colombia resource guide.pdf · became one of the main administrative centers of spain in the...

Colombia

Resource Guide

www.larmgroup.com

© Copyright LARM Group

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Welcome to Colombia Colombia History & Culture

5 Country Details Currency & Taxation Legal Requirements Obtaining your Driver’s License Useful Information Purchasing a Car Gas Stations

9 Home Finding Temporary Acommodations Housing Market Leases Utilities Domestic Help

11 Education

12 Banking Opening a Bank Account Banking Schedules ATMS Credit & Debit Cards

13 Medical System Hospitals

14 Transportation Transportation & Commuting

15 Embassy & Consulates Embassy Consulates


TABLE OF CONTENTS

16 National Holidays

17 The Local Flavor Food Traditional Recipe

19 Landmarks & Tourist Spots Bogotá Medellín

Cali Cartagena

21 Entertainment Arts & Culture Nightlife

Sports Shopping

22 Helpful Tips Safety Dialing In/Out of Country Telephones of General Interest

23 Weights & Measurements Chart

24 Notes

LARM - COLOMBIA RESOURCE GUIDE


1

As part of our Latin American Relocation Management (LARM) family, you can rest assured that we have your relocation needs covered. Our focus is making sure you experience a smooth transition, from start to finish. We have put together this guide with important information and resources that will help ease your relocation process as much as possible. We want to remind you that we stand by, ready to support and guide you whenever you might need it. If you have any questions or feed-back, please feel free to contact us directly.

LARM USA Headquarters 1961 NW 150th Avenue, Suite 103

Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Phone: + (954) 239-4081Email: [email protected]

LARM Colombia Carrera 14 No. 99-33, oficina 403

Bogotá, Colombia

Office: + (571) 257-0488 ext.106 Email: [email protected]


2

Welcome to

Colombia

Colombia has a strategic position in the Americas, is considered the geographical heart of the Americas; its great attractive-ness among its country neighbors is to have access to the planet’s two biggest oceans, comprehends an entire geographical universe, defined for almost 1.140.000 km2 of territorial surface, with the Andes, valleys, coasts, beaches, Páramo, snow level peaks, volcanoes, jungles and flat lands, which also influence the cultural variety of the country’s population.

Colombia is a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. Its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery and adventure, its people and cultures, have fascinated the world for centuries; is a land of enchanting rainforests, spectacu-lar mountains, a producer of extraordinary emeralds, and of course smooth rich coffee.



3

History & Culture

History: At the start of first millennium BC, groups of Amerindians have built up the so-called “cacicazgos”. These are political systems headed by caciques in which the two most complex are the Tayronas and Muiscas. In the late 1490’s, Spain began its discovery of the Carribean and Pacific Ocean. Its first permanent settlement was established at Santa Marta in 1525. The Viceroyalty of New Granada was finally restored in 1739 which includes several northwestern provinces of South America such as Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador. Consequently, Colombia became one of the main administrative centers of Spain in the western hemisphere. After a long battle for sovereign-ty, the country’s independence was ultimately declared in July 20, 1810 through the leadership of Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander. These 2 heroes became the first president and vice-president of Colombia in 1819.

After Colombia gained its independence from Spain, internal issues regarding politics and territorial divisions continue to take place. Probably the most historic civil in the history of Colombia is the “Thousand Days Civil War” that led to the establishment of Panama as a nation in 1903. A period of public violence known as “La Violencia” overwhelmed the capital city of Bogotá between 1940 and 1950, mainly because of the assassination of the Liberal presidential contender Jorge Bogotazo. In the late 1980s, the economic and political arenas of Colombia were parti-cularly influenced by powerful and aggressive drug cartels. In 1991, the new Colombian Constitution was ratified with key provisions on the nation’s human, gender, ethnic and political rights.

Yet at the beginning of the 21st century the situation in Co-lombia improved. Violence in Colombia declined after 2002. Furthermore the Colombian economy grew rapidly in the early 21st century and poverty and unemployment declined. Colombia suffered in the recession of 2009 but the eco-nomy is now growing again. Colombia also suffered severe floods in 2010. However tourism in Colombia is growing rapidly. The future looks bright for Colombia.

Culture: In general, Colombians are very straightforward and friendly people. They are very open people, willing to talk and not shy about striking up a conversation. You are unlikely to feel isolated in Bogotá, especially if you speak Spanish.

