Bogotá, Colombia 🇨🇴
#220
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bogotá is the capital city of Colombia, located at an elevation of 2,640 meters (8,661 feet) in the Andes Mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 7.4 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 35 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3,800 COP (Colombian Peso). Most transactions can be made with COP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally drinkable in Bogotá, but many locals prefer bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, with prepaid options available at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks such as HSBC and Citibank operate. Local options include Bancolombia and Davivienda. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to serviced apartments. Average rent for a 1-bedroom is about 1,800,000 COP/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept credit cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local sites offer short-term rentals in various neighborhoods. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Cranky Croc and Selina offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | La Candelaria is popular among tourists for its historic sites and vibrant culture. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chapinero is favored by digital nomads for its coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Impact Hub offers a vibrant community for entrepreneurs and remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | El Tamano Importa is a popular café with Wi-Fi and a pleasant atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com holds regular networking events for freelancers and startups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook often host gatherings and events for newcomers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Didi are widely used for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Companies like Lime provide electric scooters and bikes for rental. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Santa Marta is the closest beach destination, approximately 16 hours by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca is Colombia's largest airline with frequent services to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Avianca are top international carriers with extensive routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Bogotá to other cities such as Medellín and Cali. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal, Terminal Salitre, offers regional transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | TransMilenio cards can be used for the bus rapid transit system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses are the primary mode of transport to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinica del Country is a well-regarded healthcare facility in Bogotá. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Co. provides a variety of yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Smartfit are popular gym chains in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava & Plana is a convenient laundry service option. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is a popular food delivery service in Bogotá. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bandeja Paisa is a traditional dish featuring beans, rice, avocado, and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Entraña Vegana offers a great selection of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Puerta Falsa is famous for its delicious desserts and traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao is a vibrant market for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a popular online marketplace in Colombia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Apps like Rappi and Cornershop provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Zona Rosa area is known for its vibrant nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bogotá Beer Company is a popular local brewery with several locations. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Dama Restaurant & Wine Bar is known for its extensive wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in La Candelaria offer delicious snacks like arepas and empanadas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Tejadillo serve international dishes including Italian and Asian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) and Monserrate for stunning views of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Botero Museum showcases works by famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic district of La Candelaria features colonial architecture and famous plazas. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, located nearby, is a famous underground church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bogotá International Film Festival and the Rock al Parque music festival are major events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | La Candelaria and Usaquén are rich cultural neighborhoods known for their arts scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Colón hosts operas and performances in a beautifully restored space. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de las Pulgas in Usaquén offers antiques and crafts every Sunday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music venues like Armando Records host local and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Bogotá is well-known for its vibrant street art, particularly in La Candelaria. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La Mesa offers cooking classes focused on Colombian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria Metropolitana showcases contemporary Colombian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The iconic Botero Plaza and the Independence Museum are must-visit sites. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals celebrate Bogotá's rich indigenous and colonial history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza offers hiking and beautiful scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sumapaz National Park, around 2 hours away, is known for its paramo ecosystems. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ciclovía event on Sundays closes streets for cyclists and pedestrians. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Monserrate provides panoramic views of Bogotá and is accessible by funicular. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Bogotá River Habitat is known for diverse bird species and eco-tourism. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping in the mountains surrounding Bogotá offers designated fire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and Deprisa are popular options for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Fixit offers reliable tech repair services in various neighborhoods. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers in Chapinero often have ping-pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Colombian-American Cultural Center offers English and Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Virgilio Barco provides quiet study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | La Red serves as a community hub for various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gamer's Lounge is a popular spot for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Hollywood is a prominent gaming venue in Bogotá. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 6,500,000 COP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 260,000,000 COP) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 4,200,000 COP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 168,000,000 COP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 7,500,000 COP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 450,000,000 COP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 4,500,000 COP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 270,000,000 COP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 8,200,000 COP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 656,000,000 COP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,000,000 COP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 400,000,000 COP) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 33% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7.5% for resident shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Colombian residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% for individuals earning above a specified threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Colombia has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on cadastral value, typically around 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on the property value at the time of the transaction. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | While Colombia does not specifically cater to digital nomads, foreign earnings are taxed favorably. |