Location: South America
Local Time: GMT-5
Capital City: Bogota
Population: 46 million
Area: 1,038,700357,021 square km, 439,735 square miles.
Language(s): Spanish
Dialling Code: 57
Emergency: Police: 112. Fire: 119. Ambulance: 2319008 (Cruz Roja)
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit recommended
Electricity: 110/120V 60Hz
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP 1 = 100 Centavos)
Notes: COP: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000
Coins: COP: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards are generally accepted but travellers cheques can be difficult to exchange outside main towns therefore it is recommended to take USD
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1500 Mon-Fri
Office: 0800-1200 & 1400-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1200 & 1400-1830 Mon-Sat
Public Holidays
2012
Note: * When holidays do not fall on a Monday, they are usually taken on the following Monday.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Spanish, some executives speak English. At the start of meetings it is customary to offer coffee to visitors. This should be accepted. Smoking is permitted except where indicated. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 16 years
Tipping: If there is no service charge, 10% tip is customary. Taxis are not tipped
