Medellin for Digital Nomads – Practical Tips & Info

Medellín has quickly become a popular city for digital nomads.

Are you looking for good weather year-round, excellent quality of life, the friendliest people on earth and some of the best travel options in South America? Then Medellin, Colombia, might just be your next destination!

Ok, no place is perfect, and there is no shortage of the challenges that accompany experiencing life in a foreign country, but it’s easy to see why Medellin has become a haven for digital nomads.

This insider guide will give you an overview of life as a digital nomad in Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring.

1. About Living in Medellin as a Digital Nomad

Medellin is a physically beautiful city, set in a valley ringed by green mountains and a nearly constant blue sky.

As one of the most popular destinations for foreigners (and digital nomads) in Colombia, it’s fairly easy to settle in as a newcomer to the city.

The Colombian peso has weakened significantly in recent years, making the cost of living very affordable for digital nomads!

Also, with the growing number of expats, more people are speaking English.

In general, the city makes for a smooth transition.

Also Read: Interview With an Expat About Living in Medellín

Housing in Medellin for Digital Nomads

As far as housing goes, it can be easier to stay in a hotel or hostel for the first few days and then search on the ground, rather than trying to make arrangements ahead of time.

El Poblado is the most popular and convenient neighborhood for tourists and foreigners, with apartments for rent typically ranging from $800 USD to over $2,000 per month, especially for short-term or furnished rentals.

Lower-budget options—starting around $400 USD for a room in a shared apartment—can be found in more residential neighborhoods like Envigado or Laureles, which are also popular among digital nomads.

For longer-term accommodations, try VRBO or Facebook Groups.

But again, if you don’t mind not having everything planned before you get to Medellin, you can generally find better deals when you’re already here.

Laureles, Poblado, Envigado, and Sabaneta are the most popular digital nomad areas in Medellin, and the areas I recommend checking out.

The number of coliving spaces in Medellin continues to grow, so if that’s something you’re interested in, check out the different spaces and read the reviews to get an idea of which one would suit you best.

Getting Around in Medellin

Medellin has a world-renowned Metro that puts other major transportation systems to shame, and it costs less than a dollar a ride.

Public buses, taxis, and rideshares like Uber are also affordable and readily available.

Other Necessities

Food can range from cheap, homemade Colombian meals at casual restaurants ($3 USD) and modest grocery purchases to pricey gourmet options and imported U.S. brands.

It’s not difficult to accommodate special diets for vegetarians or people with food allergies.

Colombia boasts excellent medical facilities that will cost a fraction out of pocket compared to the US. Many foreigners travel here for various procedures, so there’s a good selection of English-speaking doctors available.

2. About Working in Medellin as a Digital Nomad

Digital nomads won’t have to look far to find a great workspace in Medellin.

Nearly every apartment or room for rent will have wifi, and connections are typically fast.

Most cafes, restaurants, bars, fast-food chains, and malls in touristy and more affluent areas have excellent wifi.

Coworking Spaces in Medellin

The coworking spaces in Medellin are quite dynamic. Several have come and gone, and their popularity has fluctuated over time.

Therefore I’d recommend visiting several coworking spaces before you decide which one works best for you.

Try Tinkko or Circular Coworking for example, for workspace, meeting areas, and community events where you can connect with like-minded individuals.

Especially when you are new to the city coworking spaces are a great place to meet other digital nomads.

Cafes in Medellin

Is it a coffee shop kind of workday?

Juan Valdez is Colombia’s number one coffee shop chain.

Cafe Cliche is a quaint spot owned by a French couple, Hija Mia‘s coffee is some of the best in the country and Cafe Revolucion has the cold brew you’re missing.

And lastly, Pergamino Cafe and Primavera Cafe are great places to work from in El Poblado.

Also Read: The Best Rooftop Bars in Medellin

Connecting With Other Digital Nomads in Medellin

If you’re looking to make connections with fellow digital nomads, expats, or local entrepreneurs, Facebook groups are one of the best ways to find people and get in touch.

Some groups advertise on Meetup.com as well, or through flyers and bulletin boards in cafes and hostels.

3. About Playing in Medellin as a Digital Nomad

Nightlife in Medellin

Hopefully your remote work lifestyle allows time to have fun because Paisas (people from Medellin) know how to party!

The area near Parque Lleras in Poblado has more bars, clubs, and restaurants than you could ever wish for, but the vibe can err on expensive and tourist-focused.

The more authentic, local rumba can be found on La 70 near the soccer stadium, though every neighborhood has its own bars with ample music, company, and beer or aguardiente.

Colombians typically go out to dance, so be prepared to join! Ditch the embarrassment if you have two left feet or seek out some dance lessons beforehand.

Sports in Medellin

Sports fans and fitness buffs won’t be disappointed in Medellin.

For footballers, there are two main amateur teams to root for: Atletico Nacional and Independiente Medellin.

Gyms are easy to find in any neighborhood, ranging from garage setups that cost a dollar a day to top-notch establishments like BodyTech or SmartFit that are on par with US prices.

