Santa Marta, Colombia 🇨🇴
#223
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Marta, located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history as one of the oldest cities in South America. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of around 20-30 Mbps, with higher speeds available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP; ATMs available but check for fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Colombia uses 110V, 60Hz power; Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular mobile service providers offering various data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda offer services suitable for expats; Revolut and TransferWise can be used for international transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide plenty of options, with average prices around $400-$600 per month for furnished apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept cards, but cash is still common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Many short-term rentals are available via platforms like Airbnb, with prices starting from $20/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Casa del Viajero offer beds from $10/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic center, particularly around Parque de los Novios, is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Rodadero is popular among digital nomads for its beach access and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Oficina Coworking is a top-rated space with good amenities and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Ouzo Café offers a relaxed atmosphere, WiFi, and great coffee for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and workshops are often held by local expat groups via platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Santa Marta Expat Community on Facebook hosts regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use DIDI or Uber for safe and reliable transportation around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local services offer bike rentals, with prices around 20,000 COP per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Rodadero Beach is the closest and most popular for visitors. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Viva Air operate regional flights from Santa Marta. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Avianca provide international connections to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Ruta del Sol (Highway 90) connecting to major destinations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Marta has a bus terminal that connects to various cities in Colombia. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available, but passes are not commonly offered. Pay per ride (approx. 2,000 COP). |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby cities like Taganga and Barranquilla for affordable travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario Julio Méndez Barreneche is the main hospital in Santa Marta. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Karma Yoga Studio offers various classes, often attended by expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Santa Marta provides memberships around 100,000 COP/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava y Planchas offers laundry services with prices around 2,500 COP per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is the most used food delivery app in Santa Marta. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Arepas de Huevo' and 'Ceviche' at local street vendors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan place 'El Jardín de los Platos' offers various plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Crepes & Waffles serves delicious desserts and is a popular cafe. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market in the historic center is great for budget shopping on fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a go-to for online shopping in Colombia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Jumbo and Carulla offer delivery services through their apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Rodadero has numerous bars and clubs for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal Santa Marta produces local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Pérgola Wine Bar offers a nice selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Parque de los Novios serve various local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza, tacos, and sushi are widely available in various restaurants around the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Santa Marta Cathedral and Parque de los Novios. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gold Museum of Santa Marta showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Make sure to see the Santa Marta Cathedral, one of the oldest in South America. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival de la Cultura is held annually in Santa Marta. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Historic Center for its vibrant culture and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Santa Marta hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Parque de los Novios features a market with local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is often heard in bars throughout the city, especially reggae and cumbia. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The historic streets feature vibrant murals and urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available focusing on traditional Colombian cuisine at various venues. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Artistas offers a space for local artists to showcase their work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many colonial buildings around the Historic Center, like the Casa de la Aduana. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its heritage through various events and festivals throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sierra Nevada mountains offer hiking trails and stunning vistas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is nearby and a major attraction for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal walkway from El Rodadero to Santa Marta offers scenic views for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Taganga provides a stunning view of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sierra Nevada is a great spot for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches like Playa Blanca have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Servientrega provide reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops are available in the city, with one popular option being 'Movistar' for mobile repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Bilingue offers Spanish language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca del Parque is a quiet spot for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural del Caribe hosts various cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are some gaming cafes in the city, particularly in the Rodadero area. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are a few casinos in Santa Marta, including Casino del Mar for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate of 7.5% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Colombia assesses taxes based on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | The VAT rate is 19%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules affecting tax obligations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax is around 1%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Colombia provides options for tax residents, including tax incentives in certain free zones. |