Bogotá at a glance
Located 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogotá is known as the home of all Colombians. It serves as the gateway to Colombia and a starting point for many visitors exploring the country. Thanks to its strategic location in the Americas, it is also a well-established destination for business tourism.
Although often perceived as a cold and gray city, Bogotá’s streets are alive with unmatched cultural offerings, restaurants for every taste and budget, and a highly skilled population that makes the city the economic, cultural, and political heart of Colombia.
The Andes Mountain range runs through South America from south to north. In Colombia, it splits into three branches, and Bogotá sits on its eastern chain, located at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level, on a fertile high-altitude savannah.
Bogotá was founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistador, Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada in a region originally inhabited by the Muisca people. It served as the seat of Spanish colonial power in northern South America until independence was declared in 1810. Since then, it has remained Colombia’s political and economic center.
Discover Bogotá’s main attractions, from museums and gastronomy to libraries and nature, along with the city’s full cultural events calendar at the following link.
The city enjoys mild weather year-round, with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F) and daily temperature variations rarely exceed 15 degrees. It’s always advisable to carry a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella. The dry season runs from December to February, while the heaviest rainfall typically occurs in April–May and October–November. Due to the city’s elevation, wearing sunscreen is recommended to protect against UV rays—even on cloudy days.
Residents are known as "bogotanos" or "rolos", and the city is home to over 8 million people. Don’t let the size intimidate you—getting around is easy thanks to a unique address system and the city’s eastern hills. Streets are called calles when they run perpendicular to the hills, and carreras when they run parallel. For example, the address Carrera 1 N. 19-27 means the entrance is located 27 meters from the intersection of Carrera 1 and Calle 19, and it is on Carrera 1.
Bogotá offers several transportation options to help you move around the city safely and efficiently.
▹ TransMilenio (TM): Bogotá’s main bus rapid transit system, connecting most areas of the city through dedicated lanes.
▹ SITP Buses: Complementary public buses that provide access to neighborhoods and destinations not directly served by TransMilenio.
▹ Taxis: Widely available throughout the city. For safety reasons, it is recommended to request taxis through mobile applications rather than hailing them on the street.
▹ Ride-Hailing Apps: Services such as Uber, DiDi, and Cabify are commonly used and provide convenient transportation options.
Prepare Your Arrival
Bogotá is one of the largest cities in Colombia and Latin America. Before moving, you should consider the following:
Universidad de los Andes has a partnership with CityU, a modern and unique housing option designed to make your stay unforgettable. Choose from different apartment types and enjoy multiple spaces created for your well-being, academic focus, and comfort—making living near Uniandes one of the best choices. Find more information here.
On the other hand, there are several hotels that have demonstrated good to be a good experience for visitors like BH Bicentenario in Bogotá, Hotel Estelar Milla de Oro in Medellín, Hampton by Hilton in Barranquilla, Movich Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion in Cartagena de Indias among others. Alternatively, there are several popular neighborhoods to consider when renting an apartment, such as La Candelaria, Las Nieves, La Macarena, and Germania. Key factors to keep in mind include proximity to Uniandes, access to main roads and public transportation, nearby services, and the safety of the area. Fincaraiz, Metrocuadrado, and Facebook Marketplace are good places to begin your search.
Once you’ve found a place to stay in Bogotá, consider the following steps: get to know your local area, inform your family and friends of your new address, check that everything in the apartment works properly, and report any issues right away.
To ensure a positive relationship with your flatmates, it’s important to set clear agreements on things like food, guests, cleaning, bills, house rules, and moving out. Doing so helps maintain respect, harmony, and good communication in your shared space.
Living away from home, and in a new country, can be overwhelming. You’ll need to balance studies, work, social life, and self-care, all while adapting to a different culture. Cultural shock often unfolds in stages:
▹ Idyll: Excitement about exploring a new culture, meeting people, and having new experiences.
▹ Overwhelm: Frustration or anxiety as you notice cultural differences and begin comparing them to home.
▹ Adaptation: Gradual adjustment as you become more open to new ways of living.
▹ Adoption: Feeling settled, connected, and part of the community.
Your First Week in Bogotá
Now that you’ve arrived in Bogotá, it’s time to get ready to enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
If you are a visitor with a visa for three months or more, it is important that you obtain a Foreigner ID, or "Cédula de Extranjería". This document is mandatory for identifying yourself within Colombian territory. According to Migración Colombia, you must follow four steps:
▹ Fill out the form
▹ Schedule an appointment
▹ Check if your ID is ready
▹ Verify your ID’s status
Mobile service plans in Colombia are relatively inexpensive. The best way to take advantage of this is by getting a SIM card and topping it up to purchase the plan that best suits your needs. The main mobile operator is Claro, which offers wide coverage across the country. Other popular operators include Tigo and Movistar. If you prefer to buy an eSIM, you must visit the operator’s official store, as it’s not possible to get one from street vendors.
• Mobile Numbers
Colombian mobile numbers have 10 digits and usually start with 3.
