One of the biggest mistakes tourists make in Cartagena is not preparing properly for the money side of things. The difference between exchanging money in the right place versus the wrong one can be as much as 15% of its real value. Over a week-long trip, that adds up to a significant amount.
This guide is based on years of experience welcoming travelers from all over the world to Cartagena. I'll walk you through exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how to make sure every peso you spend goes where it should.
The most expensive mistake: exchanging money at the airport
Cartagena's Rafael Núñez Airport has exchange houses in the international arrivals area. The rate they offer is consistently between 8% and 15% worse than the real market rate. It's the worst place to exchange money in the entire city.
If you've just landed and need cash urgently for a taxi, exchange only the bare minimum at the airport — a maximum of $50 USD. Wait until you get to your hotel or downtown for the rest.
Warning: Informal money changers around the airport offer rates that seem good, but they operate without regulation, and counterfeit bills are a real risk. Never exchange money on the street with strangers.
The best options for exchanging money
Certified exchange houses in the Centro Histórico: The Centro Histórico (Walled City) area is home to several formal, monitored exchange houses with competitive rates. Look for places displaying the Banco de la República sign or visible certification. The rate is usually within 1-2% of the official market rate.
ATMs at Colombian banks: ATMs from Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, and Davivienda apply the official rate of the day plus a fixed fee of between $10,000 and $15,000 COP per withdrawal. If you're withdrawing larger amounts ($200 USD or more), this is usually one of the best options. Check with your bank to see how much it charges for international transactions.
Banks directly: For larger amounts (the equivalent of more than $500 USD), exchanging directly at a Colombian bank gives you the best rate. You'll need your passport, and the process takes 15-20 minutes.
Do they accept dollars or euros in Cartagena?
The short answer is: some do, but never in your favor. Tourist businesses that accept dollars do so at rates 10% to 20% below the market. That's their profit margin.
Local restaurants, markets, taxis, palafito eateries, and pretty much everything outside the formal tourist circuit only accepts Colombian pesos. If you want to eat where the people of Cartagena eat, you'll need COP.
Paying with an international credit card
International cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) work well at hotels, tourist restaurants, shopping malls, and some shops in the Centro Histórico. However, many small businesses don't have a card reader, or they have one but it's "not working."
Check with your bank what the fee is for transactions abroad before you travel. North American and European banks usually charge an additional 1.5% to 3%. Cards from Charles Schwab, Revolut, Wise, and N26 tend to offer better conditions for travelers.
Tip: The Wise app (formerly TransferWise) lets you load Colombian pesos at a rate very close to the real interbank rate, straight from your dollar or euro account. It's one of the most efficient options for frequent travelers.
How to check if the rate is fair
Before exchanging, check the official rate of the day on Google ("USD to COP" or "EUR to COP"). The exchange house will always give you a bit less (that's how they make money), but the difference shouldn't be more than 3%. If you're offered a rate more than 5% below market, that's a red flag.
On this very website, we have a COP/USD button in the navigation that shows the prices of our tours in dollars using the real-time rate of the day. Use it to know exactly how much you'll pay in your own currency.
How much cash to bring to Cartagena
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Here's a realistic breakdown by type of expense:
- Meal at a local restaurant or market: $15,000 – $50,000 COP per person
- Tourist restaurant downtown: $60,000 – $150,000 COP per person
- Taxi within the city: $8,000 – $15,000 COP
- Admission to San Felipe Castle: $22,000 COP for foreign tourists
- Tips and minor expenses: $10,000 – $20,000 COP per day
For an average day without tours, a budget of $150,000 – $250,000 COP per person is reasonable. For days with excursions or higher-end restaurants, have $400,000 – $600,000 COP available.
Markets and eateries: cash only
The Bazurto Market, the palafito eateries in the Islas del Rosario, most fruit stands and juice bars downtown, and beach vendors only accept cash. Funnily enough, these are some of the best places to eat in Cartagena. Don't show up without bills.
For Dunas & Olas tours, you can pay in several ways, including bank transfer, Nequi, Daviplata, or cash. Message us on WhatsApp to coordinate whichever payment method works best for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do they accept dollars in Cartagena?
Some tourist businesses do, but always at an unfavorable rate. For markets, taxis, and local restaurants, you'll need Colombian pesos.
Can I pay with an international card?
Yes, at hotels and tourist restaurants. Check your bank's fee for international transactions (usually 2-3%).
How much cash should I bring per day?
$150,000-$250,000 COP for a normal day. More if you're including excursions or higher-end restaurants.
Are there 24-hour ATMs in Cartagena?
Yes. Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, and Davivienda have ATMs in the Centro Histórico, Bocagrande, and shopping malls. They operate 24/7.