8 Things You Have To Know Before Coming To Colombia

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When we started our journey there was not a lot of practical information about life in Colombia. Or tips of what to consider doing before making the move. We learned everything the hard way. That's exactly why we want to help other fellow Expats to make their journey way easier than ours was.
The following tips are specially meant to be helpful for long-term Expats.
Tips For Long-Term Expats
- Almost everything is available in Medellin, don't bring all your stuff with you.
- Amenities are very good and reliable, WiFi and internet, in general, is not something to worry about.
- Dress accordingly, observe Colombians and do it the same way.
- Come with an open mind, the culture will be different from what you're probably used to.
- Don't believe everything from the Facebook Expat groups.
- Learn Spanish!
- It is possible to pay by card almost everywhere.
- Colombia doesn't have a tipping culture.
There are way more tips we could share, but for now, those are surely helpful. And as we always repeat, don't hesitate to ask your questions, we are more than happy to help you n your journey.
Watch the full video to get even more tips and each point explained more into detail.
Don't hesitate to contact us with any Expat questions you might have. No matter if you've got questions about Medellin, Bogota, Santa Marta or Colombia in general. We would love to support you on your journey
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ABOUT THIS CHANNEL
This Channel's mission is to help and educate Expats, soon to be Expats and travelers.
In order to simplify their Expat and travel journey abroad.
We provide information, especially for Latin America.
Are you planning to visit or even relocate to Panama, Colombia or Ecuador?
No matter where in Latin America you'd like to relocate to, we'll provide you with all the needed information you need, in order to get around safely and to settle down.
#HowToExpat #BeforeYouMove #Colombia

[@GBU61]

I live in Medellin. Instead of an apartment, get an AirBNB room. To rent an apartment you need a cedula and two co signers (fiador). You will have a tough time getting an apartment within a short time of arriving. When initially speaking to someone, always say hello or how are you first. Instead of thank you, you will hear “con gusto” which means with pleasure.

[@freymorgan7588]

would you be willing to talk to me about colombia?

[@markusmulder_]

You mean instead of “you’re welcome” not instead of “thank you”.

[@jacquesahouansou]

Great tips! I spent 2 months in Cali recently: I used my US ATM card once a week to withdraw money needed for the week. If I should get robbed, I would not be losing much money. I bought a cheap LG cellphone from Best Buy at $100 and took it with me. If I should get robbed, I would only be losing a cheap phone. I never took out with me my expensive phone. Always left it behind at my AirBnB apartment! Doing my mea culpa of those 2 months, I have realized that I must learn Spanish before my next visit to Colombia because using the translation applications was not enough to really mingle with the people.

[@HowToExpat]

Great comment completely agree with all points😁

[@Ralphie_Boy]

@@HowToExpat 👍🏻

[@TheTropicalia]

You are a very cautious person, and in Spanish there is a saying: "Cautious person, worth two people"

[@bigraf3178]

Colombia has really reformed itself. They should be very proud. Good Job!!!

[@OC1020]

There’s still lots of corruption foreigners don’t get to see because of the news 😒

[@bluegtturbo]

No... Sadly it hasn't... Because the politicians are corrupt.

[@evelynlopez3799]

Hello how are you doing dear

[@dennishassler605]

My wife fears going there, because she remembers the drug culture there. With the FAKE NEWS everyone would be afraid to travel, but I feel safe everywhere I go - and I prefer to be with the regular people, too, so I experience the real culture.

[@Ralphie_Boy]

*Living happily in Colombia over 13 years I fully concur with Sam 100%!*

[@claudiaangarita4769]

Great video! As far at “cuantas cuotas?” You’re right. One should be the answer but just on case anyone is interested in trying to pay for something in installments. Don’t! The interest rate is very high. Tipping: The tips do not GP directly to the waiter. It goes to the house who then distributes it to all the employees as part of their wages. They’re are those who actually keep the tips. I prefer to tip the waiter directly. 😊

[@j.aguilar590]

Heading to Medellin on my own in October :)

[@HowToExpat]

You'll love it!😃

[@Jhova036]

Me to, I’m leaving the 28th. It will be my fourth time there

[@TonyTone1]

J. Aguilar - Wow, do you know spanish and have you been to Medellin before.

[@TonyTone1]

Jhova036 - Do you enjoy your stay in Medellin ?

