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Colombia for Expats 101℠

You will need a visa if you plan to stay in Colombia long-term or engage in activities other than tourism.

In some upscale neighborhoods of cities such as Cali and Pereira, tap water is safe to drink. However, we generally recommend using a water filter and purchasing bottled water.

Colombia once had a reputation for kidnappings, but these incidents have significantly declined since 2001 (1).  Expatriates now face a higher risk of harm or death from crimes such as robbery or traffic-related incidents. It is important to know that there has been a concerning increase in robberies involving substances such as scopolamine, commonly known as "devil's breath," which is used to drug and incapacitate unsuspecting victims (2). 

To learn more about these topics, we recommend reading the first two articles listed below under the section titled "Sources and Further Reading". Additionally, we strongly advise checking the official website of the United States’ State Department, which you can also find under "Sources and Further Reading," for any travel advisories or warnings.

Unlike in Canada and the United States, you do NOT need a vehicle in Colombia. However, most of our clients purchase one because it better fits their lifestyle.

Colombia boasts some of the best medical facilities and professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, its healthcare system can be unnecessarily bureaucratic and slow, often infuriating many expats. Despite these challenges, a 2021 study by the World Health Organization ranked Colombia's healthcare system above that of the United States (4).

There have been reported cases of mosquito-borne illnesses, including yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and zika, in many parts of the country. The risk of these diseases varies by region and is most prevalent in warm, humid, and coastal areas. Effective vaccines are available for both yellow fever and dengue, along with prevention methods that can significantly reduce your chances of contracting these diseases. We strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider to learn more about vacations and other preventive measures before traveling.

In many regions of Colombia, an average income of $1,500 per month is sufficient to live comfortably. However, some individuals may require a higher income to maintain their desired standard of living. Additionally, relocating and settling in Colombia will result in extra costs beyond regular monthly expenditures.

Colombia faces challenges with police corruption; however, law-abiding Canadian and American expats typically do not encounter issues with the Colombian police or other authorities. It is important to follow the law and have all your necessary paperwork. Most Colombian authorities tend to be understanding toward expats who may inadvertently violate minor rules or regulations.

No, you do not need to open a bank account in Colombia. You can use your credit or debit card to pay for many goods and services and to withdraw cash from ATMs. However, many expats open a bank account for convenience and better exchange rates. If you plan to rely on your debit or credit card, we recommend finding a company that does not charge international transaction fees.

Once you have been approved for a Colombian visa and received your national identification card, known as a cédula, you are eligible to enroll in the national health system. However, some unscrupulous services will sign you up without meeting this criterion, which is against the law and could result in being fined by the Colombian immigration authorities.

A retirement visa is usually the fastest and easiest visa to obtain for most foreign retirees. However, if you want to start a business or enter and exit the country frequently, you may want to consider another type of visa. 

Learning Spanish is highly recommended, but many expats live in Colombia without mastering the language. We suggest familiarizing yourself with the basics before arrival and using translation apps to bridge the gaps in your knowledge as you learn.

Expats often experience price gouging when they first arrive in any new country. However, this issue typically diminishes as they become more skilled at bargaining and familiar with the costs of goods and services. Initially, you should avoid informal markets to avoid price gouging. In the medium term, expats may struggle with practical tasks such as budgeting, securing long-term housing, and finding reliable professionals and service providers. Ultimately, the biggest challenges for expats are finding a new social group and adapting to Colombia's complex bureaucratic systems and cultural nuances.

Colombia has one of the lowest living costs in Latin America (5), and most expats find that it offers the best mix of destinations, proximity, healthcare, accessibility, security, physical infrastructure, and housing options for their needs.

"Living in Colombia Like a Millionaire" means that a person can enjoy a middle-class lifestyle in Colombia for a fraction of the cost compared to the United States and Canada. Currently, a retiree in the United States needs approximately $1.8 million USD in a 401(k) to maintain a middle-class lifestyle (6). Additionally, many parts of the United States require a net yearly income of over $100,000 USD to be considered middle class (7).

We provide off-site consulting services nationwide on various topics, including retirement visas, healthcare services, housing, and more. However, our Relocating to Colombia Consulting Packages℠, cover the cities and surrounding areas of Armenia, Cali, Manizales, Pasto, Pereira, and Popayan.