The American Women's Club is open to all English-speaking women in Colombia. The Club meets monthly. For more information, please call the Club's office in Bogotá at 235-0645 or 540-4443. The address is Carrera 4, No. 69-06, second floor. The welcome group of Bogotá's francophone community. For information on membership requirements and the calendar of activities, please write to bogotaaccueil@yahoo.fr or cepex@uexternado.edu.co The Canadian Club of Colombia organizes several social events every year. It also sponsors a school, as well as other charities. For information on how to join or on what activities are planned, please call the Canadian Embassy. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. (the last working day of the month, they are only open until 12:00 a.m.). Foreign currency can be exchanged for Colombian Pesos until 1:00 p.m. Passports must be presented. Most banks have automated teller machines (ATMs). Try to use these machines in crowded, well-lit areas, like shopping centres, and only withdraw small amounts of money at a time. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club are accepted almost everywhere. You will be asked "cuantas cuotas" which means in how many monthly payments will you repay; just reply "uno." (Colombian credit card companies allow their customers to negotiate the number of payments with vendors. Canadian credit card companies do not honour this system.) In many cases, exchange rates are more favourable when you use credit cards. Try to carry only one credit card with you; secure the rest at your hotel along with your passport. The currency in Colombia is the peso, and its abbreviation is the $ sign. Sometimes, products or services are priced in U.S. dollars (e.g., at the airport or in jewellery shops), in which case the abbreviation used is US$. Newspapers, exchange offices, and banks often list exchange rates. It is important to reconfirm your outgoing flight reservation while in Colombia - overbooking is common in Bogotá. There are many gas stations in Bogotá. Regular unleaded gasoline is not available everywhere, but you can always use super/extra gasoline. Unleaded gasoline is called gasolina verde in Spanish. Altitude sickness:Bogotá's high altitude of 2 650 metres above sea level may cause temporary breathing difficulties, insomnia, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and palpitations in some healthy individuals. Factors that may aggravate these problems include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, pregnancy, heart problems, and asthma. Individuals with known heart or lung problems should consult their doctors before travelling to Bogotá. Food:In Bogotá, food is generally quite safe. However, at lower altitudes in tropical areas it can cause problems. Risk of contamination can be reduced or eliminated by cooking or boiling food and by peeling fruit. In general, hot, well-cooked food is safe. Meat and seafood should not be eaten raw; avoid oysters, raw fish, and steak tartare. Fruits should be washed well in potable water or peeled. Those persons with added sensitivities should avoid foods purchased in open-air markets, fresh fruit juices, milk products, salads, and raw vegetables. Ice cubes should generally be avoided. Water:It is recommended to avoid tap water. Bottled water can be purchased in local supermarkets or obtained at your hotel. A letter to North America or Europe costs the equivalent of approximately US$0.75. You can buy stamps at local shopping centres or at post offices. Colombian postal services are not always efficient or reliable. Mail does not always reach its intended destination. Sending parcels or gifts by regular mail is not recommended. A sales tax, called IVA, is charged on many items, including liquor, sweets, restaurant bills, etc. It is included in the purchase price. Visitors cannot claim a refund. Bogotá is GMT minus 5 hours, the same as Eastern standard time. In the winter, there is no time difference between Bogotá and Ottawa. In the summer, when Ontario is on daylight saving time, Bogotá is one hour behind Ottawa (e.g., when it is 8:00 a.m. in Ottawa, it is 7:00 a.m. in Bogotá). Tipping is common and expected in Colombia. Here are some guidelines: - Restaurants: 10% to 15% (check your bill - many restaurants automatically add a tip to the total).
- Supermarkets: 500 to 1 000 Colombian pesos if the person brings your bags to your car.
- Hairdressers: 10%.
- Airport porters: minimum 2 000 Colombian pesos, depending on the number of suitcases and how much time it takes to render the service.
- Car watchers (it is advisable to use them): 400 to 1 000 Colombian pesos, depending on the time of day or night.
- Taxis: 10% (appreciated, but not obligatory).
Taxis: Most taxis are metered. Ask the driver to turn it on. However, some are not, in which case an acceptable rate must be negotiated before the start of your journey. Taxis have minimum charges, which increase if travel occurs in the evening, on a holiday, or to and from the airport. It is advisable to call a taxi company where there is a controlled system of drivers. Telephone numbers for taxi companies include 211-1111, 311-1111, and 333-3333. They will send a taxi out immediately by radio dispatch. Ask for the car registration number to ensure you are getting the proper vehicle and not a pirate vehicle that has intercepted the communication and may have criminal intentions. Reputable taxis use official charts to calculate fares. The best way to travel to multiple destinations around the city remains to hire a taxi by the hour from your hotel. Ask the concierge or the reception desk. In Bogotá: - The Canadian Embassy: 657-9800
- Police: 112
- Information: 113
- Fire Department: 119
- The correct time: 117
- Long-distance calls: 198 for information and 199 for operator
- Airport: 413-9500
Elsewhere: - The Consulate of Canada in Cartagena: (5) 665-8096 / 665-1068 / 665-4208
The average temperature in Bogotá is about 14ºC (57 ºF). When it is sunny, the thermometer reaches as high as 24ºC. Beware of the strength of the sun. Because of the high altitude, it only takes about 15 minutes for unprotected skin to burn. Evenings are cool, and rain is frequent. Carrying an umbrella is a good idea.
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