Moving to Colombia
Last updated on Jun 12, 2024
Summary: Many expats and digital nomads move to Colombia for its low cost of living, warm climate, and friendly people. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Colombia are Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. People looking for a place to live in Colombia can search online for rental listings, contact real estate agents, or look for postings on expat forums. Additionally, many expats and digital nomads find housing through word of mouth from other expats and digital nomads already living in Colombia.
What do I need to know before moving to Colombia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Colombia, they said:
"Stay in the area for a while before making a desision and try and get some inside information ..someone from your own country who has lived in this place a while," remarked one expat who made the move to Guatape.
How do I find a place to live in Colombia?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Several American friends live in the Cartago-Cerrito-Alcala-Quindio areas. Just outside Cartago is a paradise. The Cerritos or Quindio areas i think is one of the best places in the world to have a good life. A little bit expensive but you can have great choices from $100k to $300k. Several acres, swimming pool, everything you did not have in the USA. or if you want you can buy a house in El Prado neighborhood for $70k. Fantastic," commented one expat who made the move to Cartago.
"Along with the points noted above, I think one of the most important aspects of finding a place here in Pereira is knowing where, what barrio you want to hang your hat. Pricing is going to be determined much on that. Pineras is more expensive than Cuba and so forth. But the quality of life is affected by such. Not any different than most everywhere else, bad neighborhoods cost less and vice versa," remarked one expat in Pereira, Colombia.
"If you are considering moving to Colombia, there are many options available to you. A great place to start your search is by consulting local real estate agencies and newspapers. You can also take advantage of the wide range of online platforms that allow users to search for potential homes and apartments in different neighborhoods. It is also important to look into the prevailing rental prices in the area to get an idea of your budget. Once you have narrowed your search, it is recommended to investigate the local safety records and amenities available in the area. Doing research into the local culture could also prove helpful in deciding the most suitable neighborhood for you," said one expat in Colombia.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Colombia?
"Expat homes and apartments in Colombia are typically modern, spacious and feature sleek contemporary designs. Most apartments come with amenities such as air-conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, washing machines and well-equipped kitchens. Common features include balconies, terraces or outdoor areas, allowing for those living in these apartments to get a taste of outdoor living. As cities become more cosmopolitan, developers have created several family-friendly buildings to cater to the demands of expat families, with large communal areas and modern security measures," said one expat in Colombia.
"Anything you want. You can start at $40K to $300k. Nice neighborhoods around $70k and very luxurious country homes with swimming pools , air, cable, 5000', barbeque areas, security, etc. They are like fancy homes in a country club," remarked one expat who made the move to Cartago.
What is the average cost of housing in Colombia?
If you are thinking about moving to Colombia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The average cost of housing in Colombia generally varies in price depending on the location and size of the property. Generally, prices for housing in the major cities such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali tend to be higher than in smaller cities and rural areas. On average, a studio apartment in a major city can range in cost from approximately US$150 to US$500 per month," replied a member in Colombia.
"Equivalent housing to the USA, what cost in Seattle $6 dollars, cost $1 in the area. take your pick. A $1.2 million home in Seattle costs $200,000. A $500,000 dollar home about $80,000," commented one expat who made the move to Cartago.
Should I buy or rent a home in Colombia?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Colombia, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"Whether you should buy or rent a home in Colombia depends on a variety of factors. Consider what your long-term plans are for living in the country. If you intend to stay for an extended period of time and anticipate growing roots, then buying may be the most cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you’re going to be spending limited time in the country, then renting may be the more practical choice. Make sure to also take into consideration Colombia’s current economic and housing markets. Research real estate options, costs, and rental rules and regulations to make the right decision for your needs," said one expat in Colombia.
