Bucaramanga, Colombia 🇨🇴
#226
7.125516, -73.118262
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bucaramanga is the capital of the Santander department in Colombia, known for its pleasant climate and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed around 50-80 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP (Colombian Pesos). Most banks operate with foreign cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro, Tigo, and Movistar offering competitive plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda are popular, with services available in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to long-term rentals. Generally affordable. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and mobile payments are becoming more common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available; typical prices are around 30-60 USD/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Hostel Casona' offer beds from 10-20 USD/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking La Casona is highly rated with a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moka offers good coffee and Wi-Fi, perfect for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly tech meetups and expat gatherings at various venues. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups on Facebook like 'Expats in Bucaramanga' regularly organize events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Beat are reliable options for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bucaramanga has bike-sharing programs like 'BiciBucaramanga.' |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Barichara, a beautiful town 2 hours away, has nearby rivers but not beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Viva Air service the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and LATAM operate major routes to and from Bucaramanga. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways like the Bucaramanga-Cúcuta highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bucaramanga does not have a train system but has a bus terminal for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are affordable, priced around 2,000 COP per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services like Copetran connect to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Universidad Industrial de Santander Hospital is a top-rated healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en la Calle offers various classes in the city center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit Bucaramanga offers affordable memberships starting at around 100,000 COP/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | LavaExpress provides convenient laundry services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi dominates the food delivery service in Bucaramanga. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Hormigas Culonas,' which are large fried ants, a local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'La Vida Vegan' offer a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Jeno's is famous for delicious ice creams and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like 'Plaza de Mercado San Francisco' provide fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi and Domicilios offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Parque San Pio area is popular for nightlife, with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewpub La 37 is known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar de Vinos offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Parque de los Niños serve affordable snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzería Il Pomodoro specializes in Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the famous Parque del Agua and Cristo Rey statue. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Moderno offers local art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of Bucaramanga is a key historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Laureano is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bucaramanga hosts the Feria de Bucaramanga each August, a major local festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | La Ciudadela Santander is known for its cultural vibrancy. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Francisco de Paula Santander is the main venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bucaramanga's Plaza de Mercado is great for artisans and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars host live music, with a focus on Colombian salsa and vallenato. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the murals in the neighborhoods of Bucaramanga. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes on traditional Colombian cooking are offered at local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Casa del Libro is notable for local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Cultura is an iconic colonial building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bucaramanga's culture is heavily influenced by its indigenous roots. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Chicamocha Canyon offers incredible scenic views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional del Chicamocha is a popular destination for natural adventures. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Caminos de la Vida park provides beautiful trails for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de los Dioses offers breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore the ecological reserve La Meseja, which is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Parque del Agua allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and Coordinadora are reliable services for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repairs are available at Red de Servicios and Fluvi, offering a range of tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Universidad Industrial de Santander has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cultural Association offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Gabriel Turbay is a popular place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural del Oriente hosts community events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Station provides a gaming venue for both video and board games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Iguazú is a popular spot for gambling and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200,000 COP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000,000 COP). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 900,000 COP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 36,000,000 COP). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800,000 COP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000,000 COP). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,300,000 COP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 78,000,000 COP). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,600,000 COP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 128,000,000 COP). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200,000 COP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 96,000,000 COP). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, active regulations applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property purchases. |