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Guide
Cali, Colombia π¨π΄
#222
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Cali, known as the 'Salsa Capital of the World', is a vibrant city located in the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 2.5 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average 20-40 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | COP (Colombian Peso). 1 USD β 4,000 COP. |
π° Tap Water | Generally non-drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
π Power | 110V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Movistar, Claro, and Tigo are popular providers. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda widely accepted. Services like TransferWise and Revolut are viable. |
π Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels, with Airbnb being popular. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Partially, major credit/debit cards accepted, but cash often preferred in markets. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com are prevalent for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Blanca and El Viajero Cali starting at around 30,000 COP per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | San Antonio and Granada are ideal neighborhoods for tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chipichape offers coworking spaces, cafes, and proximity to amenities. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | La Bodega Coworking - offers a range of plans and high-speed internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© del Parque - Wi-Fi friendly with a great atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Cali Business Meetup held monthly at various co-working spaces. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Cali Internationals Facebook group hosts regular community events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | InDriver and Beat are popular for ride-hailing. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Companies like Tier and Lime offer e-scooter rentals. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Pacific beaches like Juanchaco are 2.5 hours away by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Viva Air frequently operate regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Avianca and American Airlines connect to major international cities. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Main routes include Autopista Sur and Highway 25 to BogotΓ‘. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Cali is served primarily by bus terminals; no train service available. |
π Public Transport Passes | MIO Card for public buses, single rides around 2,000 COP. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses connect to pueblos like PopayΓ‘n and Manizales. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario del Valle, 24-hour emergency services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en el Parque offers outdoor classes in parks. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Bodytech are popular gym chains. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa La Ciudadela offers reliable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Domicilios.com for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Cholado - a popular shaved ice dessert with fruit. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El JardΓn de los CafΓ©s offers vegan dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | HeladerΓa La Bonga - famous for artisanal ice cream. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de Mercado La Alameda for fresh produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is widely used for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Rappi for grocery shopping delivery. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The zona rosa in the Granada neighborhood is bustling with nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Cerveza Cristal - a local brewery known for its beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Bar de Vino offers a selection of international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Open-air nightlife markets and street vendors abound downtown. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Mamma Mia for Italian, La Pampa for Argentine food. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Cali Cathedral and the iconic Cristo Rey statue. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia - showcases modern art. |
π° Historical Sites | Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura, a historic theater. |
π Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Antonio is a must-visit. |
π Annual Events | Cali Fair - celebrated in December with music & dance. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | San Antonio for its colonial architecture and arts scene. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Jorge Isaacs offers performances throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Plaza de Caicedo often hosts local vendors. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live Salsa shows at various venues across the city. |
π¨ Street Art | Canaveralejo neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Martha's Cooking Classes focuses on traditional Colombian cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | La Tertulia Gallery features contemporary exhibitions. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Cali's Old Town hosts colonial-era architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Salsa is a key part of Cali's cultural identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Pance River offers hiking and relaxation spots. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali is nearby for hiking. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Cali's riverwalk is ideal for cyclist and pedestrian trails. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Cristo Rey offers panoramic views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Farallones National Park is rich in birdlife. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Pance River area has designated spots for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and InterrapidΓsimo are reliable options. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | ElectroMundo for electronics repair. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Parque del Perro offers public tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Spanglish offers conversational Spanish classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Centenario is a great study location. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Comfandi offers classes and workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Game Over - popular among gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Caliente is a well-known venue. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 120,000,000 COP) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 88,000,000 COP) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 210,000,000 COP) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 168,000,000 COP) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,200,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 256,000,000 COP) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500,000 COP per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 200,000,000 COP) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 32% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Income tax rates are progressive based on income levels. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% maximum personal income tax rate. |
π§Ύ VAT | 19% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Colombia has CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% to 2% depending on the municipality. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special tax agreements may apply, but generally income is taxed at local rates. |