Moving to Colombia

"Expatriates should research the culture, climate and language before moving to Colombia. It is important to have a basic understanding of Spanish, as many people in the country are not fluent in English. It is recommended to arrange accommodation in advance and obtain an official Colombian visa before arriving, as the process can take several months. Furthermore, it is important to familiarise oneself with the laws, both national and local, as processes such as establishing residence, setting up a business, and signing contracts can be quite complicated. Additionally, due to Colombia's geographical location, it is advisable to take precautions such as mosquito nets and insect repellent, as the country is home to several pest-carrying diseases such as Dengue Fever and Malaria. Finally, expats should remember to take out health insurance that covers all medical expenses and a reliable cellular plan in order to stay connected," said one expat in Colombia.

"Several American friends live in the Cartago-Cerrito-Alcala-Quindio areas. Just outside Cartago is a paradise. The Cerritos or Quindio areas i think is one of the best places in the world to have a good life. A little bit expensive but you can have great choices from $100k to $300k. Several acres, swimming pool, everything you did not have in the USA. or if you want you can buy a house in El Prado neighborhood for $70k. Fantastic," remarked one expat in Cartago, Colombia.

"If you are considering moving to Colombia, there are many options available to you. A great place to start your search is by consulting local real estate agencies and newspapers. You can also take advantage of the wide range of online platforms that allow users to search for potential homes and apartments in different neighborhoods. It is also important to look into the prevailing rental prices in the area to get an idea of your budget. Once you have narrowed your search, it is recommended to investigate the local safety records and amenities available in the area. Doing research into the local culture could also prove helpful in deciding the most suitable neighborhood for you," said one expat in Colombia.

"Expat homes and apartments in Colombia are typically modern, spacious and feature sleek contemporary designs. Most apartments come with amenities such as air-conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, washing machines and well-equipped kitchens. Common features include balconies, terraces or outdoor areas, allowing for those living in these apartments to get a taste of outdoor living. As cities become more cosmopolitan, developers have created several family-friendly buildings to cater to the demands of expat families, with large communal areas and modern security measures," remarked one expat in Colombia.

"Anything you want. You can start at $40K to $300k. Nice neighborhoods around $70k and very luxurious country homes with swimming pools , air, cable, 5000', barbeque areas, security, etc. They are like fancy homes in a country club," said one expat in Cartago.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"Equivalent housing to the USA, what cost in Seattle $6 dollars, cost $1 in the area. take your pick. A $1.2 million home in Seattle costs $200,000. A $500,000 dollar home about $80,000," explained one expat living in Cartago, Colombia.

"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," said one expat in Medellin.

"We are currently renting, but when I get there permanently next year, we will be buying. We actually were able to sign up for a government plan through a local bank. We make monthly deposits & in a year, they'll offer us our mortgage," said one expat who made the move to Cali.

"Whether you should buy or rent a home in Colombia depends on a variety of factors. Consider what your long-term plans are for living in the country. If you intend to stay for an extended period of time and anticipate growing roots, then buying may be the most cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you’re going to be spending limited time in the country, then renting may be the more practical choice. Make sure to also take into consideration Colombia’s current economic and housing markets. Research real estate options, costs, and rental rules and regulations to make the right decision for your needs," explained one expat living in Colombia.

"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 who made the move to Cartago.

"Pack lightweight clothing as the weather in Colombia is hot and humid throughout the year. Pack comfortable shoes for navigating the cobbled streets. Pack some formal clothing for special occasions. If you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities, make sure to pack insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring any personal items and documents that you need for your stay in Colombia, including a valid passport, a valid visa, and any medication. Pack enough money to cover your initial costs in Colombia. Lastly, bring an open mind and a desire to explore the vastness and diversity of this amazing country," explained one expat living in Colombia.

"It is important to try to avoid making any negative comments about Colombia's past conflicts or suggest that there is still violence present. Additionally, it is considerd disrespectful to dispute with or criticize a person's religious beliefs. It is important to use formal language when addressing someone and to take off your hat when entering a church or a private home. It is also recommended to dress modestly and to give a gift such as flowers or chocolates when attending a social gathering or an event. It is inappropriate to whistle at women and it is important to avoid using offensive language or gestures," explained one expat living in Colombia.

"Yes said to a man's wife "su esposa..esta caliente?" which is " Is your wife hot? (is she a "hot piece"?) They say "Su esposa tiene calor"? which is "Does your wife feel the heat?"," said one expat in Buga.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Medellin.

"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.

"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," remarked one expat in Bucaramanga.

"Colombia has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Colombia is generally considered to be good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents in Colombia are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Colombia typically use the public healthcare system, although they may also opt to use private healthcare services. Private healthcare services are generally more expensive than public healthcare, but they may offer more comprehensive services," wrote one expat living in Colombia.

" Minor problems can be taken care of here, but really serious problems require a trip to a bigger City like Bogota which is 11 hours away by car.," commented one expat who moved to Florencia.

"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.

"I had a sinus infection and rather than go through the insurance plan, I just went to a private physician and paid cash. The doctor visit (including a basic physical exam) plus an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory injection was less than 20 US dollars," wrote one expat living in Ibague.

"Colombia has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a wide range of medical services. The country has a high number of qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, who are able to provide quality care. Colombia also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, that offer advanced treatments and technologies. Additionally, the country has a number of health insurance plans available to citizens, which can help cover the cost of medical services," commented one expat who moved to Colombia.