Jim Glansdorp
Why would an online entrepreneur from Amsterdam move to Cali? It’s a question I get all the time — from friends, family, and even complete strangers. In December of last year, I made the move from the city of canals to the city of salsa. And this website feels like the perfect place to share a bit about my journey and what it’s like to relocate to the city that stole my heart nearly two years ago.
In 2023, I took my first solo trip to South America, with Colombia right at the top of my list. One of the stops on my route was Cali — and I instantly fell in love. Not just with the city, but also with a Caleña. Life is full of surprises, and sometimes, you’ve just got to go with the flow, right?
Falling in love with Cali
From the moment we met, we started traveling back and forth — a few weeks or months in Amsterdam, then a few months in Colombia. Cali was always the home base, and over time, I began to appreciate the city more and more.
Cali isn’t like Medellín or Cartagena — places packed with tourists where you instantly “get” the vibe. Cali takes time. It’s a city that grows on you. It’s full of hidden gems, a unique culture, and a vibe that’s all its own. Fortunately, I had my partner to show me everything the city has to offer.
The more time I spent here, the more I realized I wanted to live here — at least for a while. So in December 2023, driven by love for the city, my partner, and a craving for adventure, I made the move. Having my own media company and the ability to work remotely certainly made things easier. It felt like the perfect moment to make use of the location freedom I had always dreamed of.
The only real challenge? The time difference — and waking up at 5 a.m. every day to match European hours. But even that becomes routine eventually.
So, what has stood out to me in my first six months of living in Cali? Let me share a few things.
What to love about Cali?
Cali is a truly unique city. If I had to describe it in a few words, I’d say it’s authentic, raw, and real. I do hope the city’s negative reputation fades over time — but more than that, I hope Cali never loses its essence.
It’s a colorful place, full of life and energy. People here live and breathe salsa, love to party, socialize, and are incredibly passionate about food. Back in Amsterdam, being spontaneous is tough — everyone’s calendar is booked weeks in advance. In Cali, you can live day by day. If you’re in a good mood and feel like going out, chances are you’ll find others ready to join you for a night out or a casual dinner.
People here work hard, but social life is a big priority — something that felt incredibly refreshing after years of intense focus on building my career. There’s a lot to love about Cali, and I’ll highlight a few of my favorite things below — starting with the cost of living.
The cost of living
The cost of living in Cali is so much lower that it can genuinely feel like living a more luxurious life — especially if you’re earning a Western salary. The exchange rate with the Colombian Peso makes everyday comforts far more accessible. Things like having a weekly cleaner, personal training multiple times a week, and 24/7 security outside your home — luxuries that are often unaffordable in Europe (not that you’d necessarily need security there) — suddenly become part of your normal routine.
These comforts make daily life much easier, and honestly, once you get used to this lifestyle, it’s hard to imagine going back to your “old life.”
To give you some examples:
- Personal training (3 times a week): around COP 350,000 per month (about €74)
- Weekly cleaner: also around COP 350,000
- A nice apartment in a good neighborhood: COP 1,420,000 per month (about €300)
All of this combined doesn’t even come close to the cost of just the rent in Amsterdam.
Dining out at a nice restaurant costs around COP 150,000 (roughly €30) per person, and even a VIP cinema experience with fancy seats will set you back about COP 50,000 (around €10). With a Dutch salary, going out becomes not just affordable — it’s actually more fun.
And in my experience, service in Cali tends to be better than in Amsterdam as well. The prices I mentioned are for the more upscale places, but if you’re on a tight budget, you can easily find a solid meal out for around €5.
The food
If you’re into fresh, real food at a great price, Cali is a fantastic place to be. I’m still amazed by the flavor of the fruits and vegetables compared to what I was used to in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, fruits need to look perfect to make it onto supermarket shelves—but in Cali, quality and taste matter more than appearance. And that makes a real difference. It’s definitely food for thought.
The flavors here are vibrant, and there’s so much more to discover beyond the typical arepas and chicharrón. Whether it’s tropical fruits you’ve never tried before, homemade stews, or local specialties, Cali has a rich food culture that’s both comforting and adventurous.
As a big coffee lover, Colombia is a dream come true. As you probably know, it’s one of the world’s top coffee-producing countries, and good coffee is easy to find—especially in the bigger cities and in the coffee region. You’ll find a wide variety of flavors, brewing styles, and specialty cafes. That said, you do need to know where to go—street-corner coffee is cheap and convenient, but not always the most flavorful.
Some of the bigger local brands, like Café Quindío, offer high-quality brews and also double as great spots for remote work. Win-win.
