City in Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Cali
Colombia's salsa capital: warm weather, great dance schools, affordable living and fewer tourists. Street crime and heat are the trade-offs, and it lacks Medellín's polish and nomad infrastructure.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,270–2,110Comfortable, one person · $4.2M–7MDetails
- Value for money56/100Better value than 55% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJul–Aug, Dec–FebWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Air quality23 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · PollutedDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated by Emcali but locals and visitors often drink filtered or bottled water; avoid ice in small places.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$33–72Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards are accepted in malls, chains and many restaurants; keep cash for street food, taxis, small shops and salsa clubs.Details
Where to stay in Cali
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| San Antonio | Colonial hilltop with cafés, hostels and walkable evenings |
| Granada | Restaurants, nightlife and safe evening strolls |
| Ciudad Jardín and Pance | Quiet, upscale and green; access to river swimming |
| Juanchito | Salsa clubs; go with a local or by taxi |
Apps that work in Cali
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: Use Uber or DiDi for nightlife; taxis near clubs may quote tourist prices. Order through apps instead of street taxis in the dark.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards are accepted in malls, chains and many restaurants; keep cash for street food, taxis, small shops and salsa clubs.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
Going to Cali solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.