As family is very important in Colombian society, you might be invited to a Colombian colleague’s home for a meal. It is appropriate to bring a gift such as flowers or chocolate. You may reciprocate by offering to take your host and their family to a restaurant for dinner. Arriving on time for mee-tings is important although you may have to wait.

Communications: In business situations people may be more direct, but in formal and social environments, people will usually take the indirect path. Many people care what others might think or how they might react, so they are usually careful not to offend.

People tend to speak relatively loud. When a group of people is speaking, there is rather low consideration for guaranteeing that every person has the same chance to speak. Normally the conversation tends to be “dominated” by those who speak up, and normally there is no invitation for the “shy ones” to join in.


4

“Please” (por favor) and “Thanks” (gracias) are important words. Colombians use them almost automatically, and not using them is considered rude.

Doing business: Doing business in Colombia requires a certain degree of adaptability. Customs in the interior, inclu-ding Bogotá, are some of the most formal in South America.

The handshake is the most common form of greetings among Colombians and that, which is used in the business sector, close female friends may greet one another with a kiss on the cheek and close friends of either sex may greet one another with a hug.

Dress: Business attire in Bogota is formal. Men usually wear suits and ties. In warmer weathers, short-sleeve shirts with trousers and a jacket are usually acceptable.

Women usually wear dresses, skirts with jackets or pant-suits. Otherwise casual dress is fine. Closed-toe shoes or boots are appropriate.



5

Full country name: Republic of Colombia

Capital: Bogotá D.C., Distrito Capital

Area: 440,831 square miles /1,141,748 square kilometers

Population: 44.000.000

Standard time: GMT -5 hours

Internet country code: .co

Voltage: 110 V

Plugs: American plug type

Television Systems: NTSC

Official Language: Spanish is the official language of Colombia. English is used during the working day in many companies. Therefore, it is good for expats to learn some Spanish to speak with colleagues and neighbors. Learning the language will also help people moving around and merging into the local community.

Government: Republic, with separation of powers into executive, judicial and legislative branches. The legislature branch has a congress, the judiciary branch has a supreme court, and the executive branch has a president.

Religion: Colombia is mainly a Catholic country. There is cult freedom allowing any one to exercise any religious will.

Area Code: +57

Location: To the north the Caribbean Sea, to the East, Venezuela and Brazil, to the South Peru and Ecuador, to the West the Pacific Ocean, and to the Northwest with Panama.

Demographic: Colombia has almost forty million people, of which almost 70% live in areas of big cities and the other remaining percentage lives in the rural zones of the country.

Geography: Flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, and eastern lowland plains

Main Regions: The Caribbean, The Pacific, the Andean, The Llanos Orientals and the Amazon Regions.

Main Cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena.

Climate: Colombia has a wide variety of climates and tem-peratures that exclusively depend of the altitude above sea level. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that in the months of March, April, May, October, November and December are raining months and are considered as winter in the interior of the country, and in the North Coast correspond to April, May, August, September, October and November. The other months with sunny days and dry weather are considered as summer.

Country Details


6

Currency & Taxation

• Official Name: Colombian Peso COP$

• Denominations: coins of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 (pesos) and bills of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 (pesos).

• Exchange Rate: between Colombian pesos and US Dollars usually ranges around COP $1,700 to USD $1.00. To do the exchange operation between Colombian pesos and US Dollars, you may take the value in Colombian Pesos, remove three zeros and then divide by two.

US Dollars are only accepted in some hotels and restaurants.

Taxes:• Income and capital gains tax

• Income Tax for Equality (CREE)

• Consumption tax

• Sales tax (VAT)

• Tax on financial transactions

• Industry and commerce tax

• Property tax

Tips: are usual but not mandatory. In restaurants you can leave up to 10% of the bill. You can give bellboys and porters a tip equivalent to US$1.00 for piece of luggage.

Legal Requirements

Visa: A work visa is required for those who want to work temporarily in Colombia. The employee should complete his/her application online after entry to Colombia or direct-ly at the Colombian Consulate. The work visa is issued for 1 or 2 years and it can be renewed in Colombia. The beneficiary visas can be granted to spouse, permanent partner, parents and children, or economic dependents of the alien to whom the visa was granted.

Cédula de Extranjería: The foreign ID card “Cédula de extranjería” is the required identification document for all the foreigners living in the country who have obtained a visa for more than 3 months. This document allows the foreigner to sign contracts, open bank accounts, secure cable, internet, apply for a driver license, etc. Foreigners must keep it at all times during his/her stay in the country.

