Resource Guide Colombia

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Welcome to Colombia Colombia History & Culture

5 Country Details Currency & Taxation Legal Requirements Obtaining your Driver’s License Useful Information Purchasing a Car Gas Stations

9 Home Finding Temporary Acommodations Housing Market Leases Utilities Domestic Help

11 Education

12 Banking Opening a Bank Account Banking Schedules ATMS Credit & Debit Cards

13 Medical System Hospitals

14 Transportation Transportation & Commuting

15 Embassy & Consulates Embassy Consulates © Copyright LARM Group

TABLE OF CONTENTS

16 National Holidays

17 The Local Flavor Food Traditional Recipe

19 Landmarks & Tourist Spots Bogotá Medellín Cali Cartagena

21 Entertainment Arts & Culture Nightlife Sports Shopping

22 Helpful Tips Safety Dialing In/Out of Country Telephones of General Interest

23 Weights & Measurements Chart

24 Notes © Copyright LARM Group

As part of our Latin American Relocation Management (LARM) family, you can rest assured that we have your relocation needs covered. Our focus is making sure you experience a smooth transition, from start to finish. We have put together this guide with important information and resources that will help ease your relocation process as much as possible. We want to remind you that we stand by, ready to support and guide you whenever you might need it. If you have any questions or feed- back, please feel free to contact us directly.

LARM Colombia LARM USA Headquarters Carrera 14 No. 99-33, oficina 403 1961 NW 150th Avenue, Suite 103 Bogotá, Colombia Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Office:+ (571) 257-0488 ext.106 Phone: + (954) 239-4081 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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Welcome to Colombia

Colombia has a strategic position in the Americas, is considered the geographical heart of the Americas; its great attractive- ness among its country neighbors is to have access to the planet’s two biggest oceans, comprehends an entire geographical universe, defined for almost 1.140.000 km2 of territorial surface, with the Andes, valleys, coasts, beaches, Páramo, snow level peaks, volcanoes, jungles and flat lands, which also influence the cultural variety of the country’s population.

Colombia is a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. Its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery and adventure, its people and cultures, have fascinated the world for centuries; is a land of enchanting rainforests, spectacu- lar mountains, a producer of extraordinary emeralds, and of course smooth rich coffee.

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History & Culture

History: At the start of first millennium BC, groups of Yet at the beginning of the 21st century the situation in Co- Amerindians have built up the so-called “cacicazgos”. lombia improved. Violence in Colombia declined after 2002. These are political systems headed by caciques in which Furthermore the Colombian economy grew rapidly in the the two most complex are the Tayronas and Muiscas. In early 21st century and poverty and unemployment declined. the late 1490’s, Spain began its discovery of the Carribean Colombia suffered in the recession of 2009 but the eco- and Pacific Ocean. Its first permanent settlement was nomy is now growing again. Colombia also suffered severe established at Santa Marta in 1525. The Viceroyalty of floods in 2010. However tourism in Colombia is growing New Granada was finally restored in 1739 which includes rapidly. The future looks bright for Colombia. several northwestern provinces of South America such as Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador. Consequently, Colombia Culture: In general, Colombians are very straightforward became one of the main administrative centers of Spain in and friendly people. They are very open people, willing to the western hemisphere. After a long battle for sovereign- talk and not shy about striking up a conversation. You are ty, the country’s independence was ultimately declared in unlikely to feel isolated in Bogotá, especially if you speak July 20, 1810 through the leadership of Simon Bolivar and Spanish. Francisco de Paula Santander. These 2 heroes became the first president and vice-president of Colombia in 1819. As family is very important in Colombian society, you might be invited to a Colombian colleague’s home for a meal. It After Colombia gained its independence from Spain, is appropriate to bring a gift such as flowers or chocolate. internal issues regarding politics and territorial divisions You may reciprocate by offering to take your host and their continue to take place. Probably the most historic civil in family to a restaurant for dinner. Arriving on time for mee- the history of Colombia is the “Thousand Days Civil War” tings is important although you may have to wait. that led to the establishment of Panama as a nation in 1903. A period of public violence known as “La Violencia” Communications: In business situations people may be overwhelmed the capital city of Bogotá between 1940 and more direct, but in formal and social environments, people 1950, mainly because of the assassination of the Liberal will usually take the indirect path. Many people care what presidential contender Jorge Bogotazo. In the late 1980s, others might think or how they might react, so they are the economic and political arenas of Colombia were parti- usually careful not to offend. cularly influenced by powerful and aggressive drug cartels. In 1991, the new Colombian Constitution was ratified with People tend to speak relatively loud. When a group of key provisions on the nation’s human, gender, ethnic and people is speaking, there is rather low consideration for political rights. guaranteeing that every person has the same chance to speak. Normally the conversation tends to be “dominated” by those who speak up, and normally there is no invitation for the “shy ones” to join in.

