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Digital Nomad Guide to Bogota, Colombia | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota

Digital Nomad Life in Bogota, Colombia

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Bogota, Colombia is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and excellent infrastructure. The city is home to a large expat community, making it easy to find like-minded people and resources. The best neighborhood to live in Bogota is likely Chapinero, which is known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. It is also close to the city center and has good public transportation. The approximate population of Bogota, Colombia is 8 million people. The weather in Bogota is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (12-24 Celsius). The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Bogota is estimated to be around $1,000 USD. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Bogota is approximately $500 USD per month.

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Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

How do I meet people in Bogota?

When we asked people living in Bogota about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Bogota often join clubs and activities such as salsa dancing, language exchange groups, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as art exhibitions, music concerts, and festivals. Additionally, many expats join social media groups and online forums to connect with other expats in the city. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending networking events, joining coworking spaces, and attending meetups," explained one person living in Bogota, Colombia.

What is life like in Bogota?

When we asked people living in Bogota what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bogota is generally quite enjoyable. The city is vibrant and full of culture, with plenty of opportunities to explore and experience the local way of life. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with good public transport and plenty of co-working spaces for digital nomads. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the climate is mild and pleasant year-round. All in all, Bogota is an excellent destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live," explained one person living in Bogota, Colombia.

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Where should I live in Bogota?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Bogota is to use online resources such as websites and apps. Popular websites such as Encuentra24, Fincaraiz, and VivaReal are great for finding apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties. Additionally, there are many apps such as Airbnb, Roomster, and HomeAway that can help you find short-term rentals. It is also possible to find a place to live by asking around in the local community or by using a real estate agent," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Bogota.

What do I need to know before moving to Bogota?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bogota, they said:

"Before retiring in Bogota, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living in the city, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the safety of the city and the availability of transportation. It is also important to research the visa requirements for living in Colombia, as well as the tax implications of living in the country. Finally, expats should consider the language barrier and the availability of English-speaking services," explained one expat living in Bogota, Colombia.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture 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," said one expat who made the move to Bogota.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Bogota, Colombia.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Bogota?

"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," remarked one member 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," explained one expat living in Bogota, Colombia.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Bogota for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Bogota for a while, you will need to apply for a visa or residency permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a tourist visa, a student visa, a work visa, or a residency permit. You will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, and a valid return ticket. You may also need to provide additional documents such as a criminal background check, a medical certificate, and proof of employment," remarked one member in Bogota.

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We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Bogota?

We asked people in Bogota if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Bogota. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, as Bogota is a conservative city. Avoid using profanity in public, as it is considered rude. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be aware of the local laws. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding tipping, as it is not customary to tip in all situations," explained one expat living in Bogota, Colombia.

"When I was learning to speak Spanish I did two things; I told a woman she was hot, meaning very beautiful, but when you say chica caliente here it means that she is a woman who likes to go to bed with a lot of men. OOPS! then I entered a restaurant and asked for un beso con agua instead of un vaso con agua. A kiss with water instead of a glass with water. It was kind of embarrassing, but I did get kissed," said one person in Bogota.

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What are healthcare services like in Bogota?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bogota, they replied:

"Bogota offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services and are often more expensive. In addition, Bogota has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and mental health. The city also has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores, as well as a number of health insurance companies. Finally, Bogota is home to a number of medical research centers, which are dedicated to researching and developing new treatments and technologies," said one digital nomad in Bogota.

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What are the pros and cons of 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," explained one digital nomad living in Bogota, Colombia.

"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," said one member in Bogota.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.

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Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota

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Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

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