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Cali, Colombia


Pros & Cons of Living in Cali

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Colombian Visa Services

Summary: Planning a potential move to Cali? Delve into this comprehensive article, which delves into the various pros and cons of calling Cali home.

Thinking about to Cali? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Cali.

Embracing the Pulse of Cali: A Digital Nomad's Paradise

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Colombia, the vibrant city of Cali beckons digital nomads with its tropical atmosphere, rich culture, and thriving creative scene. But before you pack your bags and head south, it's essential to consider both the advantages and challenges that come with living in this dynamic city.

Pros of Living in Cali, Colombia as a Digital Nomad

1. Vibrant Nightlife: Cali is famous for its salsa music and dancing, and the city's nightlife is a major draw for digital nomads. The variety of clubs and bars catering to all tastes ensures there's always a place to unwind after work.

2. Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many other popular digital nomad destinations, Cali offers a relatively low cost of living. Rent for apartments and houses is reasonable, and local food and drinks are affordable, making it easy to maintain a budget-friendly lifestyle.

3. Mild Climate: Cali enjoys a pleasant sub-equatorial climate with year-round temperatures averaging around 26°C (79°F). The city's location in a valley helps shield it from extreme weather conditions, making it an enjoyable place to work and play.

4. Friendly and Welcoming Community: Cali has a growing community of digital nomads, which can make it easier to meet like-minded individuals and build a support network. Many local businesses cater to this crowd, offering co-working spaces, language classes, and social events.

Cons of Living in Cali, Colombia as a Digital Nomad

1. Safety Concerns: While Cali is generally safe for digital nomads, it's essential to exercise caution, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night. Pickpocketing and petty theft are not uncommon, so it's essential to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

2. Limited Job Opportunities: While Cali offers a welcoming environment for digital nomads, finding local job opportunities can be challenging. English proficiency is relatively low, which can limit your options for finding work within the city.

3. Limited Infrastructure: While the digital infrastructure in Cali is improving, it still lags behind some other popular digital nomad destinations. Internet speeds can be inconsistent, and power outages are not uncommon.

4. Language Barrier: Spanish is the primary language spoken in Cali, which can be a challenge for digital nomads who do not speak the language fluently. While many people in the digital nomad community speak English, it can be difficult to navigate daily life without some basic Spanish skills.

Ultimately, the decision to move to Cali, Colombia as a digital nomad will depend on your personal priorities and preferences. If you're looking for an affordable, culturally rich, and vibrant city with a growing digital nomad community, Cali may be the perfect place for you. However, it's essential to be aware of the challenges that come with living in Cali, such as safety concerns, limited job opportunities, and infrastructure issues, to ensure that you're well-prepared for your new adventure.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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