Is it safe to travel on this budget?

Yes, but it requires staying in well-reviewed hostels. Don't sacrifice safety to save $2; stay in areas with good security reputations.

Can I drink the tap water?

In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, it is generally safe, but filtered water is standard practice. Bring a filter bottle to save the $1–$2 a day you'd spend on plastic bottles.

Use ATMs inside malls or banks. Avoid street-side ATMs. Expect high fees, so withdraw the maximum amount allowed per transaction to minimize the cost.

How to travel Colombia on $30 a day

To stay under $30 a day in Colombia, prioritize dorm beds in hostels, eat exclusively at local 'corrientazo' restaurants, and use public buses for all city and intercity travel. Avoid internal flights and tourist-oriented 'gringo' bars to keep your daily cash flow within this strict limit.

Secure budget accommodation. Book hostel dorm beds in advance via platforms like Hostelworld. Aim for properties that include breakfast; this saves you about $3–$4 per day. Look for hostels outside of the high-rent tourist zones like El Poblado in Medellín.
Eat the daily set menu. Lunch is your main meal. Look for signs saying 'Menu del día' or 'Corrientazo.' You will get soup, a meat portion, rice, salad, and a juice for roughly $3.50–$4.50. For dinner, buy fruit, bread, or empanadas from street vendors.
Master the bus network. Avoid taxis and ride-share apps. Use city buses or the Metro (in Medellín). For intercity travel, use the terminal bus companies rather than private shuttles. Use the website 'Busbud' to research prices, but buy the ticket at the terminal to avoid booking fees.
Focus on free activities. Limit paid tours. Instead, take free walking tours (tip $3–$5), hike local trails, visit public parks, and explore street art districts like Comuna 13 which are free to wander.

Is it safe to travel on this budget?: Yes, but it requires staying in well-reviewed hostels. Don't sacrifice safety to save $2; stay in areas with good security reputations.
Can I drink the tap water?: In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, it is generally safe, but filtered water is standard practice. Bring a filter bottle to save the $1–$2 a day you'd spend on plastic bottles.
How do I get cash?: Use ATMs inside malls or banks. Avoid street-side ATMs. Expect high fees, so withdraw the maximum amount allowed per transaction to minimize the cost.