Cash per day in Colombia?

In Medellín, I could pay with card nearly everywhere. But in Jardín, Salento, and Tayrona, cash was essential. I averaged 100,000 COP in cash per day, but varied by region:

City days = 60k cash + card for cafes

Rural days = 100-120k in cash only

I used apps for transport and track spend, but had small notes for tips and tiendas.

I moved around a lot (Cartagena to Medellín to Salento). 150,000 COP/day in cash was my sweet spot, especially in areas where card machines often “didn’t work.” Breakdown:
- Mid-range meals: 60-70k
- Local taxis/inDrive: 30k
- Street tips, snacks, laundry: 20k
- Emergencies/souvenirs: 30k

I never carried my full month’s cash, just 2-3 days’ worth on me, the rest in a hidden pouch in my bag or hotel safe.

Did Colombia on a shoestring. Carried 80,000 COP per day in smaller notes. My daily routine:

Street lunch: 10k. Dinner: 20-25k, Buses: 10k. Hostel beers/tips/small shops: 30-40k

I used card for booking hostels and the odd splurge (like a Paragliding tour). My advice: have a few 10k and 20k notes - big bills are hard to break.

I used my Wise card for big spends (hotels, tours), but carried around 120,000 COP per day for food, taxis, local buses, and tips. A typical day in Bogotá or Medellín was:

🍽️Meals: 40-50k (incl. coffee + dinner)

Transport: 20k (Uber + metro)

Tips/misc: 10-15k

I’d withdraw 500-700k COP every 4-5 days from Servibanca to save on ATM fees by making larger withdrawals.