Colombia Guides
🇨🇴

Colombia

A vibrant South American country known for its rich biodiversity, coffee culture, and growing expat community in cities like Medellín and Bogotá.

Bogotá
Capital
51.2 million
Population
Colombian Peso (COP)
Currency
Spanish
Language
🌟Why Choose Colombia?

Your Gateway to European Excellence

Discover what makes Colombia the perfect destination for your next adventure

Eternal spring climate in major cities
Very affordable cost of living
Growing digital nomad community
Rich coffee culture and biodiversity
Friendly, welcoming local population
Improving safety and infrastructure
🌤️

Climate & Weather

Climate Type

Varied by altitude and region

Colombia's climate varies dramatically by altitude. Medellín has eternal spring weather, Bogotá is cooler due to altitude, and Cartagena is tropical and hot year-round.

☀️Summer Average
20-32°C (68-90°F) depending on city
❄️Winter Average
15-28°C (59-82°F) depending on city

Seasonal Overview

Dry Season (December - March)
Less rainfall, more sunny days. Peak tourist season with higher prices.
Wet Season (April - November)
More frequent rainfall, especially afternoon showers. Greener landscapes, lower tourist numbers.
💰

Cost of Living

35/100
Cost Index
Relative to global average35/100

Colombia offers excellent value for money. Costs vary significantly between cities, with Cartagena being most expensive and smaller cities being very affordable.

Housing
Depending on city and neighborhood
$200-800/month
Food
Local food very affordable, international cuisine more expensive
$200-400/month
Transportation
Public transport very cheap, taxis and Uber affordable
$30-80/month
Utilities
Electricity, water, internet, mobile
$50-100/month
Entertainment
Dining out, activities, nightlife
$100-300/month
Healthcare
Private insurance and medical costs
$50-200/month
💼

Work Culture

Colombian work culture emphasizes relationships and personal connections. Punctuality is improving but can be more flexible than North American/European standards.

Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM
Vacation Days
15 days legal minimum

Key Characteristics

Relationship-focused business culture
Personal connections important
Growing startup and tech scene
Christmas bonus (aguinaldo) mandatory
Improving work-life balance awareness
📋

Visa Information

Colombia offers various visa options for expats and remote workers. Tourist visa is most common for initial visits, with longer-term options available for residents and investors.

Processing Time
1-4 weeks depending on visa type
Validity
90 days tourist (extendable to 180), various long-term options available

Requirements

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Proof of funds ($500+ per month of stay)
Return ticket (for tourist visa)
Health insurance (recommended)
Criminal background check (for long-term visas)
🏥

Healthcare System

Mixed public and private system

Colombia has excellent medical tourism facilities, especially for cosmetic and dental procedures. Private healthcare is high quality and very affordable.

🛡️
Coverage
Universal healthcare system, private insurance recommended for expats

Key Features

High-quality medical tourism
Affordable private healthcare
Modern facilities in major cities
English-speaking doctors available
Excellent cosmetic and dental services
💻

Digital Nomad Friendliness

8/10
Nomad Score
Digital Nomad Friendliness8/10
Internet Speed
35-50+ Mbps in cities
Coworking Spaces
50+

Highlights

Medellín is digital nomad capital of Latin America
Strong wifi infrastructure in cities
Large expat and nomad community
Affordable living costs
New digital nomad visa available
🧾

Taxes

Progressive income tax from 0% to 39% for residents
Top Rate
39% for income over ~$120,000 USD equivalent
VAT
19% IVA (VAT) on most goods and services
Tax residency triggered by 183+ days in Colombia. Foreign income may be taxable for residents. Professional tax advice recommended.
🗣️

Language & Safety

Language
Spanish
English
Low to Moderate
Safety
Moderate (improving)
Holidays
18 national holidays plus regional celebrations
Safety has improved significantly in major cities. Expat areas are generally safe, but situational awareness is important.
💳

Payments

Good in cities, cash preferred in rural areas
Common apps: Nequi, Daviplata, PayU
Cash is still king in many situations. ATMs are widely available. Foreign cards work but may have fees.
📶

Mobile & Internet

5G Coverage
Good in major cities
Carriers
Claro, Movistar, Tigo
Good mobile coverage in urban areas. Prepaid plans are popular and affordable. Data plans are reasonably priced.
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