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“Please” (por favor) and “Thanks” (gracias) are important Dress: Business attire in Bogota is formal. Men usually words. Colombians use them almost automatically, and not wear suits and ties. In warmer weathers, short-sleeve using them is considered rude. shirts with trousers and a jacket are usually acceptable.

Doing business: Doing business in Colombia requires a Women usually wear dresses, skirts with jackets or pant- certain degree of adaptability. Customs in the interior, inclu- suits. Otherwise casual dress is fine. Closed-toe shoes or ding Bogotá, are some of the most formal in South America. boots are appropriate.

The handshake is the most common form of greetings among Colombians and that, which is used in the business sector, close female friends may greet one another with a kiss on the cheek and close friends of either sex may greet one another with a hug.

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Country Details

Full country name: Republic of Colombia Area Code: +57 Capital: Bogotá D.C., Distrito Capital Location: To the north the Caribbean Sea, to the East, Venezuela and Brazil, to the South Peru and Ecuador, to Area: 440,831 square miles /1,141,748 square kilometers the West the Pacific Ocean, and to the Northwest with Population: 44.000.000 Panama. Standard time: GMT -5 hours Demographic: Colombia has almost forty million people, Internet country code: .co of which almost 70% live in areas of big cities and the other remaining percentage lives in the rural zones of the Voltage: 110 V country. Plugs: American plug type Geography: Flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Television Systems: NTSC Andes Mountains, and eastern lowland plains Official Language: Spanish is the official language of Main Regions: The Caribbean, The Pacific, the Andean, The Colombia. English is used during the working day in many Llanos Orientals and the Amazon Regions. companies. Therefore, it is good for expats to learn some Main Cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena. Spanish to speak with colleagues and neighbors. Learning the language will also help people moving around and Climate: Colombia has a wide variety of climates and tem- merging into the local community. peratures that exclusively depend of the altitude above sea level. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that in the months Government: Republic, with separation of powers into of March, April, May, October, November and December executive, judicial and legislative branches. The legislature are raining months and are considered as winter in the branch has a congress, the judiciary branch has a supreme interior of the country, and in the North Coast correspond court, and the executive branch has a president. to April, May, August, September, October and November. Religion: Colombia is mainly a Catholic country. There is The other months with sunny days and dry weather are cult freedom allowing any one to exercise any religious will. considered as summer.

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Currency & Taxation Legal Requirements

• Official Name: Colombian Peso COP$ Visa: A work visa is required for those who want to work temporarily in Colombia. The employee should complete • Denominations: coins of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 his/her application online after entry to Colombia or direct- (pesos) and bills of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, ly at the Colombian Consulate. The work visa is issued for 20,000, 50,000 (pesos). 1 or 2 years and it can be renewed in Colombia. • Exchange Rate: between Colombian pesos and The beneficiary visas can be granted to spouse, permanent US Dollars usually ranges around COP $1,700 to partner, parents and children, or economic dependents of USD $1.00. To do the exchange operation between the alien to whom the visa was granted. Colombian pesos and US Dollars, you may take the value in Colombian Pesos, remove three zeros and Cédula de Extranjería: The foreign ID card “Cédula de then divide by two. extranjería” is the required identification document for all the foreigners living in the country who have obtained a US Dollars are only accepted in some hotels and restaurants. visa for more than 3 months. This document allows the foreigner to sign contracts, open bank accounts, secure Taxes: cable, internet, apply for a driver license, etc. Foreigners • Income and capital gains tax must keep it at all times during his/her stay in the country. • Income Tax for Equality (CREE) The requirements are the following: • Consumption tax • Sales tax (VAT) • Application Form • Tax on financial transactions • Bood test (first Time) • Industry and commerce tax • Copy of Visa

