Travel Guide

Travel Note

Contact Information

Please feel free to reach out to us or our amazing wedding planner Kat Beltran if you need help or have any questions or concerns! Kat Beltran: (954) 591-7770 Martin: (786) 395-1243 Kait: (918) 574-4892

Travel Note

Traveling to Colombia

When traveling to Colombia, you'll need: - A Valid Passport (You no longer need to provide the vaccination card or a negative Covid test!!) If you are not vaccinated and need a negative Covid test for entry, please copy and paste this link to find the closest testing center available in your state for low or no-cost testing: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html Passport applications and renewals usually take around 10-13 weeks for routine shipping, and 7-9 weeks for expedited delivery. If you need to renew your passport or apply for one, refer to the link below:

Flight

Fly into Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE)

This is the main airport in Medellin. It is about a 40 minute drive into the city.

Travel Note

Transportation Around the City

We don't suggest taking taxis or the metro if you're not with a local or familiar with the city. As soon as you leave the Medellin airport taxi drivers will usually swarm you and try to get you to come with them, just politely decline. The best transportation to use in Medellin is either Uber or a personal driver. - Uber is available in Medellin and can be a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city. When using this option, don't be surprised if they ask you to sit in the front seat. - Hiring a personal driver can be a good option for getting around Medellin. They are a convenient, flexible, safe and fairly cheap option. You can usually find a personal driver for a very cheap day rate. Please reach our to our wedding planner Kat Beltran (954) 591-7770 if you would like to coordinate airport pickup or a private driver for the day As for getting to the wedding, we’ve got you covered! We will be providing transportation to the wedding from El Poblado for all of our attending guests. We will provide the time and meeting place for the pickup when the details become available, the week of the wedding.

Travel Note

Where to Stay

We suggest staying in El Poblado area. It is the most developed and safest part of Medellin! It is full of amazing art, food, hotels, bars and popular tourist spots! The best places to look for lodging in Medellin is either hotels or listings on Airbnb. You can find an amazing place with a view in El Poblado area for less than $100/day! We always use airbnb, but feel free to conduct your own research to see which place is best suited for your likes and needs. We have provided a few hotel suggestions below. We were able to get discounted rates for some of the hotels for those looking to stay under a $100/night budget. Once we get the discount codes, we will send them out to everyone right away. We have also provided suggestions for those looking to have elevated experiences. Laureles and Envigado are also great neighborhoods to stay in as well if you're wanting to branch out, but we suggest El Poblado so everyone is close!

Travel Note

Airbnb

Airbnb is a great option for lodging in Medellin. A lot of hostels and hotels use Airbnb, and you can find an amazing room for cheap here!

Hotel

Hotel Poblado Alejandria ($)

Discount only applies from the 8-14th of November.

Discount Code - kaitymartin

Hotel

Hotel Poblado Plaza ($)

Discount only applies from the 8-14th of November.

Discount Code - kaitymartin

Hotel

The Click Clack Hotel Medellin ($$$)

Discount Code - TBD

Travel Note

Elevated Hotel Suggestions

- Hotel Four Points Sheraton Medellin $ - Hotel Boutique El Zarzo Medellín $ - Hotel Du Parc $$ - El Cielo Hotel $$ - 23 Hotel $$ - Marquee Hotel Medellin $$$

Travel Note

November Weather

The weather during the month of November in Medellín, Colombia, consists of daily high temperatures around 77°F, rarely falling below 73°F or exceeding 80°F. Daily low temperatures are around 63°F, rarely falling below 61°F or exceeding 65°F. Please note that for the wedding on Saturday we will be a bit higher in altitude. It may get chillier at night, so make sure to bring a jacket just in case.

Travel Note

Currency

The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). The exact exchange rate fluctuates, but 5 COP is about 1 USD. It's important to note that most businesses and establishments in Medellin prefer cash payments, although credit cards are widely accepted. Just keep in mind there may be very small fees every time you use the credit card. Please remember to ask your bank. Exchange Rates: It's recommended to exchange your currency at authorized currency exchange offices or banks for the best rates. Exchange Locations: Currency exchange offices, known as "Casas de Cambio," are commonly found in tourist areas, airports, and shopping centers. Banks also offer currency exchange services, but they might have longer queues and limited hours. When we go to Colombia, we just use the ATM to get cash out. Documents Required: When exchanging money, you will typically need to present your passport as identification. It's a good idea to make a copy of your passport and keep it in a safe place separate from the original, you will need your passport number frequently throughout the trip. Exchange Rates and Fees: Pay attention to the exchange rates and any fees or commissions charged by the currency exchange service. ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Medellin, and many accept international debit and credit cards. However, be aware of any potential fees charged by your bank for international withdrawals. Safety: When exchanging money, it's advisable to do so in secure and well-lit areas. Be discreet and keep your money hidden and secure after the exchange. Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with your financial institution for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding currency exchange before your trip to Medellin. Click the link below to calculate conversions for the USD to COP.

Travel Note

Cell phone

Check with Your Service Provider: Before you travel, reach out to your cell phone service provider to inquire about international plans and rates. They may have affordable options for data and calling specifically designed for international travel. We have ATT & T-mobile, and our service switched over to the local service when we landed. Utilize Wi-Fi Availability: Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Medellin offer free Wi-Fi access. Take advantage of these Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to the internet, make calls through apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime, and save on data charges. Download WhatsApp: Most businesses use WhatsApp to communicate with their clients/customers. WhatsApp will be your best friend when traveling internationally. Download Offline Maps: Prior to your arrival, if you don't have an international service plan, we recommend downloading offline maps for Medellin. This way, you can navigate the city without relying solely on mobile data.

Travel Note

Medellin Safety Guide

Although Medellin has made significant progress in recent years, it's still important to remember that Colombia is a developing country with unique safety considerations for travelers. We exercise these top 3 rules to stay safe and enjoy all that Medellin has to offer. Our goal is to help you navigate the city and stay aware of potential risks. 1. Avoid displaying wealth: Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, watches, or anything flashy that could attract unwanted attention. Keep your valuables hidden and carry only the cash and cards you need. 2. Use common sense: Use common sense when walking around the city, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, crowded areas, and avoid walking alone in isolated areas. 3. Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep a tight hold on your phone and other devices when walking in public.