The social life
Cali is bursting with vibrant energy. It’s a city full of cafés (many of them great for remote work), restaurants, nightclubs, and—most famously—salsa clubs. Known as the salsa capital of the world, Cali has no shortage of incredible spots if you’re into dancing. In fact, in many places, salsa music makes up about 80% of what you’ll hear.
So, if you’re really not into salsa, Cali might not be your ideal destination. But don’t worry — the bigger clubs also play a mix of popular music and reggaeton. And if you know where to look, you can even find great venues for house, techno, or live jazz.
Whether you’re in the mood for a good dinner, a football match, or a night out dancing, there’s something happening almost every day of the week. People in Cali truly enjoy life — and if you’re willing to go with their rhythm, you’re in for a great time.
Here’s a taste of a Random Friday Street party = Vibes 10/10 🤌💃
Close to the nature
Cali has a great climate and a lot of green spaces. There are beautiful parks like Parque de la Salud, and some amazing hikes, like Tres Cruces or Pico de Loro. I still have a lot to explore in the area, but it’s definitely a great place to reconnect with nature when you need a break from the city’s chaos.
One of my favorite things to do here is go for a run in Ingenio or the park in Pance. It’s lush and green year-round, and the weather helps too — Cali rarely drops below 23°C, and it’s almost never too hot to enjoy being outside. It’s ideal for outdoor workouts and a huge contrast to the short, often unpredictable summers back in Amsterdam (if you’re lucky enough to get them at all).
Cali is also a great base for exploring the rest of Colombia or even other parts of South America. I’ve taken weekend trips to the island of San Andrés, quick getaways to Medellín and Bogotá, and relaxed in the hot springs (termales) near Pereira. All of these destinations are less than four hours from Cali.
Because even though life in Cali is already full of adventure, a traveler still needs to keep discovering new places from time to time.
Why I choose Cali over other Colombian cities
Medellín is probably the most popular city among expats — and I have to admit, it’s an amazing place. I’ve visited many times, and the idea of living there definitely crossed my mind. But there are a few key reasons why I chose Cali over Medellín, at least for now.
First, the authenticity. “Cali es Cali” is a phrase you’ll hear Caleños say all the time — and it’s true. Cali is one of a kind: authentic, raw, real, and rich in culture. It hasn’t changed itself to cater to tourists. While some areas of Medellín feel almost designed for foreigners — with inflated prices and the occasional scam — Cali has stayed local, grounded, and true to itself.
Another plus? Fewer gringos also means lower prices. Cali is noticeably more affordable than Medellín. In my experience, the food here is also fresher and more flavorful, and the people are generally happy, relaxed, and welcoming. They’re friendly without being pushy — something I really appreciate.
That said, Cali is a city that grows on you. It’s not always love at first sight. Having a local to show you around makes a big difference and helps you see everything the city has to offer.
So is everything better in Cali?
Is Cali perfect? Of course not. Like any city in the world, it has its pros and cons.
The traffic, for one, can be frustrating. Getting from the north-central areas to the south—where I live—can take up to an hour on busy days. Another surprise for me was the amount of rain. I hadn’t realized that Colombia is one of the rainiest countries in the world. But over time, I’ve learned to appreciate it. The rain can actually be refreshing after a warm day, and eventually, you get used to it.
If you’re considering moving to Cali, it’s really important to do your homework when choosing a neighborhood (barrio). Cali has a wide variety of areas, and they can be like night and day in terms of vibe, safety, and convenience. Some great options to consider are Granada, San Antonio, or Pance—the latter is ideal for families and offers a lot of space and nature.
Want to follow more of my Cali adventures? Find me on Instagram at @jimss.jg on Instagram or @jimincolombia on Tiktok.
Did Jim’s experience spark your interest in living in Colombia?
If Jim’s journey got you thinking about relocating to Colombia, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing to live in cities like Cali for the lower cost of living, vibrant culture, and incredible lifestyle.
The best part? You don’t have to just dream about it — you can actually make it happen.
Colombia offers several visa options for foreigners who want to stay long-term, including:
- Digital Nomad Visa – Ideal if you work remotely and want to live in Colombia for up to two years.
- Investor Visa – For those looking to invest in real estate or a Colombian business.
- Spousal Visa – If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a Colombian citizen.
- Retirement Visa – For those with a consistent pension or retirement income.
Navigating the visa process can be challenging, especially if Spanish isn’t your first language. That’s why working with a reliable agency is the smart move.
👉 Need help? Check out Cali Capital’s Visa Services.
They offer expert guidance, bilingual support, and a streamlined process to help you get your Colombian visa with ease.
If you’re serious about living the Colombian lifestyle — whether it’s for a year or for good — this is your first step.
