Medellin Digital Nomad Guide (2025)
TL;DR#
Medellín is Colombia's top digital nomad destination, famous for its eternal spring climate, affordable lifestyle, fast internet, and ever-growing international community. With reliable coworking spaces, varied neighborhoods, and vibrant culture, it’s a top choice for remote work—but do your research on safety, local etiquette, and the impacts of gentrification before you go.
📌 Quick Facts#
- Internet Speed: 50–200 Mbps (average in cafés/coworking: 40–150 Mbps)
- Average Monthly Cost (Solo Nomad): $1,000–2,000
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP), ~$1 = 4,000 COP
- Time Zone: UTC-5 (CO)
- Power Plug: Type A & B; 110V
- Best Time to Visit: December–March (dry season, but climate is mild year-round)
- Population: ~2.5 million (city), ~4 million (metro area)
- Nicknames: "City of Eternal Spring", "Capital of the Paisa"
- Airport: José María Córdova International (MDE)
✅ Pros & Cons#
Pros#
- 🌞 Year-Round Pleasant Weather: Rarely needing AC or heating
- 💸 Affordable Relative to North America/Europe: Rent and essentials are good value, especially outside main tourist zones
- 💻 Reliable fast Wi-Fi & digital infrastructure: Coworking spaces, cafés, eSIMs all solid
- 🌍 Thriving Digital Nomad & Expat Community: Tons of meetups, social groups, and events
- 💃 Culture & Nightlife: Salsa, reggaetón, friendly locals (Paisas), and a lively scene seven days/week
- 🌲 Access to Nature: Epic hikes, day trips to towns, and Andean beauty right nearby
Cons#
- ⚠️ Higher petty crime rate: Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams are real risks—especially at night
- 🏙️ Gentrification & Rising Costs: Housing in nomad hotspots (especially El Poblado) is surging quickly; locals often priced out
- 💨 Air Pollution: Peaks the worst March/April and September/October—can be rough on sensitive lungs
- 🗣️ Language Barrier: Moderate English spoken in tourist/expat zones, but Spanish is essential elsewhere for daily life
- 🚦 Traffic & Congestion: Can be intense at rush hour; public transport decent but not perfect
- 💡 Power & Water Interruptions: Rare, but possible in fringe areas or during storms
💸 Cost of Living (Monthly Estimates)#
| Category | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $400–1,500 | 1BR apt in Laureles/Envigado: $400–$700; Poblado: $700+ |
| Food & Coffee | $2–10/meal | Local lunch (menu del día) $3–4; upscale $10+ |
| Coworking | $100–200 | Multiple options all over city |
| Transport | $30–100 | Metro: $1/ride; Uber: $2–6/trip |
| SIM/Data | $10–20 | eSIMs (Airalo) & physical SIMs (Claro/Tigo) |
| Gym | $20–60 | SmartFit, Ultra, Flying Tree Yoga, etc. |
Nomad Budget Examples#
| Lifestyle | Estimated Monthly Budget | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | ~$800–1,000 | Shared rooms, public transit, local food |
| Mid-range | ~$1,200–1,800 | 1BR in Laureles/Envigado, gym, coworking, mix of local & upscale eats |
| Upper-tier | ~$2,000–3,000+ | Modern 1BR or penthouse in Poblado, daily Ubers, high-end dining, all the extras |
💻 Where to Work: Coworking & Cafés#
Top Coworking Spaces#
- NOI Coworking Medellín — El Poblado; open 24/7, professional, great community, from $150/month
- Semilla Cafe & Coworking — Laureles; popular hybrid with excellent service and greenery
- Bloom Eco Coworking — In the hills; open-air, nature-surrounded, fast reliable Wi-Fi, from $8/day
- Co-Work Latam El Poblado — El Poblado; open 24/7, polished facilities, lots of nomads
- Cbox Coworking — El Poblado; chic, pet friendly, from $200/month
- Atom House Co-Working — El Poblado; creative hub
- La Casa Redonda — Laureles; lively, rooftop BBQs, popular with mid-term nomads
- Quokka Coworking — El Poblado, affordable, ergonomic
Best Work-Friendly Cafés#
- Pergamino Cafe — Several locations. Arguably Colombia’s best coffee, steady Wi-Fi
- Cafe Velvet — El Poblado; legendary for vibe and solid food
- Azul Selva — El Poblado; open-air, healthy menu, excellent for long workdays
- Café Dragón — Manila/El Poblado; brunch & breakfast, welcoming, work-friendly
- Rituales Café — Laureles; local, indie, top espresso
- Café Zeppelin — Laureles; cozy, lots of outlets
- Cafe Revolución — Laureles; small but great to meet other travelers
- Santa Lena — Laureles; reliable Wi-Fi, upstairs space for remote workers
- Ganso y Castor — Envigado & Laureles; brunch, fast Wi-Fi, rarely crowded
- All Day Café — La Candelaria; modern, cheap, open all day
Pro Tip: Always buy something every 2 hours and avoid peak lunch times if you plan to camp out!
