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Digital Nomad Guide to Cali, Colombia | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Cali, Colombia

Digital Nomad Life in Cali, Colombia

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Cali, Colombia is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and excellent infrastructure. The city has a population of approximately 2.5 million people. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Cali is estimated to be around $1,000 USD. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Cali is approximately $400 USD per month. The best neighborhood to live in Cali is El Peñon, which is known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and close proximity to the city center. The weather in Cali, Colombia is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.

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Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

How do I meet people in Cali?

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

"Expats in Cali 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 local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, such as expat groups, language exchange groups, and hobby groups. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending local meetups, such as coffee meetups, book clubs, and movie nights," said one expat in Cali.

What is life like in Cali?

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

"Cali is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from its lively nightlife to its stunning natural scenery. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's many parks, museums, and cultural events, as well as its excellent restaurants and cafes. The city also offers a variety of housing options, from modern apartments to traditional colonial homes. With its warm climate and welcoming atmosphere, Cali is an ideal place for expats and digital nomads to live and work," remarked one member in Cali.

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Where should I live in Cali?

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

"One way to find a place to live in Cali is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and Vrbo offer a variety of rental options in the area. Additionally, you can search for local real estate agents who specialize in Cali rentals. They can provide you with more information about the area and help you find the perfect place to live. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who have lived in Cali for recommendations. They may be able to provide you with valuable insight into the area and help you find the perfect place to live," explained one expat living in Cali, Colombia.

What do I need to know before moving to Cali?

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

"Before retiring in Cali, expats should research the cost of living in the city to ensure they can afford to live comfortably. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs to ensure they can integrate into the community. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Cali to ensure they have access to quality medical care. Finally, expats should consider the safety of the city and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety," remarked one member in Cali.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Cali?

"I ask for the girl friend's mother and father's approval early on and got approval from the whole family even though I am much older than she," explained one expat living in Cali, Colombia.

"Expatriates in Cali appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is characterized by its friendly people, delicious cuisine, and lively music and dance scene. They also enjoy the city's laid-back atmosphere, which allows them to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's affordability, which allows them to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. Finally, expats in Cali appreciate the city's proximity to the rest of Colombia, which makes it easy to explore the country's many attractions," said one person in Cali.

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

"The most challenging may be that she is Catholic and I am Christian. But Saturday is my Church day and Sunday is hers so we can work that out," remarked one member in Cali.

"Expatriates in Cali 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 the city. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the pace of life in Cali to be slower than what they are accustomed to, as well as the lack of public transportation options. Finally, the hot and humid climate can be a challenge for those who are not used to it," explained one expat living in Cali, Colombia.

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

"To stay in Cali, Colombia for an extended period of time, you will need a tourism visa, which you can obtain from the Colombian consulate in your home country. Additionally, you will need to obtain a cedula de extranjería, or foreign resident ID card, from the immigration office in Cali. This document allows you to stay and work legally in Colombia for an extended period of time," explained one person living in Cali, Colombia, Colombia.

"I secured a Spousal Visa 2 years ago... it was a little bit challenging. There were offices that Walter wasn't allowed to go into with me. But once they discovered that we needed his translation skills (LOL), he was promptly admitted. Fortunately, I had ALREADY had our Marriage License "legalized" with the Colombian Consulate in Miami, so that wasn't a problem. But we DID have to have our US Marriage License translated. We had this done at a local college very inexpensively. We also were required to travel to Bogota to get the Visa. But we were told that as all of my documentation is now on file, we can obtain my Residence Visa there in Cali," said one expat in Cali.

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

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

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Cali. 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 revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid making negative comments about them. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public, as this can be seen as disrespectful," said one expat in Cali.

"If I did, I'm too dumb to notice. I'm always polite and gentlemanly and find that Colombian people like to practice their English on me," remarked one member in Cali.

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What are healthcare services like in Cali?

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

"Cali offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and hospital services. Primary care services are provided by general practitioners, pediatricians, and family physicians, while specialty care services are provided by specialists in areas such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Hospital services include emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient care. Additionally, Cali has a number of public and private health centers that provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings," wrote one digital nomad living in Cali, Colombia.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Cali?

"I do not live in the city, I'm about an 1:15 outside of Cali in the mountains where it's much cooler. Cali can be quite hot much of the time and the traffic, crowds, and pollution are too much for me. I do drive into Cali about one a week for shopping or medical reasons. I find these day trips quite tolerable but prefer to back home by 7pm," said one member in Cali.

"Expatriates and digital nomads living in Cali often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. They also enjoy the city's excellent climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's traffic and pollution levels to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the city's infrastructure can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to access certain services," explained one expat in Cali.

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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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