Colombia
Moving to Colombia
Last updated on Feb 12, 2023
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:
"Go for it. Keep your money invested in the USA and take what you need monthly. Rent initially. Great buys for cash. $2000 usa will allow you to live like a king. Body massages $7 for an hour Nails done over one hour $15 dollars Papayas -- $0.40 per pound Mangoes --$0.15 per pound Sirloin steak -- $2 per pound beer -- $0.50 per can Rent - ok place $75/month Rent - nice $150 per month Rent -- very, very nice $250 per month Rent -- Country club type -- swiming pool, everything, view, fantastic- $700-$800," said one expat in Cartago.
Answer Question & View More Answers
The insurance that travels with you. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Get a Quote from Now Health International.
The insurance that travels with you. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Get a Quote from Now Health International.
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:
"I visit the area many times and was in love with the Cerritos, Cartage and Quindio area. This area is safer than the USA," said one expat in Cartago.
"Traveling through Colombia i stumbled upon a town called Guatape 1 hour from Medellin," remarked one expat who made the move to Guatape.
Answer Question & View More Answers
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Colombia?
"I have a US $70,000 home I found and fell in love with. This home in the Gig harbor area in WA will cost $600,000. Some expats buy homes in more expensive areas out of town for US $120,000 with swimming pools and entertainment areas," replied a member in Cartago.
"Look for US designed and constructed condos - real estate values here are appreciating rapidily (similar to Panama 10-15 years ago) and dollar is falling so NOW is a good time to invest here (do not waste money on rent) US style housing is NOT common here - typical housing is more european (my 1st apartment) with smaller box rooms and closed in feeling, miss the US kitchen and bath design including appliances in typical housing here (my new condo is US design and is good), much construction here is NOT equal to US standards (no inspection process) and could require much money for repairs," commented one expat who made the move to Medellin.
Answer Question & View More Answers
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," commented one expat who made the move to Colombia.
"Lower. Comparative USD $3,000+. I pay USD $1,400 or lower depending on exchange rate, for 90 sq mt, live in Poblado, many apts are less expensive. I know people who live nicely on monthly Social Security, they stay out of high rent places a couple of blocks of Poblado Avenue, literally," remarked one expat in Medellin, Colombia.
Answer Question & View More Answers
Now Health InternationalThe insurance that travels with you. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Get a Quote from Now Health International.
GET A QUOTE
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:
"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," commented one expat who made the move to Medellin.
"We built a beautiful country home. Again, the family helped throughout this process. From land purchase to completion of the house took a total of around 18 months," remarked one expat in Medellin, Colombia.
Answer Question & View More Answers
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:
"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.
Answer Question & View More Answers
Plan Your Move to ColombiaQuickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest.
Get Started Now
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!:
"Nothing really bad a few minor things. I decided that I should address my friends father as Don Perez but in my tounge tied Spanish I said Don Perro which would be "Sir Dog". Again I have a Colombian friend watching me and giving me tips," replied a member in Medellin.
"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," commented one expat who made the move to Pereira.
Answer Question & View More Answers
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," said one expat living in 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," offered one expat living in Medellin.
Now Health InternationalThe insurance that travels with you. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Get a Quote from Now Health International.
GET A QUOTE
How are healthcare services Colombia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Colombia, they replied:
"There is a vast difference between the lowest level of health insurance and the highest level. The difference is night and day. I have both a low level and high level. I pay $30/mth, SaludTotal low level, $250/mth AXAColpatria, high level. The lower level insurance is required by my high level insurance. With my AXAColpatria, the doctor will come to my house as a non-emergency first response," commented one expat who moved to Bucaramanga.
"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.
Answer Question & View More Answers
What are medical services in Colombia like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Colombia, they replied:
"I have been very fortunate to find excellent doctors. I really don't use the insurance," said one expat.
"The healthcare in Medellin is great and affordable. Most US prescription drugs are over-the-counter and so much cheaper than the US," said one expat living in Medellin, Colombia.
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:
- What should I pack when moving to Colombia?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Colombia?
- Will I be able to find a job in Colombia?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Colombia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Colombia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Colombia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Colombia like?
- How are healthcare services Colombia?
- What are medical services in Colombia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Colombia?
- What are emergency services like in Colombia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Colombia?
- How are local medical facilities in Colombia?
- As a foreigner living in Colombia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
