Living in Colombia

"A person can develop a beautiful life here, however, it will take time and not happen magically .The assets of this city are well worth the investment. Be kind to yourself and patient. Don't believe all you hear. Everyone (expat, other) has their best visa person, you can loose a lot of money on that one. Just because someone has lived here two years, or in four Latin countries, does not mean they are experts, at all. Find the ones who have lived here fifteen years. Listen to what people say, put what they say through your own filter system, use your head, you can do this. You can do this! You will make mistakes, everyone does! It is part of moving abroad. You will have to put some effort into this and give yourself three years in the long term. One has to learn how to live here, the resources are excellent and again, Medellinguru.com is very helpful. It is worth the investment of your time and energy to learn how to do this," explained one expat living in Medellin, Colombia.

"Before retiring in Colombia, expats should research the various options for health care and find out which insurance policies cover them for short-term and long-term care. Another important factor to consider is the preferred location in Colombia, as this would determine the cost of living, expat amenities and the availability of services and activities. It is also important to familiarise oneself with the local culture and understand the local laws and regulations that may affect expats. Lastly, expats should choose the right visa or residency status to ensure they are pension and tax compliant," said one expat in Colombia.

"Expats in Colombia often join a variety of social, cultural, and athletic activities available locally to make connections and meet people. Examples may include joining Meetup groups, attending language exchange events, enjoying outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking, or taking classes in music and dance. Expats may also get involved in sports teams like soccer, swimming, and fitness classes. Expats can also explore the culture by taking salsa and flamenco dance classes, visiting local cultural events, or joining volunteer activities. Additionally, many expats take advantage of Colombia's vibrant nightlife by checking out live music venues or adding themselves to salsa and bachata dancing groups," wrote one member in Colombia.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Colombia can be incredibly rewarding. Colombia is home to a vibrant culture, a rich landscape, and friendly locals who are eager to show you a good time. The cost of living is much lower than in other parts of the world, making it an ideal destination for those who want to stretch their budgets. There are many opportunities to explore and experience the culture, while enjoying the excellent climate and landscapes. The country also has reliable Internet connections, allowing digital nomads to enjoy their time while remaining productive. Additionally, there are plenty of activities and events to take part in, providing lots of chances to meet new people and make friends," remarked one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"In general, in my opinion, this is a very fine, large Latin city of over four million. Being Latin, families are very strong, work is strong, socializing is very strong and the people of Medellin are some of the nicest you will find worldwide. They welcome expats. This is a very diverse city, thirteen universities, excellent medical facilities, clean, excellent food, water, air (seasonal concerns). Worldwide metropolitan city that is very difficult to beat. You will look long and hard to find a better worldwide city," explained one expat living in Medellin, Colombia.

"People talk about it, especially on the Facebook groups. But we never see it, and we feel very safe," remarked one expat who made the move to Medellin.

"Colombia is a culturally diverse country. With approximately 500 natural reservations and five territories with special ethnic communities, it is home to around 80 different indigenous groups, who have diverse beliefs, language and habits. As a consequence, Colombians have a deep appreciation and sense of pride in their unique heritage. Colombians are generally very open to, and accepting of, differences in ethnicity, sex, and religion. The Constitution also mandates recognition, acceptance, and equality among all people regardless of their race and gender. People of diverse backgrounds not only inhabit the cities, but also the more rural areas where Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities live," commented one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"Overall, the people are accepting of anyone in my experience. I have only met one Colombian who has complained about expats. I don't pay much attention to this person. The economic diversity is defined by six "Strata" six being the highest. Culturally, this is South America, to be sure, great South America. This city is law abiding for the most part and handled the covid quarantine with poise. Perfect, no. There were instances like everywhere. The most complaints i hear are from expats who, perhaps, wish Medellin was more similar to states. Having said that, most expats love it here, particularly retirees who have a higher standard of living on less monthly income. Anything this city puts its mind to to accomplish they do beautifully. Communities come from all over the world to learn how Medellin achieves the standards it does," remarked one expat living in Medellin, Colombia.

"The British School of Bogotá is widely regarded as one of the best international and bilingual schools in Colombia. Located in the World Trade Center complex in Chapinero, the school boasts a world-class curriculum and a student-centric approach to teaching. Founded in 2008, it is part of the International Schools Association of Colombia and provides students with a comprehensive bilingual and bicultural education. Another highly regarded international and bilingual school in Colombia is the Colegio Bilingüe Internacional de Cali. This private school, founded in 1998, is a leader in education in the region, offering programs that combine traditional Colombian education with international methodology and standards. The South American International School (SAIS) in Bogotá is another top-choice for international families in Colombia. Founded in 2012, the school has become a leader in contemporary instruction, offering innovative and challenging programs that help children explore and flourish. Finally, the Kites International School in Medellín is an excellent choice for families seeking a bilingual education for their children. The school is based upon a strong foundation of teaching and learning, complemented by a focus on social-emotional development and experiential learning," remarked one expat living in with children attending .

"Your child would be in good hands at this school. No specific advice. There's not a strong Spanish as a second language program at all though, so this would have to be arranged. Most classes are in English although at the HS level there are several teachers who teach in Spanish," said one expat in Cali with children at Colegio Bolivar.