Backup: Cafés in major malls (e.g., VIVA Envigado) usually have strong Wi-Fi.
📶 Connectivity (SIM, eSIM, Wi-Fi)#
Mobile SIM Tips#
- Major providers: Claro, Tigo, Movistar — go to a physical store (bring your passport); avoid airport kiosks if possible
- $10–15/month for 3–5GB, often with unlimited WhatsApp/Facebook
- Registration is required due to phone theft prevention (let the store staff help you!)
- Top-up is done at most supermarkets and corner stores ("recharge" your saldo)
eSIM#
- Fastest: Airalo, Airhub, Alosim
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone; coverage is generally excellent in the city
Wi-Fi#
- Cafés & coworks: 40–200 Mbps download speeds are the norm in top-rated spots
- Most long-term apartments include home fiber internet
🛂 Visas & Bureaucracy#
Entry / Tourist Visa#
- Visa-free entry (many passports): 90 days + online or in-person extension for additional 90 days (max 180 days per calendar year)
- Extension: Recommended to visit local immigration office—online system can be buggy. Cost ≈ $30 USD. Don't overstay—penalties can be stiff.
Digital Nomad Visa#
- Launched in 2023.
- Validity: Up to 2 years
- Requirements: Remote income ($684+/mo), work for non-Colombian company, proof of health insurance, and other standard docs
- Perks: Can obtain Colombian ID (Cedula de Extranjeria) — makes banks/accounts easier
- Note: Not eligible to fill local jobs or receive Colombian salary. No more than 180 days consecutively allowed; you may need to exit/re-enter.
Other Visas#
- M (Migrant) Visa: For longer stays, valid 1+ years; requires proof of income ($700+/mo), health insurance
- Student Visa: Enroll in accredited language program for up to 12 months (and required to attend!)
- Inversionista, Resident Visas: For those investing/settling permanently—higher requirements
Visa Tips#
- Colombian visa rules can be confusing & subject to change—always confirm with Migración Colombia or a reliable local agency before arrival.
- Visa services are expensive and don't expedite—apply yourself to save cash.
Resources
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Nomads#
| Neighborhood | Highlights |
|---|---|
| El Poblado | Most walkable; nightlife & cafés; expat-friendly but pricier and crowded |
| Laureles | More local, tree-lined, chill cafés, cheaper, lively streets, great for mid/long-term nomads |
| Envigado | Lower-key, bohemian, less English spoken, community vibe, quick metro to Poblado |
| Belen | Local, residential, authentic, more budget-friendly, fewer amenities but improving |
| Sabaneta | Slow pace, cheaper, local vibe, further from main nightlife, but metro-connected |
How to Choose:
- First-timer/Short-Term: El Poblado (convenience, nightlife, high-end feels)
- Longer Term/Community: Laureles (more “Colombian”, still plenty of digital nomad infrastructure)
- Local Immersion: Envigado, Belen, Sabaneta (but less English spoken)
- Test Before Settling: Book one week, then explore in person before choosing a longer stay.
