Cartagena, Colombia - is it a good place for a family?

Question

Have a 3 year job opportunity and wondering if this area would be a good and safe place to live with a 1 year old. Also if you have any suggestions on the area to look for apartment/house it would be greatly appreciated. Wife and child would be doing things on their own occasionally as well as traveling in and out of the country alone. Wondering if anyone has suggestions or tips for our family if we accept the transfer. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Totally,any city of colombia is nice to live.

Answer 2

Yes. Most of Cartagena is safe, until you start getting out of the main area and more towards the bullring. Email me and I will give you my Aunts Phone # there (She lives in Crespo basically across the street from the airport) There is pretty good scuba there, lots to do. Great night life inside the walled city and if you are smart its safe. Its better if you speak or try to speak Spanish. Youll love the culture, the people you might not want to leave.. I know I never do when I go . Also, since you are going to be there for three years, you will need a visa and a Cedula. W/O the Cedula you cannot open a bank account, rent an apartment,etc. Also be aware that almost every apartment uses an immobiliaria (Basically a rental agency) and you will, more than likely, have to put up 6-12 months rent as a deposit. And, unlike the US you have to leave the apt EXACTLY as you found it. There is no such thing as normal wear and tear.