30 Reasons Why I Love Living in Bogota

I’ve officially been living in Bogota for over 2 years. And I still love it. Of course, it’s had its up and downs. I’ve officially been in 2 earthquakes, experienced the phenomenon of el Niño and seen its consequences widespread across the country not to mention witnessed the much-debated peace process with the FARC. It’s definitely a historical and important moment to be in this country!

I’ve had the chance to speak with many expats and exchange experiences about what it’s like living in Bogota. Everyone has their own story. Many still live in their expat bubble and haven’t found taken interest in learning Spanish within the six years they’ve been here. Others have fully integrated into the Colombian community.

As for me, living in Bogota with a Colombian man and taking part in frequent family reunions has had its challenges, but I’m starting to truly appreciate it and enjoy it. get a hang of it.

With each passing day of living in Bogota, I feel more amañada and have learned to take things with ease. In celebration of still being in love with this country, I wanted to reflect on what I appreciate in my day-to-day of living in Bogota and compare it to my article ’30 Reasons Why Bogotá Rocks’ written a year and a half ago.

Some reasons of why I love living Bogotá might be the same, others might have changed.

Note: This is my point of view as a female expat. Yes, some points can be debatable. But as I said, this is MY point of view.

Here we go.

30 Reasons Why I Love Living in Bogota

1. People are laid back
2. Domicilios everything.
3. Cheap manicures.
4. Great selection fruits and veggies.
5. Awesome quality of life.
6. There’s an automatic cool factor just for being a foreigner.
7. Still relatively undiscovered city.
8. It’s ok and totally acceptable to be late.
9. Growing selection of restaurants on offer.
10. San Andrecito.
11. Hummingbirds in the city.
12. Coffee and snack stands on every street corner in case you have an antojo.
13. Ciclovia Sundays.
14. I don’t have to turn on the TV when Colombia scores a goal.
15. Aromatica. Different and delicious wherever you go.
16. Unilago. The land of cheap electronics.
17. Asking for ñapita, or a little freebie when you buy something just because.
18. Finding all you need and running all your errands within a block.
19. $.60 DVDs of movies that are currently playing in theaters.
20. Good and affordable healthcare.
21. Top of the line plastic surgeons, dentistry and eye laser surgery at a fraction of the cost of what it would be back home.
22. Buying local, authentic and handmade products is cheaper than buying commercially made imported products. (Home decorations, furniture, clothes and food to name a few.)
23. Practically everything is negotiable. And if it’s not, ask for ñapita.
24. When your new Colombian friend invites you to their finca or second home in tierra caliente.
25. Luxuries you otherwise couldn’t afford back home (maids, nannies, drivers and the best services in the top notch places.)
26. Rappi for literally anything you’re too lazy to do. Need to do groceries? Pull out money? Protest? Or go buy that special handbag for your mother’s 56th birthday? Count on them to get it done for you within an hour.
27. Plane tickets to Miami can cost as little as $250 round trip.
28. You’re about a one-hour plane ride to anywhere in the country.
29. The many indigenous tribes in the country with their own language and traditions.
30. The sight of mountains in Bogota.

Ok so a few probably apply to Colombia as a whole, but the benefits can still be reaped from living in the capital. If you’re thinking of moving here or traveling to Bogota for one of these benefits and have any question, leave me a comment in the box below and I’ll be glad to orient you in the right direction!

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