Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Colombia Expat Forum

Are there expats in Santa Marta

New Topic Newest First
HalS
  9/24/2013 10:46 EST

My colombian wife and I are planning on moving to Santa Marta for my retirement. I was wondering if there are any expats in Santa Marta that might provide some information about living costs, security, etc.

GringoinParadise
  9/25/2013 09:05 EST

I am in and out of Santa Marta, but I am fairly new there. As far as Colombia goes Santa Marta seems to be middle of the road for expenses. Baranquilla is supposed to be a really inexpensive city, and Cartagena is VERY costly. There doesn't appear to be many americans actually living in Santa Marta, or at least if there are I haven't found them yet. If you haven't spent any time in South America be prepared for drastic differences in the prices of things compared to the US. Many things are more expensive than the states.Although there are things that are less expensive as well. Santa Marta seems to be a fairly safe city, but you still need to use common sense and stay away from certain areas especially at night. My fiancee and I are looking at Santa Marta as an option for where we want to live as well. Because I'm new here I can't give you any specifics as far as prices go. I know someone who rented an appartment in Rodadero(the rich area) for 2million pesos a month(about $1000). So I would imagine that if you really did some looking around you could find something outside of rodadero for cheaper. If you want send me a Private message and I can ask my lawyer to find something for you, although I'm not sure how much he would charge, you guys could work out the details. I'm suggesting this because a lot of people here will automatically charge an American more because they assume that we are all rich and wipe our buts with dollars, lol.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

soystar1
  9/25/2013 20:00 EST

I lived in the middle part of SM. Close to the Ocean and Buena Vista Mall for six months.

If you love heat, this your place to be. If not and have any health issues, you should invest in a dependable air conditioner.

I was often shocked while living there in the amount of violent crimes. The local newspaper El Informador, pulled now punches to graphic photographs of the victims there.

Unemployment is high there and no doubt the loss of cruise ships from docking there plays a substantial part in the crime.

However, Rodadero or as the locals call SM "La Perla" is a mini South Beach. Apts and places to rent during the holiday season are usually booked way ahead of time.,

You hit the nail on the head. We have to prices here: One is Colombian and the other is Gringo or extranjero. Tip: get to know a local you can trust at arms length and you will know real prices of things and therefore haggle as the best Colombian does.

Welcome to Colombia and I hope that wherever you choose to reside it is where you have did your research. Tip: I usually go jogging in my city and it really helps to see the barrios.

I miss SM, at times, as they have a McDonald's with free wifi. I spent the majority of time at the local malls and movie theaters to get out of the intense heat.

El informador has an online edition if you wish to verify my comments.

Best wishes.

pascoa2013
  9/26/2013 02:15 EST

Where are you living now? I am planning to do some volunteer work for an organization, fundacion calipso, in the Santa Marta area, Taganga. In exchange for my experience, I ask organizations to provide lodging. This worked well in Brazil for the last 8 years. I'd like to know your thoughts on Taganga, SM and anything else. Thank you.

HalS
  10/7/2013 15:03 EST

I am not new to Colombia......my wife and I have been going down there twice a year for the past 3 years.....We have also vacationed in SM but did not stay long enough to get a sense of prices, etc. I was just wondering if there is a large expat population there. Thanks for the information from all who posted.

GringoinParadise
  10/7/2013 16:41 EST

I'm sure there are some. Some American Companies own Hotels here in S.M. So far I haven't run into any Americans/British actually living here, but thats not to say that there aren't. They might not be online. S.M. is a small city and really if you ask enough locals you could probably find some Americans, I honestly haven't had the time to ask around. I've been travelling back and forth to La Guajira and Bogota arranging my marriage.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

GringoinParadise
  10/7/2013 16:49 EST

Im in Gaira. I asked a couple people I work with what Taganga is like. They said that its a beach, but not very beautiful, but that there are boats that can take you to a better beach if you want. They said its not dangerous, but common sense is the rule down here. They also told me that it is a major tourist spot and that there are a lot of americans and other foreigners there. I hope that helps.

GringoinParadise
  10/7/2013 16:58 EST

You're right, the crime is bad here, but I guess Im a little used to it, I spent a year and a half in Venezuela where the crime is a LOT worse. If you are in the tourist areas like Rodadero and the Central there are a lot of police, and generally not that much violent crime. But be careful in some of the barrios on the outskirts of the city. But most of the crime that happens here is people who are hanging out with the wrong crowd. A lot of Colombians are decent people and if you just need to find some that are trustworthy. If you are friends with good people they can help steer you away from problems and bad people. Side note: most of the forieners who die in Santa Marta die from drug overdoses.

