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 medicine?
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 here for more info on medical care and medicine in Colombia.
NL and Belgian consulate
The Consulate of the Netherlands in Cali
Netherlands Honorary Consulate in Cali, Colombia – Calle 5 No. 38-25 – Edificio Plaza San Fernando – Oficina 504 – Cali, Valle – Colombia
Phone Number: (+57) 26661663
Email: consulaatcali@vdl.com.co
Website: Dutch Consulate Cali
Consul: Gerrit D. van de Leur – Honorary Consul
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 08:00-13:30
Opening hours may change. Always contact the consulate before visiting. Nowadays, many consulates of the Netherlands require you to make an appointment before visiting the consulate. In most cases, you can make an appointment using the consulate’s website or by phone (+57) 26661663 or email consulaatcali@vdl.com.co
The Consulate of Belgium in Cali
Website: Belgian Consulate Cali
The Consulate of Belgium in Cali
Belgian Honorary Consulate in Cali, Colombia -Parque tecnologico de la Umbria Universidad – San Buenaventura Via Pance – Cali – Colombia
Phone Number: (+57) 2 524 04 25
Email: consuladobelgicacali@gmail.com
Consul:Mr. Eric Van Den Hove – Honorary Consul
Opening hours: by appointment.
Packing List
In Cali it is very hot and sunny, so sunglasses, sunscreen and airy 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/ears
- Small backpack
- Thermos for water
- Credit card
- Sunscreen
- Poncho (in rainy season)
- Proof travel insurance
- Set of neat clothes for a night out or upscale restaurant so you “”blend with the locals.
- Gym shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Thermos for water
- Medicine 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.
