Your Stress-Free Guide to Arriving in Colombia
Landing in a new country can be overwhelming. This guide is your step-by-step plan. Follow it, and you’ll be in your taxi, connected, and confident in no time. The flow is nearly identical at all major Colombian gateways—what changes are the distances, lines, and taxi logistics. Let’s go one calm, methodical step at a time.
The Universal 5 Steps of a Colombian Airport Arrival
Step 1: Immigration (Migración)
Follow signs to Migración. You’ll queue in a hall of counters. When it’s your turn, the officer will check your passport, ask the purpose of your trip, and may request proof of onward travel and accommodation address.
Check-Mig Colombia is crucial. Complete it within 24–72 hours of your flight. Have the QR code screenshot ready—the agent scans it at the start. No screenshot? You’ll likely be sent to another line or kiosk to complete it, which can add 20–40 minutes.
Pro tip: Make a “Travel Docs” album on your phone with: Check-Mig QR, boarding pass, hotel address, return/onward ticket, and travel insurance PDF.
Step 2: Baggage Claim (Equipaje)
After stamping in, follow Equipaje signs. Screens show your flight’s carousel. At busy times (especially at Bogotá El Dorado airport) bags can be slow.
Use the wait wisely: Connect to free airport Wi-Fi and send your arrival message, download ride-share apps (Uber/DiDi/InDriver), and check your hotel address.
Step 3: Customs (Aduana / DIAN)
Roll your luggage to DIAN scanners. Sometimes you’ll fill a brief paper form; other times you’ll pass straight to the x-ray. Unless you’re declaring large electronics, lots of cash, or restricted goods, this step is quick.
Step 4: The Arrivals Hall Gauntlet
Doors open; noise and offers rush in. Breathe. You have two immediate tasks: get pesos and get connected.
Getting Colombian Pesos (COP)
- Use ATMs from banks like Davivienda, Bancolombia, or BBVA. Rates beat the Casa de Cambio exchange counters by a wide margin.
- Withdraw at least 200,000 COP (~US$50) to start—enough for a taxi and a SIM.
- Decline “dynamic currency conversion.” Choose to be charged in COP, not USD.
Getting a SIM Card
Look for Claro, Tigo, or Movistar kiosks near the exit or just outside arrivals. Staff can install and activate on the spot.
- Cost: About 40,000 COP (~US$10) for ~7–10 GB valid a week. Month plans from ~65,000 COP.
- Documents: Your passport may be scanned for registration.
- Coverage: Claro is widest overall; Tigo is strong in cities; Movistar is serviceable but spottier beyond metros.
Step 5: Leaving the Airport Securely
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Official taxi queue: Follow signs to the staffed line. In Bogotá, a kiosk prints a fare slip with your fixed price—hand it to the driver.
- Ride-sharing apps: Uber, DiDi, and InDriver work well; pickup points may be outside the main doors or on a designated curb.
- Do not accept rides from random people inside the terminal. If unsure, ask airport staff to point you to the official stand.
Safety reset: Phone away while walking; confirm plates and driver name before getting in; share your live location with a friend.
Airport-Specific Intel: BOG vs. MDE vs. CTG
Bogotá (BOG – El Dorado)
- It’s big: Long walks and multiple wings. Follow Salidas Nacionales (domestic) vs. Internacionales (international) signs closely.
- Taxis: Use the official indoor kiosk for a printed fixed fare (e.g., to Chapinero or Zona T). Keep the slip.
- Services: Reliable Wi-Fi, lounges, co-working nooks, many cafés. ATMs are plentiful airside and landside.
Medellín (MDE – José María Córdova)
- Distance: MDE sits in Rionegro—about a 45-minute drive to Medellín (El Poblado/Laureles).
- Fares: Official white airport taxis have a fixed rate (~100,000 COP in 2025). Colectivo/bus options (~20,000 COP) go to San Diego Mall or downtown but are slower with luggage.
- SIMs: Claro/Tigo desks are just outside arrivals; activation is quick.
Cartagena (CTG – Rafael Núñez)
- Close & compact: 10–15 minutes to Old Town and Getsemaní.
- Taxis: Typical fare is around 20,000 COP to the historic center. Agree on the price before you get in, or use an app if available.
- Heat & pace: It’s warm and bustling; kiosks are fewer than BOG/MDE but you’ll still find ATMs and SIM options near exits.
Your First-Timer’s Checklist & Final Words
- ✅ Screenshot your Check-Mig QR and save it offline before you fly.
- ✅ Connect to Wi-Fi at baggage claim; confirm your hotel address and ride-share app.
- ✅ Withdraw 200,000 COP+ from a bank ATM inside the terminal (avoid exchange counters).
- ✅ Buy a local SIM (Claro/Tigo/Movistar) for maps, rides, and translation.
- ✅ Use the official taxi queue or ride-share pickup; never accept random offers.
- ✅ Share live location with a friend and keep valuables subtle as you exit.
You’ve got this. With a clear plan, Colombian airports are manageable. The reward—mountain skylines, Caribbean sunsets, coffee aromas—starts the moment you step outside the terminal. Welcome to Colombia.
Where Check-Mig Fits in Your Trip
Check-Mig Colombia is the online migration form you’ll often be asked to complete before arrival and again before departure. The calmest approach: fill it out, screenshot the confirmation/QR, and keep a copy offline.
Timing: Submit 24–48 hours before your flight. If email is delayed, your screenshot is your lifeline.