Benefits of Living in Colombia (Pros & Cons)

The pros & cons of living in Bogota are surprising. There are some things that are unexpected luxuries and other common things in the U.S. that cannot be found here. In my own personal decision trying to decide if I am going to live here forever or move back to the U.S., below is an exercise in the benefits of living in Colombia.

Taxis everywhere.

Pros of Living in Colombia

• Taxis are everywhere and you do not need a car
• Coffee, juice, fruit, and flowers are cheap
• Maids are cheap
• You can get a good meal very cheap
• Most food produce is organic and there are farmers markets everywhere
• The high elevation makes it safe for the apocolypse and flooding predictions
• The weather in Bogota is amazing and stable, the sunshine is the best part

Cons of Living in Colombia

• Imported products are expensive like clothes, cars, and electronics
• Some people have little knowledge or exposure to international cultures
• Hard to find good international food, usually very expensive
• Traffic
• Eating Colombian food everyday can get old, little variety

Unexpected Luxuries

Bogota is not known as an international luxury destination, however daily life can have its unexpected luxuries - perhaps even better than cities like London or Paris. For example, these luxuries are available in Bogota because they are cheap and otherwise would be a lot more expensive in another country.

For this reason, I have decided to live in Bogota forever. Though I come from a very comfortable suburban lifestyle, these luxuries are something that I have decided that I cannot live without. Below is a list of the benefits and luxuries that I enjoy here, but may not be able to afford in the United States.

Organic food and marketings are the norm. Also, cheap!

Unexpeted Luxury & Benefits of Living in Bogota:

• Maids: Maids here are very cheap and a lot of people have one. Not only do they only cost $15-20 US per day, but they are full-service maids. This includes cooking, cleaning, laundry, babysitting, running errands, and taking care of pets. A lot of children grow up with maids and they are part of the family for a lifetime. This is one luxury that I plan to enjoy and is not the norm in the United States.

• Personal Drivers: Taxis are so common that you could consider them to be personal drivers and live without a car forever. But even if you do have a car, some people hire personal drivers to pick them up in thier own care when going out at night to prevent drunk driving. For example, there is a service that you call where a driver arrives in a motorcycle, then they will drive you home. Other driving services include driving from Bogota to weekend travel destinations or communting to and from work.

• Massages, Salons & Spas: Getting a massage, manicure, or a haircut is very cheap. The quality is good and there is a salon on evey street corner. This makes it easy to get your hair and nails done everyweek for about $20 US. Great for women who like to look their best. Great range of cheap and luxury spas also provide great options in pricing and treatments so that you can go often.

• Organic Food: Since most food and produce is grown locally, the quality of the food is very good, natural, and organic. For example, you can get a homecooked meal at a local mom & pop restaurant and get fresh sqeezed juice.