"The cost of living in Colombia is generally quite affordable compared to other countries in the region. Prices for basic grocery items, transportation and other utilities are generally lower than neighboring countries. Eating out and entertainment costs are also quite reasonable and there are good deals to be had. Housing can be more expensive in some of the bigger cities but there are still budget-friendly options available," wrote a member in Colombia.

"The exact and precise answer is...that depends. Do you prefer city life or country living? How many in the family? how's your health? Do you think you'll need a car? I have more than $1500.00 (USD) but I could live on it no problemo. I'm single, have no need for a car because my neighborhood is pretty much self contained and walkable. 1500 bucks translated into COP would still be far more than the average person earns here," commented one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"In Colombia, the cost of living is generally considered to be lower than in many other countries. The rents for a one-bedroom apartment typically range from $250 to $500 USD per month in urban areas, while the rents for a two bedroom apartment range from $400 to $700 USD per month in the same areas. The cost of living is generally higher in large cities such as Bogota and Medellin, as compared to secondary cities such as Cali and Barranquilla. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Colombia typically costs around $10 to $20 USD per person," said one expat living in Colombia.

"Rent and utilities can be anywhere from USD$300 per month to USD$3,000 per month, just depending on what you require. In Suramericana, I routinely eat lunch for less than $2, or you can go to El Poblado and pay $15 if you prefer," mentioned one expat inMedellin.

"Near the Stadium (Estadio) there is a huge sports complex with a gigantic swimming pool and comprehensive sports options. The city is in a valley in the Andes mountains. The options for hiking are endless," said an expat in Medellin.

"In Colombia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering plenty of green space for picnics, outdoor games, and leisurely strolls. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Sports complexes are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Additionally, many cities in Colombia have public pools, which are great for swimming and relaxing," remarked one expat in Colombia.

"The daily high temperature is usually around 79 or 80F. The overnight low is usually around 60F. There are no mosquitoes or other flying insects. You can leave your unscreened windows open all day an all night and you will probably comfortable. It just doesn't get any better," mentioned one expat inMedellin.

"The weather in Colombia is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to March and a wet season from April to November. During the wet season, the country experiences heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, while the dry season is characterized by sunny days and cooler nights," commented one expat who moved to Colombia.

"There are two primary areas where restaurants, bars and nightlife are concentrated. The one most commonly known by tourists is in El Poblado in the vicinity of Parque Lleras. The one frequented by locals and some Europeans is further north on Carrera 70. Almost anyone can direct you to these two areas," said one expat living in Medellin.

"One of Colombia's most beloved restaurants is El Chato, located in Bogotá. El Chato is known for its traditional Colombian cuisine, such as ajiaco, a hearty soup made with chicken, potatoes, and corn. The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes, including empanadas, tamales, and arepas. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Colombia is La Puerta Falsa, located in Bogotá. This restaurant is known for its traditional Colombian dishes, such as bandeja paisa, a hearty plate of rice, beans, chorizo, and plantains. The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes, including tamales, empanadas, and arepas. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Finally, La Casa Vieja is a popular restaurant in Medellín. This restaurant is known for its traditional Colombian dishes, such as sancocho, a hearty soup made with chicken, potatoes, and plantains. The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes, including empanadas, tamales, and arepas. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," mentioned one expat inColombia.

"Local stores are littered throughout every neighborhood. They provide both handy shopping for locals and a livelihood for many, so I like to patronize them. When there is something you can't find elsewhere, a large chain grocery/department store called Exito! has a store within walking distance. Lunch is a great meal to eat out, as there are many restaurants that only open for lunch, offer choices as simple as "which meat/fish do you want?" and it is a sit-down meal with soup, a large plate of food, and some fruit juice with the speed and convenience of fast food," said one expat living in Medellin.

"People living in Colombia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, some people may purchase items from street vendors or small shops," mentioned one expat inColombia.

"The first step in obtaining a visa for Colombia is to determine the appropriate visa category for the intended stay. Generally, tourists and business travelers require a tourist visa or a business visa. Depending on nationality and the University attended, students may require a student visa. Visitors with longer stays may require a temporary residence visa. Once the category is chosen and associated requirements are met, an appointment must be made at a Colombian embassy or consulate for visa processing. Residency applications in Colombia are done through the National Immigration Agency (Instituto Colombiano de Migración). To begin the process, it is necessary to ensure all required documents and fees are prepared, and that the right type of visa is obtained. The documents required to apply for permanent residency vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the intended length of stay in Colombia. Once all documents have been prepared, they must be presented to the National Immigration Agency, which will review them and then authorize the residency. If a favorable decision is made, the applicant is then issued a visa that allows them to stay in the country indefinitely. The applicant is then expected to register the visa in a local police station near their residence, and then obtain an ID card at the local immigration office," remarked one expat in Colombia.

"The laws changed in December, 2017 and many of the visas, including retirement and investment visas are now for 3 years instead of 1 as they were before. Check local websites as this new information is updated," wrote one expat living in Medellin.

"Colombia is known for its high quality of private medical care and medical universities. Bucaramanga is well known for medical education and we have a plethora of hospitals and doctors. In my experience, prices are much cheaper here than the USA. eg. ACL surgery in the USA can run $60K to $80k, not including physical therapy. ACL surgery here is $5k including physical therapy," said one expat living in Bucaramanga.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Colombia can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a lower cost than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many Colombians opt to pay out-of-pocket for medical services, as this can be more affordable than purchasing health insurance," mentioned one expat inColombia.