The requirements are the following:

• Application Form

• Bood test (first Time)

• Copy of Visa

• Copy of main page of passport

• Bank deposit

Runt: Tax identification number



7

Obtaining your Driver’s License

How long can you drive with your foreign/current Driver’s License?

Foreigners may drive in Colombia with their own country license or with an International driver license for 45 days, after that period, they must obtain a Colombian driver license; this procedure may be completed in person and takes about 1 day.

The requirements are the following:

• Registration at RUNT

• Medical Certificate

• Conduction certificate

• Application Form

• Copy of the Foreign ID Card

What do you need to know about driving in Colombia?

The main road traffic rules:

• Driving is on the right side of the road.

• The minimum driving age is 18 years.

• The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.2%.

• The maximum speed allowed in rural areas is 80 km/h (50 mph). On highways and connecting routes, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h.

• Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat passengers in a private vehicle. Car seats are mandatory for children under 6 years old, and a child under 10 is not permitted to ride in a front seat.

• The standard to follow when an Ambulance/Fire Truck are on their way to an accident is to move aside in order for them to drive faster.

• The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited.

• Every vehicle must be covered by a minimum limited third-party-liability policy.

Useful Information

• It is recommended to drive on highways with head- lights on.

• All distances are given in kilometers and speed limits in kilometers per hours.

• Vehicle registration document, proof of identity, insurance documents, valid driving license should be kept in the car at all times

• In case of accident, drivers should call for the police and insurance company; do not move the vehicles until the police arrive and write the report.

• Many roads are closed on Sundays and Holidays due to the Ciclovia, which makes roads zones exclusive for bikes and pedestrians.

• “Pico y Placa” is a restriction which establishes the days that a vehicle is allowed to drive depending on the last number of the tag.


8

Purchasing a Car

New and used cars in Colombia are sold by dealerships. The purchase of used cars has declined substantially due to good sales of new cars in the last 5-6 years.

To purchase a car, the buyer needs to provide: local ID & driver license.

Only new vehicles need to be registered before the Gover-nment entity by presentation of the invoice, tax certificate, importation license, and proof of registration before RUNT.

When purchasing a new car with a bank loan, the buyer has to provide cash deposit, which reserves the car while the paperwork is completed. The car dealership handles the ownership transfer.

When purchasing a used car from a private vendor, both parties should go to the Government entity.

The following documents will be required:

• Copy of the seller’s ID

• Copy of the new owner’s ID

• Card ID (tarjeta de propiedad)

• Certificate of vehicle inspection for the current year (Inspección Vehicular).

• “Paz y Salvo”, which declares that there are no outstanding tickets or dues on the car.

• Receipt of payment of the road tax (impuesto de rodamiento) from the municipal office that issued the license plate.

Gas Stations

There are many gas stations in Colombia, the stations sell by the gallon (1 gallon= 3,8 liters)

• In Colombia, there are gas station attendants who pump the gas

• Tipping the gas station attendants is not customary



9

Home Finding

Temporary Accommodations

Hotel standards in Colombia are high. Many international hotel chains have established or plan to establish hotels in Colombia. Although there are many first-class hotels, it is advisable to reserve well in advance.

We suggest it for:

• Business trips: Hotels without kitchen

• Temporary accommodation: Apart-hotel with kit-chen, available with 1 or 2 rooms

• Less than 1year assignations: furnished apartments with hotel services, the fee can include utilities, maintenance and rent. Usually signed lease and deposit is required

Housing Market

• Properties listed with several real estate agents.

• Properties can be rented from one day to another.

• Rental properties are available both furnished and unfurnished, though ‘unfurnished’ can mean several things. Some unfurnished properties provide only floor coverings and curtains but no kitchen applian-ces, while others include refrigerators and laundry rooms. Furnished apartments provide all basic furniture and appliances; some landlords may even include a television. Usually, new apartments do not include appliances or curtains.

• If there are appliances in the apartment installed by the landlord, the maintenance is the tenant’s liability.

• Prices depend on the quality of the housing, the size, and the location.

• 4 Bedroom apartments are hard to find

• Limited number of houses for rent, compared to apartment options.

• Usually, properties do not include appliances or curtains.

• For security reasons, only houses in gated communi-ties or condos are recommended.

