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," remarked another expat who made the move to Colombia.

"Go for it. Keep your money invested in the USA and take what you need monthly. Rent initially. Great buys for cash. $2000 usa will allow you to live like a king. Body massages $7 for an hour Nails done over one hour $15 dollars Papayas -- $0.40 per pound Mangoes --$0.15 per pound Sirloin steak -- $2 per pound beer -- $0.50 per can Rent - ok place $75/month Rent - nice $150 per month Rent -- very, very nice $250 per month Rent -- Country club type -- swiming pool, everything, view, fantastic- $700-$800," explained one expat living in Cartago, Colombia.

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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.