Medical Care

Cartagena

Copyright: Gemma Garner

DESTINATIONS colombia cartagena Tourist Information Medical Care

Medical Care

Medical care is generally of very high quality in Colombia, making medical tourism from nearby countries increasingly popular. If you happen to require medical attention while in Cartagena, refer to one of the city's private hospitals: Hospital Naval is one of the most reputable. Pharmacies/drug stores are readily available throughout Cartagena, including ones that operate 24/7. In some cases, medication that requires a prescription to be purchased in countries like the USA is sold over the counter at significantly lower prices, leading travellers to stock up on their supplies prior to returning home.

Useful Information

Address: Avenida San Martín, Cartagena
Phone: +57 5 677 80 21

Tourist Information

Passport / Visa

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the European Union, most countries in the Americas, Australia & Oceania, as well as several Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. In cases when an entry visa is required, the application can often be done online. Nationals of Cuba …

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

The best time to visit Cartagena is early in the year, between January and March. This period is characterised by favourable weather and doesn't get too humid, which is perfect for both city exploration and nearby island-hopping. Streets begin to feel emptier as vacationer waves of December and early January subside, giving way to …

Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)

Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)

The largest air hub on Colombia's Caribbean coast serves multiple destinations within the country, as well as several major international ones such as New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City. The trip to central Cartagena usually takes no longer than 20 minutes. Taxis are always available; these operate on fixed fares rather than meters …

Public Transport

Public Transport

Private buses circulate around Cartagena, each one's main stops indicated in the front window. Fares are very inexpensive, and the buses can be flagged down off the side of the road. Inside the old town, most locations are easy to reach on …

Taxi

Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but make sure to be clear on the exact fare prior to boarding, as local taxis do not use meters. When getting a cab, opt for calling an operator and ordering one rather than just getting into one in the street, as this puts you at a higher risk of …

Medical Care

Medical care is generally of very high quality in Colombia, making medical tourism from nearby countries increasingly popular. If you happen to require medical attention while in Cartagena, refer to one of the city's private hospitals: Hospital Naval is one of the most reputable. Pharmacies/drug stores are readily available throughout Cartagena, including ones that operate 24/7. …

Is Cartagena Safe?

Is Cartagena Safe?

Cartagena, Colombia is generally a very safe place to visit, with most trips being completely trouble-free. It may be a good idea, however, to take certain safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings at all times, as petty theft and pick-pocketing do occur in touristy areas. There are certain neighbourhoods outside the …

Cash or Card?

While establishments across Cartagena do increasingly accept credit and debit cards for payment, many still either only do so nominally or operate on cash alone. Cash will definitely be needed for smaller purchases, especially from street vendors. A relatively high service fee may be charged at some restaurants for card payments, so it's generally a …

Common Scams and Annoyances

Common Scams and Annoyances

Although Cartagena is generally safe to visit, there are a few things to watch out for during your stay. People posing as police officers and asking to inspect your documents and money, supposedly to ensure their authenticity, are one common way of catching unsuspecting tourists off guard. If this happens to you, demand to be …

Drugs in Cartagena

Drugs in Cartagena

It's possible that you'll be approached by people selling drugs in the street, at bars or nightclubs — be sure to politely refuse all such offers, and never consume or carry drugs on your person, as this is both illegal and can be a set up for yet another elaborate scam. The "dealers" may …

Postal Services

Postal Services

The main public post carrier in Colombia is the "4-72"; the office closest to you may be located on their website. It is important to note, however, that 4-72 is notoriously unreliable, and anything more valuable than a simple postcard is best sent via a private carrier, such as DHL. 4-72 has a reported …

Cartagena de Indias Cruise Port

Cartagena de Indias Cruise Port

Cartagena is a common day-stop for cruises whose routes lie through the Caribbean. The cruise port of Cartagena, Colombia, is located roughly 4km from the Old Town, where the majority of Cartagena's attractions lie. To reach the city center, one will either need to take a short walk from the pier to the Cruise Ship …

Phone Calls

+57 is Colombia's country code, 5 is the area code for Cartagena. +57 5 will then normally be followed by a 7-digit local phone …

Power Plugs, Sockets and Voltage in Cartagena, Colombia

Power Plugs, Sockets and Voltage in Cartagena, Colombia

Power plug types A and B are used in Colombia (these are plugs with two parallel flat pins, common throughout North America). Voltage 110 V; frequency is 60 Hz. If the standard voltage in your country is between 110 and 127 V, you will NOT require a voltage …

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