Ipiales Services

Tourism

There is a tourism infomation office at the Rumichaca border crossing. In Ipiales, the Policía Nacional post is on Calle 11, between Carrera 5 and 6 (Tel: 773-2577). The Ecuadorian Consulate is one block from Parque La Pola (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cra. 7, 14-10, 2nd floor. Tel: 772-2272).

Money

If coming from Ecuador, exchange only a little money at the border; you’ll get a better exchange rate in Ipiales. Bancolombia (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Calle 14, on Parque La Pola) is the only bank in Ipiales that changes traveler's checks—and only American Express. Its ATM handles all banking networks, with a daily withdrawal limit of $600. Other banks and casas de cambio (exchange houses) will change U.S. cash dollars to pesos. You will find many around Parque La Pola, and on Calle 14 and Carreras 5 and 6. Most are open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., some until 7 p.m. Restaurants and shops at the bus terminal may be able to change money also. For wiring money, the local Western Union office is at Giros & Finanzas (Cra. 6, 13-23).

Keeping in Touch

A fair share of internet cafés are scattered throughout Ipiales. Mundo Net has Skype and can burn your digital photos to CD (Cra. 7, 10-67). To make a local or national phone call, just keep an eye out for the frequent llamadas (call) signs. For international calls, try Sai Telecom (Ca. 16, 6-47). Old-fashioned snail mail can be posted at the Correo in the Alcaldía building complex on the Plaza de la Independencia (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, 2-6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon).

Medical

The main health facility is Hospital Civil de Ipiales(Av. Panameriacana Norte. Tel: 773-3949, Emergencies: 773-3454). The city has a number of droguerías, or pharmacies, to cure your ills.

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