JohnnyD
  10/11/2013 15:13 EST

A few. My wife & I own a condo in Rodadero and there are at least two Americans who rent apts there.
But generally, there aren't too many. If you want to meet other Americans or foreigners, go to Tagonga or Minca. Most of us find the climate in Santa Marta too hot, given the humidity problems.

JohnnyD
  10/15/2013 20:39 EST

One does not need a car in Santa Marta. Buses and taxis are everywhere and get you where you want to go. Medical facilities are good but you need to shop around. We have found a excellent dentist in Santa Marta. Alternative medical procedures may exist but I have no knowledge of them. One needs AC in SM or Rodadero, esp. the closer one is to the ground. We use fans during the day and AC in the BR at night. Over the years the temp in Santa Marta has become more hot and humid. Mountain breezes help but there are days when NO breeze makes keeping cool difficult. The road to Minca from SM is horrible and the government isn't doing anything to fix it. I take mototaxis from the end of the busline toward Minca. Lots of "no-see-ums" there so bring insect repellant. Good idea to bring electrodomesticos from Florida. Imports are expensive here. Bought all my furniture in Bogota and brought all kitchen appliances (except microwave) from the states. "La Loca" is a nasty wind that blows from Dec thru March. Fierce wind that rattles windows w/o breaking them. In general, SM is too hot and humid for my wife but when your condo has a pool and the ocean is a minute away, life is okay. Tagonga is a small bay with a lousy beach but clean water. Playa Blanca is also popular. Yes, younger generations prevail in Tagonga. Small buses run from SM every day as it's a popular place. No buses to Minca and taxis are expensive. Once you have housing, can live in SM for what you mentioned.

HalS
  10/30/2013 09:48 EST

Thanks for all the comments. My wife and I will go to SM this coming June to explore more the real estate market. Heat and humid are what we are use to living in Florida.

Is there any sense in buying a car? Does anyone know what the price of car insurance is in SM/Colombia?

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

GringoinParadise
  10/30/2013 10:29 EST

I wouldn't worry too much about a car, although having one can be nice. There is a lot of public transportations here. Although it slacks up late at night. But if you do decide to get a car, keep in mind that in the center of SM there is a law to limit traffic. Basically your liscense plate ends in a letter and certain letters are assigned certain days of the week that they are allowed in the center of the city(Rodadero isn't part of this I don't think). But if they find your car there on a day you're no supposed to be there you can get a ticket or even get your car towed.

GringoinParadise
  10/30/2013 10:35 EST

Sorry for the double post. Screwy email account, lol. Stupid Yahoo. Anyway, If you wanna remove the extra post moderator, be my guest.

JohnnyD
  10/30/2013 13:54 EST

Taxis and buses abound. Not as comfortable as your personal vehicle but drivers don't even bother to stop at crosswalks with stoplights. As in most of Colombia, the driver owns the road. Last time I checked 2 yrs ago, it was about $100/day to rent a car, probably because of the accident-prone costenos.

Sweezee
  4/10/2017 12:59 EST

Johnny D, I am doing some research for a family member in Santa Marta looking to get songs dental work done. Please could I have the name of the dentist you found? It's great to get a recommendation. Thanks!

ElSamario29
  4/12/2017 10:01 EST

Hi, i from Santa Marta.

The city is small but is better have ur own Car, trust me!

About insurance is about 500usd in average but u paid by month a part of it.

Related to houses or deparments u can find a good option near of the beach of the city, currently some projects are in progress

Here can find more info about prjects of this kind; http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=c496024ccabdaeae2a898b600ca7a442&t=729660&page=754

If u are looking for a rural area maybe i can help here: trompitohills.wix.com/colombia

Feel free of contact me if need more data about the city

Cheers!

Some1Likeu
  10/15/2017 01:40 EST

It's been a few years since this post went up, I am looking to visit SM and move there in Feb 2018. Any good insight or suggestions for me?

SkyMan
  10/25/2017 22:01 EST

Soy...I agree with your post..I visited SM for a weekend...but it is H-O-T there...nice area...*if you do not mind the incessant HEAT. Buena Suerte ! Tranquilo.

flgolfer50
  11/18/2017 21:09 EST

i am looking to move to colombia in April 2018..i would like to be near the coast..i know nothing about how to find a place to live. I am a US citizen, retired and have social security income...any information that you can give me, would be a great help. i will have a venezuelan fiance and her 1o yr old son. we will need a school for him also.

thanks
Mike

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Colombia GuideLiving in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in ColombiaHealthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in ColombiaCost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to ColombiaMoving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in ColombiaReal Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros Cons of Living in ColombiaPros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in ColombiaRetiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal