Bogotá Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Bogotá

• 'No dar papaya' — don't flash phones, cameras, cash or jewellery in public; keep bags zipped in front on TransMilenio.

• Use Uber + Cabify + InDriver + DiDi always over street taxis — cheap (US$2.50–6 city trips) + safer + no fare-scam risk.

• Museo del Oro + Botero Museum + Casa de Moneda are all free Sundays + close Mondays — plan a Sunday cultural day around them + Usaquén flea market.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 123.

• 'No dar papaya' (don't give an opportunity) — don't flash phones, cameras or jewellery in public.

• Zona T + Zona G + Usaquén safe day + evening; La Candelaria safe by day but take Uber after dark.

• Avoid Ciudad Bolívar + peripheral southern comunas without a local guide.

• Scopolamine drink-spiking risk in nightclubs — never leave drinks; use apps not street taxis.

• Emergency 123.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. Visa-free 90 days for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/most Latin America (extendable to 180). Check-Mig pre-registration required online (free, 72h before travel).

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Bogotá. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.