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10 Smartphone apps I couldn’t live without in Bogota

October 27, 2014 // 5 Comments

When people move to a new country, they’ll often buy a cheap phone with a local SIM card to use while they’re there. This is fine if you’re just visiting for a short time, but if you’re in Colombia for the long-haul, a smartphone will be a really useful tool. Here are the (Android) smartphone apps that I use regularly, which I really [more]

Clothes and shoe shopping in Bogota

May 18, 2014 // 3 Comments

This post gives advice on clothes and shoe shopping in Bogota – you might find it useful to read my post on what to wear in Bogota first! if you’re looking for souvenirs, gifts or flea market type shopping, my post on markets in Bogota may be useful. If you’re looking for books, the Librería Nacional and Panamericana are chain stores which [more]

Where to change euros and dollars for pesos in Bogota

May 4, 2014 // 2 Comments

Updated January 2018 There are a number of exchange bureaus near the Museo del Oro Transmilenio station in the centre of Bogota for changing dollars for pesos (as well as many other world currencies). This should result in you getting a much better rate than if you change dollars at a shopping mall – just make sure you shop around! Changing euros or dollars for [more]

Teaching English in Bogota

May 4, 2014 // 30 Comments

The easiest way for an English speaker to make money in Colombia is by teaching English; and teaching English in Bogota has become a big business. Everyone seems to be setting up a ‘School of English’ nowadays; needless to say therefore, that there is a huge variation in quality, working conditions and pay. If you don’t have a CELTA certificate [more]

Bogota neighborhoods: where to live in Bogota [Updated 2023]

March 4, 2014 // 24 Comments

Bogota neighborhoods where to live and stay in Bogota Quinta Camacho

When I was contemplating my move to Colombia, I started checking out the different Bogota neighborhoods and the cost of rent to see what I could get for my money. The problem was that I had no idea which areas were nice, safe and well-located, or which I should avoid. Now that I’ve been living here for a while, I feel qualified to provide the low-down of areas [more]

How to meet people in Bogota

February 27, 2014 // 9 Comments

If you’re thinking of moving here, one of the first things you’ll be wondering is how you will meet people in Bogota and make friends. Bogota has a large and (generally) welcoming expat community, and there are a number of regular events where you’ll be able to meet some of us (and practise your Spanish with some of the locals!). La Villa – [more]

Safety Tip of the Day – How to avoid being robbed in Bogota

February 27, 2014 // 1 Comment

Yesterday I became a victim of crime in Bogota for the first time. It actually could have been a lot worse. When I got on the Transmilenio, I had my purse. When I got home, I realised I didn’t have it anymore. This was preferable over having a knife stuck in my face and threatened for my bag (which also happens – usually on the busetas or on the street), [more]

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