12 Downsides to Living in Bogotá: An Expat Perspective – 2021 Update

I spent a about a week in Bogota in 2018. I actually really enjoyed the city. I was born in Toronto, Canada. Cold weather really does not bother me. It kind of reminded me of Vancouver, Canada Climate wise or Seattle. But in q cultural aspect a little like Nyc or Chicago. When it comes to safety i found it no different than walking in L.A where i currently reside now. There are parts of L.A i would not even think about going at night. My favorite area of Bogota was Chapinero and Chico. I found La Candelaria. I thought all those areas were walkable. Some of the neighborhoods near the Airport were a little sketchy and on the way to downtown i went through a few. I did not feel unsafe. The museums and old architecture there was amazing. I suggest Museo del Oro. Also practice Spanish. Not many people speak English. Best shopping and Nightlife is in Chapinero.

For someone looking for a balanced opinion, this article is not very helpful. Just found it pretty negative and didn’t see anything about all the great benefits.

Hi, I’ve lived in Bogotá for 4+ years. The article does describe downsides, so, duh, it’s a bit negative!! A few thoughts…Options for managing one’s relationship with TRAFFIC include: 1) Minimize travel by living close to where one works or by working from home or in nearby shared work spaces or cafes. Living in a walkable community also helps, as one’s destinations can then be reached without a car, bus, or taxi; 2) Don’t drive! I never intend to own a car here. During non-peak hours, the buses here work OK. Walking here can be delightful, as the streets tend to be lively. OTOH, women here definitely pay a transportation tax, as harassment or simple discomfort on packed buses encourages them to use more expensive means of transport. WEATHER: The weather during the day tends to be quite nice for walking, as the sun is quite warm at our altitude. Yes, our nights are much chillier and less comfortable than in other CO locales. POLLUTION is a problem but is usually less severe in the northern and eastern parts of town where readers here would spend their time. It’s no worse than in many USA cities. CRIME I have yet to be robbed here– crosses fingers– or have any problems whatsoever, but I do know a few people who have been robbed while at ATMs or on the street. CUSTOMER SERVICE varies but isn’t so bad. SPANISH definitely makes life easier; I’d be somewhat alienated if I hadn’t learned to speak with the locals, but I did live here for the first two years or so with very limited Spanish.

Traffic, cold, traffic, cold plus Bogota is the most expensive city in Colombia. I much prefer living in Medellin.