Is Colombia cashless?
Mixed#77 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #11 of 35 in Americas
Short answer: Pay by card in cities, and carry pesos for taxis and street food. Servibanca ATMs give the most cash for the fee.
Cards work in hotels, malls and restaurants in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Street food, taxis and small towns need cash.
Will my card work?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Colombia take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Colombia, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Colombian peso (COP)
How does tipping work?
Restaurants suggest a 10% "servicio voluntario"; you can decline it.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Getting cash: ATMs
Some ATMs are fee-free
Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards COP 12,000-30,000 per withdrawal.
Fee-free options
- Banco Caja Social (reported free, up to COP 300,000)
- Servibanca (about COP 16,000, up to COP 2,000,000)
Avoid
- Bancolombia (about COP 27,000, max COP 800,000)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Card machines may ask how many "cuotas" (instalments); answer 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is Colombia cashless?
Colombia scores 56/100 on Cashlessy (mixed), ranking #77 of 197 countries. Cards work in hotels, malls and restaurants in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Street food, taxis and small towns need cash.
Do I need cash in Colombia?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Colombia, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Colombia?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Colombia take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do you tip in Colombia?
Restaurants suggest a 10% "servicio voluntario"; you can decline it.
Which ATMs are free in Colombia?
Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards COP 12,000-30,000 per withdrawal. Best options: Banco Caja Social (reported free, up to COP 300,000); Servibanca (about COP 16,000, up to COP 2,000,000). Avoid: Bancolombia (about COP 27,000, max COP 800,000).
Compare with Americas
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.