Money in Colombia: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping

Colombia uses the peso (COP). Bring a debit/credit card for larger purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs in cities. Tip roughly 10 % when a service charge is suggested.

The official currency is the Colombian peso (COP, $). Prices are shown with a $ sign but refer to pesos, e.g., $50.000 = 50,000 COP (≈US$12).

Cards (Visa, Mastercard, and increasingly local debit cards) work in hotels, malls, chain restaurants and ride‑hailing apps. Cash is still required for street vendors, small shops, markets and many rural services.

ATMs are plentiful in major cities and in shopping centres, banks and supermarkets. Use them during daylight hours for best reliability and lower fees.

Restaurants often add a line on the bill for a voluntary propina (≈10 %). You may accept it, leave cash on the table, or decline. No tip is expected in fast‑food or self‑service venues.

For guides, drivers and hotel staff, a tip of 5–10 % of the service cost is customary, paid in cash.