• Property tax • Copy of main page of passport

Tips: are usual but not mandatory. In restaurants you can • Bank deposit leave up to 10% of the bill. You can give bellboys and porters a tip equivalent to US$1.00 for piece of luggage. Runt: Tax identification number

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Obtaining your Driver’s License

How long can you drive with your foreign/current • Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat passengers Driver’s License? in a private vehicle. Car seats are mandatory for children under 6 years old, and a child under 10 is Foreigners may drive in Colombia with their own country not permitted to ride in a front seat. license or with an International driver license for 45 days, • The standard to follow when an Ambulance/Fire after that period, they must obtain a Colombian driver Truck are on their way to an accident is to move license; this procedure may be completed in person and aside in order for them to drive faster. takes about 1 day. • The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited. The requirements are the following: • Every vehicle must be covered by a minimum limited third-party-liability policy. • Registration at RUNT

• Medical Certificate • Conduction certificate Useful Information • Application Form • It is recommended to drive on highways with head- • Copy of the Foreign ID Card lights on.

• All distances are given in kilometers and speed limits What do you need to know about driving in in kilometers per hours. Colombia? • Vehicle registration document, proof of identity, insurance documents, valid driving license should be The main road traffic rules: kept in the car at all times

• Driving is on the right side of the road. • In case of accident, drivers should call for the police and insurance company; do not move the vehicles • The minimum driving age is 18 years. until the police arrive and write the report. • The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.2%. • Many roads are closed on Sundays and Holidays due • The maximum speed allowed in rural areas is 80 to the Ciclovia, which makes roads zones exclusive km/h (50 mph). On highways and connecting routes, for bikes and pedestrians. the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h. • “Pico y Placa” is a restriction which establishes the days that a vehicle is allowed to drive depending on the last number of the tag.

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Purchasing a Car Gas Stations

New and used cars in Colombia are sold by dealerships. There are many gas stations in Colombia, the stations sell The purchase of used cars has declined substantially due to by the gallon (1 gallon= 3,8 liters) good sales of new cars in the last 5-6 years. • In Colombia, there are gas station attendants who To purchase a car, the buyer needs to provide: local ID & pump the gas driver license. • Tipping the gas station attendants is not customary

Only new vehicles need to be registered before the Gover- nment entity by presentation of the invoice, tax certificate, importation license, and proof of registration before RUNT.

When purchasing a new car with a bank loan, the buyer has to provide cash deposit, which reserves the car while the paperwork is completed. The car dealership handles the ownership transfer.

When purchasing a used car from a private vendor, both parties should go to the Government entity.

The following documents will be required:

• Copy of the seller’s ID

• Copy of the new owner’s ID

• Card ID (tarjeta de propiedad)

• Certificate of vehicle inspection for the current year (Inspección Vehicular).

• “Paz y Salvo”, which declares that there are no outstanding tickets or dues on the car.

• Receipt of payment of the road tax (impuesto de rodamiento) from the municipal office that issued the license plate.

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Home Finding

Temporary Accommodations Housing Market

Hotel standards in Colombia are high. Many international • Properties listed with several real estate agents. hotel chains have established or plan to establish hotels in • Properties can be rented from one day to another. Colombia. Although there are many first-class hotels, it is • Rental properties are available both furnished and advisable to reserve well in advance. unfurnished, though ‘unfurnished’ can mean several things. Some unfurnished properties provide only We suggest it for: floor coverings and curtains but no kitchen appliances, while others include refrigerators and laundry rooms. Furnished apartments provide all basic • Business trips: Hotels without kitchen furniture and appliances; some landlords may even include a television. Usually, new apartments do not • Temporary accommodation: Apart-hotel with kit- include appliances or curtains. chen, available with 1 or 2 rooms • If there are appliances in the apartment installed by the • Less than 1year assignations: furnished apartments landlord, the maintenance is the tenant’s liability. with hotel services, the fee can include utilities, • Prices depend on the quality of the housing, the size, maintenance and rent. Usually signed lease and and the location. deposit is required • 4 Bedroom apartments are hard to find • Limited number of houses for rent, compared to apartment options. • Usually, properties do not include appliances or curtains. • For security reasons, only houses in gated communi- ties or condos are recommended. • It is common for apartments and houses not to have air conditioning or heating systems.

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Leases Utilities

• In most cases, the owner requests a guarantor in • Properties will always have utilities such as water, regards to the lease; it is best if the company acts electricity and gas under the owner’s name. Telepho- as guarantor and the employee signs as tenant. ne may be included as well.

• In Colombia there are no Security Deposits. • The gas and electricity bills are monthly, water bills are bi-monthly. • The lease negotiation and preparation takes approximately 10-15 working days. • To install internet/cable TV, it is only necessary to have the Colombian ID Card. • Some landlords do not accept the diplomatic clause during the first year. • Utilities: Not included within the rent.

• In Colombia Rent and Condo payments are made in • The tenant must keep the utility receipts of the last advance. three months (electricity, gas, water, condominium, etc.), they shall submitted to the landlord once the • The condominium fee is not always included in the contract is due. rent price, in which case it is paid separately, directly to the building or condominium. • The Property Inventory List is signed by both parties Domestic Help and is an integral part of the Rental Contract.

• Usually, contracts have a 12-month term. As of the • Domestic help such as nannies and/or maids can be expiration of the first term of the contract, the mon- found in Colombia, and are considered a necessity by thly rent will automatically increase according to the many residents. The easiest way to find potential help CPI (Consumer Prices Index calculated by the DIAN). is through recommendation. Friends and colleagues can offer reliable information by referring you to a reputable The landlord will not be responsible or pay for any • agency or a trustworthy individual. If you hire domestic robbery, fire, flows or earthquake, unless damages help in Colombia, be sure to check the identification and are due to landlord negligence. The tenant can get references of your potential employee. insurance if he/she wants. • Depending on the amount of help wanted, domestic In Medellin the tenants pay 20% of the rent price • employees may live in the place of work, or work “by and Commission, and 5% for the documents’ analyst days”, for a few days during the week but not living in order to rent a property. in the employer’s house.

• Domestic help requires a labor contract. Employers are obliged to register the domestic employees to the System of General Pensions, Health and Profes- sional Risks. 10 © Copyright LARM Group

Education

The education system in Colombia is divided in 3 stages: The most popular schools are:

• Two years of kindergarten • Colegio Nueva Granada (American System)

• Five years of elementary • Colegio Gran Bretaña (British System)

• Six years of middle and high school • Anglo Colombiano (British system)

• Colegio Andino (German) The Colombian school system has two calendars (A and B): • Liceo Frances (French)

• Calendar A: From February to November • Colegio Italiano (Italian)

• Calendar B: From September to June The corresponding costs are the following:

Depending on the needs of the family, there are many • School Bond (bono): One-time payment. This enroll- options of education systems and types as well as bilingual ment fee is determined by the private institution. schools. • Registration Fee (matricula): Yearly payment We highly recommend applying in advance and assessing • Tuition fee (pension): Monthly payment at least 3 options because availability may be limited. The admission process includes some exams for the • Lunch and transportation: Monthly payment children according to the age, and interviews with the parents.

In Colombia, you can find American, German, French, Swiss and Italian Schools.

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Banking

Opening a Bank Account ATMS

• Foreign ID card “Cédula de extranjería” ATMS are an excellent option because they operate 24 hours a day; some provide the English language option. • Labor certificate

The transactions generally allowed are: balance consult, withdraws, payment of some utility bills, transferences Banking Schedules and cash advances. Do not provide your PIN to strangers. ATMSare located in strategic places particularly on main Monday through Friday from: 8:00/9:00 a.m. to streets and malls. Some ATMS will allow Visa and Master 3:00/4:00 pm; some offer extended hour service – night and Card debit and credit international transactions. weekend shifts.

The last day of the month, the banks are open until 12 Credit & Debit Cards noon. Also, there are schedule exceptions during Holy Week and other Holidays. The majority of supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and commerce establishments receive international credit cards such as: American Express, Master Card and Visa. If your debit or credit car is stolen, contact a bank representative immediately and place a police report.

