Colombia

Colombia's geography is dramatic, ranging from Andean peaks to Caribbean coasts. For long distances, domestic flights via carriers like Avianca or LATAM are efficient, often costing between 150,000 COP and 300,000 COP ($35–$70 USD). However, for a true local experience, the "busetas" and long-haul coaches are excellent. Companies like Bolivariano offer comfortable seats and reclining chairs for overnight journeys. In Medellín, the Metro and integrated cable cars are a point of pride and essential for reaching neighborhoods like Santo Domingo. To navigate these routes and call ride-share apps safely, ensure you have a Hello eSIM activated before you touch down at El Dorado International. Having immediate data means you can check live bus schedules or translate directions without hunting for airport Wi-Fi. If you're traveling in a group, you can use the Hello trip planning feature to pin your must-see spots, from the colorful streets of Guatapé to the walled city of Cartagena, ensuring no one misses the departure.

Dining in Colombia is a communal affair, often centered around hearty, regional specialties. You cannot leave without trying a Bandeja Paisa in Antioquia—a massive platter featuring beans, rice, chicharrón, avocado, and a fried egg, usually priced around 35,000 COP ($8 USD). In the cooler climate of Bogotá, a steaming bowl of Ajiaco (chicken and potato soup) is the ultimate comfort food. Street food is equally vital; grab an arepa de huevo on the coast for about 5,000 COP ($1.20 USD). When dining out with friends, the Hello expense splitting feature is a lifesaver. Instead of doing complex math at the table to figure out who ordered the extra empanadas or the round of Club Colombia beers, you can log the bill in the app and settle up later. It keeps the focus on the flavors rather than the finances. Don't forget to try the world-class coffee in the Eje Cafetero; a specialty pour-over in a Salento cafe is a sensory experience you'll want to document and share instantly using your Hello eSIM data.

While major cities increasingly accept credit cards, Colombia remains a cash-heavy society, especially in smaller towns like Jardín or Minca. It is wise to carry a mix of payment methods. ATMs (cajeros) are widely available, but be aware of withdrawal limits, which often hover around 600,000 COP to 2,000,000 COP ($140–$470 USD) per transaction. To keep your finances in check, use the Hello budget tracking tool to record your daily spending in Colombian Pesos. This helps you visualize your costs—from the 10,000 COP ($2.50 USD) museum entry fees to the more significant spends on Amazon jungle tours. Tipping (known as propina) is generally 10% in restaurants and is often added to the bill as a "voluntary" charge—it’s standard practice to pay it if the service was good. By tracking these small outlays in the app, you’ll avoid the mystery of disappearing cash at the end of your trip, leaving more room in the budget for that extra bag of hand-picked coffee beans to take home.