Currency Exchange?

Where's the best and cheapest and safest way to exchange dollars for Colombian Pesos?

Where's the best and cheapest and safest way to exchange dollars for Colombian Pesos?

I have never needed to use anything but US dollars in Cartagena.

We went to Cartagena last November. You are correct, you do not "need" local currency. However, we found all the admission prices were higher in USD than in the equivalent local currency, by a $1 or 2. Not a big deal, but it adds up.

I would avoid conversion and go with USA dollars.

Keith

Either use US $ or use an ATM to get local currency.

Either use US $ or use an ATM to get local currency.

ATMs are the best (and usually cheapest) way to get local currency. But you need to check what the fees are that your bank charges for this. Also, keep in mind if you use a credit card, you are taking out a "cash advance" and they will start charging interest from the day you take the money out. Use a low fee debit card. I believe Capital One has the best rates for international travelers.

If you're only in town for one day, I would use US dollars. They charge you a little more, but they have to pay a currency exchange fee when they deposit the Dollars into their account at the bank.

The exchange rate today for one US dollar is 1866.52 Colombian pesos