"We knew we had come to stay for several years or more. So we rented an unfurnished apartment. Some friends referred us to locals and the process was very easy. We bought a few things new like mattresses, TV and recliners, but all the rest of the furniture was used and we got some bargains. We had to buy lots of accessories, and those cost more than we counted on, but we have them now and they aren't going anywhere. In 3+ years, we have had 5 different homes. We could not have had all our adventures if we had purchased a home," remarked one expat who made the move to Medellin.
What should I pack when moving to Colombia?
We asked people living in Colombia to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"Pack lightweight clothing as the weather in Colombia is hot and humid throughout the year. Pack comfortable shoes for navigating the cobbled streets. Pack some formal clothing for special occasions. If you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities, make sure to pack insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring any personal items and documents that you need for your stay in Colombia, including a valid passport, a valid visa, and any medication. Pack enough money to cover your initial costs in Colombia. Lastly, bring an open mind and a desire to explore the vastness and diversity of this amazing country," remarked one expat in Colombia.
"Wish I had brought my whole family, my old cars, and American footbal. I should have left behind most of my furniture and stuff. Be light, sell lots of stuff before moving. keep it simple," said one expat in Cartago.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Colombia?
We asked people in Colombia if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"My use of Mexican Spanish is a constant embarrassment. People love hearing me use it and often laugh. It's all in good humor, but is something I am always conscious of. People also love my gringa accent. I'm always getting asked to say certain words because I struggle pronouncing them," said one expat in Pereira.
"It is important to try to avoid making any negative comments about Colombia's past conflicts or suggest that there is still violence present. Additionally, it is considerd disrespectful to dispute with or criticize a person's religious beliefs. It is important to use formal language when addressing someone and to take off your hat when entering a church or a private home. It is also recommended to dress modestly and to give a gift such as flowers or chocolates when attending a social gathering or an event. It is inappropriate to whistle at women and it is important to avoid using offensive language or gestures," said one expat who made the move to Colombia.
Why do people move to Colombia?
When we asked people why foreigners move to Colombia, they responded:
"Colombia has become an increasingly attractive destination for expats due to its warm, welcoming atmosphere and its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and year-round pleasant climate. The country offers a lower cost of living than many other countries, with affordable housing, good public healthcare and an abundance of educational opportunities available, making Colombia a great place for expats to call home. Additionally, bilingualism is prevalent in the country, making it easier for expats to adjust to their new surroundings. Furthermore, the country's friendly people, vibrant nightlife and a sense of safety and security that many other parts of the world simply don't offer have all contributed to the increasing appeal of Colombia for expats," commented one expat who moved to Colombia.
"Medellin is knows as "The City of Eternal Spring", and the weather is the most agreeable of any place I have ever been. The country has had image problems in the past, and today the people welcome foreigners with open arms," said one expat.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
How are healthcare services Colombia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Colombia, they replied:
" Minor problems can be taken care of here, but really serious problems require a trip to a bigger City like Bogota which is 11 hours away by car.," commented one expat who moved to Florencia.
"Pay the higher insurance premium to insure quicker access to specialists. Have at least a working knowledge of the language as most doctors speak no English. ," said one expat.
What are medical services in Colombia like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Colombia, they replied:
"Colombia has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a wide range of medical services. The country has a high number of qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, who are able to provide quality care. Colombia also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, that offer advanced treatments and technologies. Additionally, the country has a number of health insurance plans available to citizens, which can help cover the cost of medical services," replied one expat when asked about moving to Colombia.
"I had a sinus infection and rather than go through the insurance plan, I just went to a private physician and paid cash. The doctor visit (including a basic physical exam) plus an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory injection was less than 20 US dollars," stated one expat who made the move to Ibague.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Colombia?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Colombia?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Colombia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Colombia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Colombia like?
- Is the cost of living in Colombia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Colombia?
- What are healthcare services like in Colombia?
- Is the cost of living in Colombia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Colombia?
- What is the weather like in Colombia?
- Are there good restaurants in Colombia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Colombia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Colombia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Colombia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Colombia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Colombia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?