TRAVEL TIPS FOR COLOMBIA
U.S. EMBASSY
Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50 Bogotá,
D.C. Colombia
Phone: (571) 315-0811
Fax: (571) 315-2197
EMBASSY OF CANADA
Carrera 7 No. 114-33, Piso 14
Phone: (57-1) 657-9800
Fax: (57-1) 657-9912)
Tipping
In small restaurants, some people tip 1000 pesos or less (about $ .50 US); A few tip 2000 pesos (about $1 US). Most Colombians tip very little or not at all. In the finer restaurants, wealthy people tip more, about 10%. Increasingly the better restaurants spare you the dilemma by adding up to 15% onto the bill as service charge/tip (propina) - you must read your check/bill or you may end up doubling the tip. Rarely does anyone tip taxi drivers. Most hotel guests tip the Maid, Doorman, or other hotel services, depending on the service provided.
Climate
Due to its high altitude and proximity to the equator, Bogotá has a constant, mild to cool climate year 'round. Temperature fluctuations are relatively small with the average monthly high temperatures ranging from 59ºF to 62ºF while the average monthly low temperatures range from 42ºF to 48ºF. The driest months are December to February while April, May, September - November are the wettest.
Taxis
Taxicabs are ubiquitous and affordable yet if travelling to the heart of the city, can be very slow due to the infamous Bogota traffic. They can be flagged down anywhere, but it may be dangerous. They can also be reached by phone, which is highly recommended for security reasons, at 599-9999, 311-1111 or 411-1111. If calling for a taxi, the driver will want to confirm that it is you who called by asking for a "clave" (key), which is always the last two digits of the phone from which you called to request the taxi. Each taxi has a meter, which should increment one tick, every 1/10-kilometer or 30 seconds and starts at 25 ticks. The rate chart is printed on a card in the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers will try to take advantage of you in one way or another; be sure the taxi meter is started when you begin your trip. Tipping is never necessary - be sure to count your change and be on the lookout for both counterfeit coins and notes.
City
Bogotá is divided into zones, each with its own characteristics:
• Zona 1 Norte. This is the most modern upscale zone. The highest income bracket neighborhoods, important commercial centers, the best restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife are in the zona rosa.
• Zona 2 Noroccidente. The city is growing out in this direction.
• Zona 3 Occidente. This western sector contains industrial areas, parks, the National University and El Dorado Airport.
• Zona 4 Sur. The industrial zones and large labor barrios are located in the south.
• Zona 5 Centro. The central sector is the city's chief and most important commercial, cultural, governmental and financial zone.
• Zona 6 Surrounding areas.
• Zona 7 Other cities.
Behavior and Etiquette
· Gifts are never opened in public unless the giver insists.
· Group waves are extremely unacceptable.
· After finishing dinner, expect to stay for a few hours. Leaving right away might be perceived as that you were there only for a free meal.
· Avoid discussing the drug trade. This is a delicate subject in Colombia.
· The elderly are given high respect; men are often referred to as Don and women as Doña, followed by their first names.
· There is a strong sense of cultural regionalism in Colombian society. Many Colombians (especially but not exclusively the older generation) identify themselves first with their home region, then their nationality. This is particular true in Antioquia and Valle departments. Bogota for being Colombia's mixing pot might not necessarily reflect such regional identity.
· Colombians that do not know each other typically begin every issue with small talk, no matter how trivial. "Getting to the point" immediately might be seen as impatient and impolite.
· Colombians have a great variety of regional accents. If you speak fluent Spanish, do not try to imitate the accents, for some may view it unfavorably.
· It is considered improper and slightly immature for adult men to wear shorts (except in recreational areas, such as parks, the beach, or pools).
· It is not usually acceptable to drop by someone's house without calling.
· In most areas (i.e. Bogotá) it is common for men to greet women friends kissing once on the cheek if they are friends. Kissing a stranger woman is considered impolite sometimes (more if you are in a Business gathering), especially if she is elder.
· It is considered polite to say thanks after common actions such as someone opening a door, offering or giving something to drink or eat, or when plates are taken from the table, and after most routine actions whenever they are not expected.
· Most Colombian women in urban areas respond gladly to decent male flattering (known as piropo). This is quite different from other countries where such expressions could be seen as sexual advances.
· People in Bogota and the center region of Colombia and to a lesser degree in some other parts of the country could be sensitive to the use of formal and informal Spanish. For example in a business meeting might not be appropriate to use the informal you (tu) instead the formal you is used (usted).
· In Bogota the wearing of sandals or open shoes by women is frowned upon in some exclusive commercial locations.
· Unlike the US, most (if not all) restaurants include the tip in the total amount to be paid by the costumer; you may choose to not pay it anyway.
Education
The District Education Department is the entity responsible for preschool, primary, secondary and middle school education in Bogotá. According to article 67 of the Colombian Political Constitution, "the State, society and family are responsible for education, that will be obligatory between 5 and 15 years of age and that will consist of minimum one preschool year and nine years of basic education." The "Bogotá, a Great School" plan guarantees a total coverage of educational needs so that the education system is available to all children in the designated education years.
The constitution provides that public education shall not conflict with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church; courses in the Roman Catholic religion are compulsory, and the Church is in virtual control of the public schools.
Grades 4.0-5.0 A
3.5-3.9 B
3.0-3.49 C
0.0-2.9 F
Safety
Bogota is not as dangerous as it is perceived to be. The crime rate per capita shows that it is safer than Washington D.C. and most other Latin American cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Caracas, Mexico City and Guatemala City. It is very difficult to find drugs or be forced to buy them unless you go looking for them. Do, however, be careful outside the city especially at night. Bogota's major safety problems are the drugged, homeless people that are found all around the city and muggers with knives. Avoid walking alone, and also avoid hailing cabs on the streets; call them by phone. Common sense prevails!