Montería, Colombia 🇨🇴
#2161
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Montería is the capital of the Córdoba department in Colombia, known for its warm climate and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-50 Mbps, with fiber optic available in several areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | COP (Colombian Pesos), with 1 USD ≈ 3,800 COP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo, with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely, local banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels like Hotel AyMaria. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, especially in larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices starting from $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like La Casa de los Abuelos offer beds starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is ideal, close to attractions like Plaza Alfonso López. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Neighborhoods like El Trapiche and La Pradera offer a good mix of affordability and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cowork Montería offers a productive environment with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Parque is known for its friendly atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Social meetups are organized by local expat groups and at coworking spaces bi-monthly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Montería Expat Community' Facebook group hosts regular events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Apps like Didi and Beat are popular for local rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals can be found at local shops, with rates around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Coveñas Beach is about 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates flights to major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Avianca for international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highways include the Ruta del Sol connecting to various regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Montería does not have a main train hub; bus services are the primary transit form. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate regularly, but a specific transit pass is not available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Montería to nearby cities like Sincelejo and Cartagena. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clinica del Caribe is a leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga y Meditación Alma offers yoga classes and meditation sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit Montería is a popular gym with affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express provides efficient laundry services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Domicilios.com are the preferred apps for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup you should not miss. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Casa Vegana offer diverse vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dolce Mondo is well-known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de Mercado is ideal for local foods and spices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre Colombia is popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi also provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona Rosa is the hotspot for nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Costa is a local brewery worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Brasa y Vino offers an excellent selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try arepas and empanadas from food stalls around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Corral serve well-known international delights. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sinú River and the Puente de los Tiempos are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Porro showcases local music and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Catedral de Montería is an important historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Jerónimo is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Feria del Sinú is an annual festival celebrating local culture and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic center boasts rich architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Metropolitano is the main venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Markets like Plaza de Mercado are vibrant and full of local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues host local artists performing traditional genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the city showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes focus on traditional Córdoba cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Centro Cultural La Cueva exhibits works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial-era buildings are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Montería is known for its vibrant folklore and traditional music styles. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Parque Natural Paramillo is a significant natural reserve nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de la Macarena is within reach. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Sinú River path offers scenic views for walkers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Sinú offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Montería are popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks like Parque de la Vida have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and Envía provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech support shops can be found near the city center for gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural offers Spanish language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública Blas de Lezo is a good place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura offers cultural workshops and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming places like ZonePlay provide spaces for video gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Montería is the prominent location for gambling. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 32%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax is based on territorial income; residents only taxed on Colombian income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates apply based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for non-residents. |