• It is common for apartments and houses not to have air conditioning or heating systems.


10

Leases

• In most cases, the owner requests a guarantor in regards to the lease; it is best if the company acts as guarantor and the employee signs as tenant.

• In Colombia there are no Security Deposits.

• The lease negotiation and preparation takes approximately 10-15 working days.

• Some landlords do not accept the diplomatic clause during the first year.

• In Colombia Rent and Condo payments are made in advance.

• The condominium fee is not always included in the rent price, in which case it is paid separately, direct-ly to the building or condominium.

• The Property Inventory List is signed by both parties and is an integral part of the Rental Contract.

• Usually, contracts have a 12-month term. As of the expiration of the first term of the contract, the mon-thly rent will automatically increase according to the CPI (Consumer Prices Index calculated by the DIAN).

• The landlord will not be responsible or pay for any robbery, fire, flows or earthquake, unless damages are due to landlord negligence. The tenant can get insurance if he/she wants.

• In Medellin the tenants pay 20% of the rent price and Commission, and 5% for the documents’ analyst in order to rent a property.

Utilities

• Properties will always have utilities such as water, electricity and gas under the owner’s name. Telepho-ne may be included as well.

• The gas and electricity bills are monthly, water bills are bi-monthly.

• To install internet/cable TV, it is only necessary to have the Colombian ID Card.

• Utilities: Not included within the rent.

• The tenant must keep the utility receipts of the last three months (electricity, gas, water, condominium, etc.), they shall submitted to the landlord once the contract is due.

Domestic Help

• Domestic help such as nannies and/or maids can be found in Colombia, and are considered a necessity by many residents. The easiest way to find potential help is through recommendation. Friends and colleagues can offer reliable information by referring you to a reputable agency or a trustworthy individual. If you hire domestic help in Colombia, be sure to check the identification and references of your potential employee.

• Depending on the amount of help wanted, domestic employees may live in the place of work, or work “by days”, for a few days during the week but not living in the employer’s house.

• Domestic help requires a labor contract. Employers are obliged to register the domestic employees to the System of General Pensions, Health and Profes-sional Risks.



11

Education

The education system in Colombia is divided in 3 stages:

• Two years of kindergarten

• Five years of elementary

• Six years of middle and high school

The Colombian school system has two calendars (A and B):

• Calendar A: From February to November

• Calendar B: From September to June

Depending on the needs of the family, there are many options of education systems and types as well as bilingual schools.

We highly recommend applying in advance and assessing at least 3 options because availability may be limited.The admission process includes some exams for the children according to the age, and interviews with the parents.

In Colombia, you can find American, German, French, Swiss and Italian Schools.

The most popular schools are:

• Colegio Nueva Granada (American System)

• Colegio Gran Bretaña (British System)

• Anglo Colombiano (British system)

• Colegio Andino (German)

• Liceo Frances (French)

• Colegio Italiano (Italian)

The corresponding costs are the following:

• School Bond (bono): One-time payment. This enroll-ment fee is determined by the private institution.

• Registration Fee (matricula): Yearly payment

• Tuition fee (pension): Monthly payment

• Lunch and transportation: Monthly payment


12

Banking

Opening a Bank Account

• Foreign ID card “Cédula de extranjería”

• Labor certificate

Banking Schedules

Monday through Friday from: 8:00/9:00 a.m. to 3:00/4:00 pm; some offer extended hour service – night and weekend shifts.

The last day of the month, the banks are open until 12 noon. Also, there are schedule exceptions during Holy Week and other Holidays.

ATMS

ATMS are an excellent option because they operate 24 hours a day; some provide the English language option. The transactions generally allowed are: balance consult, withdraws, payment of some utility bills, transferences and cash advances. Do not provide your PIN to strangers. ATMSare located in strategic places particularly on main streets and malls. Some ATMS will allow Visa and Master Card debit and credit international transactions.

Credit & Debit Cards

The majority of supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and commerce establishments receive international credit cards such as: American Express, Master Card and Visa. If your debit or credit car is stolen, contact a bank representative immediately and place a police report.



13

Medical System

In case of accident or emergency go to the Hospital and they will attend you as soon as possible. The payment will depend on the medical procedure needed.

Private healthcare has an excellent standard. Public Health system is not recommended due to the waiting lists and inefficiency.

