Santa Marta, Colombia 🇨🇴
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city in Colombia, founded in 1525, and is known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds of 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP. Major banks include Bancolombia, Davivienda, andBBVA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted; some banks offer services for foreigners. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to luxury hotels, with Airbnb popular among travelers. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major establishments accept cards, but cash is still common in some areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate sites offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal La Villana and Seki Eco Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Casa Joven offers a comfortable coworking environment with good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Fundacion, featuring a relaxing atmosphere and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized via social networks like Meetup.com and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Santa Marta Expats community on Facebook hosts regular gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use InDriver or Uber for convenient ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local businesses offer bike rentals, including Bike Santa Marta. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Rodadero is a popular beach about 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers flights to major cities in Colombia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and LATAM operate international flights from Simon Bolivar International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Intersected by Route 90, connecting to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Marta does not have a train system; buses are the primary transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Payment is generally made in cash to bus drivers. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to cities like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Medellín. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario Fernando Troconis provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Mikasa Yoga Studio and Yoga Santa Marta offer various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Gym and Smart Fit are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express offers affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is the most popular delivery service for food and groceries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty of fried fish (pescado frito) served with coconut rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Cafe offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería La Alquimia serves delicious ice cream and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza Mercado offers fresh fruits and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is a popular e-commerce platform in Colombia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi and Domicilios.com can deliver groceries to your door. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Centro Histórico is vibrant with bars and clubs like La Puerta and El Bongo. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Santa Marta is a local brewery worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vinos offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | La Avenida offers a variety of street food including arepas and empanadas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Canno offers Italian food, while Ali Baba specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Tayrona National Natural Park and the historic Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Oro Tairona displays indigenous gold artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of Santa Marta is a must-visit historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Francisco is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival de la Cultura is celebrated annually in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the historic district for vibrant street art and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Santa Marta hosts various performing arts events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Público is a bustling local market with food and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Visit the local bars for live music, especially in the historic center. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant murals can be found throughout the city, notably in the historic center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at La Cocina de la Abuela where you can learn to make traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Fundación Sofia Iovino exhibits local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The oldest house in Santa Marta is located in the historical center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Santa Marta is known as the birthplace of Gabriel García Márquez, influencing the region's culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta offers stunning hiking and nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tayrona National Park is a popular destination for beaches and rainforest. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal paths along Playa de Rodadero are ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Minca offers breathtaking views of the Santa Marta area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Sierra Nevada is home to diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Campgrounds in Tayrona National Park allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and Interrapidisimo offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | PC Express and local phone repair shops provide tech services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultura y Arte offers Spanish language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca del Centro Cultural is a quiet place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura provides various community programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Club Santa Marta offers a space to play video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Santa Marta provides options for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive taxation based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Colombia has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1% of the purchase price. |