General information only. Groups, events and platforms change quickly, and this article does not endorse any specific group. Be careful about sharing personal information online. Last reviewed October 2026. This article was written with AI assistance, as explained in how we create our content.
Building a social circle is one of the biggest factors in how well you settle in. Colombia has active expat and nomad communities in the main cities, and plenty of local groups where you can meet Colombians. This guide covers where to look and how to stay safe while you do.
Where Expats Meet
- Online groups: Facebook groups and WhatsApp or Telegram chats for expats and digital nomads in each city. Search by city name plus “expats” or “digital nomads.” Rules and activity levels vary.
- Meetup-style events: language exchanges, coworking socials and professional networking evenings, often listed on event platforms.
- Coworking and coliving spaces: a built-in community for remote workers. See coliving and nomad housing.
- Hobby and sports clubs: running groups, hiking clubs, dance classes, climbing gyms and cooking classes.
- Volunteering: a way to meet people and give back, ideally through established organizations.
Meeting Colombians
Expat circles are comfortable, but friendships with Colombians deepen your experience. Language exchanges are a good start. See practical Spanish for expats. Neighbors, building staff, colleagues, classmates and local clubs all help. Colombians often value warmth and personal connection, so accept invitations when you can.
Professional Networking
Chambers of commerce, industry associations, startup events and coworking communities can help if you work or run a business. See working in Colombia and starting a business or freelancing.
Using Groups Safely
- Do not share your address, documents or financial details in public groups.
- Be skeptical of recommendations for lawyers, landlords, money exchangers and agents, and verify independently. See legal resources in Colombia.
- Meet new contacts in public places first.
- Watch for scams such as fake rentals, requests for deposits before viewing and investment offers.
- Remember that group advice on visas, taxes and health can be outdated or wrong. Check official sources.
Getting the Most Out of Groups
- Introduce yourself and say what you are looking for.
- Search past posts before asking common questions.
- Attend a few events, then pick the groups that fit you.
- Offer help and share what you learn.
Related Guides
FAQ
Q: Which city has the biggest expat community?
A: Medellín is widely known for its digital nomad and expat scene, with Bogotá and Cartagena also active.
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: Not for expat groups, but it helps a lot for local friendships.
Q: How do I avoid scams?
A: Verify identities, avoid advance payments and use official channels.
I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Bogotá, Colombia, and yes, I know exactly what it’s like to be a solo female traveler in a country the world still misunderstands.
I’ve been travelling independently for 10 years, completing 50+ solo trips across Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Argentina, Peru and the United States. I write in both English and Spanish, and I also contribute to allaboutcolombia.com where I cover my home country in depth — from the coffee region to the Caribbean coast to the Andes.
My speciality is Latin America: the neighbourhoods the guidebooks skip, the buses that are actually fine to take, the hostels that feel like home, and the restaurants where locals actually eat. I’ve hitchhiked across Patagonia, navigated Medellín’s metro system at rush hour, and camped solo in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. I know this region the way you only can when it’s yours.
I also cover the US for solo travelers, having spent time road-tripping through the Southwest, the Pacific Coast and the Deep South.
