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Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia | Expat Exchange
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Medellin, Colombia

Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 07, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Colombia include its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes. Colombia is also known for its friendly people, delicious cuisine, and affordable cost of living. Additionally, the country has a strong economy and is home to many world-renowned universities. On the other hand, the cons of living in Colombia include its high crime rate, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, the country has a high rate of poverty and inequality, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Colombia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Colombia responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Colombia, as well as the friendly and welcoming culture of the locals. They also enjoy the country's diverse landscapes, from the Caribbean coast to the Andes mountains, as well as the vibrant cities and towns. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure and public services to be lacking, as well as the lack of reliable internet access in some areas. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for some, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Colombia," said one expat in Colombia.

"The weather and climate are great. The cost of living is ok but housing has seen a massive increase in costs," remarked one expat in Medellin.

"I love Villavicencio, the llanero and the rivers and the culture is amazing. It has all the modern conveniences with many large malls and great restaurants. Guanajuato at Prima Vera is as close to TexMex as it gets. Bastimento has amazing American and traditional dishes. Overall has many wonderful day trips in the area," explained one expat living in Villavicencio.

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What do expats in Colombia appreciate most about the local culture?

"The local and pretty much Countrywide CULTURE that I enjoy most is the 'MANANA' culture. I returned to the USA 2 years ago for a planned 4 month stay after 15 years here. After all my time in Colombia, I had forgotten how much of a rat race the US really is. I stayed for 2 months and returned to Colombia. In the States, you make a list of everything you need to do the next day and then you rush around doing everything on the list. In Colombia I make the list at night but in the morning I look at the list and say MANANA. Here, there is very little rush to do anything," explained one expat living in Colombia.

"Expats in Colombia often appreciate the locals' hospitality and their enthusiasm to share their culture. The friendly nature of the people frequently makes expats feel very welcome in the country. Another aspect that is often enjoyed by expats is the vibrant, flavorful cuisine. Colombia's cuisine makes use of both native and Spanish ingredients to create unique dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere. Additionally, the country is known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning natural parks, which offer wonderful spots for nature appreciation. Overall, the culture of Colombia is diverse and colorful, and people living in the country have the opportunity to experience a rich and rewarding experience," said one expat in Colombia.

"The people! The people I have met here are the most sincere and kind people I have ever met. I am from the Mid-West (USA), but have never experienced the level of hospitality that I have here. Colombians never take themselves too serious. They always take the time to enjoy life and explore its possibilities. This is something that I am hoping I will learn while living here," said a person living in Pereira.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Shops don't specially order anything in that they don't stock. People are overawed by officials," remarked one expat in Buga.

"Finding a balanced social network can be difficult when you only hang with the Gringos," explained one expat living in Medellin.

"Expatriates in Colombia may struggle to adapt to the local culture due to differences in values and expectations. Societal norms favor hierarchical relationships based in respect and etiquette, with certain verbal and nonverbal gestures expected in certain situations. Colombia is also a collectivist culture, where the needs and interests of the group are placed ahead of the individual. This can be an adjustment for some expats coming from individualist countries. Additionally, communication styles vary from direct and frank to indirect, which can make conversation and communication in the workplace more difficult for expats," said one expat in Colombia.

"Primarily the language barrier, and second is the difference in which Americans value time much more than Colombians. Often I explain why we are impatient people, and why time is so valuable and we don't like to wait or waste it. I'm often saying that it's logical really, you can buy, find, replace, or make most anything but not time of course," said a person living in Villavicencio.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Medellin, Colombia

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