Example: 300 123 4567
International format: +57 300 123 4567
• Landline Numbers
Your arrival will usually be before classes start, so take some time to explore the campus, get to know the location of your classrooms, and discover the corners of the university you like the most. The campus is typically open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Check out your international health policy in terms of contact numbers, coverage and exceptions.
Colombia’s economy still relies heavily on cash as a primary payment method. Before heading out to explore Bogotá, make sure to visit a currency exchange office and carry enough cash for the next few days. If you plan to travel outside Bogotá, even to a large city, ensure you have sufficient cash and a backup plan in case you run out. You can find exchange offices in most shopping malls across Colombia. It’s best to exchange money during daylight hours, avoid carrying large amounts, and use transportation apps like Uber or Didi for safety. You may also want to explore digital payment options such as Daviplata and Nequi. Learn more about these methods in the Pay Your Expenses section.
To use the public transportation system, the TuLlave card is the required payment method for all TransMilenio stations and SITP buses. You can purchase and load it at any TransMilenio station. You can find the current card and one-way fare prices in the links below (in Spanish). To make things easier, the Universidades station is just one block away from Uniandes. For many students, it remains their main mode of transportation, and they use TransMiApp to plan their routes. You can also learn more about TransMilenio and SITP through the links provided below. (Links in Spanish)
Once you start exploring around, you’ll find that in Colombia there are many grocery store chains. From large supermarkets like Carulla and Jumbo, to hard-discount stores like D1 and Ara, and even small convenience stores in the neighborhoods, such as Tienda Germania near Uniandes. In most chain supermarkets, you’ll be able to pay using a credit or debit card, but not allways in small convenience stores.
Money Matters
We know you have questions about how daily life is in Colombia, especially when it comes to money.
In general, cash is the most commonly used payment method in Colombia, both for everyday purchases and specific transactions. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in most supermarkets, restaurants, and service providers. To ensure you can use your international cards freely, notify your bank about your travel plans before departing so your cards are not blocked.
Remember that living abroad requires careful financial planning. To manage your money wisely, list all your expenses and categorize them under housing, food, transportation, education, entertainment, social life, and travel. This will help you track your spending according to your budget. Always keep some savings aside for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
You can use international transfer companies such as Western Union to receive money from abroad if needed. In case of you need to receive an international payment from Uniandes, be aware that the timing for them could take from 15 to 30 business days and tend to be difficult to track. For more information about international transfers related to Uniandes, get in touch with "Gestión Humana y Desarrollo Organizacional Uniandes".
Life in Bogotá as a foreigner is relatively affordable compared to many cities in North America or Europe, though costs can vary a lot depending on your neighborhood and lifestyle. Hence the importance of budgeting. Housing tends to be around US$350-450/month with services included, mobile service could be around US$15/month, groceries are reasonable, going out for dinner to a restaurant like Crepes&Waffles or Wok could be around US$25 depending on the exchange rate, and public transport one-way cost you can find here. Check out Uniandes’ Handbook before your departure. (Links in Spanish)
You can find currency exchange offices in most major cities. For greater security, it is recommended to use exchange offices located inside shopping malls and during daylight hours.
ATMs are widely available throughout Bogotá. Whenever possible, use ATMs located on the Uniandes campus, inside shopping malls, banks, or other well-monitored locations.
Before traveling, check with your bank about international transaction fees, withdrawal limits, and card compatibility in Colombia.
As in many cities around the world, some individuals may try to take advantage of visitors. To stay safe, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep valuables in a zippered pocket or bag, never share your banking information, and familiarize yourself with the zones you plan to visit before going.
As mentioned before, cash remains the most common payment method. However, Nequi and Daviplata are popular digital wallets accepted in many shops and services. Once you have your foreigner ID, you can open an account with either platform. By registering your Colombian phone number, you can make small transactions directly from your phone. Simply ask for the merchant’s Nequi or Daviplata number or QR code, open the app, and send the money. You can add funds to your account at multiple agents across the city. Bre-B is a platform allowing instant transactions between bank accounts in Colombia. Each individual may have a Llave or transactional identification. You can use your phone number, ID number, mail, or a combination of letters and numbers. Find more information about Daviplata and Nequi. (Links in Spanish)
Must-Do Activities in Bogotá and Surroundings
This is the historic heart of the city. Its plazas and narrow streets are a living testimony to Bogotá’s rich past.
In Bogotá you find several museums where you can find everything related to history, gold and metals, and arts. National Museum, Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and Modern Art Museum are great start points.
One of the city’s two iconic hills, Monserrate offers breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets. You can reach the top by cable car, funicular, or on foot—though walking is recommended only in the morning hours. During Holy Week, the site receives a high number of visitors.
Bogotá accounts a vibrant culture around books and literature. That's why the public and private sectors invest in beautiful buildings with exquisite architecture to host the curiosity and hunger for knowledge. Some pretty amazing libraries are Virgilio Barco, Luis Ángel Arango, and Julio Mario Santo Domingo. Most of these also are cultural centers that host concerts, theatre, and dances. Get to know the agenda!
Keep in Mind
The information provided in this section is for informational purposes only. It does not represent an official position of Universidad de los Andes, nor does it imply any institutional commitment. The content shared here does not seek to promote or endorse any public or private organization.
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