Local parks are always full of walkers and joggers, and some have basic workout “machines” for public use.

On Sundays, Avenida Poblado and other main roads are closed to traffic from 7am-1pm for the Ciclovia, a city-wide public event for cyclists and pedestrians. It’s a great way to get to know the city, exercise and people watch!

4. What to See in Medellin

Every city has its must-sees, and Medellin is no exception!

Plaza Botero is a collection of larger-than-life sculptures by Colombia’s most famous artist, and makes for a great photoshoot.

The Botanical Garden is a lovely, free public space to enjoy an afternoon with friends, a book, or your thoughts!

Take the Metrocable and a picnic up to Parque Arví overlooking the city.

Or sign up for a graffiti tour in Comuna 13 to learn about the neighborhood’s complex, violent past through intricate street art.

There are countless day and weekend destinations just a few hours by bus as well.

Guatape is a well-known town on a manmade lake, with a giant rock you can climb for fabulous views, and Rio Claro offers an escape into nature. The iconic coffee region is easily accessible for a long weekend too!

5. Meeting People in Medellin

Paisas are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people on earth – just say hi!

While this digital nomad guide can give you some ideas and starting points, Medellin’s people are the absolute best source of information. They are fiercely proud of their city and country. And they are eager to put its negative image in the past by showing off the best side possible.

There is no “best” place to meet locals. You might make a friend in the line at the grocery store, at a football match, or at a language exchange like the one hosted by The Wandering Paisa Hostel.

6. Some Final Practical Tips

Before you pack your bags, here are a few practical things to keep in mind to make your Medellín experience as smooth (and respectful) as possible.

Visa Information for Digital Nomads

Colombia now offers a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay for up to 2 years.

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa you’ll need to show proof of income (around $900 USD/month or more), health insurance, and a letter from your employer or proof of your freelancing work.

This visa is a good alternative to constantly border-hopping or relying on the standard 90-day tourist visa.

You can find official details and how to apply on the Cancillería de Colombia website, under ‘Visa de Visitante > Nomada Digital’.

If you’re not planning to stay long-term, the tourist visa works fine for many short-term nomads (you can typically stay up to 180 days per year as a tourist).

Safety in Medellín

Medellín is generally welcoming and safe, especially in the popular neighborhoods, but of course you’ll want to use common sense.

Petty theft does happen, especially phones being snatched, so avoid walking around with your phone in your hand or flashy gear on display. Be mindful in crowded places, and stick to well-lit, familiar areas at night.

Some parts of Laureles and other outlying neighborhoods can feel a bit sketchy after dark, so ask locals or long-term expats for advice on where (and when) to avoid walking alone.

A good rule: if a street looks empty or unfamiliar, grab a taxi or rideshare instead of walking.

Air Quality & Health Tips

Medellín sits at around 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), so you might feel the altitude at first. Stay hydrated and take it easy during your first couple of days.

The climate is generally spring-like, but humidity can spike during rainy season. Air quality, unfortunately, isn’t always great, especially during January to March.

If you’re sensitive to pollution, check air quality apps like Plume or IQAir and consider bringing a basic face mask for the worst days.

On the plus side, medical care here is excellent and much more affordable than in many countries. It’s easy to find English-speaking doctors and dentists, and even walk-in clinics offer good care.

Internet & Work Setup

Internet speeds are generally reliable in Medellín, especially in coworking spaces and higher-end rental properties.

If you’re planning to work from home and fast wifi is important to you, make sure your apartment has fiber-optic internet—not all do.

I definitely recommend getting a local SIM card with plenty of data. Claro and Tigo are two of the most popular carriers, and you can grab a prepaid SIM at the airport or in town. You can even use it as a hotspot if your main connection goes down.

Be Mindful of Gentrification

Like many digital nomad hotspots, Medellín has seen a rise in prices—especially rent—in neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles. That’s led to mixed feelings from locals, and it’s important to be aware of the impact foreigners can have.

A few ways to give back? Use local services, shop at neighborhood shops, take Spanish lessons with local teachers, and tip generously when service is good.

It’s also worth learning a bit about Medellín’s history and supporting local community projects or responsible tourism operators. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it’ll also give you a richer experience of life in the city.

Enjoy Medellin, a Great City for Digital Nomads!

If you plan to visit more of Colombia, read this interview with a digital nomad about living in Cali.

And check out this interview about living in Cartagena, which is also an increasingly popular city in Colombia for digital nomads.

If you are looking for other great digital nomad destinations have a look at this Digital Nomad’s Guide to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, this Digital Nomad’s Guide to Bali, Indonesia, and this article about Spain for Digital Nomads.

Also Read:

• 12 Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia
• Interview With an Expat About Living in Medellín
• 7 Emotional Challenges of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
• How to Be Productive While Working Remotely
• 10 Perfect Gift Ideas for Digital Nomads
• 15 Of The Best Beaches in The World – two of which are in Colombia!

 
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