Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [43]
Cultural Centers
All the listed centers have their own libraries and host various events.
Alianza Colombo Francesa (Map; 341 1348; www.alianzafrancesa.org.co, in Spanish; Carrera 3 No 18-45)
British Council (Map; 325 9090; www.britishcouncil.org/colombia; Carrera 9 No 76-49, piso 5)
Centro Colombo Americano (Map; 334 7640; www.colombobogota.edu.co; Calle 19 No 2-49; 7:30am-7pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-2pm Sat & Sun) Often has free films.
Centro Cultural Gabriel García Márquez (Map; 283 2200; www.fce.com.co; Calle 11 No 5-60) Opened in 2008 and a modern addition to La Candelaria, this expansive new complex pays homage to Colombia’s most famous author in name, but its events span the cultural spectrum way past literature. There’s also a giant bookstore (with a few English titles), a hamburger restaurant and cafe.
Return to beginning of chapter
Emergency
Don’t expect English – if you’re not savvy with the español have someone else call.
Ambulance 125
Fire 123
Police 123
Tourist police 337 4413
Return to beginning of chapter
Internet Access
It’s not difficult finding internet access. Nearly all accommodations listed have wi-fi access and/or computers to use. There are also many many cafes, most of which have telephone booths for making long-distance or international calls. PIT tourist information centers offer visitors 15 minutes’ free internet. The wi-fi revolution is in full swing, available at many cafes, bars and restaurants, many of which flaunt ‘wi-fi zone’ decals.
A few convenient choices, most with telephone service, include the following:
AC&C Internet (Map; Carrera 15 No 94-80; 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat)
Brokeback Mountain Internet (Map; Calle 60 No 9-60; per hr COP$1500; 11am-10pm Mon-Sat) Internet access with playful name in Chapinero.
El Tibet (Map; Carrera 4 No 12-26; per hr COP$1500; 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, 9am-6pm Sun)
ETB (Map; Carrera 7 No 19-65; per hr COP$1100; 8am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun)
Return to beginning of chapter
Laundry
Most hotels provide this service for their guests. Guesthouses charge about COP$3000 per kilogram, whereas upmarket establishments will probably offer dry cleaning only and will charge per item.
Lavarapido (Map; Calle 15 No 4-14; per kg COP$3500; 8:30am-7pm Mon-Sat, 8:30am-1pm Sun) Drop-off laundry in La Candelaria.
Return to beginning of chapter
Libraries
Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango (Map; 343 1212; www.lablaa.org; Calle 11 No 4-14; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, 8am-4pm Sun) This library bills itself ‘busiest in the world,’ hosts art exhibits and stages concerts. Its simple top-floor cafe has Monserrate views.
Biblioteca Nacional (Map; 243 5969; www.bibliotecanacional.gov.co; Calle 24 No 5-60; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri) You will need a library card to visit.
Return to beginning of chapter
Medical Services
It’s preferable to use private clinics rather than government-owned institutions, which are cheaper but may not be as well equipped.
Clínica de Marly (Map; 343 6600; Calle 50 No 9-67) A recommended clinic with doctors covering most specialties; sometimes handles vaccinations.
Dr Paul Vaillancourt (Map; 635 6312; Carrera 11 No 94A-25, oficina 401; 8am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Fri) A recommended English-speaking, half-Canadian doctor, who charges COP$100,000 per consultation (no medical insurance accepted).
Fundación Santa Fe (Map; 215 2852; Av 9 No 116-20, oficina 209; 9am-1pm & 2-6pm Mon-Fri) If you’re heading to Brazil (or any area requiring immunization against yellow fever), this is the best place to get your vaccination (COP$46,000). Note that the vaccination must be 10 days old before arriving in Brazil.
Hospital San Ignacio (Map; 288 8188; Carrera 7 No 40-62) A university hospital with a high level of medical expertise, but long queues.
Return to beginning of chapter
Money
Banks in Bogotá tend to work 9am to 3pm or 3:30pm Monday to Friday. The banks below also change cash, but check the casas de cambio (currency exchanges) beforehand, which may offer the same rates and do things much more quickly. Money changers at the airport