Colombia Money Matters

The Colombian monetary unit is the peso. Right now the exchange rate is about 1700 to the dollar. Compared to the Euro and the Pound, it's very favorable for Americans. I won't call it a steal, but it makes for a very reasonable trip. Certain items, such as food purchased off the street, like a fresh fruit cup of mango, pineapple and papaya are big bargains for under $1.00. Compare that with the $4.50 I pay back home in NYC at the corner bodega.
Entrees at nice restaurants range from $12.00 to $20.00 for grilled steak, trout or even pasta.
My best finds were shopping for gifts at the local markets. In Bogota, I bought two beautiful, well-made, fashionable leather belts for about $30 each. I know these would cost at least a $100 at Bloomingdale's.
My favorite purchase is a great pair of yoga shoes that I found at a tourist shop in the Coffee Triangle. They are hand made by the Kuna Indian women and each pair is unique. They cost $30. I would have paid up to $200 for them if I saw them on sale in NYC.
Colombian Emeralds are one of their largest exports, but I'm not an expert on their value, however I didn't see anything worthwhile for under $400, and the nicest jewelry cost thousands.
It is important to have cash on hand for all purchases not made in the nicer restaurants. I made several withdrawals from ATM's as Citibank's are prevalent and heavily guarded in Bogota.
I paid a 2% internaional withdrawal fee. Upon departure, tourists have to pay what's called a "pleasure tax" of 9000 pesos, or about five bucks. You pay it right at the airline ticket counter.
Other taxes are included in the price of your ticket, but you have to go to a separate booth before you check in, show your ticket and get a waiver to present to the agent at the ticket counter.

Kuna hand-made shoes

Handmade Bags From A Tabio Artisan

Emeralds