The majority of drugs may be bought in drugstores and pharmacies without any restriction, except for those requiring medical prescription. Verify that the drug has the expiration date and price printed on the package. There are drugstores which provide service during the night, wee-kends and holidays.

Bogotá’s high altitude causes shortness of breath, insomnia and weight loss in some individuals. These symptoms disa-ppear rather quickly, but individuals with significant heart or lung disorders should take this fact into consideration.

No vaccinations are required, but there are some preven-tative measures that should be taken into consideration before you depart to Colombia. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended.

Hospitals

The most important hospitals are:

• Clinica del Country

• Clinica Marly

• Clinica Reina Sofia

• Fundacion Santa Fe

• Cardio Infantil

• Medellín: Clinica las Vegas, Clinica del Rosario Poblado

• Cali: Fundación Valle del Lili


14

Transportation

Transportation & Commuting

• Big challenges in Bogotá, Medellin, Cali and other main cities in Colombia include the traffic and the “Pico y Placa” restriction, a system that limits the number of vehicles driving in the city each day.

• Public transportation is not very commonly used by expats.

• Expats usually use a company car and buy another car for the family or for the Pico y Placa restriction.

• It is not recommended to hail a taxi on the street. A Taxi Company can be contacted for pick up. Drivers are not tipped.



15

Embassy & Consulates

Embassy

Germany Great Britain

Panama Argelia

Guatemala Paraguay

Argentina Honduras

Peru Belgium

India Poland

Bolivia Indonesia

Portugal Brazil

Israel Dominican Republic

Canadá Italy

Romania Chile

Jamaica Russia

Korea Japan

Sweden Cuba

Lebanon Switzerland

Ecuador Morocco

Thailand Egypt

Mexico Turkey

USA Nicaragua

Uruguay Spain

Netherlands Vatican City

France Palestine

Venezuela

Consulates

USA

Norway

Spain

Panama

Philippines

Peru

Finland & Denmark

United Kingdom , Great Britain , & Northen Ireland

France

Trinidad & Tobago

Guatemala

Venezuela

Nicaragua


16

National Holidays

• January 1st: New Year´s Eve

• January 6th: Epiphany

• March 24th: Saint Joseph´s day

• April 9- 10th: Easter

• May 1st: Labor´s Day

• June 2nd: Ascension Day (religious)

• June 23nd: Corpus Christi

• June 30th: Sacred Heart

• July 20th: Independence Day

• August 7th: Boyacá Battle

• August 18th: Assumption of Mary

• October 12th: Columbus Day

• November 1st: Saint´s day

• November 11th: Cartagena independence days

• December 8th: Immaculate Conception

• December 25th: Christmas



17

The Local Flavor

Food

Colombian cuisine is delicious and fresh; it includes local meats, potatoes, rice, beans, soups rich in herbs, and an astounding variety of vegetables and fruits. Fruit juices, co-ffee and local beers are very good. Lunch is usually served from 12- 2 pm, dinner from 7-8 pm

Some interesting regional dishes include:

• Ajiaco: Soup made with chicken and potatoes, which is a specialty from Bogotá

• Sancocho: Traditional soup (stew) with meat and vegetables served as a broth, along with large pie-ces of plantain, potato, yucca (cassava) and/or other vegetables , which is a specialty from Cali

• Bandeja Paisa: Is the Medellin typical plate. This includes: Frijoles, rice, crisp pork rinds, grinded meat, blood sausage, chorizo, fried egg, slices of ripe plantain de, arepa, salad and avocado.

• Arepa: The traditional ‘arepa’ is prepared with cooked, grinded and mixed corn. The usual is to eat it with butter, salt, cheese, but also with ‘hogao’

Some of the best and well-known restaurants are:

• Bogotá: Club Colombia, Leo Cocina y Cava, Andres Carne de Res

• Medellin: Hato Viejo, Carmen,

• Cali: Donde Guti, El Zaguan de San Antonio, Patio Valluno


18

Traditional RecipeBandeja Paisa

It´s very easy to do, it´s plentiful, full of different flavors, comes in big serving sizes, which is why it´s always served on a big platter. It´s traditionally served with beans, white rice, ground beef or grilled beef (sometimes both), chicha-rron (pork rinds), sausage, sweet plantains or tostones, fried egg, avocado and an arepa (white or yellow).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cargamanto beans or large red beans

• 2 tablespoons of oil

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 cup hogao

• 2 lbs bacon

• Chicharrones (fresh pork rinds )

