Colombian Peso · $ · Official currency of Colombia
The Colombian peso ($) evolved from the Spanish colonial currency system of the 19th century, and is issued exclusively by the Banco de la República. Due to its large face values, amounts are often abbreviated in thousands in everyday speech.
Seven denominations circulate: $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, and $100,000, featuring Colombian cultural and historical figures alongside its ecosystems.
Face values are large, so it's easy to miscount the zeros — it's worth double-checking the amount on bigger purchases. Card payments are widely used in cities, but cash is essential in smaller towns and local markets. Exchanging at a bank or licensed money changer in the city is better than at the airport, and if withdrawing from an ATM at night, it's worth choosing a well-lit, secure location.
You can view the real banknote designs on the Banco de la República's official page.
See Colombian Peso banknotes at today's exchange rate →