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Your Expat Community in Colombia

  • Connect with fellow expats in Colombia

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Colombia

  • Pablo Garcia Ramirez

    I was so lucky that a friend told me about InterNations before I came to Bogota. I had the chance to contact many expats there from home.

Welcome to the InterNations Community of Expats in Colombia!

"¡Hola! And welcome to our expat community in Colombia! InterNations is a global network of expat communities around the world that encourages expats making a big move abroad to interact with their fellow expatriates. Our members in our Colombia communities are experienced and highly knowledgeable about what it takes to start a successful life in this South American country. You may have questions you need answering before you make your move to Colombia, such as, “where is it safe to live in Bogota?”, “what's the healthcare system like throughout Colombia?” or “what is the transportation system like in Medellin?”. It doesn't matter what you need to know, our expats will be happy to answer all of your questions and point you in the right direction in Colombia. The expat community in Colombia also has a good understanding of the Colombian culture and will be able to tell you where you can get a bandeja paisa in Bogota or a sancocho in Cali.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to check out our vibrant InterNations Communities in countries like China or Bahrain.

Jump right in:

Living in Colombia: Your Questions, Answered

If you're thinking about moving to Colombia or have just arrived, you may have some questions about what life is like in this diverse and vibrant country. To help you navigate your new home, we've answered seven common questions expats often have about living in Colombia. For more specific questions or to share your own insights, consider joining InterNations, a supportive community of expats who love to help each other out.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
Spanish is the official language of Colombia, and while some people speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, it's not as widespread as in some other countries. Learning Spanish will help you navigate daily life, communicate with locals, and integrate better into the community.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Bogotá:

  • Single-room flat: 1,500,000–2,500,000 COP (400–670 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 3,000,000–5,000,000 COP (800–1,340 USD) per month

Medellín:

  • Single-room flat: 1,000,000–1,800,000 COP (270–480 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 2,500,000–4,000,000 COP (670–1,070 USD) per month

Cartagena:

  • Single-room flat: 1,500,000–2,500,000 COP (400–670 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 3,500,000–6,000,000 COP (940–1,600 USD) per month

3. How safe is Colombia for expats?
Safety in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, but it's still important to take precautions, particularly in certain areas. Exercise common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and stay informed about local safety updates.

4. What is the quality of education in Colombia?
Colombia offers a range of educational options, including public, private, and international schools. Many expat families opt for international schools, which often teach in English or other languages and follow international curricula. Keep in mind that the quality of education can vary widely between schools.

5. How can I open a bank account in Colombia?
To open a bank account in Colombia, you'll generally need a valid ID or passport, proof of address, and a local tax ID number (NIT or cédula). Some banks may have additional requirements or ask for a minimum initial deposit, so it's best to check with your chosen bank for specific details.

6. What is the cost of living in Colombia?
The cost of living in Colombia is relatively low compared to many other countries, particularly when it comes to housing and food. However, some expenses, such as imported goods and private education, can be higher.

7. How does the public transportation system work in Colombia?
Colombia's public transportation system varies between cities. In Bogotá, you'll find the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, while Medellín has a metro system. Buses are the primary mode of public transportation in most other cities. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also widely available.

Join Our Online and In-Person Events in Colombia

Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in Colombia and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.

Mar 20, 2024, 1:00 AM
52 attendees
Ideal is a very beautiful venue at El Nogal. They are presenting Live Jazz recitals on Tuesdays. Let's experience it!
Mar 24, 2024, 2:00 AM
73 attendees
Let's dance Salsa live music at Idilio Bar. COP 30K for the live music band will be charged at the entrance of Idilio. Minimum consumption in exchange of the InterNations Casino chip required by the
Apr 6, 2024, 11:00 PM
13 attendees
Attic & Keller is a playground with delicious food, live music at dusk and a super cool dancing space downstairs. Haven't you visited it yet? See you there! BTW, free the ambassador so he can danc
Would you like to try amazing cocktails based on exotic Colombian ingredients and the finest spirits? Let’s have a good time at Egua’s terrace, a cozy space under a beautiful tree...the perfect place

Want to see all the upcoming events in Colombia?

Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Colombia

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    From Argentina, living in Medellin
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    From Turkey, living in Medellin
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    From Netherlands, living in Bogotá
  • Community Member
    From Belgium, living in Bogotá
  • Community Member
    From United States of America, living in Bogotá
  • Community Member
    From South Korea, living in Bogotá
  • Community Member
    From Austria, living in Medellin
  • Community Member
    From India, living in Medellin
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    From Poland, living in Bogotá

Meet other expats like you in Colombia

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Learn about Expat Life in Colombia

Colombia is one of the most diverse countries in South America. From the Amazon Rainforest and the Andean mountain range to the country's famous coffee plantations, Colombia is a nature lover's haven. The country is also home to some of the most modern and beautiful cities in South America, including the mountain-top capital Bogota, the Spanish colonial Cartagena and the salsa capital of South America, Cali. Colombia was voted as the third-best country for expats to live in on the personal happiness scale in the InterNations Expat Insider 2014 survey. Expats also found Colombian locals to be very friendly and welcoming, and Colombia is one of the countries where expats have the most local friends. Many expats relocate to Colombia to work for large corporations or to teach English and work for a foundation. Colombia has some of the world's most desired natural resources, making them one of the world's leading exporters. The largest industries are coal and oil, and Colombia depends on these exports to bolster its economy. Unemployment is still among the highest in South America, but free trade agreements already underway should help Colombia to restore its situation at home.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Saudi Arabia or Portugal, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Your Friendly Network for Expats in Colombia

Every InterNations member has had their membership carefully approved and is dedicated to upholding the values of open-mindedness and respectfulness towards people of all cultures and backgrounds. This means you can interact securely with other like-minded expats and even join up with one of Colombia's expat groups in person. Whether you're in Bogota or Medellin, you can explore your city with an InterNations Group, learn French, watch live music, and even learn some famous salsa dancing! By meeting up with other expats in your new country you will increase your chances of settling in. Having interests, hobbies, and friends in your new country is extremely important to making your new chapter in Colombia a big success.

  • Pablo Garcia Ramirez

    I was so lucky that a friend told me about InterNations before I came to Bogota. I had the chance to contact many expats there from home.

  • Michelle Guillemont

    I was a little bit afraid before moving to Colombia - a new language, security issues, no friends. InterNations helped me settle in, though.

Our Global Partners

Communities in Colombia

Like-Minded Expatriates in Colombia

Colombia Guide Topics

Upcoming Communities in Colombia

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