You Must Know This: Pereira Colombia

Living as an Expat in Pereira, Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to Pereira, Colombia
Nestled in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Triangle, Pereira is a vibrant city known for its lush landscapes, temperate climate, and welcoming locals. Living as an expat in Pereira, Colombia, offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Colombian culture. Whether you're drawn by the idea of immersing yourself in the coffee culture, exploring the nearby mountains, or experiencing the warmth of Colombian hospitality, Pereira has something for everyone.
The Allure of Pereira for Expats
1. Cost of Living
One of the primary reasons expats are drawn to Pereira, Colombia, is the affordable cost of living. Housing, groceries, and transportation are significantly cheaper than in many Western countries, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget. Renting a modern apartment in a safe neighborhood can cost as little as $300-$500 per month.
2. Climate and Natural Beauty
Pereira boasts a pleasant, temperate climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The city's location within the Coffee Triangle means it is surrounded by lush, green hills and coffee plantations, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Cultural and Recreational Activities
Living in Pereira, Colombia, means having access to a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. From exploring the local coffee farms and hot springs to visiting museums and theaters, there's always something to do. The city is also known for its lively festivals and events, which provide an excellent opportunity for expats to immerse themselves in Colombian culture.
Safety and Security
1. General Safety
Safety is a common concern for expats considering a move to Colombia. Pereira, like many Colombian cities, has areas that are safer than others. By sticking to well-known neighborhoods and following common-sense precautions, expats can enjoy a safe and secure lifestyle. Neighborhoods such as Pinares, Los Alpes, and Álamos are popular among expats for their safety and amenities.
2. Healthcare
Pereira offers quality healthcare services, with several modern hospitals and clinics available. Healthcare in Colombia is generally of high standard and affordable, making it a significant benefit for expats. Many doctors and healthcare professionals in Pereira speak English, which is an added advantage.
Exploring Pereira and Beyond
1. Tourism and Travel
Pereira is an excellent base for exploring the Coffee Triangle and beyond. The city is well-connected by road and air, making it easy to visit nearby attractions such as Salento, Manizales, and the Cocora Valley. Local travel agencies offer various tours, from coffee farm visits to adventure sports like paragliding and hiking.
2. Local Cuisine
Living in Pereira, Colombia, gives expats the chance to savor delicious Colombian cuisine. Local markets and restaurants offer a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional dishes. Don’t miss out on trying "bandeja paisa," a hearty platter featuring beans, rice, fried egg, plantain, and meat.
Practical Tips for Expats
1. Language
While Spanish is the official language, many locals are keen to help foreigners learn and communicate. Taking Spanish classes or engaging in language exchange meetups can significantly enhance your experience as an expat in Pereira.
2. Networking
Joining expat groups and local clubs can help newcomers build a social network and integrate more easily into the community. Social media platforms and expat forums are great places to start.
3. Visas and Residency
Colombia offers various visa options for expats, including retirement, work, and investment visas. It's essential to research and apply for the appropriate visa based on your circumstances. Many expats initially enter Colombia on a tourist visa and then transition to a different type once they decide to stay longer.
Conclusion
Living as an expat in Pereira, Colombia, offers a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming community. Whether you're planning a short-term stay or considering a long-term move, Pereira provides an enriching and enjoyable expat experience. From affordable living to diverse recreational opportunities, this Colombian city has much to offer. So pack your bags, brush up on your Spanish, and get ready to explore all that Pereira has to offer.

[@JoseRamirez-hc2zx]

Thanks a lot for letting people know how good Pereira is. God bless you, I will be for ever thankful and excited seen lots of foreigners here. Huge hug from Pereira, Colombia and very welcome any time.

[@MundoIorio]

Thank so much Jose.

[@steventaylor9101]

Very informative video.Lots of info in a short time.I especially enjoyed the explanation of the physical appearance of the people.Keep up the good work!More on Pereira please.

[@MundoIorio]

I am glad you enjoyed it. I have more videos on the way.

[@Kristoferwitha_k]

I went to visit a girl there when I initially went to Medellin. I had no expectations of the city but I actually grew to really like it. I was able to walk from one side of the city to the other probably within 30 minutes and I never felt that impending sense of a threat. Even at night I walked. I didn't walk nearly as far but even though I was cautious I didn't feel like I was going to get shot or robbed or hurt. I was very surprised that when you walk into the middle of the city there is everything and anything you need all located in a very concentrated area. I really like the city. I consider even moving there

[@MundoIorio]

I am glad you enjoyed Colombia.

[@DaveG-qd6ug]

I used to visit Pereira often about 15yrs ago. It looks like the downtown has not changed one bit! I really enjoyed the lack of tourism back then. Im sure there are more gringos like myself now, but hopefully nothing like Medellin. I have heard about some less positive changes in Colombia since Petro took office but your video has encouraged me to visit the coffee region again. Did you happen to check out any of the yoga studios ? Looking forward to your next video!

