One of the most common questions in expat forums is: What should I pack for Colombia? Whether you’re moving, traveling, or working abroad, the right items can make a huge difference in your experience.
For the entrepreneurial-minded, another key question is: What can I bring to sell for a profit?
In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite must-have items—things we love but are either unavailable, hard to find, or overpriced in Colombia.
Top 12 Expensive Things to Buy Before Moving to Colombia
After more than six years of living abroad, we’ve learned firsthand that some essentials are either hard to find, overpriced, or lower quality in Colombia. Here’s a must-have list of items worth bringing with you!
1. Kitchen Knives
Good-quality kitchen knives are surprisingly rare in Colombia. Due to import costs and cultural differences, high-end knives are considered a luxury item. If you’re serious about cooking, pack your favorite Cutco, Henckels, or Wüsthofknives in your checked luggage—no raised eyebrows at airport security!
2. Pants
Finding durable jeans in Colombia can be a challenge. Many options are thin, poorly made, and wear out in six months. If you love Lucky Brand, Levi’s, or quality denim, bring them with you. Women with curves may struggle with sizing, so packing reliable favorites is a smart move.
3. Makeup
Even high-end makeup brands in Colombia sometimes sell cheaper formulations than their U.S. counterparts. I once paid 70,000 COP for an imported lipstick—only to realize it was subpar. To ensure quality and the latest styles, I order Mary Kay directly from the U.S. Bring your favorites with you!
4. Laptops & Electronics
If your work relies on word processing, social media, or web development, buy your laptop in the U.S. Apple products, in particular, are pricey in Colombia. While you can find tech repair services, it’s best to start with high-quality, original hardware. Bonus tip: Avoid pirated software—many online templates and cloud-based tools won’t work with counterfeit programs.
5. Smartphones
Bringing your own unlocked smartphone is smart, but be aware that some Colombian carriers block foreign IMEIs when you sign a contract. Samsung Galaxy devices tend to work well. If switching carriers, expect challenges—some providers, like Flash Mobile, have frustrating policies that can leave your phone unusable.
6. Pens & Notebooks
It may sound trivial, but good-quality pens and notebooks are hard to find. Cheap notebooks tear easily, and affordable pens clump, dry out, or even explode. While premium options like Moleskine exist, they come at steep prices. Consider bringing a reusable notebook like the Everlast Rocketbook.
7. Shoes
Love Ariat boots, Keen sandals, or high-quality hiking shoes? Buy them abroad. While brands like Nike and Adidas are available in Colombia, they cost more and are often lower quality. If you have wide feet, shopping locally can be a nightmare. Pro tip: You can get custom-made shoes in Colombia for about the same price as store-bought pairs.
8. Backpacks & Bags
Colombian backpacks can be cute and stylish, but low durability is an issue. A North Face backpack can last 4+ years, whereas local brands often fall apart in a year. If you rely on a high-quality bag for travel or work, bring one from home.
9. Musical Instruments
While Fender and Yamaha guitars are available, premium brands like Martin & Co. are harder to find. Electric pianos with weighted keys and certain stringed instruments are also limited. If you’re a musician, bring your favorite instrument—it might even have resale value if needed!
10. Bicycles & Parts
Colombia has a thriving cycling culture, but high-end brands like Felt aren’t as common. If you’re a serious cyclist, consider importing a bike or bringing hard-to-find spare parts with you. Popular brands include Specialized and Trek.
11. Books
English books—especially children’s books, cookbooks, and niche teaching materials—are scarce. If you teach English, Dr. Seuss books and Cambridge Business Advantage textbooks can make lessons more engaging and profitable. Even if you don’t teach, you’ll appreciate having your favorite reads on hand.
12. Travel Coffee Mugs
Colombia is not an “on-the-go coffee culture.” While Juan Valdez sells thermoses, they don’t compare to high-quality brands from the U.S. If you love Brookstone, Yeti, or Contigo travel mugs, bring one with you. It’s a small comfort that makes a big difference!
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Final Thoughts
Packing smart can save you time, frustration, and money. Whether you’re moving to Colombia or planning a long-term stay, bringing these essentials will help you adapt comfortably while avoiding overpriced or low-quality substitutes.
Got any packing tips? Drop them in the comments!
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Conclusion
Figuring out what Expensive Things to Buy, or even discovering what to sell in another country, takes a LOT of time, experience and observation. The hardest part is selling quality to a culture whose currency has been devalued in comparison to many of our home countries. Colombia has natural resources, quality food and a lifestyle which in spite of lacking certain conveniences is in and of itself a wealth to those of us who are fortunate to live here. The rest, my fine feathered friends, is icing on the cake!
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