Colombian currency facts every traveller should know

Planning a trip to Colombia? 

Whether you’re heading for Cartagena’s beaches, Bogotá’s buzz, or the coffee regions in between, one thing’s for sure: you’ll need to wrap your head around the Colombian currency.

Luckily, we’ve broken down everything you need to know into fun, quick facts, from pesos and coins to conversions and spending power. 

Let’s jump in.

Colombian currency: the basics explained

The official Colombian currency is the Colombian peso, abbreviated as COP and often just written as “$” locally. 

The currency code is COP, and you’ll see prices listed like $20,000, which might sound steep until you remember the conversion rate!

The Republic of Colombia issues the peso, and the Colombian peso currency symbol is technically “COL$”, though most shops use a standard dollar sign.

What is the Colombian peso currency symbol and code?

Just to clarify:

• Colombian peso currency code: COP 
• Symbol: $ or COL$
  

You might see “colombian peso COP” listed in forex apps; it’s all the same currency, just abbreviated differently depending on the platform.

Colombia’s colourful money: faces, history, and security

Colombia’s banknotes are some of the most eye-catching in South America. 

They feature important cultural figures such as President Carlos Lleras Restrepo and anthropologist Virginia Gutiérrez, paying tribute to Colombia’s rich intellectual and political legacy. 

President Alfonso López Michelsen also appears on older notes, reminding travellers of Colombia’s complex political past.

Modern security features include colour-shifting ink, watermarks, and transparent windows. 

Notably, both silver coins and gold and silver coin commemoratives have circulated through the years, so check your change before you spend it!

What is the best currency to take to Colombia?

The short answer: Order Colombian pesos online before you go to lock in a great Colombian currency exchange rate. It’s cheaper and easier than sorting it at the airport.

Buying your travel money in advance means you’ll arrive prepared and have no stress over finding an ATM or kiosk. 

While British pounds aren’t widely accepted in Colombia, exchanging them before you fly puts you in control.

If you’re heading abroad, having pesos in your wallet from the moment you land makes things much easier, especially after a long flight.

Colombian ATMs do accept most international debit cards, but it’s still smart to notify your bank before you travel. 

Carry a mix of cash and card for maximum payment flexibility, especially if you’re heading to smaller towns where machines might be down or unavailable.

Colombian currency denominations: your cheat sheet

Colombia’s currency denominations are large in number but simple once you get the hang of them. The colombian currency notes in circulation are:

2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 pesos

Colombian currency coins include 50 pesos, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos, alongside older centavos coins, which are now largely phased out. 

The peso coin still holds value, especially in markets and small shops.

The 50 pesos mystery: still in use?

Yes. 50 pesos coins are still legal tender, although they’re rarely used due to their low value. 

You’ll mostly find them as change from street vendors or parking attendants. 

Think of them like a UK penny: useful, but not life-changing.

Cards vs cash in Colombia: what works best?

Credit card and debit payments are widely accepted in big cities, including contactless.

But in smaller towns and local markets, cash is king. 

Always carry a mix of both. 

Use your bank card to withdraw larger sums (ATMs offer up to 900,000 COP per transaction), and use cards for hotels or larger purchases like excursions or shopping.

Has the Colombian peso changed over time?

Yes, and it’s a great currency trivia point. 

Over the years, Colombia has redesigned notes to honour key figures and improve security.

Did you know? The word “peso” comes from Spanish and means “weight,” a nod to its origins in silver coinage. 

You might spot notes with a face you don’t recognise, but they’re still valid, and many are designed to reflect Colombia’s journey toward peace, identity, and national pride.

Colombian currency exchange: 

It’s smart to exchange before your trip. Online services like Manor FX let you order pesos ahead of time at competitive Colombian peso exchange rates and have them delivered to your home. 

Avoid airport booths if possible; they usually offer poor foreign exchange rates. 

In Colombia, exchange kiosks (“casa de cambio”) offer cash swaps, but always verify rates and check for hidden fees.

Where to change your money: UK vs Colombia

So, should you exchange before you go?

In the UK:

✅ Better rates via online providers

✅ Easy to budget ahead

✅ Saves time at the airport

In Colombia:

✅ More flexible

✅ Possible better rates for large amounts

❌ Higher fraud risk if not careful

The best plan? Order online from a trusted provider like Manor FX. 

It’s safe, quick, and tailored for travellers like you.

How to get your currency with Manor FX

Ready to sort your pesos?

Here’s how to make your currency exchange simple and secure with Manor FX:

1. Choose your amount – whether you want £100 or £1000 worth of Colombian pesos, we’ve got you.
2. Check live rates – our rates are updated daily, so you can find the best deal.
3. Add to basket – then fill in your details, just like online shopping, but for travel money.
4. Delivery or collection – we’ll post your pesos to your door, or you can pick them up, whatever suits you best.
5. Track your order – we’ll keep you posted along the way. No guesswork, no stress.
   

You’ll see the exact conversion rate, colombian peso currency exchange, and full costs upfront, no hidden surprises.

Top tips to avoid Colombian money currency slip-ups

1. Notify your card provider before you travel
2. Bring backup payment options
3. Break big notes early (especially 50,000 and 100,000)
4. Use local ATMs to change money at better rates
5. Be mindful of purchases in rural areas where cards won’t work
6. Don’t carry large amounts of cash; for security, stick to what you need
7. If you have any travel money left on your return, we’ll help you convert Colombian currency to GBP.

Takeaways

Colombia is a brilliant place to explore. 

Once you’ve mastered its currency, it’s easy to navigate markets, meals, and moments like a local.

From colourful banknotes to savvy conversion rate tips, you’re now ready to handle every peso like a pro.

With one of the most visually distinctive currencies in the world, Colombia’s banknotes make for a fun bit of travel trivia, and a great souvenir too.

Remember to bring a mix of payment options, keep small change handy, and use Manor FX to lock in great exchange rates before you jet off.

FAQ