Money in Colombia
Colombia uses the Colombian peso. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- COPColombian peso
- Symbol
- $
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Colombia
Prices run into thousands, so check the zeros. Carry cash for taxis and small shops outside big cities.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Many small restaurants and shops do not take cards, and cards are less accepted by rural vendors. Carry cash for small shops, markets and tips.
- ATMs
- ATMs are easy to find in large and medium cities but hard to find in rural areas and small towns. Enchanting Travels reports most banks cap withdrawals at COP 300,000 per transaction, and advises using machines inside banks, malls or gas stations.
- Foreign currency
- Shops and restaurants generally do not accept US dollars, so exchange them for pesos.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at banks, hotels or official exchange offices.
- Watch out for
- Enchanting Travels says counterfeit notes are a known problem, so check bills are in good condition. Tell your bank your travel dates, since banks sometimes freeze cards used abroad.
Tipping in Colombia
Restaurants often add a voluntary 10% to the bill. You can ask to remove it, but most people pay it.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Uncover Colombia, South America Travel, Enchanting Travels, Jacada Travel, TrovaTrip, Wonderful Wanderings.
Convert to and from COP
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3,204 COP | 3,589 COP | 4,299 COP |
| 10 | 32,040 COP | 35,894 COP | 42,993 COP |
| 50 | 160,198 COP | 179,468 COP | 214,964 COP |
| 100 | 320,395 COP | 358,936 COP | 429,928 COP |
| 500 | 1,601,975 COP | 1,794,681 COP | 2,149,641 COP |
What each amount is worth in COP. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Colombia use?
Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP).
Do you need to tip in Colombia?
Appreciated. Restaurants often add a voluntary 10% to the bill. You can ask to remove it, but most people pay it.
Can you pay by card in Colombia?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Many small restaurants and shops do not take cards, and cards are less accepted by rural vendors. Carry cash for small shops, markets and tips.
Are there ATMs in Colombia?
ATMs are easy to find in large and medium cities but hard to find in rural areas and small towns. Enchanting Travels reports most banks cap withdrawals at COP 300,000 per transaction, and advises using machines inside banks, malls or gas stations.