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Car Rental in Colombia

Start your Colombian carventure with Economy

Gastronomic Destinations
Coffee Lovers
colombia

Emergency Contact Information

INTERNATIONAL CALLS
+1 (786) 975-2222
EMERGENCY SERVICES
911

Offices

Airport Offices

Aeropuerto Internacional el Dorado. Frente a llegadas Nacionales
Km 4 via cerritos, Pereira.
Cartagena.
Glorieta interior Aeropuerto JAC Gasolinera Zeus.

Important Information when Visiting Colombia

  • In Colombia it is common to find speed bumps on highways and streets, especially urban and rural areas. Drive at an adequate speed to avoid damaging the vehicle and guaranteeing the safety of the passengers.
  • In many cities in Colombia, motorcycles are a common mode of transportation. It is important to be alert and pay careful attention to motorcyclists as they can quickly maneuver in between vehicles and follow different traffic regulations.
  • Colombia’s main highways have tollbooths. Be sure to have cash on-hand to pay the toll as not all accept credit or debit cards. In addition, certain highways have road corridors that also require a fee in different points, so prepare for that.
  • During rainy season, especially in mountainous regions, there could be landslides or floods. If possible, avoid traveling during intense rainfall, or inquire about meteorological conditions before a long journey.
  • Before traveling to the most remote or rural areas, we recommend asking local authorities or trustworthy sources about how secure the route is, and any possible restrictions, especially if you are planning to travel near areas of conflict.
  • In some tourist areas and indigenous communities, you’ll find traffic signals in Spanish and in other local languages. Pay attention to these signals as they may be important for your safety and a form of respect to the local culture.
  • To drive a rental car, you must fulfill the age requirement: a minimum of 21 in Bogota and Cartagena, and 25 in Pereira and Rionegro.
  • You can request an additional driver for an additional amount ($15 in Bogota and Cartagena, $10 in Pereira and Rionegro) with whom to share driving responsibilities. The main driver and the additional driver must both present a valid driver’s license.
  • Underage children must use car seats. Our office in Colombia has car seats and booster seats for an additional fee (subject to availability).
  • Plan your trip and find the addresses on your GPS device before starting your journey. Having an approximate idea of where you are headed will make driving easier. In addition, it is very important to know the places you’ll be visiting, as it is always good to know the most favorable routes for your rented vehicle, that way you can arrive at your destination quicker using an alternate route. With Economy, you can obtain a GPS system for an additional amount (subject to availability).
  • When returning the automobile, it must have the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up.
  • Consider including roadside assistance to your rental for an additional fee.
  • Valid Driver’s License – To rent a car in Colombia, you’ll be required to have a driver’s license from your home country as well as your passport.
  • Payment Method – You’ll need a credit or debit card to pay for the rental and the deposit. Deposits vary according to the protection plan and vehicle you chose. This deposit will be withheld until the car has been returned, and then it will be released, if the car is in the same condition as it was when it left the premises; this may last a few days, up to a week, to process.
  • Proof of Insurance – If you plan to self-insure, we’ll need written proof from your insurance company specifically indicating that it has coverage in Colombia throughout the duration of the rental contract for third-party liability claims. You may also chose a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) provided by the car rental company. In addition, you must pay a $3,500 security deposit (in Bogota, Cartagena, Pereira and Rionegro) and accept a Limited Loss Waiver (LLW).
  • Are you still wanting to be convinced of visiting Colombia? In that case, we’ll tell you of a few traditional Colombian dishes that will do the trick:
  • Bandeja Paisa: Is one of the most representative dishes in Colombia. It is a generous serving of beans, rice, ground beef, pork rinds, a fried egg, plantain, “arepa”, avocado and blood sausage. It is an abundant plate filled with traditional flavors of the Paisa region.
  • Ajiaco: This delicious and comforting stew is traditional in Bogota and other areas around central Colombia. It is made with a chicken base, local potatoes, “guascas” (aromatic herb), corn, and cream. It is served hot and it is perfect for cooler climates.
  • Sancocho: A thick and rich soup that may vary by region, but still very popular throughout the country. The main ingredients are beef, chicken or fish, plantain, yuca, potato, corn, and other vegetables. It is a comforting dish filled with authentic flavors.
  • Arepa: The “arepa” is a type of flatbread made from cornmeal. It is an essential side dish at a Colombian table and can be enjoyed in various ways, such as “arepa de maíz”, “arepa de choclo” (sweet corn cakes), “arepa de queso” (with cheese), among others.
  • Empanadas: Colombian empanadas are a popular delight that can be found all over the country. They are small empanadas stuffed with beef, chicken or cheese (you can even find vegetarian options) and are fried to obtain a crispy texture. They are usually eaten with “ají”, a spicy sauce, to enhance the flavor.