Bogotá hits different than other nomad cities. The altitude alone — 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) — will affect your energy, sleep, and alcohol tolerance for the first 3–5 days. This guide covers what to do and when, from the moment you land at El Dorado International to the end of your first week with a functioning workspace, local SIM, and a working knowledge of how the city moves.
Day 1: Landing and Getting Settled
Airport to Your Accommodation
El Dorado International (BOG) sits on the western side of the city, about 15 km from Chapinero. Your best options:
| Route | Uber (COP) | USD | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport → Chapinero | 20,000 – 35,000 | $5.40 – $9.50 | 30–60 min |
| Airport → Usaquén | 30,000 – 50,000 | $8.10 – $13.60 | 40–75 min |
| Airport → Zona T | 25,000 – 40,000 | $6.75 – $10.80 | 35–65 min |
Uber is the cheapest ride-hail option. DiDi runs 15–30% higher. Yango, a newer entrant, is aggressively discounting fares to gain market share — worth checking. All three operate legally in Bogotá. Download the apps before you land.
Altitude warning: You'll feel the 2,640 meters. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath on stairs, and disrupted sleep. Drink more water than you think you need. Skip alcohol for the first two days. Take it easy on the stairs. Most people fully adjust within 3–5 days.
SIM Card — Get This Done at the Airport
Buy a prepaid SIM at the Claro, Movistar, or Tigo booth in the arrivals hall. A data-only plan with 10–20 GB costs around COP 30,000–60,000 ($8–$16). Bring your passport — they'll register the SIM on the spot. This gives you immediate maps, ride-hail apps, and WhatsApp access (critical — WhatsApp is how Colombia communicates).
Day 2: Orientation and Essentials
Groceries
Find your nearest D1 or Ara for budget staples — these discount chains are everywhere and significantly cheaper than Éxito or Carulla. For imported goods and specialty items, Carulla is the premium option. A corrientazo (set lunch) at a local restaurant runs COP 14,000–18,000 ($3.80–$4.90) — this is how most Bogotanos eat lunch.
Money
ATMs (Bancolombia, Davivienda) dispense up to COP 600,000–1,000,000 per withdrawal. International card fees vary — check with your bank. For better rates on larger amounts, use a Wise or Revolut multi-currency card. The March 2026 exchange rate sits around COP 3,700 per USD.
Getting Around
The TransMilenio bus rapid transit system costs COP 3,550 per ride ($0.96) with free transfers within 125 minutes. The TransMiPass monthly card (65 rides) costs COP 160,000 ($43). Uber and DiDi are your defaults for anything off the BRT routes. Walking is feasible within neighborhoods but Bogotá's scale (north to south can be a 2-hour drive in traffic) means you'll rely on transit for cross-city trips.
Day 3–4: Workspace Setup
Internet First
If your accommodation doesn't have reliable internet, check the ISP situation immediately. ETB and Movistar offer true symmetric FTTH fiber — critical for video calls. Claro uses HFC (asymmetric) in many neighborhoods, which is fine for browsing but can choke on upstream-heavy work. ETB's 500 Mbps plan runs COP 59,900/month ($16). Movistar's 900 Mbps starts around COP 75,992 promotional.
Coworking Options
| Space | Day Pass | Monthly | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoWo Bogotá | — | ~$30 (20 hrs) | Chicó Norte, Quinta Camacho |
| Plugin Coworking | ~$13 | ~$150 (fixed desk) | Central Bogotá |
| Selina | ~$10–$14 | ~$109–$177 | Chapinero, Parque 93 |
| WeWork | Via app | ~$326 (hot desk) | 10 locations across Bogotá |
| Tinkko | ~$17 | By inquiry | 4 locations incl. near Parque 93 |
Note: Impact Hub Bogotá is permanently closed — many blog articles still list it as active. Verify any coworking space's current status before committing to a monthly membership.
Day 5–7: Getting Comfortable
Explore Your Neighborhood on Foot
Bogotá is a walking city within neighborhoods, even if cross-city travel requires transit. Find your go-to café (cappuccino averages around COP 8,000–12,000), your closest pharmacy (Farmatodo and Droguería La Rebaja are the major chains), and your laundry spot. Walk during daylight hours initially — get a feel for which streets are busy and well-lit.
Open Nequi or Daviplata
These mobile payment apps are how Colombia works. Nequi (backed by Bancolombia) is the most widely accepted. You technically need a cédula de extranjería for full functionality, but some users report success with just a passport. Having a local payment option dramatically simplifies daily transactions — from splitting dinner to paying a portero.
Weather Reality Check
Bogotá averages 14°C (57°F) year-round. It rains frequently and unpredictably — carry a light rain jacket daily. The sun at altitude burns faster than you expect, even on overcast days. Pack layers, not shorts.
First week checklist: SIM card ✓ | Ride-hail apps ✓ | Grocery run ✓ | Workspace tested ✓ | Neighborhood walked ✓ | Nequi attempted ✓ | Rain jacket purchased ✓
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people adjust within 3–5 days. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath on stairs, and disrupted sleep. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, and don't over-exert yourself. If symptoms persist beyond a week or include severe headache, nausea, or confusion, see a doctor.
Uber operates legally in Bogotá and is widely used. It's generally the cheapest ride-hail option, followed by DiDi (15–30% pricier) and the newer Yango app. Always confirm the plate number and driver name before getting in, and share your ride status with someone.
Yes. Bogotá has one of the best municipal water treatment systems in Latin America. The tap water is safe to drink throughout the city. Some people prefer filtered water for taste, but it's not a health concern.
Layers are essential — Bogotá averages 14°C (57°F) year-round with frequent rain. Pack a light rain jacket, long pants, and at least one warm layer for evenings. Sunscreen is critical despite the cool temperatures — UV exposure is intense at 2,640 meters. Skip the shorts and tank tops; Bogotá dresses more conservatively than coastal Colombian cities.
Strongly recommended. WhatsApp is the primary communication tool for everything — landlords, coworking spaces, restaurants, services. A prepaid SIM from the airport costs COP 30,000–60,000 ($8–$16) for 10–20 GB of data and gives you a local number immediately.
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