We’ve paid for enough meals, art, taxi rides, and hotel stays in Bogotá to say this with confidence—if you plan right, your credit card will serve you well here.
Bogotá is a modern, dynamic city with a surprisingly robust payment infrastructure, but there are still some key moments where cash is king. Knowing the difference can save you time, hassle, and potentially a few awkward situations.
Here, we’ll help you navigate payment in Bogotá like someone who lives here.
The Big Picture: Bogotá Is Card-Friendly
Bogotá has made great strides in terms of payment technology. Using your credit or debit card is entirely normal in hotels, shopping malls, chain restaurants, supermarkets, and even many small cafés. It’s not just limited to high-end venues, either. We’ve seen small barbershops, street boutiques, and even juice stands use mobile card terminals connected to networks like Redeban and Credibanco.
Locals themselves prefer using cards for convenience, security, and to keep track of spending. Don’t panic if your table has to split a restaurant bill between three or four cards—it’s totally fine. Paying for coffee with a card isn’t seen as weird or inconvenient either.
Some places now support Apple Pay or Google Pay, particularly those with modern POS systems. That said, contactless and tap-to-pay still aren’t universal, so it’s a bonus, not a guarantee. Always have your physical card just in case.
Visa and Mastercard: Our Reliable Go-Tos
If you’re traveling with a Visa or Mastercard, you’re in good shape. These two networks are accepted nearly everywhere. You can use them to buy museum tickets, book Ubers, pay at local clinics—you name it.
Most merchants do not charge a foreign card fee, though your home bank might. It’s a good idea to check your international transaction fees before you leave. Depending on your card issuer, a small surcharge may apply.
Local Tip: When the card reader asks if you want to pay in your home currency or in Colombian pesos (COP), always choose COP. The “helpful” conversion to your home currency usually comes with a worse exchange rate.
Also, every card transaction requires either a signature or a PIN. You won’t get away with a simple swipe—the terminal will ask for verification every time.
American Express: Sometimes Yes, Often No
We’ve had mixed experiences with American Express in Bogotá. While many upscale restaurants and major hotels accept Amex, it’s not nearly as common as Visa or Mastercard. The reason is simple—Amex charges higher processing fees to merchants, so many smaller businesses opt out.
You’ll have better luck using Amex in international hotel chains like the Hilton or Marriott, as well as in high-end malls like Andino or Parque La Colina. Airport lounges and fine dining spots often accept it too.
On the flip side, local pharmacies, casual cafés, smaller taxis, and mom-and-pop shops usually won’t take it. It’s also less likely to be accepted outside tourist areas or upscale neighborhoods.
We suggest bringing an Amex for backup or for specific purchases, but don’t rely on it as your primary payment method. Always carry a Visa or Mastercard as your go-to card.
When You’ll Need Cash—and How Much to Carry
Despite Bogotá’s growing card infrastructure, there are still plenty of scenarios where cash is essential. You’ll want pesos on hand for things like street food, independent taxis, tipping hotel staff, shopping at artisan markets, or taking short rides outside the city.
We usually carry the equivalent of about $100 USD (roughly 400,000 COP), split between our wallet and another secure place on us. That amount covers most casual purchases, unexpected emergencies, or cases where the card machine is down—which does happen occasionally.
Cash is particularly handy for tipping bellhops, paying cover charges at small bars, or buying handmade crafts at Sunday markets in places like Usaquén. Also, many smaller places can’t break large bills, so keep a mix of smaller denominations like 2,000 to 10,000 COP. It helps transactions go smoothly and makes you look like a local.
Where Credit Cards Work Seamlessly in Bogotá
There are plenty of places in Bogotá where credit cards work without a hitch. Most restaurants and cafés in popular areas like Zona T, Zona G, Chapinero Alto, and Usaquén are well-equipped with card terminals. Whether you’re grabbing a cappuccino or enjoying a multi-course tasting menu, you can usually pay with confidence.
All reputable hotels accept credit cards, and boutique hotels tend to follow suit. Just double-check when booking accommodations, especially if you’re staying in more remote or alternative lodging.
Shopping is easy too—malls like El Retiro, Unicentro, and Parque La Colina are all very card-friendly. You can also use cards at most galleries, bookstores, and design shops.
As for services, most gyms, spas, private clinics, and even beauty salons accept cards. That said, smaller barbers or neighborhood salons may still be cash-only, so always ask before your appointment.
When it comes to tours and guides, many companies use platforms that accept digital payments. Booking online in advance is a great way to secure your spot and avoid cash altogether.
When in Doubt, Ask
Before we pull out our cards, we usually ask one simple question: “¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?” That means, “Can I pay with a card?” It might seem unnecessary in modern places, but it saves time and avoids that awkward back-and-forth at checkout.
Even if they accept cards, it’s smart to follow up with “¿Crédito o débito?” Some businesses accept only debit or only credit—this varies more than you’d expect.
A quick note on culture: Some businesses will say the machine is “broken” (“descompuesto,” “roto” or “no funciona”) as a way to nudge you toward paying cash. That’s rare, but it happens. A polite confirmation in advance prevents misunderstandings.
Security Tips When Paying with Your Card
Bogotá is generally safe when it comes to card payments, but there are still a few best practices we always follow.
First, never let your card out of your sight. Payment terminals are portable here, and staff will typically bring them to your table. If they don’t, politely ask.
Second, always cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Card skimming isn’t rampant, but it’s not unheard of, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy zones.
Keep your receipt until the charge clears correctly on your statement. Disputes are much easier with documentation in hand.
Avoid dynamic currency conversion—that moment when the card machine offers to charge you in your home currency. It’s rarely a good deal. Always select COP to let your bank handle the exchange.
Lastly, if your bank offers real-time transaction alerts via text or app, enable them. It’s a great way to stay on top of charges while traveling.
We also keep one card in our wallet and leave another in the hotel safe. If one gets lost or stolen, we’re not stranded.
Tailored Tips Based on How You Travel
For luxury travelers, credit-card life is easy. High-end hotels, drivers, and restaurants will accept your card, including Amex in many cases. Ask your concierge if you’re unsure.
Cultural explorers should bring both card and cash. Artisan markets and local galleries may accept cards, but internet connectivity can be spotty, and cash is always welcome.
Business travelers will have no issues—financial districts, coworking spaces, and corporate areas are built for digital payments. Just make sure your card is international-ready and enabled for travel.
If you’re coming for wellness experiences—spas, retreats, massages—most will take cards. But yoga pop-ups, alternative therapy studios, or mobile services may prefer cash or local transfer apps like Nequi or Daviplata.
Experience Bogotá Like a Local with Cielo Travel
Whether navigating credit card use, figuring out what to visit, or learning how to book safe transportation, every Bogotá visitor can do with some help. Let the experts at Cielo Travel guide you toward travelling with confidence.
Cielo Travel books only the best experiences, hotels, restaurants, and transport—making your stop in Colombia unforgettable and safe.
The Team at Cielo.Travel
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