Colombia
Visa/Entry
Required documents
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​Travelers, including minors, require a passport valid for the duration of their stay.
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The passport must be valid for at least the intended duration of the stay
Entry
When entering the country, the length of stay is noted in the passport (up to 90 days). In rare cases, however, the approved residence permit ("Permiso de ingreso" due to the "decreto 4000") does not correspond to the desired length of stay according to the return flight ticket. In this case, a fee-based extension must be applied for.
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Vehicle Documents
Driver's License
Austrian driving licenses are recognized, for renting a vehicle an International Driving License (available at ÖAMTC) is additionally recommended.
Vehicle Importation
For the Tempory Import Permit, you must register your vehicle on the DIAN website. After successful registration, you can obtain your TIP by presenting the vehicle documents and customs documents as well as the entry stamp in your passport.
Car insurance
Once a Temporary Import Permit has been issued, you must take out insurance for your vehicle. This can be purchased from various insurance agencies, which have offices in the larger cities. We paid 175,000 pesos$ per motorcycle for 90 days.
Camping
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Wild camping is basically possible in Colombia, if you have no safety concerns.
There are no pure campgrounds here, but many Finkas/Loges offer besides rooms and cabins also the possibility to camp.
Road network
The Colombian road network has a length of approx. 113,000 kilometers, of which approx. 26,000 kilometers are paved.
Santa Marta and Bogotá are connected to Barranquilla and Cartagena by an expressway. From Cartagena, roads lead to many larger Colombian cities. On the Guajira peninsula in north-eastern Colombia, the roads are generally good except in the rainy season. The coastal towns and other inland cities are connected to the capital by highways.
There are usually plenty of petrol stations. Nevertheless, it is recommended to fill up early.
The main routes are in good condition. Mountain roads, as well as connecting roads between towns, are generally very winding. Country roads are often poorly developed and can also end in dirt roads.
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Sim cards
Cell phone network is well developed. SIM cards are readily available everywhere. If you want to use your SIM card for longer than 30 days, you must register it.
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Security
Security level varies depending on the area. In the areas controlled by the government, the security situation is good.
Basically, we felt safe everywhere. However, it is always necessary to check in advance how the security situation will change in the individual areas.
However, general precautionary measures must be strictly adhered to.
WLan
WiFi is available throughout the country. However, depending on the region, it is often extremely slow.
Besides hotels, there is acceptable internet in many cafes and restaurants.
Spare parts
Spare parts and workshops can be found in all major cities for virtually all European brands. Smaller repairs can also be carried out in other cities. Prices for spare parts are sometimes significantly higher than in Europe.
Cost of living
Cost of living in Colombia is cheaper than in Europe in terms of services and accommodation. Branded goods or even spare parts are often more expensive than in Europe.
Miscellaneous
Payment by credit card is not possible everywhere. Cash is still king, especially in smaller stores.