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Medical System

In case of accident or emergency go to the Hospital and Hospitals they will attend you as soon as possible. The payment will depend on the medical procedure needed. The most important hospitals are:

Private healthcare has an excellent standard. Public Health • Clinica del Country system is not recommended due to the waiting lists and inefficiency. • Clinica Marly

• Clinica Reina Sofia The majority of drugs may be bought in drugstores and pharmacies without any restriction, except for those • Fundacion Santa Fe requiring medical prescription. Verify that the drug has the • Cardio Infantil expiration date and price printed on the package. There are drugstores which provide service during the night, wee- • Medellín: Clinica las Vegas, Clinica del Rosario kends and holidays. Poblado

• Cali: Fundación Valle del Lili Bogotá’s high altitude causes shortness of breath, insomnia and weight loss in some individuals. These symptoms disa- ppear rather quickly, but individuals with significant heart or lung disorders should take this fact into consideration.

No vaccinations are required, but there are some preven- tative measures that should be taken into consideration before you depart to Colombia. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended.

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Transportation

Transportation & Commuting

• Big challenges in Bogotá, Medellin, Cali and other main cities in Colombia include the traffic and the “Pico y Placa” restriction, a system that limits the number of vehicles driving in the city each day.

• Public transportation is not very commonly used by expats.

• Expats usually use a company car and buy another car for the family or for the Pico y Placa restriction.

• It is not recommended to hail a taxi on the street. A Taxi Company can be contacted for pick up. Drivers are not tipped.

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Embassy & Consulates

Embassy Consulates

Germany Great Britain USA Panama Argelia Norway Guatemala Paraguay Spain Argentina Honduras Panama Peru Belgium Philippines India Poland Peru Bolivia Indonesia Finland & Denmark Portugal Brazil United Kingdom , Great Britain , & Northen Ireland Israel Dominican Republic France Canadá Italy Trinidad & Tobago Romania Chile Guatemala Jamaica Russia Venezuela Korea Japan Nicaragua Sweden Cuba Lebanon Switzerland Ecuador Morocco Thailand Egypt Mexico Turkey USA Nicaragua Uruguay Spain Netherlands Vatican City France Palestine Venezuela

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National Holidays

• January 1st: New Year´s Eve

• January 6th: Epiphany

• March 24th: Saint Joseph´s day

• April 9- 10th: Easter

• May 1st: Labor´s Day

• June 2nd: Ascension Day (religious)

• June 23nd: Corpus Christi

• June 30th: Sacred Heart

• July 20th: Independence Day

• August 7th: Boyacá Battle

• August 18th: Assumption of Mary

• October 12th: Columbus Day

• November 1st: Saint´s day

• November 11th: Cartagena independence days

• December 8th: Immaculate Conception

• December 25th: Christmas

The Local Flavor

Food

Colombian cuisine is delicious and fresh; it includes local Some of the best and well-known restaurants are: meats, potatoes, rice, beans, soups rich in herbs, and an astounding variety of vegetables and fruits. Fruit juices, co- • Bogotá: Club Colombia, Leo Cocina y Cava, Andres ffee and local beers are very good. Lunch is usually served Carne de Res from 12- 2 pm, dinner from 7-8 pm • Medellin: Hato Viejo, Carmen,

Some interesting regional dishes include: • Cali: Donde Guti, El Zaguan de San Antonio, Patio Valluno • Ajiaco: Soup made with chicken and potatoes, which is a specialty from Bogotá

• Sancocho: Traditional soup (stew) with meat and vegetables served as a broth, along with large pieces of plantain, potato, yucca (cassava) and/or other vegetables , which is a specialty from Cali

• Bandeja Paisa: Is the Medellin typical plate. This includes: Frijoles, rice, crisp pork rinds, grinded meat, blood sausage, chorizo, fried egg, slices of ripe plantain de, arepa, salad and avocado.

• Arepa: The traditional ‘arepa’ is prepared with cooked, grinded and mixed corn. The usual is to eat it with butter, salt, cheese, but also with ‘hogao’

