INFORMATION AND TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
Business hours
- Banks: Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. Branches located in shopping malls or department stores have extended hours.
- Shops: Open Monday to Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Stores in shopping malls stay open until about 9:00 p.m. Sunday closing time is 7:00 p.m.
- Restaurants, bars, and cafés: Most are open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Offices: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Electric current
L110 volts. It is recommended that visitors ask for assistance before connecting any electronic device.
Media
Local press: El Colombiano, El Tiempo, El Mundo, and El Espectador. Local television stations: Telemedellín and the regional channel Teleantioquia.
Health services
Travelers should have medical insurance from their country of origin. Emergency rooms and health centers in the city are staffed with specialists 24 hours a day, and there are 24-hour pharmacies.
Police and security
It is recommended that travelers not carry original identification documents on their person. Put documents, jewelry, cash, and other valuables in hotel safes. Stick to areas that guides tell you are safe.
Tourist Information Services
- Department of Tourism: 3856563
- José María Córdova Airport: 5622828
- Olaya Herrera Airport: 3656100
- Bus terminals: Terminal del Sur 3611499 and Terminal del Norte 2308514
- Medellín Convention and Visitors Bureau: 2616060
What kind of clothing should I bring?
The temperature in Medellín is fairly constant year-round, with very little seasonal variation, so light cotton clothing is best. The nearby towns are cooler, so if you plan to travel outside the city you will need warm clothing. Casual dress is acceptable. If you will be visiting tourist sites, bring comfortable clothing and footwear. Restaurants do not require male diners to wear ties. Special events call for formal dress.
Foreign Exchange Services
Foreign currency can be exchanged at a Bancolombia or Banco de la República branch, or call 444 41 44 for information.
Emergencies
- For all emergencies—fire department, Fourth Army Brigade, health or traffic emergencies, or to report an accident: dial 123
- Security Service (DAS): 3415710
- Civil Defense: 3112571
- Highway Police: 4374802
- Metropolitan Police: 112
