Picture this: you’re riding through the beautiful landscapes of Colombia, when all of a sudden you realize you need to pay for a hotel deposit, top up your SOAT insurance, or transfer money to a friend. No bank nearby? No worries—Corresponsales Bancarios have your back!
A Corresponsal Bancario is a small business—like a tienda, pharmacy, or stationery shop—that offers basic banking services on behalf of major banks like Bancolombia. They let you make deposits, pay bills, and send money, all without stepping into a traditional bank branch.
For motorcycle travelers in Colombia, Corresponsales Bancarios are indispensable. Whether you’re adventuring through remote villages or just passing through small towns, these services help you handle payments and transactions with ease, keeping you on the road longer and stress-free.
Why Corresponsales Bancarios are perfect for motorcycle travelers in Colombia
For bikers exploring Colombia, the flexibility of Corresponsales Bancarios can make all the difference. Here’s why:
Accessible in remote areas: Banks and ATMs aren’t always easy to find, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. Corresponsales, however, are nearly everywhere.
No bank account required: You don’t need to be a Colombian citizen or have a local bank account. Just bring cash and the necessary details, and you’re ready to go.
Time-saving: Instead of wasting valuable riding time looking for a bank, Corresponsales let you quickly take care of transactions and get back on the road.
Wide range of uses: From paying hotel deposits to transferring money, Corresponsales handle many of the financial needs that pop up during travel.
How can you use a Corresponsal Bancario in Colombia?
Using a Corresponsal Bancario is simple and traveler-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Bring Cash: Corresponsales only deal in Colombian pesos, so be sure you have cash on hand. No credit or debit cards are accepted.
Know the Details: For deposits or transfers, have the recipient’s account number, bank, and full name ready. Many Corresponsales primarily handle Bancolombia transactions but may work with other banks too.
Find the nearest corresponsal: Corresponsales are marked with signs like “Corresponsal Bancario” or logos from banks like Bancolombia. Use Bancolombia’s online locator tool to find one near you.
State your transaction: Tell the clerk what you need, whether it’s paying a bill, depositing money, or transferring funds.
Get a receipt: Always collect your receipt—it’s proof your transaction went through, especially important for reservations or bill payments.
Example: all the Corresonsal Bancario's in our hometown La Union.
When should you use a Corresponsal Bancario?
Corresponsales Bancarios are incredibly versatile, but here are some common situations when they’ll come in handy for motorcycle travelers:
Buy motorcycle parts: In case you need to buy motorcycle parts via, for example, Mercado Libre, you can easily transfer the money through a Corresponsal without needing to visit a bank.
SOAT or fines: Need to renew your SOAT insurance or settle a traffic ticket? Corresponsales make these payments quick and easy.
Money transfers: Whether you’re helping out a fellow traveler or paying a vendor, Corresponsales handle fast cash transfers.
Utility bills: Even if you’re renting long-term, you can use a Corresponsal to pay for electricity, water, or internet.
Our pro tips for using corresponsales on your moto adventure
Always carry cash: Since Corresponsales only accept cash, keep enough Colombian pesos in your wallet.
Plan ahead: Most Corresponsales are open during regular business hours (8 AM to 8 PM), so don’t leave your transactions for late at night.
Ask for directions: If you can’t find a Corresponsal in a small town, ask locals—they’ll know where to go.
Double-check fees: While fees are usually minimal, it’s always a good idea to confirm how much your transaction will cost.
So, the next time you’re in Colombia and need to make a payment, find a Corresponsal Bancario! It saves a lot of time and stress, and you’ll be back adventuring in no time! Enjoy your travels! - Team Donkey
If I understand it, travellers still need to carry the cash as we don't have local bank accounts to draw from. That means to use Corresponsal Bancario we have to pay with cash. If that's the case, when should Corresponsal Bancario be used? Are there places that don't accept cash? Thanks