[@scottgeen3062]

@@Jhova036 hi Scott here from new Zealand what the girls like there

[@johncrowder3]

Sam, One Issue you need to make known when you get a local Colombian sim card for your US phone. You need to have Skype already setup (Have your plan to call back to the us). With the Claro plan, You Cannot text or Call us numbers. YOu need to use Whatsapp or Skype (only Skype lets you call a landline, and you can pay $5/Mo to have a US number that will forward to your Skype phone# so they can call you like they are just calling a us number) The reason you need to set it up beforehand is that The credit cards I brought had 2 level authentication on them and wanted to send a text or call my original USA mobile number, so It took way too long to get skype $3 for the unlimited calls to US phones monthly plan. I finally had to get my wife in the US to login to my account and use a card she was primary on so she could answer the txt and authenticate. (That was after spending over an hour with my wife talking to Capital one and me at the same time, because I couldn't call them because of the claro plan). Just let them be warned.

[@HowToExpat]

Great comment thanks

[@expatatlarge5286]

Magic Jack and Text now apps work great over wifi or data.

[@jeremyjohnson3895]

Thanks for making this video! I’m very excited to visit Colombia one day!

[@tomlloyd9400]

A very informative message. I can't get out of Canada because of the pandemic but first chance I'm going to Medellin for at least a month.Your blog is excellent.

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks a lot!

[@khamtp42]

good video from USA i will go visit colombia soon thank you bro.

[@reston703]

Thank you for your video. Suggestion: flip the scarf you have hanging from the wall...the yellow is up :-)

[@brianabro8227]

The tip about safety was so helpful in making my point to family members. I do know a few people who are from, and live in Colombia and my family sees everything on the news and bases it on that.

[@MrNLAlex]

Buen dia, absolutely true ! i was there traveling for a month the last year 2022 . Love this country, rich culture nice people. Go again this Sunday back.... ;-)

[@HowToExpat]

😃 **Exclusive Medellin Video Course** 😃 www.how-to-expat.com/medellin-e-guide The GOOD the BAD and the UGLY about Medellin. Let us teach you what it takes to be a successful Expat in Medellin, Colombia! With the Medellin E-Guide you... -...see the city from an Expat perspective - ...get our real, honest insider knowledge - ...see the up- AND downsides - ...see how it is REALLY like Get access to the Medellin E-Guide now 😃 www.how-to-expat.com/medellin-e-guide

[@freebird5215]

When I was in Medellin I was told that if I added the propina(tip) to the bill the restaurant or bar kept the money, but if I left it off the bill and paid cash the server got it. So, I guess it depends on who you want to get the money. Just sayin'

[@HowToExpat]

Yes that's right, the system here is just different, If the service was great I'll pay the 10% on the bill and give the person directly a tip.

[@scottgeen3062]

@@HowToExpat coming to Medellin August Scott geen new Zealand

[@camilovillacis9056]

I feel like if you’re used to tip you should, accordingly. If you down grade your tip you’re being condescending. Service industry deserve it. Especially on a smaller economy country/region.

[@sebasty1800]

@@camilovillacis9056 Not quite sure about that, some people might get the idea that you pity them, but of course they wouldn't tell you. We Colombians are just not used to tipping.

[@carlosmontes7619]

To the people here ,You can learn a lil from Zach Morris he is youtuber and he just enjoys everything and every time in Colombia 🇨🇴.

[@sebasty1800]

Noooo

[@rosemiranda7300]

Thanks, very informative video!

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Wait. In America we don't add 15-20 percent tip on "almost everything". We add a tip at regular restaurants (with waiters), bars, regular taxis, and food delivery. Its VERY optional for Uber, coffee shops, or food places where you order at a counter.

[@Ken_257]

Buena explicación Bro, saludos desde la capital Bogotá 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴

[@HowToExpat]

¡Gracias parce!

[@arodriguez167]

Great info! I hope everyone have a great time in my home country 🇨🇴

[@scottgeen3062]

Rodriguez is it safe to walk around Medellin from Scott New Zealand

[@georgepetrin1334]

Sam, you are so likable.

[@mikelejeune344]

Always helpful, thank you.

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks :D

[@scottgeen3062]

Thank you Sam from Scott New Zealand thanks for tips

[@zzyzx686]

First thing I heard from Colombians: "no das papaya". Lo que no saben que tienes, no van a te lo robar.

[@freddy79650353]

ok, no des papaya, meaning try not to give chances of being robbed like showing expensive stuff in public places

[@DominiMex777]

*Porque Papaya servida: PAPAYA COMIDA.

[@KeepitWausome]

Good list of tips friend! I’m looking forward to visiting Medellín this fall!

[@jwmstudios876]

i really love your channel very clear and straight forward information muy bien senor

[@fuado5750]

Informative video, thanks!

[@fatwallet13]

Great information thanks.

