Your Expat Community in Bogotá

• Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time, a firm handshake with eye contact and a smile is the way to go. Once you get to know people better, greetings can become warmer: a hug or a kiss on the cheek is totally normal and a sign of friendship. Also, people often use Señor or Señora until they’re invited to switch to first names.

• Conversational Etiquette: Being polite and respectful goes a long way. When it comes to conversation topics, it’s best to avoid anything too controversial, especially with people you don’t know well.

• Time and Punctuality: Colombians have their own version of time. Colombian time basically means social events tend to start later than planned. If a dinner is set for 7 pm, don’t be surprised if things don’t really kick off until 8 or 9. But for business meetings, it’s a different story. Business settings follow strict schedules, so it’s best to be on time.

• Dress Code: People in Bogotá generally dress formally, whether for work or social gatherings. The city is known as one of South America’s fashion capitals, so putting effort into your outfit will be appreciated.

• Gift Giving: If you’re invited to someone’s home, bringing a little gift is a nice gesture. A bottle of wine, flowers, or chocolates are all safe choices, just avoid lilies or marigolds since they’re linked to funerals.

Getting a visa for Bogotá depends on whether it’s for work, study, or just a long stay. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Types of Visas: If you’re working, you’ll need a work visa. If you’re studying, then a student visa is the way to go. If you’re just visiting, a tourist visa should be enough. For longer stays, you can apply for a resident visa after a few years.

2. Application Process: You can apply online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at your nearest Colombian consulate. The application requires documents like your passport, proof of income, and evidence of your reason for moving.

3. Costs: The visa fees can vary depending on the type, usually between 190,000-750,000 (50-200 USD).

4. Requirements: Depending on the visa, you may need financial proof, a criminal background check, or other documentation showing you can support yourself.

5. Duration: Most visas are temporary for 1-3 years, and you can renew them. After a few years, you could apply for permanent residency if you plan to settle down.

It’s straightforward, but make sure you know exactly which visa you need for your situation.

Healthcare in Bogotá is generally very good and accessible for expats. You have two main options for health coverage: public and private health insurance.

1. Health Insurance: Expats often choose private health insurance, which is relatively affordable (compared to countries like the U.S). Private plans offer better coverage, so you might want to go for that option. Some of them are:

• Sura
• Cigna
• Bupa
• Colpatria
• Nueva EPS
• AXA
• Allianz

2. Top Hospitals in Bogotá: The hospitals below are some of the best in the city and offer high-quality care, with many staff members speaking English. The facilities are modern, and the healthcare standards are in line with international practices, so you’ll have access to excellent care when needed:

• Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá
• Clínica del Country
• [Clínica Marly](Clínica Marly)
• Mederi Hospital Universitario Mayor

Bogotá’s public transport system is extensive. Here are some of the main ways to get around:

-** TransMilenio:** This is the city’s main bus network that covers most of Bogotá. It’s fast and efficient, but it can get really crowded, especially during rush hour (6-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.). To ride, you’ll need a “Tu Llave” rechargeable card. It runs from 4 a.m. to midnight, so it’s great for getting around during the day. A one-way ticket on the bus or TransMilenio costs about 1 USD and a monthly pass is around 40 USD.

• SITP Buses: These buses go to areas that TransMilenio doesn’t cover. They use the same “Tu Llave” card, but they aren’t as frequent, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule beforehand.

• Bici Bogotá: If you prefer biking, Bogotá has a bike-sharing system for short trips. No card is needed, just register [online](Bogota - Tembicialquiler de bicicletas en Bogotáhttps://tembici.com.co › ... and you’re good to go.

• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: For safer rides, it’s best to use apps like Cabify, StreetCab or Uber instead of hailing a taxi off the street. While TransMilenio is safe during the day, taking a taxi or Uber in the evening can give you extra peace of mind.

When choosing where to live in Bogotá, it’s important to consider factors like safety, proximity to work, transportation, and access to amenities like grocery stores, parks, and restaurants. Many expats work with real estate agents or use platforms like Metrocuadrado and Finca Raíz to find housing.

Some popular neighborhoods for expats:

• Chapinero: Area known for its nightlife, restaurants, and Bogotá’s LGBTQ+ scene. Popular spots include El Chico, El Nogal, and Chapinero Alto.
• Usaquén: One of the wealthiest areas, offering luxury boutiques, fine dining, and green spaces. San Antonio and Santa Ana are quieter, while the southern part is livelier.
• La Candelaria: Are full of colonial architecture, museums, and street art.
• Zona Rosa & Parque 93: Upscale areas with luxury shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Northern Suburbs: Gated communities surrounded by nature, ideal for those seeking a quieter environment with access to outdoor activities.
• Rosales: A peaceful and safe neighborhood, known for its green spaces, proximity to the city center, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Rental prices vary, but in the city center, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs around 600 USD, while outside the center, it’s around 440 USD.

Bogotá has become safer over the years, but like any big city, it’s important to stay aware. Avoid showing valuables in public, be mindful of your surroundings, and follow the local saying “No des papaya” (don’t make yourself an easy target). Expats usually prefer neighborhoods like Chapinero, Rosales, and Usaquén since they’re generally safer, and a good rule of thumb is that the higher the street numbers, the better. To stay safe, dress casually, be alert in crowded areas, and be mindful of who you trust.

here are lots of ways to connect with fellow expats and locals. For example, you can join events like the 7 Avenue Challenge, where people come together in the park and are split into teams based on their language skills. You’ll compete in fun challenges, and it’s a great way to connect with others who are all there for the same reason.

If you’re into salsa, there are tons of salsa classes around the city where you can meet people while learning some moves.

Another great way to meet new people is Gringo Tuesdays at Vintrash, the biggest language exchange event in Latin America. It happens every Tuesday and brings together both locals and international folks. It’s a fun way to practice languages, make new friends, and maybe even meet some cool people to hang out with.

There are plenty of meetup groups and dating apps that can help you connect with others. You can also join InterNations events and groups, where established communities regularly organize activities and meetups for expats and locals. It’s a great way to meet people with similar interests.

It really depends on your personal lifestyle choices, but to give you an idea, you’d need between 700-1,500 USD a month. If you’re living simply and sticking to a budget, it could be on the lower end. However, if you prefer a more comfortable lifestyle with a private apartment or dining out more often, you’ll likely be closer to the higher end of the range.

The following table gives you a rough overview of the standard living expenses you can expect, but keep in mind that many items on this list will depend on your individual circumstances or personal preferences. For example, you might spend less on groceries, or you could choose to spend more, depending on your lifestyle.