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Guide
Barranquilla, Colombia π¨π΄
#224
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Barranquilla is a vibrant coastal city located in northern Colombia, known for its cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps, with potential for higher speeds in coworking spaces. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 4,000 COP; major banks include Bancolombia and Davivienda. |
π° Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 110V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, with prepaid plans widely available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Cash and cards accepted; services from international banks like HSBC available. |
π Accommodation | Options range from local apartments to Airbnb; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom is around 1,500,000 COP. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas but carry cash for small purchases. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular; monthly rentals often available. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Coffee House starting from 40,000 COP per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | El Prado and Rodadero are recommended for tourist attractions and dining. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Centro and Villa Santos offer good amenities, coworking spaces, and cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Garage is a top coworking space with high-speed internet and networking events. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Arti is known for its relaxed atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for meetups organized on platforms like Meetup.com; many local expat groups also gather. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Barranquilla Expats' facilitate community gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Apps like Domicilios and Uber are widely used. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Biciudad offers bike rentals and pathways are becoming more common. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Puerto Colombia Beach, about 30 minutes from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers flights to other Colombian cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines and Avianca serve international routes. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major access via the Carratera 40 and Autopista al Mar. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Barranquilla is served by the Caribbean region's bus networks; no major train service. |
π Public Transport Passes | Transmetro card available for local bus services. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses operate to cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta; tickets start around 30,000 COP. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | ClΓnica del Caribe is a primary healthcare facility with modern services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Barranquilla offers various classes; costs around 20,000 COP per session. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit is a popular chain; memberships start at 90,000 COP per month. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa Express offers wash and fold services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Domicilios are leading food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Arepas de Huevo; a fried egg-filled corn patty is a must-try. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Burger Barranquilla offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | HeladerΓa el Corral for artisanal ice cream and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de la Paz for fresh produce and local goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Linio Colombia serves as a popular online marketplace. |
π Grocery Delivery | Merqueo delivers groceries straight to your door. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | La 84 is the main nightlife area with numerous bars and clubs. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa 28 offers local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | La Cava del Vino is a cozy spot for wine lovers. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local snacks like empanadas and arepas. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Bizz offers a great selection of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Barranquilla's Carnival Museum is a highlight celebrating the city's vibrant festival culture. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Caribe showcases the region's cultural heritage. |
π° Historical Sites | The old section of Barranquilla has colonial architecture and historical significance. |
π Religious Sites | Iglesia de San NicolΓ‘s is an iconic church well worth a visit. |
π Annual Events | Barranquilla's Carnival takes place annually in February, drawing international crowds. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | El Prado is a cultural district with museums and art galleries. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro JosΓ© Consuelo Caicedo hosts various performances and events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado de San Nicolas is a vibrant local market to explore. |
πΌ Music Scene | The city has venues that host salsa music and nightlife. |
π¨ Street Art | Barranquilla has impressive street murals throughout the city, especially in neighborhoods like La Luz. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Learn Colombian cooking at local culinary schools like SazΓ³n. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa de Arte de Barranquilla features local artists and collections. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Historical buildings like the old Customs House reflect Barranquillaβs architectural heritage. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Barranquilla celebrates its heritage through festivals and local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Boca de Cenizas where the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Sea is a scenic escape. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Tayrona located a few hours away showcases Colombia's biodiversity. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The MalecΓ³n is a waterfront promenade ideal for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Metro is a great spot for city views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Lago de Soledad attracts various bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas in Puerto Colombia allow bonfires in designated spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and Deprisa provide parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Serviteca offers electronic repairs and services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local parks in Barranquilla often have outdoor table tennis tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca del Caribe is a serene spot for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural del Caribe hosts various community events and workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gamers Paradise offers video gaming experiences. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Buenaventura is popular for gaming. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 140,000,000 COP) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 112,000,000 COP) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,200,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 192,000,000 COP) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 150,000,000 COP) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 240,000,000 COP) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,300,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 184,000,000 COP) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 31% is the standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 15%. |
π¦ Tax System | Colombia operates on a territorial tax system. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 19%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on the cadastral value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | A tax of approximately 1.5% applies during property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Colombia has been making efforts to attract digital nomads, including tax incentives for long-term visitors. |