Money, Tipping and Phones in Medellín

Colombia uses the peso (COP), and the big numbers can be confusing at first: a coffee costs a few thousand pesos and a dinner tens of thousands. Here's how to pay, how much to tip and how to get mobile data from day one.

Cash, cards and ATMs

• Cards are accepted in most restaurants, malls, supermarkets and hotels. Small shops, street vendors and markets only take cash.
• Withdraw pesos from ATMs inside malls, banks or supermarkets, during the day. Your bank and the local bank may both charge a fee.
• If a card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose pesos: the exchange rate is usually better.
• Keep small bills for tips and small purchases; many people don’t have change for large notes.

How tipping works

In restaurants, the bill usually shows a suggested “propina voluntaria” (voluntary tip). By law (Ley 1935 of 2018) it is optional, it cannot be more than 10%, it goes to the staff, and the server should ask whether you want to include it. You can accept it, change the amount or ask for it to be removed.

• Restaurants: the suggested 10% is standard if you were happy with the service.
• Private drivers and guides: a tip for good service is customary and appreciated.

Staying connected

• The easiest option for a short trip is a travel eSIM bought before you arrive.
• Local prepaid SIM cards from the main operators (Claro, Movistar and Tigo) are cheap and sold in their stores and in malls; bring your passport.
• Colombia requires phones used with a local SIM to be registered (IMEI). The rules for visitors have changed over time, so ask the store to check your phone when you buy the SIM.