Traditional Recipe Bandeja Paisa

It´s very easy to do, it´s plentiful, full of different flavors, Preparation: comes in big serving sizes, which is why it´s always served on a big platter. It´s traditionally served with beans, white • Cover beans in water; let soak overnight (night befo- rice, ground beef or grilled beef (sometimes both), chicha- re making the recipe). Cook beans in same soaking rron (pork rinds), sausage, sweet plantains or tostones, water and stir in half the oil. When the beans are fried egg, avocado and an arepa (white or yellow). soft, add the salt. • Meanwhile, cook ground beef in oil, stir in half the Ingredients: hogao; stirring well. Crumble bacon and fry chicharrones. • 3 cups cargamanto beans or large red beans • 2 tablespoons of oil • When beans are tender, stir in remaining hogao • 2 lbs ground beef and cook 5 to 10 additional minutes. In skillet add • 1 cup hogao oil over high heat , carefully fry sweet plantains or • 2 lbs bacon tostones ; fried the eggs. Serve dish in trays with • Chicharrones (fresh pork rinds ) rice, avocado and arepas. • 6 eggs • Hogao o Guiso: Mix all ingredients together and • Sweet plantains (ripe) or tostones cook in skillet for 10 minutes. • Arepa • Arepas: Place corn arepa flour in large bowl enough • Salt, if desired to knead in it. Stir in oil over flour. • 4 large onions • Stir in salt to water; mix until dough is formed. • 4 tomatoes • Cilantro • Make a ball of dough in your hand; flatten to small • Salt patties. • Vinegar • Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat, cook until • Achiote paste browned on both sides. • Oil, about 2 tablespoons • 2 lbs ground beef Tip: For the bean broth to thicken, stir in any root vegetable • Hogao such as potato, or spinach. During cooking, stir, dilute well. • Bacon crumbled into pieces If you can´t find cargamanto beans, use any large red bean. • 3 cups corn flour (white or yellow), for arepa • 2 cups warm water • 2 teaspoons oil • Salt, if desired

Landmarks & Tourist Spots

Colombia offers a variety of tourist attractions where you Bogotá can see the contrast between the buildings of the colonial and modern times. The capital of Colombia, located in the center of the country on a vast plain at 2,600 meters above sea level and Colombia is a country for exploring, resting, becoming ac- with a moderate temperature has a population of eight mi- quainted with its history, culture, and traditions. The huge llion people from all corners of Colombia; a city as diverse geographic variety offers many places to visit around the as the entire country country like “Cartagena, Parque Tayrona, Parque Del Cafe, Medellin, and Llanos Orientales” Medellín

So while Medellin may not be the largest city within Colombia it is most certainly one of the more prominent economies with a massive variety of employment oppor- tunities. Its exceptional architecture, creatively designed leisure areas, and constant development have transfor- med it in a short period of time into a metropolis with a great potential for growth. The main areas of business in Medellin are steel, textiles, confections, food and beverage, agriculture, public services, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, refined oil and flowers. Medellin’s urban metro transportation system is modern and sleek, and the city has two airports: the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in the neighboring municipality of Rionegro, and the Olaya Herrera Airport for regional and domestic flights.

Cali Cartagena

A great place for tourism and leisure. The capital of the Cartagena is the most touristic city in Colombia and one department of Valle del Cauca has become a mecca for tou- of the most fascinating colonial cities in Latin America. rism thanks to its historical sites, great nightlife, excellent Cartagena is famous for its fortress and walls, colonial restaurants and plenty to do specially in the evening when architecture and great plazas surrounded by picturesque the temperature is not as hot as during the day. Cali is one cafes and restaurants. There are many sightseeing land- of the major economic and industrial centers of the country, marks like: The Clock Tower, Plaza de la Aduana, Castillo de and the main urban, economic, industrial, and agrarian city San Felipe, Palacio de la Inquisición and the Convento de la of southwest Colombiatrips to the coffee plantation. For Popa. the adventurous, the Chiriqui River offers some of the best white water rafting in Central America. From Cartagena you can go to Islas Del Rosario (Rosario Islands), a group of 23 islands bordered by extensive areas of coral banks, crystal clear waters and fine beaches.

Entertainment

Arts & Culture Shopping

Bogotá offers ballet, opera, drama and music, as well as You can find all type of national and imported products in casinos. You’ll also find many clubs, which often have the Malls, Supermarkets, Department stores and Com- entrance fees. mercial Zones. The flea markets, which are popular on Sundays, include sales of antiques and curious objects. Medellin offers a fantastic variety of bars and clubs. Cul- tural activities as theater, concerts, musicals. The Annual What to buy: Festival of Flowers in August is superb. • Colombian emeralds • Jewelry Nightlife • Leathers and footwear • Clothing Colombian people are known for their vibrant nightlife, with • Handicrafts busy restaurants, numerous parties and nightclubs filled with dancers twisting hips to the beats of salsa, vallenato • Art and merengue. The busiest nights are Thursday, Friday and • Book and Music Saturday. Main Malls: Sports • Unicentro • Centro Andino

