Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cartagena is a coastal city located on the northern coast of Colombia, known for its rich history and well-preserved colonial architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,000,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP; ATMs available, major cards accepted |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo offer good coverage |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Bancolombia, Davivienda; international services like Wise or Revolut are useful |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and rental apartments |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many places, especially in tourist areas |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local real estate apps like Fincaraiz |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Viajero and Getsemani Hostel offer affordable stays |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Cartagena in Getsemani offers great facilities for remote workers |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Tinto Cofee is popular among nomads for its Wi-Fi and coffee |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital nomads often meet at social gatherings organized through Facebook groups and local expat meetups |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check the Expats in Cartagena Facebook group for bi-weekly get-togethers |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates well in Cartagena |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at several shops in Walled City; scooter rentals can be found through RideLink app |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bocagrande Beach is a popular nearby beach area |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Viva Air offer domestic flights |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and LATAM provide international services |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Centro Histórico and nearby highways such as Route 90 |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cartagena does not have a train system; buses and taxis are primary modes of transport |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are inexpensive but lack a dedicated pass system |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to Barranquilla and Santa Marta |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clínica del Caribe provides good healthcare services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bendita Vida Yoga offers classes in the city |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Bodytech have modern facilities |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Estrella is a popular choice among expats |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is widely used for food delivery in Cartagena |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bandeja Paisa and Arepas are local favorites |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetal is a popular vegan restaurant in Getsemani |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato and Co. offers a range of tasty gelato |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bazurto Market for local produce and street food |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a helpful online shopping platform |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carulla provides grocery delivery options |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Getsemani neighborhood has vibrant nightlife and bars |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza 3 Cordilleras is a local favorite |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Barón specializes in wine and cocktails |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | El Mercado de Bazurto for various street food options |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Corral and Il Forno serve a variety of cuisines |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Walled City, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and Plaza Santo Domingo |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Oro and Museo de Arte Moderno have impressive collections |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visiting the historical forts is highly recommended for history buffs |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Pedro Claver is a key religious site |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cartagena International Music Festival in January and Hay Festival in January |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Getsemani is known for its vibrant street art and culture |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Adolfo Mejía hosts various performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bazurto Market and Portal de los Dulces for a taste of local products |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live salsa and vallenato music |
| 🎨 Street Art | Getsemani features vibrant murals and street artworks |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes offered by Cartagena Cooking Class provide insights into local cuisine |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería El Museo offers a showcase of local artists |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Cathedral of Cartagena is a prominent historical building |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city’s architecture reflects its colonial history as a UNESCO World Heritage site |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Islas del Rosario National Park is great for a day trip and snorkeling |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Corales del Rosario National Natural Park is famous for its biodiversity |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bocagrande waterfront offers scenic paths for walking and cycling |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Castillo de San Felipe for panoramic views of the city |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | San Bernardo Islands provide excellent birdwatching opportunities |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa Blanca has designated areas for bonfires |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and Deprisa offer reliable shipping services |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Kiosks in malls offer mobile phone repairs |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Municipal parks sometimes have outdoor tables available |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Caro y Cuervo offers Spanish classes for learners |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango has resources for studying |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Colombo Americano provides community activities |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafés can be found in the city center |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Rio serves as the main gaming facility in Cartagena |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,100 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $114,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% for corporate entities |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends paid to residents |
| 🏦 Tax System | Colombian residents taxed on worldwide income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% for high earners |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% standard value-added tax on most goods and services |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, prevailing CFC rules exist for foreign entities |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on the cadastral value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% to 3% depending on the property's location |