Colombia is a popular destination for Americans who want a positive lifestyle change with a lower cost of living. Remote workers love the reliable internet in major cities. Meanwhile, retirees enjoy the affordable cost of living, and long-term residents bask in the warm, community-focused culture.
Whether you’re planning a short-term stay or a full relocation, understanding visas, housing, healthcare, and local customs will make your transition smoother. This guide answers the most common questions US expats have about moving to Colombia and highlights what everyday life looks like once you settle in.
What makes moving to Colombia from the US appealing?
Many people are drawn to Colombia because it strikes a great balance of affordability, culture, and everyday comfort. In cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, you’ll find inviting neighborhoods with good infrastructure and walkable streets lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and parks. Day-to-day costs like groceries, dining out, and getting around are often noticeably lower than in many US cities, which can make it easier to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without stretching your budget.
The country’s welcoming culture makes it easier for new arrivals to integrate into a new neighborhood. It also helps you adapt to the rhythm of local life. Learning basic Spanish helps although many expats find that locals are patient and willing to help with communication. Remote workers benefit from Colombia’s digital nomad visa, which allows eligible US citizens to stay for extended periods while working for foreign employers.
Tip: Try learning some basic Spanish phrases before you move to make everyday interactions feel more comfortable.
What are the main visa options and requirements to move to Colombia?
Colombia offers several visa options for US citizens, including digital nomad, retirement, investment, family, and student visas. The digital nomad visa has become especially popular with remote workers, since it’s based on proof of income from outside Colombia rather than a local job. For retirees, the pensionado visa is a common choice, as it’s designed for people who can show a steady monthly income from Social Security, a pension, or retirement savings.
Most visas will ask for similar basics: A valid passport, proof of income, health insurance, and a clean background check. In many cases, certain documents also need to be apostilled, so it’s a good idea to take care of those before you travel. Long-term residency may be an option later on if you renew temporary visas, meet the minimum stay requirements, or qualify through investment or family connections. Staying organized, keeping both paper and digital copies of your documents, can make renewals much smoother each time.
Tip: Try to get all documents that need an apostille sorted before you leave the US. Tracking them down from abroad can be slow and frustrating.
How much does it cost to live in Colombia?
A big reason many Americans move to Colombia is the lower cost of living. In general, housing, groceries, getting around, and even going out are more affordable than in most US cities. Costs do vary by area. Places like Bogotá and Cartagena tend to be pricier, while Medellín and smaller inland towns are often more budget-friendly.
Housing, in particular, can feel like a good deal. Many expats are able to rent furnished apartments in safe, comfortable neighborhoods for less than they’d pay for something similar in the US. Transport costs remain low because of public transit and rideshare options. For most, these vital expenses being cheaper means more disposable income for travel, dining out, or saving more each month.
Tip: Create a sample monthly budget for each city you are considering to compare costs in advance.
What are the best cities for expats moving to Colombia?
Colombian cities each have their own personality. Medellín has mild, spring-like weather most of the year, a solid expat community, and generally reliable internet, which is why a lot of remote workers end up there. Neighborhoods like Laureles and El Poblado are common starting points, with plenty of cafés, parks, and places to work from.
If you’re more of a big-city person, Bogotá might feel like a better fit. It has museums, concerts, cultural events, and more traditional job opportunities, but the feel of each neighborhood can be very different. Some are quieter and residential, while others are busy and crowded, so it’s worth getting a feel for them before signing a long lease.
Cartagena is a good option if you want to be by the coast. It’s hot, humid, and very touristy in some areas, but it also has local neighborhoods where people live year-round, not just vacation. Smaller cities like Pereira and Manizales tend to be calmer and cooler, and appeal to people who want a slower pace and easier access to nature.
Tip: If you can swing it, spend a little time in your top two or three cities before you move. Walk around, try the local shops and cafés, and see which neighborhood actually feels like somewhere you’d want to live.
How do you find housing when moving to Colombia?
Finding a home in Colombia means getting to know local rental expectations and how the market is different from the US. Landlords often prefer tenants who have a local guarantor. Some will accept larger deposits from foreigners instead. Furnished apartments are common in neighborhoods that are friendly to expats, and many rentals include utilities.
