Air Canada Vacations

Visa requirements
Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Colombia for tourism. Those who wish to visit the country for work or study must apply for a visa or permit at the Colombian consulates in Canada. For all other nationalities, consult your consulate or tourist board for details. You can also visit www.voyage.gc.ca for up-to-date information.

Baggage
Please refer to aircanada.com for baggage information.

Airport check-in
It is recommended that you present yourself at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your voucher 3 hours prior to departure. Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations representatives will be available starting at 5 a.m.

During your stay

Currency
The official currency of Colombia is the peso ($). Entering or taking out money in this denomination or in any other, is restricted and should be declared when entering or leaving the country.

The exchange of foreign currency should be made exclusively in hotels, banks and bureaux de change, never on the street. The exchange rate fluctuates from day to day and has the U.S. dollar as the official reference rate, which is also the currency most used in the market. Payment is made on the basis of the official daily rate, after discounting commissions and services, which vary between 2 and 3%.

The traveller’s checks most used are those of American Express and Citicorp. In the more exclusive hotels you can make payments with them but they are not commonly used in commercial establishments.

Shopping
In the different commercial areas in Bogota, there are high-quality goods made by local designers, artisans, artists, tailors and carpenters, all at reasonable prices.

Shopping malls are popular as they offer clothing and furniture stores, music and artisans, as well as bars, restaurants, cinemas, casinos and banks.

Credit cards
The majority of hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments accept international credit cards. The most frequent are Visa and MasterCard. Only some places accept American Express and Diners Club.

Eating
Colombian national cuisine is as diverse as its climate, landscapes and cultural expressions.
Many of the most famous dishes, like the ajiaco, are usually enjoyed in their places of origin, with the precise ingredients and quantities and in the appropriate atmosphere: decor, tableware, and the final appearance of the dish.

On the other hand, tasting contemporary Colombian recipes means creating a bond that evokes and takes us to the depths of lovely, dissimilar regions. Thanks to the clever artists of the new gastronomy, it is possible to travel the route of taste and imagination to the stoves, pans and pots of the land. Because, inevitably, the tastes of Colombia seduce, captivate, and always leave good memories.

Language
Although Spanish is the official language, English is taught in school and most Colombians speak an acceptable level of English.

Climate
The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. This varies according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains. Bogota is always spring-like, with cool days and crisp nights.

Religion
More than 95% of the population adheres to Christianity and about 1% of Colombians adhere to indigenous religions and less than 1% to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Health tips
Although major cities have excellent running water services, it is recommended to drink bottled water.

Most frequent illnesses are mountain sickness, stomach problems, malaria and Yellow Fever in some forest areas. Before travelling to jungle regions, you must have Yellow Fever and tetanus vaccines at least 15 days in advance.

Telephone
International calls from Colombia: Dial 00 + (9) or (7) + country code + area code + number.
National calls from Colombia: Dial 0 + (9) (5) or (7) + city code + number.
The international access code for Colombia is 57. City code for Bogota: 1, Cali: 2, Medellin: 4, Cartagena: 5.

Time zone
Colombia is 5 hours behind GMT

Electricity
Electricity: 110V / 60Hz with American-style outlets.

Your departure from destination

Hotel checkout
Hotel checkout times may vary depending on the property but generally you must vacate the room by 12 p.m. (noon).

Duty-free shopping
After an absence of 7 days or more, Canadian residents are permitted to return with a maximum of 750 CAD of merchandise per trip without paying duty. Each time you leave Canada for at least 48 hours, you are eligible to declare up to 400 CAD of merchandise. A written declaration may be requested. Each adult is allowed 1.1 litres (40 oz.) of liquor, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks and 200 grams (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco. To calculate the number of days absent, do not count the day you left Canada but include the day you return. If you include cigarettes, tobacco sticks and loose tobacco in your personal exemption allowance, only a partial exemption will apply. You will have to pay a minimum duty on these products unless they are marked “Canada-Duty paid”. Canadian made products sold at duty-free shops will be marked this way.

Airport check-in
Procedures are the same as for departure from Canada.

Customer care
For inquiries relating to extension of stay or change or hotel changes, please call Air Canada Vacations Customer Care department toll free at + 800 296-3408 or e-mail us at: prevoyageclientele@vacv.com We are at your service seven days a week; from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday ET and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.