Cali

Santiago de Cali, also known as Cali, is considered the salsa capital of Colombia and the “city of eternal summer.” Cali is one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1536 by the Spaniards, the area having been inhabited by indigenous tribes before their arrival. 

Cali is located in a valley with mountains to the west, the Cauca River to the east and plains to the north and south. It is situated at 3,340 feet (1,018 meters), with a warm climate and little pollution. The official language of Colombia (and Cali) is Spanish, used for all government transactions, as well as in most business situations. 

The city has a well built-up infrastructure with reliable electricity, phone service, and high-speed internet. Roads and highways within the city are well-maintained, so owning a vehicle won’t require extra amounts of maintenance. You’ll find many of the typical conveniences that you’re used to back home, from shopping malls to boutiques, large banks with branches around the city, and tons of great dining options. With 150 multinational companies located in Cali, your job prospects are much greater than some of South America’s other top destinations. 

In Cali, you can choose from a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you’re renting in the city center or purchasing a property on the outer edge, there are a great many options for every personal or family consideration. You’ll also be able to make friends with like-minded people, as there is a small but slowly growing permanent expat community as well as a growing “snowbird” expat community that are in the city to escape the snow during winter months up north. 

And if you love dancing, the nightlife experience in Cali is second to none.