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Pros and Cons of Living in Bogota, Colombia | Expat Exchange
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Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota

Pros and Cons of Living in Bogota

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Nov 24, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Bogota, Colombia include its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and affordable cost of living. The city is also home to a variety of parks and green spaces, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Additionally, Bogota is a great place to learn Spanish, as it is the country's official language. On the other hand, the cons of living in Bogota include its high crime rate, traffic congestion, and air pollution. Additionally, the city can be quite noisy, making it difficult to find peace and quiet.

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Colombian Visa Services

What are the pros and cons of living in Bogota?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Bogota responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Bogota often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and affordable cost of living. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, its many parks and green spaces, and its proximity to other cities in Colombia. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's traffic and pollution to be a challenge. Additionally, the city's high crime rate can be a concern for some," explained one expat living in Bogota.

"What attracted me to Columbia is nature and weather. You could actually find the right weather for you which is a driving distance. There are cities in Colombia that have same temperature all year long and I'm talking about nice weather not hot and not cold. People are friendly here especially with expats and white people. I was living in Dubai for some time but realistically you need a permanent home and so far Colombia seems to be my permanent home location," said one in Bogota.

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

"Family, this is something that for the most part does not exist where I am from. Watching a family all holding hands as they walk," said a person living in Bogota.

"Expats in Bogota appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional Colombian and modern influences. They also enjoy the city's friendly people, who are always willing to help out newcomers. The city's diverse cuisine is another highlight, with a variety of restaurants offering traditional Colombian dishes as well as international fare. The city's nightlife is also a draw, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Finally, expats appreciate the city's many parks and green spaces, which provide a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city," explained one expat living in Bogota.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Bogota often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Bogota. Additionally, the city is quite large and can be overwhelming for those who are not used to living in a big city. The traffic can also be difficult to navigate, as the roads are often congested. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. Finally, the cost of living in Bogota can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy," said one person in Bogota.

"Men have no respect for women, and as a result the women have become cold and indifferent in many ways. It is a shame," remarked one expat in Bogota.

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.

Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota
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