Colombia
The best advantage of living in Colombia
Before I came to Colombia, I had lived in Sweden, Canada, Egypt, Malaysia and Uruguay. I thought I knew what to expect from a new country: some excitement, some difficulties, a period of adaptation. What I did not expect was to fall in love so quickly. After a year living in Manizales, in the Coffee Region, teaching my students online and exploring the country on weekends, I understand why so many foreigners say the same thing: the only risk of Colombia is not wanting to leave.
In this article I share what I consider the best advantage of living in Colombia, and the many others that make daily life here so rewarding, especially for remote workers and digital nomads. I will also be honest about the challenges, because a balanced picture is more useful than a postcard.
The best advantage: the people
If I had to choose only one advantage, it would be the people. Colombians are warm, curious, helpful and joyful. Strangers greet you in the street. Shopkeepers remember your name. Neighbours invite you for coffee and want to know your story. When you are lost, people do not just give you directions; they often walk with you. When you are sick, someone brings you soup or aguapanela.
This warmth is also expressed in language. Colombians are famous for their courtesy: "¿me regala…?", "con mucho gusto", "qué pena con usted", "a la orden". Read the Colombian Spanish words I love. And there is a remarkable joy for life, even among people who have faced great difficulties. Colombians celebrate, dance, laugh and enjoy family time with an intensity that is contagious. Read the people of Colombia.
For a woman living far from her family, this human warmth makes all the difference. I have never felt alone here.
2. A climate you can choose
Colombia is close to the equator, so it does not have the four seasons of Canada or Sweden. Instead, the temperature depends mainly on altitude. You can choose your climate by choosing your city:
| Climate | Examples | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Hot (sea level) | Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla | Tropical heat all year, sea breezes |
| Spring-like | Medellín, Cali | Warm days, pleasant nights |
| Mild mountain | Manizales, Pereira, Armenia | Cool mornings, mild days, frequent rain |
| Cool highland | Bogotá, Tunja | Cool days, cold nights, sunny and rainy spells |
After decades of Canadian winters, waking up every day to mild temperatures and green mountains is a gift. There is rain, of course, especially in rainy seasons, but no snow to shovel.
3. Extraordinary nature and biodiversity
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It has Andean mountains, snowy volcanoes, cloud forests, Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the Amazon rainforest, deserts, plains and countless rivers. It is famous for its enormous number of bird and orchid species. Within a few hours of travel, you can go from coffee farms to hot springs, from páramo landscapes to tropical beaches.
From Manizales, I can visit Los Nevados National Natural Park, the wax palms of the Cocora Valley, the hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal, and many coffee farms. Read the wonders of Colombia and Colombia's world records.
4. A reasonable cost of living
For many foreigners earning in stronger currencies, the cost of living in Colombia is attractive: housing, transport, fresh food, restaurants and services are generally more affordable than in North America or Western Europe. Prices vary a lot between cities and neighbourhoods; Bogotá and popular areas of Medellín and Cartagena are more expensive, while medium-sized cities such as Manizales offer excellent quality of life at a lower cost. I recommend checking current prices and budgets before you move, because exchange rates and local costs change.
5. Excellent for remote work
As someone who has taught online since 2017, connectivity is essential for me. In Colombia's main cities, I have found reliable fibre internet in homes, plenty of coworking spaces, cafés with good Wi-Fi and a growing community of remote workers and digital nomads. Mobile data is widely available as a backup.
Another big advantage is the time zone. Colombia is on UTC−5 all year, with no daylight saving time, which means it aligns closely with Eastern Time in North America for part of the year and differs by one hour for the rest. That makes it easy to work with clients and students in Canada and the United States, while still having reasonable overlap with Europe in the mornings. Read working across time zones.
Colombia also offers a visa category for digital nomads and remote workers. Requirements change, so always check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) before applying.
6. Culture, music and festivals
Colombia lives to the rhythm of music: salsa in Cali, vallenato on the coast, cumbia, champeta, bambuco in the Andes and reggaetón everywhere. Festivals fill the calendar: the Barranquilla Carnival, the Flower Fair in Medellín, the Manizales Fair in January with its parades, concerts and beauty pageant, the International Theatre Festival in Manizales, and countless town festivals. Read Colombian music and festivals.
Literature, art and museums are also rich. Bogotá's Gold Museum, the colourful streets of Cartagena and the street art of Medellín's Comuna 13 are only a few examples.
7. Food, fruit and coffee
Living in Colombia means enjoying arepas every day, comforting soups, abundant tropical fruits and, of course, some of the best coffee in the world. I live in the Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting coffee farms is part of my weekend life. Read the best of Colombian food.
