If you’re planning a trip to Medellín or trying to send some support to family in Bogotá, that $100 bill in your pocket is telling a much different story than it did a couple of years ago. Honestly, the days of the 5,000-peso dollar are starting to feel like a distant, hazy memory. Right now, as of mid-January 2026, the exchange rate for 100 USD to Colombian peso is hovering around 368,870 COP.
That might sound like a lot of zeros, but in the context of Colombia’s current economy, it’s a bit of a squeeze.
The Colombian peso (COP) has been surprisingly resilient lately. While a stronger peso is great for Colombians buying imported goods, it’s a bit of a "gut punch" for anyone bringing US dollars into the country. You’re simply getting fewer pesos for every buck. Just a week ago, you might have snagged 377,500 COP for that same hundred, but the market is volatile. It’s shifting by the hour.
The 2026 Reality: What 100 USD Actually Buys You
So, you’ve got your 368,800 pesos. What does that actually look like on the ground?
If you’re a traveler, you’ve probably heard stories about how "cheap" Colombia is. Well, "cheap" is a relative term these days. Colombia just implemented a massive 23% minimum wage hike at the start of 2026. While that’s awesome for local workers, it’s pushed up the price of almost everything else—from your morning tinto (black coffee) to your Uber ride across town.
A Rough Budget Breakdown
- Dining Out: A traditional corrientazo (the standard executive lunch) used to be a steal. Now, you’re looking at 15,000 to 22,000 COP. If you want a nice dinner for two in a trendy spot like El Poblado or Cartagena's Old City, expect to drop at least 120,000 to 180,000 COP. Basically, your $100 covers about three or four "nice" dinners.
- Transport: A gallon of gasoline just jumped in price again. If you’re taking taxis or ride-shares, those short trips are adding up. Your 100 USD will cover roughly 15 to 20 mid-length Uber rides, depending on the surge pricing.
- Groceries: If you’re an expat living here, that 100 USD is about a week’s worth of high-quality groceries for one person, maybe two if you’re sticking to the local markets like Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao.
Why the Exchange Rate is Doing This
You’ve probably noticed the rate for 100 USD to Colombian peso has been trending downward (meaning the peso is getting stronger). There are a few reasons for this, and they aren't all just "luck."
First, the central bank (Banco de la República) has been keeping a very tight lid on things to fight inflation. While inflation ended 2025 at around 5.1%, the recent wage hikes have everyone worried about a "wage-price spiral." Because interest rates remain relatively high to combat this, investors are more interested in holding pesos, which drives the value up.
Second, there’s the "Petro Factor." President Gustavo Petro’s administration has been pushing through significant structural changes. The market was terrified of him at first, which is why the dollar spiked to 5,000 COP back in late 2022. But now? The market has sort of priced him in. Investors are less jittery, and the currency has stabilized, albeit at a stronger level than most tourists would prefer.
What Most People Get Wrong About Exchanging Money
Don't just walk into the first Casa de Cambio you see at the airport in Bogotá or Medellín. That’s the fastest way to lose 10% of your value instantly.
If the official rate for 100 USD to Colombian peso is 368,870, an airport booth might only offer you 330,000. It’s a total rip-off. Honestly, your best bet is usually a reputable ATM. Stick to banks like Bancolombia or Davivienda. Even with the ATM fee, you’re usually getting a rate much closer to the "real" one you see on Google.
Just a heads-up: when the ATM asks if you want to "accept their conversion rate," always say NO. Let your home bank handle the conversion. The ATM's "guaranteed" rate is almost always a trap designed to pad their profits.
The Hidden Costs: Taxes and Tips
One thing people forget when calculating their 100 USD to Colombian peso budget is the IVA (Value Added Tax). It’s 19% on most things. While it’s usually included in the price you see on the menu, it eats into your purchasing power fast.
Also, the "Propina" (tip). In Colombia, a 10% voluntary tip is standard at sit-down restaurants. It’s usually added to the bill automatically as propina sugerida. You can say no, but it's pretty much expected unless the service was truly terrible.
Actionable Steps for Your Money
If you’re looking to make that $100 stretch as far as possible in 2026, here is the move:
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- Check the TRM Daily: The Tasa de Cambio Representativa del Mercado is the official rate. Use an app like XE or just Google it before you head out to exchange cash so you know the "ceiling."
- Use Multi-Currency Cards: If you’re a frequent traveler, cards like Wise or Revolut often give you much better rates than traditional big-box banks.
- Avoid Cash if Possible: Most places in big cities take cards now. You’ll get a better rate via your credit card's exchange process than you will at a physical exchange booth.
- Watch the July 2026 Shift: Be aware that the workweek is scheduled to drop to 42 hours in July. This will likely cause another small jump in service prices (hotels and restaurants), so factor that in if you're planning a summer trip.
The reality is that Colombia isn't the "half-off" destination it was a few years ago. It’s still cheaper than the US or Europe, for sure. But when you're looking at 100 USD to Colombian peso, you have to be a little more strategic than you used to be. Keep an eye on the news, stay away from airport exchange booths, and always double-check those ATM prompts.