Currency
Colombian Peso (peso) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of peso50,000, 20,000, 10,000 and 5000. Coins are in denominations of peso1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50.
Currency exchange
The exchange rate tends to be lower on the Caribbean coast than in Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange at hotels, banks, shops and travel agencies, but all establishments charge an exchange fee.
Credit & debit cards
All major cards are accepted, but check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
These are not always easy to change in the smaller towns, except at branches of the Banco de la República. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is unlimited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited subject to declaration on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to US$25,000.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Colombian Peso against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | £1.00= | 4829.17 | 4804.89 | 4696.66 | 4610.96 | | $1.00= | 2703.75 | 2608.03 | 2480.15 | 2441.60 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1500.
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