[@100Livello]

I don't worry about wifi coverage, but speeds: I'm sure some apartments even have fiber optics, so it's excellent. But most of them will have a standard 10 mbit/s download and 1 mbit/s upload adsl speed 😢

[@HowToExpat]

Yes that's right many Airbnbs just have that😬

[@mikescarborough9196]

Your SIM card doesn't get blocked if you don't register the phone's IMEI. THE PHONE ITSELF GETS PERMANENTLY BLOCKED AND BANNED. I found this out the hard way on a return trip to Colombia. On my first trip I bought a Claro SIM card. When I went back a year later my phone was blocked by ALL carriers! There is a process to unblock the phone but in my case it wasn't worth the massive red tape and bureaucracy involved. ALWAYS REGISTER YOUR IMEI IN COLOMBIA. The Colombian government doesn't tolerate anonymous cell phone usage beyond a short period of time.

[@Letsgetit138]

I like this video haha. Great tips!!!

[@niel19861]

I must be honest, after now living in Vietnam for almost two years and basically living in shorts and sandals all the time, I'm looking forward to buying some jeans and dressing up a bit again.

[@yliu450]

In Africa. I feel you

[@douglassantamaria6704]

Whats wrong to wear shorts??? I think ,you can dress whatever you like ,l have been Many times in colombia,,más l wear different kind of cloths,,,

[@cameron22240]

Good job! Very helpful video! 👍👌

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks a lot :D

[@americabikinibrazil]

Great video! I’m going to sign up for a consultation.

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks! Looking forward to it!

[@stallion7012]

I will give a thumbs-up on this video because there's a few pieces of information that's new however some of the information to providing is rhetorical or could easily be found Elsewhere on KZbin or the internet. Let me provide a suggestion to increase your business and and people really wanting to come to live in Colombia. Approximately 85% of the people in the United States own cars. You may want to start doing some videos on how to purchase a car general pricing and so forth. Second suggestion would be to actually show some homes if you're looking for people to come and live in the country chances are they're probably eventually own a car and buy a condo or home. You can set it up to where they can contact you so you can get a small fee for a referral.

[@rocioramirez979]

Jay K Wrong comment.

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks, the car video is on our list, but short here like Jay said, for the most part owning a car in Colombia is not worth it but more in an upcoming video. The buying a home video too is on our list and will be done more extensively, but short again, mostly renting is better than buying for many reasons.

[@MrMajikman1]

@@HowToExpat I heard to actually buy and own a house in Colombia, if you are a foreigner requires an "M" Visa (I believe that is what it is called) and around 100K in a Colombian Bank. Yeah, I think renting for shelter would be more economical depending on your situation. Also, not sure about the owning a car thing either, since taxis and busses are usually available and cheap...you could always rent a car or motorcycle if you want to "tour" the countryside.

[@vinay11163]

my girl freind is in colombia i can not till travel restrictions ends i have requested charted flight approval is awaited at colombia authority

[@saramartinezvolkmar1877]

Thank you for sharing some of the fantastic things from Colombia. One thing, the flag you have on the wall, its upside down.

[@MrMajikman1]

I noticed that too. The yellow stripe is supposed to be on the top...🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨 🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦 🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥

[@item6931]

Good practical advice

[@thenonlawyer3127]

No shorts in Columbia? are you serious? how hot is it down there?

[@dennishassler605]

In Brazil I always loved the Maracuja (Passion Fruit) drink - very rich and full flavor, but other places don't know how to make Passion Fruit Juice. Can you get it in Columbia???? I have not found any in Mexico - the juice is NOT rich like it is in Brazil.

[@julietagss14]

Orgullosa de ser Colombiana 🇨🇴

[@mariagarcia-dw8pn]

Mucha INSEGURIDAD

[@JD-zd8tm]

If you needed to learn one word in Spanish it would be "QUANTO"?

[@otiresoporte5818]

Jajajja yes is very important

[@MrMajikman1]

If you had to learn one phrase it would have to be: ¿donde está el baño? 🤣

[@yeganehhaidari5625]

please make a vid about school programs for teens in Colombia

[@bobbydelgado4502]

He does not have a teenager. Do some research, be a grown up Not his job to tell you everything abt a country he's Not from. For God's Sakes

[@rochelleglam]

Could you make a video about the quality of life in Cali and Bucaramanga? Also the cost of living for each? We are traveling to Cartegena and Santa Marta next month for 2 wks but we are heavily considering moving to Colombia permanently. My retired mother is also considering coming but the Caribbean coast is way too hot. We are looking at Santa Marta but for her we are thinking a location in Colombia much cooler but still full of expats.

