Clothing
Cali has an average temperature of around 82 degrees F (28 C). Wearing apparel for the Cali area is, therefore, generally lightweight. You may find the need for heavy sweaters and winter jackets, but only on those occasions that you visit Bogotá or other high altitude regions.
As well, during the rainy season, things can get relatively chilly, and new teachers have suggested light sweaters and blankets. Also, as “cool” climates can be found within an hour from Cali, new imports have suggested bringing down some warm clothing (a hat, gloves, warm jacket, rain gear, etc.).
Men:
- slacks
- sport shirt
- dress shirt
- casual shoes
Women:
- dresses
- skirts
- Bermuda shorts
- closed-toe shoes
- sandals
- casual dress
- short-sleeved shirts)
Finally, the dress code simply states that teachers must wear professional attire. Jeans are allowed on Fridays. Men may not wear sandals. Women may wear sandals that are dressy (not beach sandals or Birkenstocks).
It is, therefore, advisable to bring comfortable, yet nice looking, clothes. Bring things like
- cotton clothing
- light pants
- good raincoats
- umbrellas
- windbreakers
- a sweater
- T-shirts
- etc
Shoes: There are a wide variety of women’s and men’s shoes available; however, soft-soled shoes may be hard to find (women). If you have a favorite casual shoe or running shoe, or if you have a large shoe size (width or length), it is best to bring a supply from North America. Sizes up to nine are easily obtained, and sizes 10 – 11 are available with some looking but sizes greater than 11 can be difficult to find. Dress shoes can be made here for reasonable prices. Several Payless shoe stores are available in Cali with a wider variety of styles and sizes in shoes. The larger the size, however, the more limited the style.
In general, prices here are at least competitive with North America, and if you are willing to look around and bargain a bit, you will be able to find some good deals. Some have said that jeans here can be “crazy expensive” in comparison to North America.
There are MANY malls in Cali, both large supermalls with many stores and strip malls. Clothing and shoes are easy to find, although many women have commented that women’s clothes are expensive. In any case, you shouldn’t have any trouble buying pretty much what you need. The Arturo Calle chain for men’s clothes offers excellent and well-made clothing for a much lower price than similar items in the States.