Cities & Hotspots

Medellín is the main nomad and lifestyle hub; Bogotá is the larger business and cultural city; Cartagena is coastal, beautiful and more seasonal.

  • MedellínOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • BogotáOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • CartagenaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

December to March or July to August Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Bogotá can see traffic-related pollution and Medellín can trap pollution in the valley. Cartagena is hotter and more humid. Check the local AQI and neighbourhood conditions.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Fundación Santa Fe and Clínica del Country are familiar Bogotá options; Medellín has strong private hospitals including Clínica del Rosario. Call 123 for emergencies.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Claro, Movistar and Tigo offer SIM and eSIM options. Uber and DiDi cover rides; Rappi is central to food, groceries and delivery.

  • Mobile networksClaro has the broadest practical coverage; Movistar and Tigo are the main alternatives. Buy from official shops for passport registration and plan changes.
  • Ride appsUber, DiDi, Cabify and InDrive are useful, but regulatory and city coverage can shift. Use app rides for safety at night.
  • Food deliveryRappi is the everyday super-app for food, groceries, pharmacy and errands in the main cities.
  • PaymentsCards are common in formal areas, cash still matters, and WhatsApp is essential for landlords and local services.
  • Home internetClaro, Movistar, Tigo/UNE and local fibre vary by building. Medellin hills and old buildings need exact-unit checks.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • Migracion ColombiaMigracion Colombia handles entry, cédula de extranjería and many foreigner processes; the Cancilleria handles visa applications.
  • Cedula de extranjeriaLonger-stay visa holders may need a foreigner ID card. Book and track appointments early.
  • TaxDIAN rules, day counts and Colombian-source income need advice before staying long-term.
  • BankingBank access often depends on visa type and cedula. Keep certified translations and address proof ready.
  • Admin habitKeep passport, visa, cedula if issued, lease, health insurance and emergency contacts saved offline.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Time-zone aligned remote workers, Spanish learners and people who want a social city with strong regional variety.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.