Daily Transportation
Cali has an excellent mass-transit system, comparable to that in many large cities in North America. (Buses cost from US$0.75 to US$1.00) The city implemented a new mass transit system, the MIO, a few years back which is efficient, clean and fast with routes all over the city. In addition, taxis are relatively inexpensive, especially in terms of U.S. rates (from the center of the city to the school is about US$6.00). While buses and taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, you should be prepared to accept a certain lack of mobility to which you might have been accustomed in the States or Canada, especially if you had a car.
The Head of Security will talk to you about staying safe when using public transportation, especially taxis. In a nutshell, you should always order one from where you are rather than getting one off the street. There are APP’s for most of the taxi services in town, and these are safer, as well. Finally, UBER’s and their ilk are also available: safe, easy, order it on your phone – but a bit more expensive than taxis.
The “cheapest” new cars in Colombia cost around US$8,000.00 and are, therefore, discouraged. Good used cars commonly owned in Colombia are Renault, Mazda, Chevrolet, Hyundai, and some other models, and these will often cost from US$3,000.00 to US$7,000.00. Used motorcycles include Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Hondas and can cost from US$1,000.00 (for a 125 cc) and up. (Most common engine sizes here are from 100 cc to 250 cc – bring a helmet if you plan to buy one, as they are expensive, poorly made here, and required.)
Although the price of automobiles and motorcycles may sound unreasonable, you can assume that you will be able to get a very good price when you decide to sell. Well-maintained automobiles and motorcycles do not depreciate here as they do in the States.