[@chystal9161]

Yeah, have fun earning pennies over there too.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Cali was too warm for my taste. And there is a constant noise of scooters and small motorcycles. The evenings are amazingly beautiful, with a heavenly breeze.

[@Dadeeo]

Bucaramanga is hot.

[@juancarlossuarezizquierdo6057]

el eje cafetero es lo mejor.. el Quindio.

[@peterporaski2629]

what type of visa do you guys have and how did you managed to get it? thanks

[@piotrhernik1521]

thinking about trip to Colombia for couple months , learn Spanish but not in school, more like from local people , preferably some village , I think called finka , learn about how people live on a farm in South America, who know , maybe in the future I will move there . Are there some communities whom are open to share their experiences with gringo who doesn't speak Spanish.

[@vinay11163]

mi novia está en colombia no puedo hasta que finalicen las restricciones de viaje solicité la aprobación del vuelo fletado en la autoridad de colombia

[@MrMajikman1]

😥

[@paulinedixon5772]

Can you have residency in panama on in Colombia?

[@alaskalograft]

Muy bueno

[@vannesagreenlen5640]

I went to barranquilla,colombia,my birth place,on november of1999,with my mother,we stayed with my mother's family,at the very north part of the city.now,I can't travel to colombia,or anywhere on airplane,because of my health,I can't travel on anything that goes up in the air,because I'll have a heart attack.

[@miner4304]

Can I buy a car from Colombia, driving my car throughout south american countries?what is the catch?thanks

[@acer13p11]

I'm thinking to come in feb to Bogota you have any suggestions on hotels or apartments rentals coming for a week

[@Pablo-sr2zx]

You need to visit Guatape such an amazing place it's really out of this world

[@davemariash1700]

Can I were overalls? I’m coming when learn bitter Spanish

[@SenorJuan2023]

I suggest happy Spanish instead.

[@pedroluisbastidasmendoza3430]

Hola todos yo soy de Colombia pero yo estoy en Australia

[@iddicted]

its confusing some people are saying its hot in colombia and to wear shorts.

[@mariadiaz9616]

Colombia is s large country with different climates. It depends on which city.

[@JayPeek]

well trained

[@mariaharranaga6866]

@how to expat What do you recommend packing to Columbia I am going in June and I am sort of backpacking to a bunch of different areas in Columbia?

[@tatianaafregosi]

ColOmbia ;)

[@rochelleglam]

In regards to credit/debit card services in all the cities, does that include Santa Marta also? We will be in Santa Marta for 1 week next month.

[@oscarangarita8926]

Yes..have fun!

[@bearwitness4892]

Where is Sam from?

[@HowToExpat]

Switzerland :-)

[@Sateay]

Checked with a Travel Agent and they want about $2,000 for a two-week trip from Columbus to Medellin (Flight and Hotel). Looked on Expedia and they wanted only $900 to $1,400. It is even cheaper if I fly out of Miami at $670. For the end of January 2022 two-week trip. Is this about right? Is it better to just fly in and stay at a $5 Hostel? I will be scouting for long-term stays, making friends and dating, and business opportunities.

[@davidjose89]

Coming from Miami is the best option for you absolutely, enjoy your stay.

[@evelynlopez3799]

Hello handsome how are you doing?

[@oblogdafotografa]

What is this imei?

[@Learn2tradenow]

Good info. Thanks

[@revburr1]

Are the airports open?

[@evelynlopez3799]

Hello handsome how are you doing?

[@Jc1979profe]

But if you want to pay in many installments, that burger is gonna cost twice

[@rPoblete]

Están muy chidos los cojines de piñas de atrás. 👌

[@HowToExpat]

Gracias parce!

[@rPoblete]

@@HowToExpat ¡De nada, güe!

[@davidcisco4036]

Online purchase in Colombia ? Amazon in Colombia ?

[@HowToExpat]

Not really a big thing here, especially not compared to the states. And you don't want to order stuff from the states, because of the high import taxes in Colombia.

[@jctbay]

Yes, the Amazon flows through Columbia..lol

[@donniedarko2557]

Wait what, if you order on amazon and get a po box or courier IN colombia to have your items shipped there from us, its expensive?

[@danielcrafts3776]

Nope..

[@bluegtturbo]

3:08 'Colombian women like to dress nicely'?!! I presume you mean when they go out at night? Because 99 percent of them seem to wear denim jeans and T shirts during the day.

[@erturtemirbaev5207]

How about English? Is that spoken everywhere in Colombia?

