You're standing at Miami International Airport (MIA), probably sweaty because the AC in the North Terminal is acting up again, looking at a departure board filled with flights to Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. It feels like a local hop. Honestly, it kind of is. Miami is basically the northernmost city of Latin America, and the jump from Miami to Colombia South America is one of the most well-trodden paths in the Western Hemisphere.
But here’s the thing.
Most people mess it up because they treat it like a trip to Orlando with better coffee. It isn't. Whether you're moving your life in a shipping container or just heading down for a month of remote work in El Poblado, the logistics are weirder than you think. I’ve seen people show up at the gate without their Check-Mig form completed, thinking they can do it on the plane. You can't. The airline won't even give you a boarding pass.
The Three-Hour Leap: Why This Route is Exploding
It’s about 1,500 miles. That’s it. You can fly from Miami to Bogotá in about three and a half hours, which is shorter than a flight to Los Angeles. Because of this proximity, the cultural and economic ties are inseparable.
American Airlines, Avianca, and LATAM basically run a bus service between these two points. Spirit and JetBlue get in on the action too, mostly through Fort Lauderdale (FLL), which is basically Miami's backyard.
Why are people going? It’s not just the bandeja paisa.
The "Digital Nomad" surge is real, but there’s also a massive "Return Migration" happening. Colombians who have spent twenty years in Doral or Kendall are moving back to retire in the coffee axis (Eje Cafetero) because their dollars stretch like crazy there. According to recent data from the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, the U.S. remains the top source of international visitors, and a huge chunk of that traffic funnels directly through MIA.
The Paperwork Trap (Don't Ignore This)
Listen closely: The Check-Mig.
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You have to fill out this digital form on the Migración Colombia website within 72 hours of your flight. It’s a clunky government website. It glitches. Sometimes it won't accept your passport number on the first try. If you show up at MIA without that confirmation email, you’re going to be that person frantically typing on their phone while the gate agent sighs at you.
Also, if you're staying longer than 90 days, don't think you can just "wing it." While Americans get a 90-day stamp on arrival, you can only extend that for another 90 days per calendar year. After 180 days, you’re an illegal alien. Don't be that guy. Get a V-class (Visitor) visa if you’re planning a "workcation."
Choosing Your Colombian Base Camp
Miami is flat, humid, and flashy. Colombia is... diverse. You have to pick your flavor before you book that flight from Miami to Colombia South America.
Bogotá is the monster. It’s huge, high-altitude (8,600 feet), and chilly. If you leave Miami’s 90-degree heat and land in Bogotá in a t-shirt, you’ll regret it by the time you reach the taxi stand. It’s the business hub. It’s gray. It’s sophisticated.
Medellín is the darling. The "City of Eternal Spring." It’s where everyone from Miami seems to end up. The climate is perfect, the nightlife in Provenza is world-class, and the metro system is actually clean—unlike the Metrorail. But beware: it’s becoming "Gringolandia" in certain pockets. Prices in El Poblado are starting to rival some parts of West Miami.
Cartagena is Miami’s sister. It’s hot. It’s on the Caribbean. It’s colonial and beautiful, but it’s also a tourist trap in the walled city. If you want the beach but hate the crowds, look at Santa Marta or even the islands like San Andrés.
Real Talk on Safety
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Is Colombia safe? Mostly. Is it as safe as Coral Gables? No.
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There’s a phrase in Colombia: No dar papaya. It literally means "don't give papaya," but it really means "don't be an easy target." If you’re walking around Medellín with your iPhone 15 Pro Max out while checking Google Maps, you’re giving papaya.
The U.S. Department of State usually keeps Colombia at a Level 3 travel advisory ("Reconsider Travel") due to crime and terrorism, but that’s a broad brush. Most travelers from Miami stick to the major cities and have zero issues. Just keep your head on a swivel. Use Uber or Cabify instead of hailing street taxis, especially at night.
The Cost of Living Reality Check
People move from Miami to Colombia South America because they’re tired of paying $3,000 for a one-bedroom in Brickell.
In Bogotá or Medellín, you can get a luxury "Estrato 6" (high-end neighborhood) apartment for about $800 to $1,200 a month. Eating out is where the real savings happen. A corrientazo (a massive lunch with soup, meat, rice, beans, and juice) will cost you about $4 or $5. In Miami, that’s just the tip for your barista.
But imported goods? Expensive.
If you want an iPhone, a MacBook, or a pair of Levi’s, you’re going to pay a "luxury tax" that makes Miami prices look like a bargain. This is why you see Colombians at Dolphin Mall with three extra suitcases—they’re buying everything they need to bring back home.
Shipping Your Life
If you’re actually moving, don't try to ship a car. Just don't. The taxes (IVA and Arancel) can hit 35-50% of the car's value, and the red tape is a nightmare.
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Most people use "casilleros" (shipping lockers) based in Doral. Companies like Servientrega or Coordination USA let you buy stuff in the U.S., ship it to a Miami warehouse, and then they fly it down to your door in Colombia. It’s surprisingly efficient. For a full household move, you'll need a "Menaje de Casa" permit if you're a returning citizen or have a specific residency visa, which allows you to bring your used furniture tax-free.
Health Care: The Big Surprise
One thing Miami residents find shocking is that the healthcare in Colombia is... actually great?
In the 2024 rankings by América Economía, several Colombian hospitals (like Fundación Valle del Lili in Cali or Fundación Cardioinfantil in Bogotá) ranked among the best in Latin America.
Many expats from Florida come down specifically for dental work or elective surgeries. A high-quality dental implant that costs $4,000 in Miami might cost $1,200 in Medellín. And the doctors actually spend time talking to you. It’s a weird feeling for someone used to the U.S. insurance meat-grinder.
Actionable Steps for Your Transition
Don't just dream about it. If you're serious about the trek from Miami to Colombia South America, you need a checklist that isn't fluff.
- Bank Prep: Open a Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account. They refund all ATM fees worldwide. In Colombia, you’ll be hitting ATMs constantly because "cash is king" in many places, and those $5–$7 fees add up.
- Cell Service: Don't pay for an international roaming plan from AT&T or Verizon. It’s a rip-off. Get an eSIM (like Airalo) for the first two days, then go to a Claro or Tigo store with your passport and get a local SIM. You’ll pay $15 for a month of data.
- The 40% Rule: If you’re moving for the cost of living, try to keep your income in USD. The Colombian Peso (COP) is volatile. One week $1 is 3,900 COP, the next it’s 4,500. If you earn dollars and spend pesos, you’re winning.
- Learning the Slang: "Que pena" doesn't mean "what a shame"—it means "I'm so sorry/excuse me." You'll hear it a hundred times a day. Learn it. Use it. It opens doors.
- Health Insurance: If you're staying, look into SURA or Sanitas. They offer private plans (Prepagada) that cost a fraction of Florida Blue and give you access to the best clinics in the country.
The flight back to Miami is always a bit depressing. You leave the lush green mountains or the turquoise Caribbean and land back in the concrete sprawl of the Palmetto Expressway. But for many, the "bridge" between these two worlds is the perfect way to live. You get the grit and opportunity of the U.S. and the soul and affordability of Colombia.
Just remember to fill out that Check-Mig form before you leave your house in Kendall. Seriously.
Next Steps for Success:
- Download the Check-Mig App: Get it on your phone now so you don't forget 72 hours before your flight.
- Verify Your Passport: Ensure you have at least six months of validity left; Colombia is strict about this at the border.
- Check the Exchange Rate: Use a real-time tracker like XE.com to time your initial cash withdrawals.