• 6 eggs

• Sweet plantains (ripe) or tostones

• Arepa

• Salt, if desired

• 4 large onions

• 4 tomatoes

• Cilantro

• Salt

• Vinegar

• Achiote paste

• Oil, about 2 tablespoons

• 2 lbs ground beef

• Hogao

• Bacon crumbled into pieces

• 3 cups corn flour (white or yellow), for arepa

• 2 cups warm water

• 2 teaspoons oil

• Salt, if desired

Preparation:

• Cover beans in water; let soak overnight (night befo-re making the recipe). Cook beans in same soaking water and stir in half the oil. When the beans are soft, add the salt.

• Meanwhile, cook ground beef in oil, stir in half the hogao; stirring well. Crumble bacon and fry chicha-rrones.

• When beans are tender, stir in remaining hogao and cook 5 to 10 additional minutes. In skillet add oil over high heat , carefully fry sweet plantains or tostones ; fried the eggs. Serve dish in trays with rice, avocado and arepas.

• Hogao o Guiso: Mix all ingredients together and cook in skillet for 10 minutes.

• Arepas: Place corn arepa flour in large bowl enough to knead in it. Stir in oil over flour.

• Stir in salt to water; mix until dough is formed.

• Make a ball of dough in your hand; flatten to small patties.

• Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat, cook until browned on both sides.

Tip: For the bean broth to thicken, stir in any root vegetable such as potato, or spinach. During cooking, stir, dilute well. If you can´t find cargamanto beans, use any large red bean.



19

Landmarks & Tourist Spots

Colombia offers a variety of tourist attractions where you can see the contrast between the buildings of the colonial and modern times.

Colombia is a country for exploring, resting, becoming ac-quainted with its history, culture, and traditions. The huge geographic variety offers many places to visit around the country like “Cartagena, Parque Tayrona, Parque Del Cafe, Medellin, and Llanos Orientales”

Bogotá

The capital of Colombia, located in the center of the country on a vast plain at 2,600 meters above sea level and with a moderate temperature has a population of eight mi-llion people from all corners of Colombia; a city as diverse as the entire country

Medellín

So while Medellin may not be the largest city within Colombia it is most certainly one of the more prominent economies with a massive variety of employment oppor-tunities. Its exceptional architecture, creatively designed leisure areas, and constant development have transfor-med it in a short period of time into a metropolis with a great potential for growth. The main areas of business in Medellin are steel, textiles, confections, food and beverage, agriculture, public services, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, refined oil and flowers. Medellin’s urban metro transportation system is modern and sleek, and the city has two airports: the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in the neighboring municipality of Rionegro, and the Olaya Herrera Airport for regional and domestic flights.


20

Cali

A great place for tourism and leisure. The capital of the department of Valle del Cauca has become a mecca for tou-rism thanks to its historical sites, great nightlife, excellent restaurants and plenty to do specially in the evening when the temperature is not as hot as during the day. Cali is one of the major economic and industrial centers of the country, and the main urban, economic, industrial, and agrarian city of southwest Colombiatrips to the coffee plantation. For the adventurous, the Chiriqui River offers some of the best white water rafting in Central America.

Cartagena

Cartagena is the most touristic city in Colombia and one of the most fascinating colonial cities in Latin America. Cartagena is famous for its fortress and walls, colonial architecture and great plazas surrounded by picturesque cafes and restaurants. There are many sightseeing land-marks like: The Clock Tower, Plaza de la Aduana, Castillo de San Felipe, Palacio de la Inquisición and the Convento de la Popa.

From Cartagena you can go to Islas Del Rosario (Rosario Islands), a group of 23 islands bordered by extensive areas of coral banks, crystal clear waters and fine beaches.



21

Entertainment

Arts & Culture

Bogotá offers ballet, opera, drama and music, as well as casinos. You’ll also find many clubs, which often have entrance fees.

Medellin offers a fantastic variety of bars and clubs. Cul-tural activities as theater, concerts, musicals. The Annual Festival of Flowers in August is superb.

Nightlife

Colombian people are known for their vibrant nightlife, with busy restaurants, numerous parties and nightclubs filled with dancers twisting hips to the beats of salsa, vallenato and merengue. The busiest nights are Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Sports

You can find clubs that offer sports like golf, tennis, and swimming. On Sundays and on holidays from 7:00am to 2:00pm, the streets are closed and turned into car-free cycle ways, a great way to explore the city.