8. Healthcare
Colombia has a well-developed healthcare system, and its large cities have modern private clinics and hospitals. Many foreign residents use private health insurance or join the national system when their residency allows it. Requirements depend on your visa status, so check the official rules and choose appropriate insurance.
9. Easy to travel within Colombia and to the region
Domestic flights connect the main cities quickly and often at reasonable prices, and long-distance buses reach almost every town. Bogotá and Medellín have international airports with direct connections to North America, Europe and Latin America. From Manizales, regional airports and bus routes make it easy to explore the Coffee Region and beyond.
10. A great place to learn Spanish
Colombian Spanish, especially in the Andean region, is often considered clear and well pronounced. People speak at a comfortable pace and are patient with learners. As a language teacher, I can confirm that living here accelerated my Spanish enormously. And for Colombians, I believe learning English opens many international doors; read how English can improve your salary.
11. Family values and community
Colombian life revolves around family and community: Sunday lunches, celebrations with several generations, neighbours who know each other. As a foreigner, you are often invited into this circle. I have spent birthdays, Christmas novenas and Sunday sancochos with Colombian families, and these moments are among my most precious memories.
12. A country moving forward
Colombia has gone through very difficult periods in its history, and the world often still associates it with them. But the Colombia I know is a country of entrepreneurs, students, artists, farmers and professionals working hard for a better future. Cities like Medellín have become international examples of urban transformation. The resilience and optimism of Colombians, their berraquera, inspire me every day.
The honest challenges
No country is perfect, and I want to be honest:
- Safety: like many large countries, Colombia has areas and situations that require caution. Follow local advice, "no dar papaya", and check official travel advice.
- Bureaucracy: visa and administrative procedures can take time and require many documents.
- Language: outside tourist areas, English is not widely spoken, so learning Spanish is important.
- Traffic: big cities can have heavy traffic.
- Rain: in some regions and seasons, rain is frequent and strong.
In my experience, the advantages are far greater than the challenges.
Why I chose Manizales
Manizales is a medium-sized city in the Andes, with a university atmosphere, a strong cultural life, mild weather, spectacular views of the mountains and easy access to nature and coffee farms. It is calm, friendly and affordable, and perfect for someone who works online and loves walking. Read my Coffee Region guide and why Colombia is a beautiful country.
A typical week in my Colombian life
From Monday to Friday, I teach my online classes in two blocks, morning and afternoon, adapted to my students in Europe and the Americas. Between classes, I walk through my neighbourhood, buy fruit from the same vendor who always adds a little extra, and stop for a tinto at a small café where the owner asks about my family. Some evenings I go to a cultural event at one of the universities, a concert or a theatre performance. On Saturdays, I visit the market and cook with fresh ingredients. On Sundays, I explore: a hot spring, a nature reserve, a coffee farm or a nearby town with colourful balconies and a central square where everyone gathers in the afternoon.
It is a simple life, but full. I work with focus and live with joy, and that balance is what Colombia gave me.
What surprised me most
Three things surprised me after arriving. First, how green everything is: mountains covered in forests and coffee, flowers on every balcony. Second, how sincere the friendliness is; it is not a performance for tourists, but part of everyday life. Third, how much Colombians love their country and want visitors to see its best side. Every taxi driver, every neighbour, every student wanted to recommend a place, a dish or a festival.
Who will love living in Colombia
- Remote workers and digital nomads who want good connectivity, a convenient time zone and a rich life outside work.
- Nature lovers, hikers and bird watchers.
- Language learners who want to learn Spanish in an immersive and friendly environment.
- Retirees and semi-retirees looking for a mild climate and community, always after checking visa and healthcare requirements.
- Food and coffee lovers.
- People who value human warmth over perfect efficiency.
Tips for your first month
- Start with a short-term rental to discover neighbourhoods before signing a long lease.
- Get a local SIM card for data and for apps that require a Colombian number.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases and local expressions.
- Ask locals about safe areas and transport options.
- Register with your embassy or consulate if that service exists for your country.
- Keep your visa and immigration documents organised and up to date, following the official rules of Migración Colombia and the Cancillería.
- Say yes to invitations. That is how you will truly discover the country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest advantage of living in Colombia?
For me, the people: their warmth, kindness and joy. Many foreigners say they feel welcome from the first day.
Is Colombia good for digital nomads?
Yes. Main cities have reliable internet, coworking spaces and a growing remote-work community, and Colombia offers a digital nomad visa. Check the official requirements first.
What time zone is Colombia in?
UTC−5 all year, with no daylight saving time, which works well with North American schedules.
Which Colombian city has the best climate?
It depends on your taste. Medellín is famous for its spring-like weather; Manizales and the Coffee Region offer mild mountain climate; the coast is hot.
Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Colombia?
It is highly recommended. Outside tourist areas, English is not widely spoken, and Spanish will make daily life much richer.
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