[@HowToExpat]

No, not really. You have to learn Spanish.

[@erturtemirbaev5207]

@@HowToExpat thanks

[@hondatuner316999]

What’s a hostel

[@edgregory1]

It's a movie.

[@dewjr]

Americans wear shorts all the time every where . They just do , no one can stop them .

[@theultimateeatingmachinema6122]

What if you have internal call already with your cell phone would you still need a sim card

[@johntziannis1134]

Do they have gluten free options in restaurants or takeaways?

[@danielcrafts3776]

Nop

[@johntziannis1134]

@@danielcrafts3776 So what are coeliacs supposed to eat? I want to travel there are you telling me they put gluten in everything.

[@valentina8078]

We have gluten free restaurants but they are way expensive

[@johntziannis1134]

@@valentina8078 Thank you for answering my question. They shouldn't be too expensive as the Australian dollar is strong over there...I heard.

[@drdisrespect5318]

9:50

[@laksouici2246]

one thing bother me its the shorts im from london u k her its very cold when we travelle to a hot country we wear shorts its not a disrespect to anyone just bien confie in a hot city we just d ont suporte the heat nothing more

[@danielcrafts3776]

I am from Colombia .there is nothing wrong wearing shorts.just don't wear them if you go to a restaurant or clubs or visit bogota I call cities. People will look at you weird. You can wear shorts in hot cities.check first what cities temperatures are. Remember 🇨🇴 has different kind of weather. Dependent s of the region

[@mikehawks4741]

I wear shorts 95% of the time I'm in Colombia and no one has ever given me grief about it. It is just a fashion no no, but I'll deal with that because I think it is more comfortable. Its similar to the guys who wear basketball jerseys and sneakers to the clubs. A lot of people will assume you are probably childish or immature but to each his own. If you are polite and engaging in conversation with the people in the cities they nearly always return the hospitality.

[@rizwan_t5453]

Whats wrong with shorts?I dress like Im at the beach.Learning spanish now.

[@HowToExpat]

Nothing wrong with shorts, just not a lot of people wear them in Colombia. So if you don't want to stick out, wear them jeans ;)

[@rizwan_t5453]

So if I stick out is that good or bad?

[@HowToExpat]

@@rizwan_t5453 Depends on HOW you stick out. If you stick out because you are wearing shorts and sandals, that's totally okay, people will maybe stare at you but that's pretty much it. If you stick out because you're flashing your stuff, that's the dangerous thing to do, you give people a reason to rob you (Colombians call it "dar Papaya") Anyway, if you're street smart and respect the culture you'll be fine.

[@user-ry1cc1im6f]

@jim lieb isn't it cold?

[@NupeAtl]

*You're aright about dress attire*, but let me give a bit more detail about that. *Colombian women* dress down as well. A pretty woman dressed-down will always look better than an average woman dressed-down. These days it's more known that there are more attractive women (think 8s) in Colombian compared to other countries. If you're an average woman, you're going to look sloppy dressed down unless you practice enhancing your appearance.

[@sandraaguilar6750]

👍👍👍👍

[@TheWildponys]

Truthfully it looks like a very harsh difficult tough life.

[@TonyTone1]

king dragonboygod - Thats your misconception. Lots of Colombians are hospitable and happy people with the little they have compare to Americans.

[@bluegtturbo]

@@TonyTone1 It is! Most colombians face a constant struggle to pay their bills. Having spent several months there I can tell you that supermarkets charge first world prices but wages are decidedly third world!

[@freddy79650353]

but you may want to dress up the way you want, though, this is a free country as well

[@Fadogar911]

i verrecke.. ha dr akzent ghört und denkt, isch de schwizer? 🤔 und nachemne blick uf eui website, yes. haha 😁

[@HowToExpat]

Haha so geil! Nöd gwüsst dases so offesichtlich isch🤣

[@5klisting606]

Attire pointers: Men, dress nice without shorts Women, don't dress like a hobo Quite the different standard, there :-D

[@nickelsonortiz8026]

Wow I have to go to Columbia damn Its cheap

[@AndresDX1]

EVERYTHING IS CHEAP THERE. BRING 400 BUCKS IF GOING THERE FOR 10 DAYS

[@Agent77X]

Watch the movie: Scarface first to get the Colombia culture right. Use the name: Tony Montana while in Colombia! ,

[@siwash99]

Tony Montana was a Cuban ....

[@mariadiaz9616]

Nottt!!!

[@Ktheodoss]

This guy is in the ex-pat business?? LOL, how many times has this dude said "gringos"?

[@HowToExpat]

Last time I counted it was 64