You can find clubs that offer sports like golf, tennis, and • El Retiro swimming. On Sundays and on holidays from 7:00am to • Atlantis Plaza 2:00pm, the streets are closed and turned into car-free • Gran Estación cycle ways, a great way to explore the city. • Salitre Plaza • Santa Fe LARM - COLOMBIA RESOURCE GUIDE 21 © Copyright LARM Group

Helpful Tips

Safety Telephones of General Interest

• Bogota is a large city and acts like one; “no dar Emergency papaya”, literally “not giving papaya” (the tropical • Information: 113 fruit), is a very common Colombian expression that means “don’t show off”, or “don’t put yourself in a • CAI (immediate attention center): 156 position where you become vulnerable to be taken • Police (automatic dispatch center): 112 advantage of”, a general rule that will always work • Fire department: 119 and that should be the traveler’s common sense. • Red cross (ambulances, emergencies): 132 • Do not exchange money in the street. • Civil defense: 144 • Always be aware of your surroundings. • Transit and accidents: 127 • Keep your belongings close to you at all times. Damages in utilities • Do not provide personal information to strangers. • Aqueduct system: 368-6800 • Do not take public transportation during night time. • Garbage recollection: 110 • Energy: 115 Dialing In/Out of Country • Natural gas: 444-6666 • Telephones: 114 • For domestic calls: Dial 05, 07 or 09 + city indicative + telephone number. Cabs Services • For International call: Dial 005, 007 or 009 + • Taxi Mio: 599-9999 indicative of the country + area code + telephone numbers • Taxi Libres: 311-1111

Weights & Measurements Chart

Length Volume Temperature

1 US tablespoon = 3 US teaspoons o o 1 centimeter (cm) = 10 millimeters (mm) 130 55 1 US fluid ounce = 29.57 milliliters (ml) F C 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (cm) 1 US cup = 16 US tablespoons 120 50 1 foot = 0.305 meters (m) 1 US cup = 8 US fluid ounces 1 foot = 12 inches 45 1 US pint = 2 US cups 110 1 yard = 3 feet 1 US pint = 16 US fluid ounces 40 1 meter (m) = 100 centimeters (cm) 100 1 liter (l) ≅ = 33.81 US fluid ounces 1 meter (m) = 3.281 feet 35 1 liter (l) = 1000 milliliters (ml) 90 1 furlong = 660 feet 1 US quart = 2 US pints 30 1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters (m) 1 US gallon = 4 US quarts 80 1 kilometer (km) = 0.62137119 miles 25 1 US gallon = 3.785 liters 1 mile = 5280 ft 70 20 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers (km) 60 1 nautical mile = 1.85 kilometers (km) 15 Weight 50 10 40 5 1 milligram (mg) = 0.001 grams (g) 30 0 Area 1 gram (g) = 0.001 kilograms (kg) -5 1 gram (g) ≅ = 0.035 ounces 20 1 square foot = 144 square inches 1 ounce = 28.3 grams (g) -10 1 square foot = 929.03 square centimeters 1 ounce = 0.0625 pounds 10 1 square yard = 9 square feet 1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces -15 0 1 square meter = 10.76104 square feet 1 pound (lb) = 0.45 kilograms (kg) -20 1 acre = 43,560 square feet 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams -10 -25 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters 1 kilogram (kg) = 35.27 ounces 1 hectare ≅ = 2.47 acres 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb) -20 -30 1 square kilometer = 100 hectares 1 stone = 14 pounds -30 -35 1 square mile = 2.59 square kilometers 1 short ton = 2000 pounds 1 square mile = 640 acres 1 metric ton = 1000 kilograms (kg)

Speed

1 mile per hour (mph) = 1.467 feet per second (fps) Scan for a free Conversion app 1 mile per hour (mph) = 1.61 kilometers per hour 1 knot ≅ = 1.15 miles per hour iPhone only 1 foot per second = 0.68 miles per hour (mph) 1 kilometer per hour = 0.62 miles per hour (mph)

Notes

COLOMBIA

Address Carrera 14 No. 99-33, oficina 403 Bogotá, Colombia

Contact Office:+ (571) 257-0488 ext.106 Email: [email protected]