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Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴
#221
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cartagena, a port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,000,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 30 Mbps (varies by provider and location). |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP (Colombian Pesos). Major credit cards widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Bancolombia and Davivienda; international cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to hostels and private rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely; however, cash is suggested for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like El Socorro and Casa en el Agua offer affordable options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Getsemani and the Walled City (Centro Historico) are popular amongst tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bocagrande is favored for its amenities and proximity to cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Cartagena is a popular choice for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mar offers good coffee and a great view for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are organized through Meetup.com and local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Cartagena Expat Community hosts regular meet-ups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Didi are available for car rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Electric scooters are available through Bird and Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bocagrande Beach is the closest and well-maintained. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and LATAM operate flights within Colombia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Avianca offer international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to main highways connecting to Barranquilla and Santa Marta. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cartagena does not have a train system but buses are available for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transcaribe Buko ticket: approximately 2,000 COP per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby cities like Santa Marta and Barranquilla. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario del Caribe offers good healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Aqua Yoga and Balu Yoga Studio are popular spots for wellness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Bodytech are popular gym franchises in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavado Express and local laundromats provide excellent laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Domicilios.com dominate the food delivery scene. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish 'Arepas de Huevo' or 'Ceviche'. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green House and Vegetariano are excellent choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Paradiso serves delicious ice cream flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bazaar de Las Palmas for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is a popular option for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fresh Market offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La serena and Calle del Arsenal are famous nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 3 Cordilleras offers local beer tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de la Cerveza offers an assortment of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Getsemani serve tasty snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Settebello for Italian and La Casa de la Mar for seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the Walled City. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Oro Zenú showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Palace of Inquisition displays the city's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Convento de la Popa is notable for its architecture and views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Hay Festival and Cartagena International Music Festival are major events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Getsemani is known for its vibrant street art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Adolfo Mejía hosts theatrical performances and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bazurto Market is a bustling spot for local food and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at Quiebra-Canto is a must-visit for music lovers. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the colorful murals in Getsemani. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn local cuisine at the Cartagena Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada Art Gallery features contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Cathedral of Cartagena showcases striking colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is renowned for its preserved colonial heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Isla Barú for pristine beaches and nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Corales del Rosario National Park is great for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade along Bocagrande is ideal for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Cerro de la Popa offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the wetlands of Cienaga de la Virgen for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa Blanca has areas where bonfires are permitted. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and DHL provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MiCel and Tiendas de Tecnología offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The recreation center at Centro Deportivo Aloha has ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | InstitutoCaribe offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública Jorge Artel is a great place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura offers community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Sede Gaming provides a place for gamers to meet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Hippodromo de Cartagena is a popular venue for gaming and betting. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $144,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $208,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 33%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Colombia has a special visa program for digital nomads with reduced tax rates. |