Barranquilla, Colombia π¨π΄
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Barranquilla is a vibrant coastal city located in northern Colombia, known for its cultural diversity and as a major port city. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 1.2 million residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 30 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 4,000 COP. Major banks include Bancolombia and Davivienda. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 110V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Popular providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include credit/debit cards and mobile banking apps like Nequi. |
π Accommodation | Options range from local hostels to upscale hotels as well as Airbnb rentals. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted in most places. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Casa Vieja offers affordable lodging starting at approximately 30,000 COP per night. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Spaces like WeWork Barranquilla and La Casa del Coworking provide great environments for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bocados is a favorite for remote workers, offering good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetup groups and entrepreneurship forums regularly organized at locations like Parque Washington. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Barranquilla Facebook Group organizes various meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Uber or Didi for convenient rides around the city. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available at local shops and through apps like Lime. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Puerto Colombia Beach is the closest beach, about 30 minutes away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Avianca provides regional flights to major Colombian cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Avianca offer international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to major highways like Via al Mar connects Barranquilla with nearby cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | The Barranquilla transportation terminal serves buses to other Colombian cities. |
π Public Transport Passes | Transmetro bus system provides a reliable public transport option. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses available through companies like Expreso Brasilia for regional travel. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario del Caribe is a major healthcare facility in the city. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga Integral offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Bodytech are popular gym choices in Barranquilla. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Lava y Planchado offers laundry services across the city. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com and Rappi are popular food delivery apps. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the arepas de huevo, a local favorite. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Restaurant Tierra de Fuego offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | La Dulce Vida specializes in pastries and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Barranquilla's local markets, like Mercado Cultural, are great for budget finds. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is a popular online shopping platform in Colombia. |
π Grocery Delivery | Apps like Rappi offer grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Zona Rosa area is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa de la Costa offers tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | The Wine Bar in Barranquilla features a selection of international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found in abundance, especially in local markets. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Olivo offers a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Barranquilla Museum of Caribbean Culture is a must-visit. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Caribe showcases the rich heritage of the Caribbean region. |
π° Historical Sites | The historic La Cumbrecita and Puente Pumarejo are notable sites. |
π Religious Sites | Barranquilla's Catedral Metropolitana is an important religious site. |
π Annual Events | The Barranquilla Carnival, held each February, is renowned worldwide. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | El Prado district is filled with art galleries and cultural spots. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Amira de la Rosa hosts various performances throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado del AtlΓ‘ntico is popular for local produce and goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Visit venues like La Troja for live music and dancing. |
π¨ Street Art | The city is known for its vibrant street art, especially in the El Centro area. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cocinando con Paola offers classes on traditional Colombian cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Exhibitions at GalerΓa El Museo highlight local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The old customs building is an iconic architectural site. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Barranquilla is known for its rich Caribbean heritage, reflected in its cultural practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Parque Isla de Salamanca offers beautiful wildlife and nature trails. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Nature enthusiasts can visit the Tayrona National Park, located a few hours away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecon is a popular spot for walking and cycling along the river. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Panoramic views are available from the Puente Pumarejo. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Barranquilla are great for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Puerto Colombia allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Servientrega provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Tecnocell offer mobile device repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Sports complexes often feature table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto de Lenguas offers Spanish classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca de Barranquilla offers quiet study areas and resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro de Vida is a well-known community center for local events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide a fun space for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Rio offers gaming options and entertainment. |
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% corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Approx. 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate of around 39%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 19%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Colombia has CFC regulations in place. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax applied during property purchases. |