Cali, Colombia 🇨🇴
#222
3.451923, -76.532873
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cali, known as the 'Salsa Capital of the World', is the third largest city in Colombia. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 25-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally considered not safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Bancolombia and Davivienda. Digital banks like Nequi are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Choices range from Airbnb to furnished apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted at many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casona offers dormitory beds starting at 30,000 COP per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Casa de la Cultura offers great spaces for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | El Limonar Café is known for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at the Cali Expat Facebook Group. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cali International Expat Community hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Beat are popular for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters available via LINXO and bike rentals at various local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Juanchaco beach, around 1.5 hours away, accessible by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca is the leading regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Copa Airlines offer direct flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Autopista Sur and Autopista del Café. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cali's main bus terminal is Terminal de Transportes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transit cards for the MIO bus system are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Bogotá, Medellín, and nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Departamental de Cali is widely recommended. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Cali offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Bodytech are popular gym chains. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Clean & Fold service around Granada neighborhood. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com provides a variety of options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Sancocho', a traditional Colombian soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Bistró has excellent vegan selections. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería La Novena for delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de la Alameda offers local foods and handicrafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is the go-to for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercados Olimpica offers online ordering and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Catalinas and El Peñón are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza del Valle offers beer tastings and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a wide selection of wines from South America. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try empanadas and arepas at street vendors in Parque del Perro. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant El Viajero offers a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cerro de las Tres Cruces is a popular hiking destination. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo La Tertulia hosts contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Iglesia de San Antonio offers picturesque views of the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of San Pedro is a stunning architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feria de Cali held every December attracts thousands. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Getsemaní district is known for vibrant arts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de San Antonio is perfect for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Cali is known for live salsa music, check out bars in Juanchito. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals in San Antonio showcase local talents. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Salsa y Sazón offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería del Teatro is a must-visit for local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the old Basilica del Señor de los Milagros. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cali is recognized for its salsa dance culture and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional Natural Farallones is perfect for hiking and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Farallones National Park is a major attraction for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cali River walking paths offer beautiful views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cristo Rey offers stunning panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | La Vorágine is known for its diverse birdlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parque del Peñón allows for small gatherings and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega is a reliable parcel service across Colombia. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iTech offers device repairs in Ciudad Jardín. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Cali offers public access to play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cali Language School provides Spanish classes for different levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Público Julio C. Cortázar offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Comfandi hosts various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounge Nerds Club offers gaming setups and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Hollywood is a popular venue for games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 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. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% for corporations |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on territoriality for tax residents |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 1% of sale price. |