[@MundoIorio]

Hi Dave, I am glad you enjoyed Pereira. There are not many gringos in Pereira. I must be honest with you, nothing has changed for the better, and things are more dangerous. They just do not report the truth and they hide facts. If you friend told you things are better, he may have obtained a better job, so it is better for him 100%.

[@DaveG-qd6ug]

@@MundoIorio Ok thanks for the heads up. I will continue to spend my time in Argentina and other safer destinations for now.

[@Adrian-sd8ck]

Please make a video in Parque Arboleda Mall 👍👍👍

[@MundoIorio]

Sounds like a plan.

[@marianidiarestrepo5316]

Es mi linda Ciudad pequeña pero la amo.

[@MundoIorio]

Yo tambien!

[@Bunuel0]

I’m a native New Yorker, and I’ve been All over Colombia. I respect your opinion and experience in Medellin. But, compared to mine, where as I’ve walked and stayed in heavy neighborhoods according to locals, I never felt any threats whatsoever. Granted, I had lots of people look at me, but that’s just because as American we stand out from locals. But not in a threatening way. Now Pereira I’ve been a handful of times, don’t know it as well as Medellin, so I couldn’t say much. What I can say is, around the areas I’ve been they’re nice. Cali, Bogota, Cartagena and other smaller cities and towns I’ve experienced what you said about people being warm and helpful. It’s a Colombian thing. People are generally warm and willing to lend a hand. Matter of fact in some occasions they’ll even invite you to their homes for a home cooked meal with their families. Obviously like anywhere else in the world there are your heavy places (I know NYC, Miami, Boston and other places have them) but overall Colombia is a pretty safe country to visit.

[@MundoIorio]

I was not robbed in Medellin, but someone tried to drug me and other times someone has tried and failed badly. I Have seen many robberies on motocycles; more times than I can count. I stayed in Itaguii, and in Medellin.

[@FreelancingByMun]

Nice experience ❤

[@MundoIorio]

I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Since watching this video before I've determined that there are only two locations in Latin America where I'd feel comfortable, either Pereira or Cuenca Ecuador for a person my age in my 60s looking for a comfortable quiet location. My only difficulty in either place would be obtaining kosher meat. Either via Quito or via Medellín. I know Spanish, and both my wife and I know French. Do alot of people know French in Pereira?

[@MundoIorio]

My educated guess is that they do not speak French. Colombia is a proud country and most of the population speak only Spanish. You will need to speak Spanish in Pereira.

[@blankasosuainfochannel6127]

Lets meet up this year and exchange stories. Greetings blanka

[@MundoIorio]

I just looked for your email address inside your profile but i can not find it. can you email me your information so i can whatsapp you? my email is in my profile

[@MOCAcafe184]

@@MundoIoriothat would be dope, enjoying your content.

[@josephbelucky8718]

Pereira might not be as exciting as medellin but it is a great place esp if you like nature. Good video!

[@MundoIorio]

Hi Jose, I totally agree and the air is much cleaner than in Medellin, also.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Keep up the good work on your videos. Your accent sounds like New York City, where I lived for 35 years. So I take your evaluations about Pereira very seriously.

[@MundoIorio]

Thank you for your support. I will keep trying.

[@marianidiarestrepo5316]

No habló inglés, pero me encantó su video.

[@MundoIorio]

Muchas gracias Mariani

[@mdobaydulislamgraphics]

Hello Mr Lorio❤ Your videos are very entertaining and educational. I think the goodness of your video should be passed on to others. This requires standard KZbin thumbnails.❤

[@MundoIorio]

Thank you! 😃

[@mdobaydulislamgraphics]

@@MundoIorio I can help you create awesome youtube thumbnail. I even have a graphic design agency. You can tell me if you need.

[@giannoni100]

mr. Lorio where should I stay in pereira is it difficult to travel to it lover your videos sir !

[@MundoIorio]

There are lots of Hotels on Booking.com. I am not quite sure what level of hotel you like, so you will need to select the filters to get what you want in a hotel.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Do any Americans or Canadians spend the winter in Pereira??

[@MundoIorio]

I know that there are. However, while I was there I was mostly focused on meeting Colombians. I had opportunities to meet Americans there, but the first one wanted me to pay her money for her to show me around and I did not want to do that. She got a bit snippy with me after that moment. My personal recommendation is not to concern yourself on how many Expats live in your area and meet locals.

[@domenicdapice7218]

Yes me 6 months a year in Pereira

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@domenicdapice7218 What made you choose Pereira all the way from the US instead of Mexico, Florida or the Caribbean? How many Americans or Canadians are doing that in Pereira?