Shopping

You can find all type of national and imported products in the Malls, Supermarkets, Department stores and Com-mercial Zones. The flea markets, which are popular on Sundays, include sales of antiques and curious objects.

What to buy:

• Colombian emeralds

• Jewelry

• Leathers and footwear

• Clothing

• Handicrafts

• Art

• Book and Music

Main Malls:

• Unicentro

• Centro Andino

• El Retiro

• Atlantis Plaza

• Gran Estación

• Salitre Plaza

• Santa Fe


22

Helpful Tips

Safety

• Bogota is a large city and acts like one; “no dar papaya”, literally “not giving papaya” (the tropical fruit), is a very common Colombian expression that means “don’t show off”, or “don’t put yourself in a position where you become vulnerable to be taken advantage of”, a general rule that will always work and that should be the traveler’s common sense.

• Do not exchange money in the street.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Keep your belongings close to you at all times.

• Do not provide personal information to strangers.

• Do not take public transportation during night time.

Dialing In/Out of Country

• For domestic calls: Dial 05, 07 or 09 + city indica-tive + telephone number.

• For International call: Dial 005, 007 or 009 + indicative of the country + area code + telephone numbers

Telephones of General Interest

Emergency

• Information: 113

• CAI (immediate attention center): 156

• Police (automatic dispatch center): 112

• Fire department: 119

• Red cross (ambulances, emergencies): 132

• Civil defense: 144

• Transit and accidents: 127

Damages in utilities

• Aqueduct system: 368-6800

• Garbage recollection: 110

• Energy: 115

• Natural gas: 444-6666

• Telephones: 114

Cabs Services

• Taxi Mio: 599-9999

• Taxi Libres: 311-1111



23

Weights & Measurements Chart

Scan for a free Conversion appiPhone only

TemperatureoF oC130

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

-10

-20

-30

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

-5

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30

-35

Length1 centimeter (cm) = 10 millimeters (mm)1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (cm)1 foot = 0.305 meters (m)1 foot = 12 inches1 yard = 3 feet1 meter (m) = 100 centimeters (cm)1 meter (m) = 3.281 feet1 furlong = 660 feet1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters (m)1 kilometer (km) = 0.62137119 miles1 mile = 5280 ft1 mile = 1.61 kilometers (km)1 nautical mile = 1.85 kilometers (km)

Area1 square foot = 144 square inches1 square foot = 929.03 square centimeters1 square yard = 9 square feet1 square meter = 10.76104 square feet1 acre = 43,560 square feet1 hectare = 10,000 square meters1 hectare ≅ = 2.47 acres1 square kilometer = 100 hectares1 square mile = 2.59 square kilometers1 square mile = 640 acres

Speed1 mile per hour (mph) = 1.467 feet per second (fps)1 mile per hour (mph) = 1.61 kilometers per hour1 knot ≅ = 1.15 miles per hour1 foot per second = 0.68 miles per hour (mph)1 kilometer per hour = 0.62 miles per hour (mph)

Volume1 US tablespoon = 3 US teaspoons1 US fluid ounce = 29.57 milliliters (ml)1 US cup = 16 US tablespoons1 US cup = 8 US fluid ounces1 US pint = 2 US cups1 US pint = 16 US fluid ounces1 liter (l) ≅ = 33.81 US fluid ounces1 liter (l) = 1000 milliliters (ml)1 US quart = 2 US pints1 US gallon = 4 US quarts1 US gallon = 3.785 liters

Weight1 milligram (mg) = 0.001 grams (g)1 gram (g) = 0.001 kilograms (kg)1 gram (g) ≅ = 0.035 ounces1 ounce = 28.3 grams (g)1 ounce = 0.0625 pounds1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces1 pound (lb) = 0.45 kilograms (kg)1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams1 kilogram (kg) = 35.27 ounces1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb)1 stone = 14 pounds1 short ton = 2000 pounds1 metric ton = 1000 kilograms (kg)


24

Notes



25

Notes


26

Notes



27

Notes


28


AddressCarrera 14 No. 99-33, oficina 403

Bogotá, Colombia

Contact Office: + (571) 257-0488 ext.106 Email: [email protected]

www.larmgroup.com

COLOMBIA

colombia resource guide.pdf · became one of the main administrative centers of spain in the...

Documents