Currency in Columbia: COP Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Columbia with the Colombian peso.
What's in this Columbia currency guide?
What currency is used in Columbia?
The official currency of Columbia (country code: CO) is the Colombian peso, with symbol C$ and currency code COP.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Columbia?
The domestic currency in Columbia is the Colombian peso.
What is the Colombian peso currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Colombian peso is COP — symbol is C$.
What doe the Colombian peso look like?
Here is an example Colombian peso banknote:
Which countries use the Colombian peso?
It is the domestic currency in Columbia.
Is the Colombian peso a closed currency?
No, the Colombian peso is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and COP?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to COP (US dollar to Colombian peso)*.
*Converted at the current USDCOP interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Things to know about the Colombian peso
The US imposed a 10% reciprocal tariff rate on goods from Colombia as part of Trump’s growing trade war with countries around the world.
Colombia's economy is very energy-dependent with just under half of all exports from Colombia linked to oil and gas products, making the Peso vulnerable to price swings during times of commodity volatility in a similar way to Russia and other countries with a steep reliance on energy exports.
Travel money for Columbia
Using Wise for Colombian peso travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Colombian peso otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Colombian peso cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the COP cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Colombia is a country located in South America, known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm-hearted people. It is bordered by Venezuela to the east, Brazil to the south, Peru and Ecuador to the west, and the Pacific and Caribbean oceans to the north. The capital city is Bogotá, and it is the largest and most populous city in the country.
For travelers, Colombia offers a wide range of experiences, from its colonial and modern architecture, to its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the historic city of Cartagena, the coffee region, known for its colonial architecture, coffee plantations, and scenic countryside, and the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life.
What currency to use in Colombia?
The official currency used in Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP). However, it's important to note that using US dollars is widely accepted in Colombia, and you can use US dollars to pay for goods and services, but you will have to pay an extra fee for the currency exchange, and the price might be higher than paying in pesos. For example, in a restaurant, the menu will have the prices in pesos and US dollars, but the price in pesos will be lower.
It's a good idea to always have some cash on hand, especially when traveling to remote areas where credit cards might not be accepted. And also, in some places, the card machine might be out of order.
When it comes to exchanging currency, you can exchange currency at banks, authorized money exchange offices and some hotels. As in any other country, it's important to be aware of the exchange rate and the fees, so make sure to shop around for the best deal.
As for ATMs, they are widely available in most cities, towns and tourist areas. Be aware that credit cards from certain countries may not be accepted in some ATMs and it's always a good idea to have a backup method of payment.
Top things to do in Colombia.
Colombia is a country that offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. Here are some top things to do in Colombia:
- Explore Bogotá: The capital city of Bogotá is known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and excellent museums and art galleries, such as the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, and the Museum of the National University of Colombia.
- Visit Cartagena: This historic coastal city is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious seafood. Visitors can explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a boat tour of the nearby Rosario Islands.
- Visit the coffee region: The coffee region, located in the Andean mountain range, is known for its scenic countryside, colonial architecture, and, of course, its delicious coffee. Visitors can tour coffee plantations and learn about the history and process of coffee production.
- Explore the Caribbean coast: Colombia's Caribbean coast is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life. Visitors can take a boat tour to spot dolphins and manatees, go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the coral reefs, or just relax on the beach.
- Visit the Pacific coast: The Pacific coast of Colombia is an undiscovered gem, home to beautiful beaches, national parks, and rich indigenous cultures. Visitors can explore the colorful local markets, hike in the rainforest, or take a boat tour to see the humpback whales.
- Visit the Salt Cathedral: This underground salt mine is located in the town of Zipaquirá, about 50 km north
Is Columbia Safe?
Colombia is a country that has seen a significant improvement in safety and stability in recent years, but it's still considered to have some security risks for travelers and expats.
There have been marked improvements in the security situation throughout the country over the past few years, with a reduction in crime and violence. However, certain regions, particularly those bordering Venezuela, continue to experience high levels of crime and violence. It's important to stay informed about the security situation, especially if you are planning to visit these areas.
Drug-related violence and organized crime still exist in some parts of the country and it's important to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions. Also, it's advisable to keep away from the border areas with Venezuela and Ecuador, as there is ongoing instability and criminal activity in those areas.
In general, the big cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, have a relatively low crime rate and are considered safer than smaller towns and rural areas. Travelers and expats should take the same precautions as they would in any other big city, such as being aware of their surroundings, avoiding walking alone at night, and being careful with valuables.
It's also important to be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as markets, buses, and airports.
Overall, while Colombia has come a long way in improving safety and stability, travelers and expats should still exercise caution and stay informed about the current security situation in the areas they plan to visit or live.
USD/COP Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/COP change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Columbia - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Columbia you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Columbia
When sending money to Columbia it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Colombian peso amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted COP amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Columbia.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Colombian peso deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Columbia
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Colombian peso currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the COP exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Colombian peso bank account: A local COP bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Columbia. It may also be more convenient to use a local COP bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Columbia. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Columbia. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Columbia, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Columbia.
Expat life in Columbia
For expats, Colombia offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost compared to other countries in the region. The country has a growing economy, and a relatively low unemployment rate, making it an attractive destination for expats looking for employment opportunities. The healthcare system is considered good, and expats have access to good schools and universities. However, it's worth noting that crime and security can be a concern in some areas, so it's important to research the location you plan to live and take necessary precautions.
The official language is Spanish, it's important for expats to have a basic understanding of Spanish to be able to navigate the country and integrate into the society.
Doing business in Columbia
Colombia is a country that offers a range of opportunities for businesses. The country has a growing economy, a relatively low unemployment rate, and a large consumer market, making it an attractive destination for businesses.
Colombia has also been taking steps to improve its business environment in recent years. The government has implemented a number of policies aimed at reducing bureaucracy and making it easier to start and operate a business. The country is also working on implementing various free trade agreements such as the US-Colombia free trade agreement, the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement, and the European Union-Colombia free trade agreement.
The country is also known for its diverse range of natural resources and it is a major exporter of oil, coal, coffee, and flowers. Colombia has also a strong manufacturing sector including textiles, footwear, and electronics. Also it's the fourth-largest economy in Latin America and it is considered a rising market in the region.
However, businesses may encounter some challenges while operating in Colombia. The country still has a relatively high level of corruption and businesses may find it difficult to navigate the bureaucratic and legal system. Additionally, it has a relatively low rating in terms of ease of doing business, so investors and companies must be prepared for some obstacles.
Security is also a concern in some parts of the country, particularly in border areas, so businesses should be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions.
Overall, Colombia offers a range of opportunities for businesses, but it's important to be aware of the potential challenges and to take the necessary steps to mitigate those risks. It's recommended to get professional advice from local lawyers, accountants, and business consultants, to have a clear understanding of the regulations, legal requirements, taxes, and market trends.