Entry/Exit Requirements
All U.S. citizens who are not also Colombian citizens must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and depart Colombia, and to return to the United States. Dual U.S-Colombian citizens must present a Colombian passport to enter and exit Colombia, and must have a U.S. passport to return to the United States. U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist stay of 60 days or less. Tourists entering Colombia may be asked for evidence of return or onward travel, usually in the form of a round-trip ticket. The length of stay granted to travelers will be determined by the Colombian immigration officer at the point of entry and will be stamped in your passport; Any additional extensions may be requested by visiting an office of the Colombian immigration authority, known as DAS (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad) Extranjeria, after arrival in Colombia. Fines are levied if a traveler remains in Colombia longer than authorized. Any foreigner who possesses a Colombian visa with more than three months’ validity must register the visa at an office of DAS Extranjeria within 15 days of arrival in Colombia, or face fines. There is no arrival tax collected upon entry into Colombia, but travelers leaving by plane must pay an exit tax of approximately $56 at the airport. Some airlines include a portion of this tax in the cost of your airline ticket; check with your airline to find out how much of the tax you will have to pay at the airport.
Banking, Currency & Personal Expenses
It is more useful if all your bank actions are done with an ATM card that has a credit card logo on it. For current exchange rates see http://www.dataifx.com/.
Each student should allow a minimum of $50 a week or $200 a month for personal expenses, travel and phone cards. Keep in mind the fluctuating value of the peso here.
What to Bring (Please limit yourself.)
1. Required textbooks for courses, please verify prior to your arrival.
2. Clothing: Students should anticipate both cold and warm weather.
3. Lap top Computer : It is highly suggested you bring your own computer. There are Internet cafes in nearby towns for email use.
4. MP3 Player: Needed for listening to Pastor Chuck’s studies.
5. Bilingual Bible: A Spanish/English parallel Bible can be purchased in the USA. (Preferably a Reina Valera 1960)
6. Medications: If you are taking prescription medication, you should bring enough to last you the semester or arrange to purchase it here. Note that all medication may not be available here or they may vary in their chemical makeup. (Bring letters from doctors explaining medication as U.S. and Colombian Customs may ask questions.)
7. Electric Appliances: (Electricity 110v)
8. School Supplies: Can be purchased in Colombia.
9. ATM Card and Passport
10. Basic Personal Items: Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc can all be purchased in Colombia. Contact lenses and solution can be brought, since it is very costly in Colombia.
Climate & Weather
Colombia's proximity to the equator means its temperature varies little throughout the year. However, the temperature does change with altitude, which creates various climatic zones ranging from hot lowlands to freezing Andean peaks - you can experience completely different climates within just a couple of hours of travel. As a general rule, the temperature falls about 6ºC (43ºF) with every 1000m (3281ft) increase in altitude.
Colombia has two seasons: verano (summer, or dry) and invierno (winter, or wet). The pattern of seasons varies in different parts of the country, and has been greatly affected over recent years by El Niño and La Niña. For example, in the Andean region there are two dry and two rainy seasons per year. The main dry season falls between December and March, with a shorter and less dry period between July and August. This general pattern varies throughout the Andean zone.
The weather in Los Llanos has a more definite pattern: there is one dry season, between December and March, while the rest of the year it's wet. The Amazon doesn't have a uniform climate but is generally quite wet year-round.
Phone Calls
In Colombia, many street vendors and snack shops have cell phones much like a payphone. You can use the phone at their shop and only pay for the minutes. The average cost is $0.50 per minute. This is the easiest and most practical way to call internationally. However, you must always ask first if you can place an international call and how much they charge.
(Note: You cannot take the phone from their establishment. Use is limited to their place of business).
Medical Insurance/Facilities
Every student who attends CCBC Colombia must have proof of medical insurance (can be in the form of a letter) prior to your arrival. Students may have personal insurance or be included on their parents policy. (Ensure that your coverage includes hospitalization.)
Local Transportation System
Although buses are slow and crowded, they provide the main form of transport and are cheap, efficient and extensive. Taxis are good value and can be chartered for long trips.
