Facts About Bogota
Quick Facts about the City:
Population: 7 million. It is the 4th largest city in
Weather: Between 5-20 °C all year long. Located in the tropics so there are no seasons but the weather changes depending on the rainy or dry seasons and by “el Niño” or “la Niña”.
Money: To get the best exchange rate for your money use ATMS or try to pay everything with a credit or debit card. ATMS are located inside most supermarkets and malls. I never stop on the ATMS at night or the ones alone in the middle of the street. Keep only the amount of cash necessary with you and in the front pockets intead of back pockets of your pants.
Safety:
Basic precautions: never leave your wallet or purse unattended even try to keep it with you instead of in the back of the chairs or on an empty chair on the table which make it an easy target specially in outdoor places.
When taking cabs try not to take them on the street. Call for services. They will give you a car number and can track you down in case something happens. Some phone numbers for taxis: 2111111, 311111, 411111. Some authorized taxis will be outside the malls or supermarkets but make sure they are the ones authorized (usually in the parking lot not on the street). I have taken many cabs on the street but it is better if you avoid doing this. The service is only 500 pesos more(about 25 cents). When you get to the airport use the service from the cabin clearly marked by the gate in yellow/black letters that say TAXI. Here you walk towards the cabin and give the address where you will stay and they will give you a ticket with the cost of the ride.
It is a good idea to make a copy of your passport or ID instead of carrying the original document. Losing a passport must be a pain. Make sure you can leave it somewhere safe.
Useful Websites
Directory assistance:
http://www.bogota-dc.com/dir/bog-dir.htm
General Information:
U.S. Embassy in Colombia:
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