Colombia airport exit guides
Bogotá BOG, Medellín MDE, and Cartagena CTG airports are safe inside. Use Uber, Cabify, or a pre-paid airport taxi — never accept a ride from someone in arrivals. Bogotá's TransMilenio doesn't reach the airport directly.
Common exit risks
- • 'Paseo millonario' (express kidnapping) via unmarked taxis — never hail one on the street
- • Inflated 'night surcharge' at BOG after 9pm
Cash & card advice
- • Pre-paid taxi booths (Taxis Libres, Taxis Verdes) are safe. Cash in COP. Don't hail curbside taxis.
Ride-hailing status
- • Uber, Cabify, DiDi, InDrive all work. Uber operates in a legal gray zone — you may be asked to sit in the front seat to look less obvious.
AIRPORTS IN COLOMBIA
- CLOlow riskCaliAlfonso Bonilla Aragón InternationalFare COP 60,000–75,000Read →
- CTGmedium riskCartagenaCartagena–Rafael Núñez InternationalFare COP$18,000–COP$30,000Read →
- BOGmedium riskBogotáEl Dorado International AirportFare COP 35,000–55,000Read →
- MDEmedium riskMedellínMedellín–José María Córdova International (Rionegro)Fare COP$20,000–COP$120,000Read →
POPULAR ROUTES IN COLOMBIA
FAQ
- Does Uber work at airports in Colombia?
- Uber, Cabify, DiDi, InDrive all work. Uber operates in a legal gray zone — you may be asked to sit in the front seat to look less obvious.
- Should I pay an airport taxi in cash or card in Colombia?
- Pre-paid taxi booths (Taxis Libres, Taxis Verdes) are safe. Cash in COP. Don't hail curbside taxis.
- What currency do I need for a taxi in Colombia?
- Colombia uses the COP ($). Cash preferred for taxis; small COP notes. Avoid changing money at airport kiosks — the rate is usually 5–15% worse than a bank ATM inside the terminal.
- Do I tip taxi drivers in Colombia?
- Not expected. Drivers do not rely on tips the way US drivers do, and inflated "tips" are sometimes used to justify an overcharge — pay the metered fare first, then decide.
- What airport scams are common in Colombia?
- The three most reported on arrival: 'Paseo millonario' (express kidnapping) via unmarked taxis — never hail one on the street; Inflated 'night surcharge' at BOG after 9pm. See the individual airport guides for terminal-specific details.
- Which airports in Colombia have exit guides?
- We cover 4 airports in Colombia — including CLO, CTG, BOG, MDE. Each guide has the official taxi rank location, fair fare, ride-hailing status and the scams to watch for on arrival.