the Internet for the best rate, in our experience Surcambios offers good rates and it is conveniently located in the heart of El Poblado.
- Zeepod app is a very useful alternative to exchange money with other people with no intermediaries so you can set a meet up point and get a better price than at currency exchange places. You can download the app here and start looking for people interested in USD, Euros or even Bitcoins.
If you want to find more helpful information about Medellin and Colombia, we recommend you to check out TomPlanMyTrip blog, they have all kind of tips about everything you might be wondering when planning your trip to Medellin.
About Medellin Day Trips:
Q: Can I pay with US Dollar bills?
A: Yes if it is easier for you we receive US dollars, however note that the exchange rate would be the one found in this website (purchase fare) please click here to check it out.
Q: Can I pay with Credit/Debit Card or Paypal?
A: Yes you can, however there is a bank commision of 6%.
Q: What is the exchange rate if I pay you with cash in Colombian pesos?
A: The official exchange rate we are regulated by is found in this website, click here.
Q: How is your cancellation policy?
A: MedellínDayTrips doesn’t require any payment in advance, so if for any reason you need to cancel the tour, please let us know with at least 24 hours of anticipation. In case you have already paid, we´ll refund your money. However the fees applied with credit card or Paypal payments will be discounted.
Q: What do you do with my personal information?
A: All the information we require from you such as full name, passport number, emergency contact and signatures, are for safety purposes and Colombian legislation compliance. We do not sell information to third parties or use them for marketing purposes whatsoever.
Q: Am I insured when I take tours with you?
A: All of our tours are designed and performed considering all the necessary precautions. Although we do provide an insurance for you, we suggest you activate your credit card insurance before traveling.
