Blog tag
expat-life
What life is really like as an expat in Colombia — the culture, community, challenges, and rewards of making Colombia your home.
Blog tag
expat-life guides for real Colombia decisions
expat-life brings together 99 guides for readers researching expat-life, with practical context on expat-life.
All guidesLatest posts
99 guides available.
expat-lifeMarch 31, 2026Tipping in Colombia: When, How Much, and Who to Tip
Colombia’s tipping culture is different from the US. Here’s exactly when to tip, how much, and the one phrase you need to know: propina voluntaria.
expat-lifeMarch 31, 2026How to Set Up Utilities in Colombia: Electricity, Water, Internet & Phone
Everything you need to set up electricity, water, gas, internet, and phone in Colombia. Providers, costs by estrato, and how the bill payment system works.
expat-lifeMarch 31, 2026Colombian Food Guide: 20 Dishes Every Expat Needs to Try (With Prices)
From bandeja paisa to street empanadas, here are 20 Colombian dishes you need to try — with real prices, where to find them, and what to order at every type of restaurant.
expat-lifeMarch 31, 2026Colombian Slang: 50+ Words & Phrases Every Expat Needs to Know
Parce, bacano, chimba, rumba — Colombian Spanish is full of slang that no textbook teaches. Here are 50+ essential words and phrases every expat needs, with pronunciations and real examples.
bankingMarch 31, 2026How to Convert USD to Colombian Pesos (Nearly Free) Using Kraken & ARQ
Stop losing 3–5% on every dollar you convert. I use Kraken to buy USDC and ARQ (formerly DolarApp) to convert to pesos at the real rate — total cost: about $2–5 per $2,000 transfer.
bankingMarch 31, 2026How I Track My Credit in Colombia as a Foreigner Using MiDataCrédito
Your home country credit score is worthless in Colombia. Here’s how I use MiDataCrédito to track my credit, build my score with a cédula de extranjería, and why every expat should subscribe.
colombiaMarch 31, 2026Best Health Insurance in Colombia 2026: EPS vs Prepagada Compared (With Real Costs)
Trying to choose health insurance in Colombia? Compare EPS and prepagada options, what foreigners can actually sign up for, and when paying more is worth it.
colombiaMarch 31, 2026Colombia Tax Residency: The 183-Day Rule Every Expat Must Understand (2026)
Do you owe taxes in Colombia? The 183-day rule explained — how tax residency works, what income gets taxed, how to count your days, and strategies to stay compliant in 2026.
colombiaMarch 31, 2026Medellín Airbnb vs Long-Term Rental 2026: Real Price Comparison (Save 50%+)
Airbnb vs renting an apartment in Medellín — real price comparison by neighborhood. How to save 50%+ by switching from Airbnb to a direct long-term rental in 2026.
colombiaMarch 31, 2026Bringing Your Pet to Colombia: Complete Guide for Dogs & Cats
How to bring your dog or cat to Colombia — flight requirements, health certificates, vaccinations, airline policies, customs, and what to expect when you land in 2026.
colombiaMarch 31, 2026Colombia Retirement Cost 2026: Honest Monthly Budget Breakdown for Retirees
How much does it cost to retire in Colombia in 2026? Real monthly budgets for retirees — housing, healthcare, food, transport, and lifestyle costs in Medellín, Bogotá, and beyond.
colombiaMarch 31, 2026How to Ship Your Stuff to Colombia (Or Why You Probably Shouldn't)
Should you ship your belongings to Colombia? Honest guide to international shipping costs, customs, what to bring in suitcases, and what to just buy when you arrive in 2026.