Colombia
What do I need to know before moving to Colombia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Colombia, they said...
"Expatriates should research the culture, climate and language before moving to Colombia. It is important to have a basic understanding of Spanish, as many people in the country are not fluent in English. It is recommended to arrange accommodation in advance and obtain an official Colombian visa before arriving, as the process can take several months. Furthermore, it is important to familiarise oneself with the laws, both national and local, as processes such as establishing residence, setting up a business, and signing contracts can be quite complicated. Additionally, due to Colombia's geographical location, it is advisable to take precautions such as mosquito nets and insect repellent, as the country is home to several pest-carrying diseases such as Dengue Fever and Malaria. Finally, expats should remember to take out health insurance that covers all medical expenses and a reliable cellular plan in order to stay connected," said a member in Colombia.
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"Stay in the area for a while before making a desision and try and get some inside information ..someone from your own country who has lived in this place a while," remarked another expat who made the move to Guatape, Colombia.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Colombia?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Colombia?
- Will I be able to find a job in Colombia?
- What is life like in Colombia?
- What do expats in Colombia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Colombia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Colombia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Colombia like?
- What are healthcare services like in Colombia?
- What are medical services in Colombia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Colombia?
- What are emergency services like in Colombia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Colombia?
- How are local medical facilities in Colombia?
- As a foreigner living in Colombia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before moving to Colombia?
If you live in Colombia, newcomers to Colombia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
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.
