The Ultimate Guide to Colombia: What You Need to Know as an Expat, Tourist or Nomad
Expats, travelers and digital nomads alike have been getting to know Colombia as a hotspot for their type. The country is fast-becoming known as the best place for digital nomads in South America. So much so that new co-working spaces are opening there regularly, with more and more expats choosing to settle there permanently. With its friendly people, relaxed pace of life, breathtaking scenery, bargain prices and year-round sunshine; it’s no wonder why so many keep coming back to Colombia again and again. This ultimate guide has all you need to know about this great country as an expat, a tourist or a digital nomad.
Who is this guide for?
This ultimate guide to Colombia is intended for anyone planning a trip to this amazing country. Whether you are an expat, a tourist or a digital nomad who is looking to relocate there permanently, you’ll find everything you need to know in this guide. This guide is even more useful if you speak Spanish as it will help you navigate the country much easier. If not, don’t worry, you’ll find information on how to navigate the country in English as well. This guide may also be useful to those who have a friend or family member who is thinking of relocating to Colombia. This guide will help you understand what they are looking for in a new home.
The Basics: Travel, Visa and Living Information
– Airports in Colombia: Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena airports are the main airports in Colombia. There are also a number of other regional airports that serve major cities. – Border Crossing: There are many border crossings between Colombia and neighboring countries. Cartagena is the main port of entry for cruise ships, as well as yachts. The main border crossing with Ecuador is at Tulcan, Ipiales and Leticia. With Panama, it is at the Darien Gap. With Venezuela, it is at San Antonio. With Brazil, it is at Leticia and with Caribbean nations, it is at Barranquilla. – Currency: The COP (Colombian Peso) – Visa: If you are an American citizen, you will need a tourist visa to enter the country. This can be obtained online or at the airport upon arrival. For other nationals, please check with the Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country. – Climate: Colombia has an equatorial climate, with two very distinct seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season is from May to November, while the dry season is from December to April. It is best to visit between December and April, when the humidity is lower and temperatures range between 18°C and 35°C. – Health and Safety: Colombia has seen a dramatic decrease in crime rates in recent years, and the country has been recognized as one of the most secure destinations in the world. Although travelers are unlikely to be the target of violent crime, petty crime does occur. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. – Electricity: Colombia uses the same voltage and plugs as the United States: 110 V and 60 Hz. – Internet/WiFi: Internet connection in Colombia is excellent in both cities and rural areas. There are many internet cafes in the cities, including in the many hostels in the country. – Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry into Colombia, but the CDC recommends that you be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus-diphtheria booster within the last 10 years, a measles vaccination within the last 4 years, a chickenpox vaccination within the last 2 years, and an annual flu vaccination. – Healthcare: Colombia has a public health care system and a private health care system. Healthcare costs are significantly lower in Colombia than in other parts of the world. – Housing: Finding an apartment in Colombia is a very easy process. An advantage of an apartment is that you will have a washing machine and depend less on the dry cleaners.
Working and Living in Colombia as an Expat
– Taxes: The tax rate in Colombia is 30%. This includes a 5% municipal tax and a 25% income tax. – What to bring: If you’re moving to Colombia, you’ll need to bring warm clothes. It is always warm in Colombia, but the temperature may vary depending on the time of year. During the rainy season, you can expect higher levels of humidity and temperatures to drop as low as 18°C (64°F). The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to visit. Temperatures generally range between 18°C and 35°C (64°F and 95°F). – Finding Work: The best way to find work in Colombia is to get to know the local community. The best way to do this is to attend meet-ups, join Facebook groups and get involved with the local co-working spaces. – Making Friends: Making friends in Colombia is easy. Most expats and locals attend meet-ups and host events, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. – Dating Culture: Colombia is a traditionalist country and dating culture is still quite conservative. It is best to attend meet-ups and social events to make friends and find a potential partner. Dating apps are popular but are best used with caution. – Education System: The education system in Colombia is bilingual and consists of grades 1-11. Students are expected to attend school Monday-Friday, and Saturday is a half day. – Health Care: There is a public health care system and a private health care system in Colombia. Depending on your health insurance and which city you live in, you can choose private or public health care options.
Tourist Information: What to See and Do in Colombia
– Bogota: There are many things to do in Bogota. Some of the most popular activities include visiting the Gold Museum, La Salina, the Botanical Gardens, and the Wax Museum. There are also several great museums in Bogota, including the Botero Museum, Museo De Oro (Gold Museum), and Museo Del Oro (Gold Museum). If you’re looking for a day trip from Bogota, you can visit the colonial town of Cartagena, an hour away. There is also a cable car that takes you up the mountain to a hotel and restaurant called El Penol. – Cartagena: Cartagena is a popular tourist destination in Colombia. There is lots to do in this city, including visiting the Castillo De San Felipe, the Plaza De La Constitution, and Parque Explora. You can also visit Isla Baru, Isla de Cartagena, and Isla de Los Parques. – Santa Marta: Santa Marta is another popular tourist destination in Colombia. There are several great places to visit in this city, including the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Tayrona National Park, and Minca. – Medellin: Medellin is another popular tourist destination in Colombia. The city is famous for its outdoor activities. There are many great places to visit in Medellin, including the Botanical Gardens, Parque Explora, and Quinta de San Luis.
Conclusion
The city of Medellin, Colombia is known as the city of eternal springtime and is a great place for expats, tourists, and digital nomads to live and visit. It has a high quality of life, lots of things to do, and great weather year-round. If you are looking to live abroad in South America, there are few better places than Colombia! If you are looking to visit Colombia, or are considering relocating there, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know.
