Shopping and Money

Currency
The "Peso" is the Colombian currency. The bills are in 50.000 pesos, 10.000 pesos and 5.000 pesos, 2.000 pesos, 1.000 pesos denominations, and the coins are 500 pesos, 200 pesos, 100 pesos, 50 pesos and even 20 pesos. You can convert foreign currency at any bank, hotel or tourist facility that displays an "Authorized Money Exchanger" sign. The conversion rate is better at banks. You can take up to 10.000 dollars out of Colombia.

Tipping
Tipping is customary in Colombia, but do not feel obliged to. Hotels and major restaurants will add a 10-15% service charge.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club are accepted at all major hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. You cannot use them at small or inexpensive places.

Traveler's Checks
Only major tourist facilities and department stores accept traveler's checks. It is advised that you exchange them for yen at banks, hotels and other exchange facilities.

Transportation

Metro (trains)
All long distance trains, including JR and private lines, have reserved seats. To make sure you can get a seat for long distance trips, it is advised that you book as early as possible, if not as soon as you arrive in Japan. There are also unreserved seats and depending on when you want to travel, it may be difficult to get a seat. It is not unusual for people to be standing in long distance trains during peak travel periods, such as New Year (December 28 - January 5), "Golden Week" (April 28 - May 6) and Obon holidays (mid-August). The Hikari and Kodama bullet trains (Shinkansen) have unreserved seats (5 cars and 11 cars respectively), but all seats on the Nozomi are reserved.

Trains are not designed to accomodate large suitcases, they only have overhead racks. (Airport trains are an exception.) There is no room on the Shinkansen for your luggage, so you will have to leave it in the deck between the cars. Do not worry. Japan is as safe as they say. It will not get stolen. To save a lot of trouble, you can have your luggage delivered seperately to your next destination, if you have an advance hotel reservation. The cost will vary according to the size of your bag.

Taxis
You can find taxis all over Medellin (yellow cabs). It is only necessary to use one if you have large, heavy suitcases to carry from the hotel to the station. In some remote areas, taxis are the only reliable form of transport, as buses do not run as regularly. The faresdo not vary according to the taxi company. Empty taxis can be recognized by the red light on top of the car, or by being without passanger. Most taxis only seat 4 people, and only have room for 2 large suitcases in the boot. Pay the exact fare when you have arrived at your destination, and do not tip.

Buses
Buses are a important means of transport here in Medellin. Both buses and streetcars are usually operated by the driver. You get on the bus at the front door and get off at the back. You can take the bus in any stop station and sometimes in any place on the side of the strett. they also stop at any place that you remark or request. Local buses charge a flat rate, but some also charge by the type of the bus. Check to see whether there is a Bus or MicroBus. If you plan on taking buses, it would be an idea to have a lot of small change handy. You can also exchange your notes with the driver when the bus has stopped before you pay the fare. If you do not have the seiri-ken when you get off, you many be charged the maximum fare. You can aslo find routes that connect the Metro with some zones of the city using the same ticket.

Packing Suggestions

Clothes
Medellin is known for being the "City of Eternal Spring" so, Summer is hot and humid, so you will only need light clothes. In winter, a jacket or sweater would be enough, but if you are travelling in the countrysides, it is advisable to bring warmer clothes with you. Casual wear is suitable for sightseeing and a lot of restaurants. The Paisas do not tend to dress up as much as they did some years ago. But it is advisable to look respectable when going out at night.

Shoes
Bring a pair of comfortable shoes, if you plan on doing a lot of walking. Do not expect to be able to buy shoes here, if you have a large foot. It is a good idea to wear socks, too.

Medicine
Make sure to pack any prescription medicines you need. Colombia does have international standard medical services and facilities. Hotels can help you, if you need urgent attention.

Electricity
The electrical current is 110 volts in Medellin.

Toilets
Most station public toilets do not have toilet paper and hand dryers. There is usually a vending machine at the entrance. It might be a good idea to bring along your own toilet paper and tissues. You will find packets of tissues handed out free as promotion useful for the toilets.

Smoking
The number of non-smoking places has increased over recent years. All Metro stations are non-smoking. The number of restaurants with non-smoking sections is increasing, but they are still rare. Do not be surprised if you see a local person light up in a non-smoking area, especially if they are standing in front of a "No Smoking" sign.

Comunications

Mobile Phones
Most banks have signs in their offices prohibiting the use of mobile phones. If it is necessary, you can leave the bank and take or make the call outside. All trains have announcements that ask passengers to be considerate of others when using their phones on the train. It is basically a matter of common courtesy not too talk too loudly when using a mobile phone in public.

Calling Cards
You can buy and find calling cards in many places in Medellin, like libraries, restaurants and hotels.