Cartagena, Colombia Report of what it's like to live there - 02/03/20
Personal Experiences from Cartagena, Colombia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Second as an expatriate. Also lived in El Savador.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. Three hours from DC to Miami, with a long layover in Miami. Then another three hours to Cartagena.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is actually very nice. All live in high rises, with three to four bedrooms with a view of the bay or ocean.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Because this is a tourist city, the prices are pretty comparable to the smaller cities in the US. Once you leave Cartagena, prices are much better. I've been to Bogota and Medallin, and the prices there are much cheaper.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Too much to list. Oil and filters for your car. Spices for Mexican and Indian foods. The international food scene is very limited here. Food isn't as great as in other Latin American countries.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are a limited number of Italian, Middle Eastern and American type of restaurants in the city. Also, pseudo Japanese restaurants as well.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Depends, but you may have problems with ants depending on where you live. Also geckos, but most don't see that as a problem. I haven't seen any cockroaches.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Thru the DPO (military mail system). It takes a bit longer, since it's routed thru Bogota first.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Pretty reasonable. I think most pay an average of about USD$15-16 a day.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are a few gyms in the city, at reasonable prices. Anywhere from $25-50 per month. Parking may be a challenge.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely accepted, but you need to be careful with fraud. Always ask that the credit card scanner be brought to you, and never let your credit card out of your line of sight.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Everything is in Spanish, so you really need Spanish to live here. Virtually no one speaks English.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. I don't see any ramps for wheelchairs, etc.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very affordable, but we are not allowed to take take trains or buses. Taxis are very reasonable, but you need to exercise proper precaution.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Almost everything is ok. I've seen all kinds of cars including Porsches, Camaros, Jeep, etc. With that said, I wouldn't bring anything nice since you'll most likely have several scratches and dents. Also, the salt air and water will eat your internals from the ground up.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but it's not very reliable. Outages are common, and customer service isn't very good.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You can do both/either. Local sim cards and plans are pretty reasonable. Many people bring their US plans which allow overseas roaming, and they seem to do fine.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes, there is a vet in town. Quality? Better than nothing I suppose. But I've seen all sorts of pets, at least in the rich areas.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Almost impossible, unless you can get a spouse job at the EBO. Jobs in the local economy pays peanuts.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
I suppose.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Very casual, even for special occasions. It's really hot and humid here.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It's not too bad. There is petty theft, but I don't think this place is worse than any city in the US. It's probably safer, since there are cops all over the place at least where we live and congregate.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There are a couple of hospitals, but I heard they aren't very good. If you need good medical care, you need to go to Bogota or Baranquilla.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Seems decent, since we are surrounded by water.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Island fever? As long as you can get away once in a while, I think you are ok. Cartagena is pretty much a small city, and you'll see the same faces everywhere.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Always hot and humid. Expect to be soaked in sweat if you need to walk more than a block.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I heard there are social problems. I've heard local students are not very accepting of "gringos," so the American kids then to get bullied a lot. It seems a lot of people have turned to homeschooling, or internet-based schools.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not very much. Minimal, I would say.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small expat community. Beach activities and boating trips to the local islands. Morale seems mixed. If you like the beach life, you'll do ok. If you need a city or culture, you might have problems.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are meet ups and other clubs that you can find. They are all relatively small though.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I'd say good for families, couples and single men (as long as you are not looking for a serious relationship).
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, this city seems very LGBT-friendly. I see a lot in town, and haven't heard of any issues.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, the locals are very hospitable. With that said, you'll be initially judged on your skin color. In my opinion, if you are black, they'll treat you one way, and another if you are mestizo. Until they hear you speak, and once they see that you are American, you'll be treated as such.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Standard Latin America, a bit behind the times I would say since Colombia has recently been open due to its history.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to other parts of Colombia and Peru.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
It's either the beaches and islands, or getting drunk at the local pubs. No hidden gems I'm afraid.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hats, artwork, etc. I've heard that emeralds are cheaper, if you know what you are doing
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Beach type of atmosphere, but it's very hot and humid here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It's not like the rest of Latin America. It's a bit behind the times, since Colombia has been closed to outsiders for a while (due to drug wars). People will act a bit backwards here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, not really. This isn't Miami.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
All your cold weather clothes, nice car, jewelry.
4. But don't forget your:
Swim suits and tanning oil.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
This place isn't like any movies I've seen. Not even Narcos.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Be aware of what you ask for.
