Bogotá: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Bogotá has about 8 million residents and is the capital and largest city of Colombia. It sits at about 2,600 m, so it is cool all year. The economy runs on finance, government, technology, outsourcing, healthcare and education. Colombian banks are headquartered here, along with regional offices of international companies.

Who it suits: remote workers, entrepreneurs, people learning Spanish who want a big Latin American city with good restaurants and culture. Who it does not suit: people who struggle with altitude, traffic and rainy weather, and those not ready to watch their safety.

Districts: where newcomers settle

• Chapinero and Rosales - restaurants, cafés and green streets, popular with foreigners.
• Chicó and Usaquén - the calm north, malls and international schools.
• Quinta Camacho - quiet streets with brick houses near the business centre.
• La Candelaria - the historic centre, museums and universities, less safe in the evening.
• Salitre - new complexes closer to the airport.

Cost of living

• One-bedroom flat in the north - roughly $500-900 a month, more in gated complexes.
• Groceries and cafés - affordable; lunch in a local café costs a few dollars.
• Transport - bus rapid transit and ride-hailing; the first metro line is under construction.
• Health insurance - required for the visa; private policies are cheap by US and European standards.

The nomad visa income threshold of about $1,610 a month is enough for one person living modestly.

Practicalities: transport, climate, language, money

• Climate. Spring all year: +18-20 by day, +7-10 at night, frequent rain. Bring warm clothes and allow time to adjust to the altitude.
• Transport. Traffic is heavy, and many areas restrict cars by plate number at rush hour.
• Language. Spanish; English is not widely spoken outside offices.
• Money. Colombian peso; cards are widely accepted, but small places need cash.

Moving and legal status

• Entry - Russian citizens need no tourist visa and can stay up to 90 days.
• Digital nomad visa - up to 2 years with income from 3 Colombian minimum wages, about $1,610 a month, from abroad. More in Colombia nomad visa.
• Other visas - for retirees, property and business investors, work and study.
• Registration - within 15 days of entry or visa issue you register with the migration service and get a foreigner ID.

Taxes: after 183 days a resident pays tax on worldwide income at 0-39%; more in Colombian taxes.

Work and business

• Where foreigners work - remotely for foreign companies, in startups, outsourcing and language teaching.
• Your own business - a simplified joint-stock company is registered quickly and can be 100% foreign-owned.
• Corporate tax - 35%, VAT - 19%.
• Banks - an account is opened with a foreigner ID, and source-of-funds checks are mandatory.

Family: schools and healthcare

• Schools - many private bilingual and international schools in the north.
• Healthcare - Bogotá's private clinics are among the best in the region, and doctor visits are inexpensive.
• A city for children - parks, museums and mountains nearby, though altitude and traffic are tiring.

Safety and everyday details

• The main risks are phone snatching on the street and in transport, and taxi scams: book cars through an app.
• Avoid walking empty central streets at night.
• Gated complexes in the north are calm.
• Altitude: drink more water and take it easy in the first days.

First steps after moving

1. Migration registration - within 15 days of entering on a visa, then the foreigner ID.
2. Tax number - needed for a bank account, renting and dealing with a company.
3. Bank account - with a foreigner ID; banks sometimes ask for references or income documents.
4. Phone - a SIM card is issued against a passport, and mobile internet is cheap.
5. Housing - agency rentals often require a guarantor or tenant insurance, so foreigners find it easier to rent from private owners or serviced flats.

The city and weekends

• The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral - an underground church in a salt mine about an hour from the city.
• Villa de Leyva - a colonial town three to four hours away.
• Medellín and Cartagena - about one and one and a half hours by plane, with frequent cheap flights.
• Monserrate - a viewpoint above the city reached by funicular.
• Culture - the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, theatres and Chapinero cafés.

Is it worth living here

Bogotá is a big, lively city with affordable prices, good healthcare and an easy nomad visa. The downsides are a cool rainy climate, altitude, traffic and street crime. Moving makes sense for remote workers and entrepreneurs who want Latin America with career opportunities. For a warmer climate, many choose Medellín.