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Exchange Euros to Colombian Pesos COP
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Buying Colombian pesos (COP) before travelling to Colombia
In Colombia, everything is paid for in pesos. Unlike some other destinations in Latin America, US dollars cannot be used to pay in shops, restaurants or taxis, so the most practical option is to arrive with pesos in your pocket. At Prosegur Change, you can reserve your pesos online with 0% commission and collect them from one of our 18 branches in Spain before you leave. This means you do not have to rely on airport exchange rates as soon as you arrive.
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Currency |
Colombian peso (COP, $) |
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Commission on online reservations |
0 % |
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Collection |
Free from 18 branches in Spain |
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Payment |
At the branch, by card or in cash |
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Leftover currency |
BuyBack guarantee: €6.95 |
Why take pesos rather than dollars?
This is a common question, because in many countries in the region, US dollars can be used almost everywhere. This is not the case in Colombia: payments are made in pesos and, although US dollars can easily be exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices, you cannot use them to pay directly in shops. Taking dollars to exchange them there also means exchanging your money twice: from euros to dollars in Spain and then from dollars to pesos in Colombia.
If you still need to exchange money when you arrive, avoid the airport and hotels, which generally offer the worst exchange rates. Banks are a safer option, but bear in mind that they are generally only open on weekdays, during the morning and early afternoon.
The banknotes you will use
Two families of banknotes are currently in circulation in Colombia, and both are valid according to the Banco de la República. The newer family ranges from 2,000 to 100,000 pesos (2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000), with different designs and sizes for each denomination. Coins range from 50 to 1,000 pesos.
As the amounts contain a lot of zeros, it is useful to have smaller banknotes to hand for taxis, public transport and everyday purchases. A 100,000-peso banknote can be difficult to change in a small shop.
Tipping in restaurants
In Colombia, tipping is voluntary by law. Many restaurants suggest a 10% tip on the total before tax, but the waiter must ask whether you would like to include it, and it cannot be added without your consent. It is common to hear the question “¿desea incluir el servicio?” when asking for the bill: you can accept, change the amount or decline.
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Before leaving Spain
For a tourist trip of up to 90 days, you do not need a visa, but you do need a passport: a Spanish national identity card (DNI) is not valid for entry into Colombia. Before flying, you must complete the Check-MIG form from Migración Colombia online between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight. Check the latest entry requirements on the official Migración Colombia website before travelling.
If you are travelling with a large amount of cash, Colombia requires you to declare amounts over US$10,000, or the equivalent in another currency, when entering or leaving the country, using DIAN Form 530. If you fail to declare the money, it may be seized. In Spain, when leaving the country with €10,000 or more, you must also submit Form S1 to the Spanish Tax Agency.
Do you need to send money to Colombia?
If, in addition to travelling, you want to send money to family or friends in Colombia, you can do so at our branches with Western Union.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Select currency
Choose your currency and the amount you need. Stock guaranteed on 65 currencies!
2. Select location & date
Choose from 18 branches for a free pick up. No need to prepay your order online
3. Collect & pay
Pay by card or in cash directly at the branch upon pick-up. You're now all set for your trip!
Frequently asked questions about Colombian pesos
Not in shops or restaurants: payments are made in pesos. US dollars can be exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices, but cannot be used to pay directly.
If you do it in Spain, you arrive with money ready to use and avoid airport exchange rates, which are generally the least favourable.
Almost always, Colombian pesos. If you are unsure, ask before paying.
No. It is voluntary, and the establishment must ask you before adding it to the bill.
You can exchange your euros for Colombian pesos up to 24 hours before your departure, as this is the time we need to prepare your order. However, we recommend reserving your currency as far in advance as possible to benefit from the best exchange rates.
Our BuyBack currency repurchase guarantee allows you to bring back any COP you have left once you return and sell them back to us at the same exchange rate that applied to your original purchase. This means you are protected from exchange rate fluctuations. If you are not sure how much money you will need, the BuyBack repurchase guarantee is the solution for you.