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Bucaramanga, Colombia 🇨🇴
#226
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bucaramanga, known as the 'City of Parks', is a bustling city in northeastern Colombia situated in the Santander department. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP; common banks include Bancolombia, Davivienda, and BBVA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, although bottled water is recommended for safety. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major cards widely accepted; services like Nequi and Daviplata popular among locals. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hostels, and long-term rentals through Spotahome. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Kasa and Casa de los sueños offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | El Centro and Cabecera del Llano are recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Cabecera del Llano is ideal for digital nomads with many cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Bici Coworking offers great facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Juan Valdez offers a conducive atmosphere for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events held regularly at coworking spaces and local meetups via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups organized through Expats in Bucaramanga Facebook Group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | InDriver and Uber are popular and reliable choices. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services like BiciBucaramanga allow easy bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Punta Canoa, about 4.5 hours away by road. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates several domestic flights from Bucaramanga. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and Copa Airlines serve international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include the Troncal del Oriente, leading to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bucaramanga doesn't have a train service, relying on buses and taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local TransBucaramanga system offers value cards for public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like San Gil and Barichara are frequent and affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinica Bucaramanga is well-regarded for healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Nirvana Wellness has various yoga classes and wellness treatments. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit offers modern facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava y Planchas offers affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com and Rappi are commonly used for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'Bandeja Paisa' which is a traditional hearty dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetariano Bucaramanga offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulces y Reposteria offers a wide selection of traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado San Francisco is ideal for budget-friendly food shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Tiendas D1 and Éxito have online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi offers grocery delivery service from supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Rosa is the main nightlife area with vibrant bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Llave offers local brews and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Bar de Vinos has a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in the city center serve great local snacks like arepas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Sushi House serve diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Parque de los Niños and Parque Garcia Rovira are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Moderno holds regional art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of Bucaramanga is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios is a significant religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Semana Santa (Holy Week) sees vibrant processions and activities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Cabecera del Llano area has a mix of restaurants and cultural flair. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Santander hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza de Mercado is great for experiencing local culture and cuisine. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in local bars and restaurants creates a lively atmosphere. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Mural art can be explored in several neighborhoods throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offered by locals to learn traditional cooking styles. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Casa de la Cultura showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Republic Monument is a notable historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bucaramanga's heritage is celebrated in its festivals and local markets. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cañón del Chicamocha offers breathtaking views and adventure sports. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Panachi National Park, located around 50 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Sogamoso River path is excellent for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Los Tanos provides scenic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Chicamocha Canyon is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Parque Nacional del Chicamocha. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Servientrega and Coordinadora handle local and national parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Mundo Digital offers reliable tech repair options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Club Bucaramanga hosts community games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural offers Spanish language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Gabriel Turbay is a great spot for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Fundación de Cultura Comunitaria promotes various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Cafes like Playzone offer spacious gaming areas. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Royal Casino offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €52,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31%, though varies depending on company structure. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Fiscal residency based on physical presence; worldwide income is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19%, with some exemptions. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign companies subject to Colombian taxes. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% - 3% depending on the transaction. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can take advantage of investor visas and favorable tax treatments. |