[@domenicdapice7218]

First of all I do speak Spanish. I'm from Canada , I visited other cities in Colombia the past 6 years, Bucaramanga, Cartagena, Medellín, Manizales, Armenia, Bogotá. It's been 2 years I'm retired and leave the winter in Canada and decided to stay in Pereira. There is a small American and Canadian expat community. I rent an apartment year round but only stay 6 months , I furnished it. I also lived for a while in Medellín but that was for other reasons just for fun. I'm older now and I'm glad not too many people from Canada or U.S. live here. I don't want it to become like Medellín, but it's the same kind of people it's like a best kept secret. I pay around 260 for rent and my expenses are about 45 to 50 a month . My Internet is 20. I can have a good lunch here for 4 dollars , I can have a taxi ride to downtown for 4 dollars or less. I can catch a plane here where I live near the airport and go anywhere. I stay on a tourist visa for 3 months and leave to Panama for 2. Days and come back and get another 3 months . I just hope it doesn't become another Medellín . Here you find everything. And it's quite safe you must know Spanish.​@@dovygoodguy1296

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@domenicdapice7218 So unless you know Spanish it doesn't pay to go there every winter? How about French?

[@dovygoodguy1296]

I can see how difficult it must be to shop in the downtown area because of the crowded sidewalks. It must be hard even to shop with a grocery cart. Not to mention trying to get an Uber with the groceries after shopping in a few stores! Or parking at stores, which must be impossible.

[@MundoIorio]

Shopping here is awesome, the people here give great customer service. Also, people in the street will help you flag a taxi, if your hands are full. Sometimes, they will even walk you home. No joke. this area is old school.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

​@@MundoIorio Okay, but to shop the way we do in Canada or the US, with a shopping cart and being picked up by an Uber seems a bit difficult. Butt a cooler climate with less heat and humidity is appealing, just like Cuenca....

[@michaelkucinski4021]

Mundo Iorio: Have you been to Cartago? If yes, what did you think of it?

[@MundoIorio]

I have not been to Cartago. I know someone that lives there but never visited.

[@michaelkucinski4021]

@@MundoIorio Thank you for your reply. My friend and some of my ex in-laws live in Cartago. When I go to Colombia, I'm going to visit them there.

[@tburton2877]

@@michaelkucinski4021Cartago is cool , small easy to walk just be careful at night

[@mc.rocket3]

Ya sabemos a quienes va dirigido este vídeo

[@MundoIorio]

Quien seria esa?

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Pereira seems very similar to Cuenca in many ways. Medellín would be a big problem especially because of the bad air pollution.

[@MundoIorio]

I stopped all trips to Medellin many years ago. In Medellin, their females have a Revenue Enhancement filthy hunger that turns my stomach.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@MundoIorio I don't understand what you mean!

[@latinokid33]

The video just cut out while you were still talking about where you get your fruits. Need to fire that video engineer.

[@MundoIorio]

It like the last episode of the Sopranos lol.

[@Actlikeyourdreams]

You the man 🫵 😎 fantastic info 👏👏👏 ThankU In Jesus name Amen ☝️

[@MundoIorio]

Thanks for all your support.

[@domenicdapice7218]

Hopefully doesn't become another Medellin with statistics of scopalamine and gringos doing real estate . Keep it this way and not being contaminated.

[@MundoIorio]

It will not, it is a totally different vibe and the people that act up in Medellin will not enjoy it here.

[@christopherkirkkirk308]

Good vid, just like to say that anyone used to the Northern European climate will not need a coat, I could of easily walked about in my undies!

[@MundoIorio]

I agree, with that said, I have to speak to the middle of the room. Also, have you lived a full 365 days in El Cafetero? It gets really really cold when you clime into the mountains.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Problem is that Medellin has heat and humidity, and even worse, it has significant air pollution! But based on videos, the two appealing places as an older demographic person, there would only be Pereira or Cuenca. In addition, let's say Barbados and Uruguay. But realistically it's going to be Pereira or Barbados.

[@MundoIorio]

I am going to upload other places that you will love shortly.

[@afrikansoundsrecords6659]

thansk mr to tell the true for the world , netflix and narco is not 100 colombia

[@MundoIorio]

you are so right.

[@LewisC-fye]

Informative video real simple overview that I appreciate. One thing though please stop using the term "expat". They're immigrants.

[@MundoIorio]

Hi Lou, I will make a video of the difference between the two words. I appreciate you dearly. More than you think. I do not make money on this, I do this for you. or as we say in boston you's guys.

[@LewisC-fye]

@@MundoIorio What's the difference quickly in your opinion? I've seen retirees use the word expat as well as younger people, mostly European/American descent. This is a total social construct that is meant to separate the wealthier and whiter people from the stigma and association of immigrants being brown and black.

[@joshuacalvin7102]

Hello Mr. Mundo Loiro. How would I reach out to you? I am interested in learning more about your experience in Periera. Do you do travel consultations? Gracias señor. 🇺🇸

[@MundoIorio]

Sure you can email me at [e-mail] and we can communicate.

[@joshuacalvin7102]

@@MundoIorio Thank you sir.