Foreigners can buy property, but the process needs legal review, due diligence, and clear documentation of your funds. A lot of expats start out by renting and only think about buying once they’ve had time to really get to know the city and its neighborhoods. A local bank account can be helpful once you’re settled, but in the beginning many landlords are fine with online payments or international transfers.
Tip: If you can, team up with a local real estate agent who understands expat needs and can give you honest insight into neighborhood safety and day-to-day living.
How does healthcare work for expats living in Colombia?
Colombia’s healthcare is often surprisingly good for the cost. In larger cities like Medellín and Bogotá, you’ll find hospitals and clinics that many locals and expats trust. If you choose a private insurance plan, you’ll usually get faster appointments and a better chance of finding an English-speaking doctor. If you’re planning to stay long term, you can also sign up for the public EPS system. It’s more affordable, but you may need to be patient with wait times and scheduling.
Many people start out with private health insurance when they first arrive, then look into public options once they understand how everything works. Even so, everyday care, like doctor visits, specialist appointments, and many prescriptions, tends to be much cheaper than in the US, even if you’re paying out of pocket.
Tip: Try to set up short-term private coverage before you land so you’re protected from your very first day in Colombia.
Is Colombia safe for foreigners and families?
Safety conditions vary by neighborhood. Expats often settle in areas with active community associations, good lighting, and easy access to transportation. Like in any big city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and stick to registered taxis or rideshare apps, especially at night.
Getting to know local habits and norms also makes day-to-day life feel easier. Many people join neighborhood WhatsApp groups or expat forums to stay up to date on safety tips, which areas people recommend, and little everyday advice you only hear from locals.
Tip: Join local Facebook or WhatsApp groups for updates on neighborhood safety and community recommendations.
What should you know about work, banking, and daily life as an expat?
A lot of US expats in Colombia are remote workers, especially in cities like Medellín and Bogotá. Others piece together work in different ways. Some find roles in tourism, some do consulting, and others teach English either part- or full-time.
Banking can feel a little unfamiliar at first. Some banks will ask for visa paperwork before they let you open an account, while others may let you do a bit more with just your passport. Because of that, many expats lean on international banking apps in the beginning and switch to a local account once their residency is set up.
Day-to-day life in Colombia tends to feel very community-oriented. Local markets, street fairs, and neighborhood events are just part of the weekly rhythm in many places. Picking up some basic Spanish can really boost your confidence when you’re shopping, grabbing a taxi, or asking for directions. Most people find that after a few months, they’ve settled into a routine that feels familiar and comfortable.
Tip: Keep some small bills and coins on hand. Taxis, markets, and little corner shops don’t always take cards.
How can you ship belongings when relocating to Colombia?
Relocating internationally requires careful planning, especially when shipping household goods or appliances. Colombia has customs rules regarding electronics, personal items, and quantities of certain goods. Keeping a detailed inventory of what you’re shipping can help avoid headaches and delays at customs. Many expats go with international moving companies that already know Colombian rules and paperwork, which takes a lot of the stress out of shipping, tracking, and delivery.
Shipping times can vary depending on where you’re moving from and the season, so it’s smart to start planning early. That way, your belongings have a better chance of arriving around the time you do. Many expats ship only essential items and purchase furniture locally once they settle in.
Tip: Begin the shipping process early and keep receipts for items that you may need to declare at customs.
Moving to Colombia with pets
Many Americans bring pets to Colombia, and the process is manageable with preparation. Airlines require health certificates, proper carriers, and up-to-date vaccinations. Upon arrival, Colombian authorities review documentation before releasing pets to their owners. Requirements vary slightly by airline and season, so reviewing them early will help you avoid surprises.
Tip: Confirm airline requirements at least two months before departure so you have time to schedule vet visits and gather the required forms.
Start planning your relocation to Colombia
If you are preparing for an international move to Colombia, work with a professional moving company to help with packing, logistics, documentation, and international coordination so the process feels organized and manageable. With expert support tailored to global relocations, you can begin your new chapter in Colombia with confidence.