Practical information about Cali, Colombia
Practical information about Cali
Need a doctor or dentist?
Health care in Cali is known to be good. There is a wide choice of medical facilities, in terms of general health care and dentistry. This costs a fraction of health care in Europe.
Clinica Occidental has a special international department, with bilingual doctors and nurses.
Through the links below, you can find more info on english-speaking dentists
Furthermore, through the Medic App 24 hours a day to order a doctor’s consultation “at home.”
Need medicines?
There are many drugstores (farmacias) in Cali, such as Farmatodo and Farmacias Pasteur, some of which are open 24 hours a day. Furthermore, you will find farmacias including in shopping malls, larger supermarkets and department stores such as Exito. Many medicines can be obtained without a prescription, such as antibiotics. Convenient is the delivery service of drugstores, if you are unable to pick up the medication yourself.
Check out this link for more info on medical care in Colombia.
Consulates in Cali
Cali has several foreign consulates and honorary consulates that provide consular services to their nationals. While some consulates have dedicated websites, others may be represented through their embassies in Bogotá or via honorary consuls. Here’s an overview of the countries with consular representation in Cali: consulates in Cali
Packing List
In Cali it is very hot and sunny, so sunglasses, sunscreen and light clothes, should not be missing in your suitcase or backpack. If you are going to a higher area such as KM18, bring some warmer clothes as well. Check here which travel documents you need for Colombia.
Packing list:
- Cell phone with downloaded apps
- World plug
- Headphones
- Small backpack
- Thermos for water
- Credit card
- Sunscreen
- Poncho (in rainy season)
- Proof travel insurance
- Set of nice clothes for a night out or upscale restaurant so you blend with the locals
- Sneekers
- Sunglasses
- Medicines if you want a particular brand
Supermarkets and drugstores
Supermarkets
Carulla is a nice supermarket with a lot of imported products which makes it one of the more expensive supermarkets. Exito is a well-known department store, where they sell not only food but also clothes, electronics, home stuff, etc. just like Jumbo. Falabella is a well-known store for clothing, jewelry, perfumes and stuff for the home. There are also smaller convenience stores of supermarket chain Justo y Bueno, where you can get cheaper groceries.
Drugstores (farmacias)
There are many drugstores (farmacias) in Cali, such as Farmatodo and Farmacias Pasteur, some of which are open 24h a day, Furthermore, you will find farmacias including in shopping malls, larger supermarkets and department stores such as Exito. Many medicines can be obtained without a prescription, such as antibiotics. Convenient is the delivery service of drugstores, if you are unable to pick up the medication yourself.
Check out here for more info on medical care and medicine in Colombia.
Wifi/digital nomads
Cali is not a “digital nomad” city like Medellín but there are many places with good and reliable internet. If you have to work in Cali, you can always check the Internet speed with your hotel or hostel before booking.
