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The land of arepas and salsa is calling. Live and work in Colombia!
In fact, Colombia has already attracted between 30,000 and 40,000 Americans to up-sticks and set up a new life. So, why do so many expats want to live and work in Colombia?
In this article, we take a look at seven benefits you’ve not considered when emigrating to this vibrant and advancing country. Let’s kick things off with living costs.
1. Low cost of living, high quality of life
You already know Colombia is affordable relative to your own country. Eating out for lunch costs an average of $7-10, a high-end, 85-square-foot furnished flat costs around $1,800,000 a month, and high-speed internet costs less than 100 bucks.
But what about your quality of living? To put it lightly, it’s generous. For a small cost, you can have incredible experiences unique to Colombia and retain enough of your monthly budget to save.
In fact, most expats require less than $1000 to $2500 a month to live off, so don’t worry about not having enough to enjoy the good life here.
2. A variety of climates for all tastes
As a country with a tropical climate, Colombia’s weather changes depending on the department where you find yourself.
Colombia has every climate you could ever desire, from searing heat to crisp and fresh winds. Its proximity to the equator means that Colombia does not have real seasonal change. In fact, it’s widely accepted that ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ are the two modes of climate that the country oscillates between.
The beauty of living in Colombia is that differences in height above sea level and proximity to the equator mean massive diversity in temperatures across the country. If you’re looking for drier, savanna-type settings to live and work in, departments like Huila have low precipitation levels. Boyacá, on the other hand, is significantly cooler. The capital of Antioquia – Medellín is dubbed the ‘city of eternal spring’, meaning the temperature sits nicely between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius year-round.
3. Many diverse paradisiacal landscapes
Colombia is a terrain of extremes.
Colombia’s natural offerings are second to none, from the tropical jungle, rocky mountains, and white sandy beaches.
Not only is it an incredible setting to work in, but the country is also home to the northern tip of the Amazon, indigenous lost cities, and countless mountain trekking routes in breathtaking surroundings.
4. A great offer for language learning
For many expats, much of Colombia’s attraction stems from the fact that it’s a Spanish-speaking country.
What is not widely known is that Colombia is also one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish basics. Colombians from regions like Cundinamarca have a clean and neutral accent, which makes them easier to understand than those from other parts of Latin America.
Furthermore, learning Spanish in Colombia is very affordable. There’s a wide selection of language institutes that offer a variety of Spanish courses for different student needs. Whether you’re looking to learn business Spanish or just be able to have a conversation, there’s a Spanish tutor or school for you.
5. Fruits and Vegetables that only exist in Colombia
Colombia is the world’s second most biodiverse country.
As a result, it’s home to some of Latin America’s rarest fruits and vegetables. With the perfect climate to grow certain greens and natural products, Colombia is home to Gulupa, Maracuyá, Sapota, and many other incredible foods of the soil.
If you’re interested in learning more about Colombia’s fruit and vegetable varieties, some great exotic tours are available in major cities and rainforest areas.
6. Employment Opportunities
Colombia offers some fantastic employment opportunities, whether you’re just starting out in your career or a seasoned industry professional.
Digital B2B services, education, and app technology are all industries in Colombia currently seeking skilled expats fluent in English. This is especially true in major cities like Medellín and Bogotá.
Colombia’s cosmopolitan areas are fast becoming the hubs for tech startups looking to base themselves in Latin America. In advertising and marketing alone, there are over 230 agencies currently based all over Colombia.
Check out our article for more information on the fastest-growing industries in Colombia for expats seeking employment.
7. Active nightlife in all cities
If you’re not aware already, the rumba in Colombia is fierce.
Bars, clubs, and the entire neighborhood come to life at night in both Colombia’s towns, cities, and small villages. Wherever you find yourself in Colombia, there’s bound to be a party occurring. And there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking to learn salsa or experience a truly Latin night out of reggaeton and bachata, you’ll never find a shortage of places to go and fiesta. Likewise, if you yearn for rock or electronic music, there’s an ever-growing community of DJs and live bands that light up the major cities.
Colombia also has a significant number of festivals and music events, the most famous being Estereo Picnic. Incidentally, Estereo Picnic has been known to attract the likes of Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, and The Chemical Brothers.
It’s time to live in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for to fulfill the dream of living in a country of opportunities? Consult our advice, and we will give you the best that fits you to stay in Colombia.
