The unit of currency is the Colombian Peso (COP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Banks have no fixed policy on exchanging cash and travellers cheques. Some provide the service, some not, and different banks can differ on this from day to day. Generally foreign exchange is only offered in the early morning. Cash can be exchanged at casas de cambio, or money exchange bureaux, located in cities and border towns. US Dollars are preferred for both cash and travellers cheques exchanges. Travellers cheques are difficult to exchange outside of Bogota. Visitors are warned to beware of fake US dollars, which are printed in Colombia. Credit cards, especially Visa, are becoming more widely accepted and are welcome at top hotels and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agencies. In the main towns and cities ATMs are becoming more prevalent, but cards should be used with caution for security reasons.
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The international dialling code for Colombia is +57. The outgoing code depends on which network is used to dial out on (e.g. 005 for Orbitel), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00544 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Bogota is 1, but the access code to make a call within the country from anotherarea also depends on what network is used (e.g. (05)1 for Orbitel or (09)1 for Telecom). The country has cellular telephone operators with GSM networks. Cell phone companies have active roaming agreements with many international network operators. Colombia, particularly Bogota, is well connected to the Internet with dozens of Internet cafes throughout the city, some doubling as bars.
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Tipping is common and expected for most services. Waiters in restaurants should receive 10-15 per cent of the bill if it has not automatically been added. Porters expect around US$0.50 per bag. It is not obligatory to tip taxi drivers, but 10 per cent is appreciated. Hotels usually add a service charge of 16 per cent to the bill.
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Visitors to Colombia need to be aware they face various risks and should maintain a high level of vigilance. The risk of terrorist attacks from domestic Colombian groups in the towns and cities on public places like bars, restaurants and nightclubs frequented by expatriates, is high. Foreigners are also targeted by thieves, pickpockets and drug traffickers especially in urban areas, and crime is usually accompanied by violence. Never hail taxis in the street (book them through your hotel) and never accept food, drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes from strangers.
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Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Hepatitis A and B and typhoid immunisation is also recommended. There is no risk of malaria in Bogota and surrounds, but prophylaxis is recommended in rural areas, particularly in thedepartments of Amazonas, Choco, Cordoba, Guiania, Guaviare, Putumayo and Vichada. Visitors should not drink tap water, unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled, cooked and eaten while piping hot. Avoid undercooked meat or fish. Medical care is adequate in major cities but variesin quality elsewhere. Medical insurance is essential.
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Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs and three-pin (two flat blades with round grounding pin) plugs are in use.
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