Recommended Coliving/Cowork Apartments & Agencies#
- Nomadico Medellín (Laureles) — super social, well-run, events & community manager on site
- International House Co-Living (Belen)
- Outsite Medellín (Manila/Poblado)
- Casa Redonda (Laureles)
- Selina Medellín (El Poblado; hostel+cowork)
Finding Rentals:
- Search on Airbnb (book week, then negotiate direct for longer stays)
- CasaCol — reputable for furnished rentals, good for mid-term
- Facebook Groups: Digital Nomads Medellin, Medellin Expats Marketplace, Women of Medellin Expat Group
- Ask locally on WhatsApp/Telegram groups once you arrive—a lot of deals aren't online
🛵 Getting Around#
Transport Options#
- Metro: Modern, clean, safe, $1/ride; covers major areas but not all neighborhoods
- MetroCable: Must-try cable cars to hillside barrios and parks; spectacular views
- Bus: Extensive/cheap, but Spanish is helpful. Connects areas metro doesn't reach.
- Uber/Didi/Cabify: Reliable, safe, $2–6 per trip nearly anywhere in city. Uber technically "illegal" but widely used (use backseat, sit in front, especially from airport).
- Taxis: Only use marked official cabs, always verify meter; some English, but Spanish helps.
- Biking: Bikes and scooters are popular for short trips; city has lanes and a bikeshare system in parts.
- Walkability: Poblado, Laureles, and central Envigado walkable by day. Avoid walking alone late at night.
Airport Transfers#
- Uber (from $20+ due to tolls/fees); official taxis available but negotiate fare
- Buses available ($3–4) if you have some Spanish
🍜 Food & Essentials#
- Menu del Día (set lunch): $3–5; soup, main, juice—best value!
- Local restaurants: Hearty plates, friendly prices (try bandeja paisa)
- Supermarkets: Carulla (mid-upscale, everywhere), D1 (cheap!), Exito (big box)
- Local markets: Fresh, affordable produce—street stalls & corner fruit vendors
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Growing options in Poblado/Laureles (e.g. Verdeo, Mundo Verde)
- Food delivery apps: Rappi, UberEats, Domicilios
Coffee Culture#
Colombia's world-famous coffee shines:
- Pergamino
- Café Velvet
- Rituales
- Ganso y Castor ...and many more top choices in nomad 'hoods.
🏥 Health & Safety#
Safety#
- Violent crime is uncommon in main nomad areas but petty theft (especially phones after dark) is significant risk.
- Extra caution in nightlife zones (e.g., Parque Lleras).
- Don’t flaunt valuables; stay alert; avoid walking alone late at night.
- Use Uber/taxi at night, even for short rides.
- Always carry an emergency cash stash separate from your wallet/phone.
LGBTQ+: Generally progressive; many bars, but some old-school prejudice remains.
Healthcare#
- Private hospitals: World-class, affordable by Western standards (Clinica Medellín, Pablo Tobón Uribe)
- Pharmacies: Farmatodo, Cruz Verde, Drogas La Rebaja are everywhere
- Travel/health insurance recommended
Emergency Numbers#
- Police: 123
🌄 Local Experiences#
Must-See & Do#
- Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour: Famous street art, inspiring history (~$25, tip your guide!)
- Metrocable + Parque Arví: Epic city & mountain views, hiking, nature
- Plaza Botero: Iconic sculptures/park in city center by Fernando Botero
- Museo de Antioquia: Best museum in town
- Los Tres Cruces Hike: Quick, steep city hike with incredible views
- Guatapé & El Peñol: Stunning day trip to the “giant rock” and colorful lakeside town (go on weekdays)
- Dance Classes: Salsa, bachata—learn by doing!
- Nightlife: Provenza/Poblado for clubbing; Laureles for a more local, relaxed vibe
🌐 Remote Work Community#
Networking & Community#
- Facebook Groups:
- WhatsApp/Telegram: Links often found in FB groups, for everything from hiking to language exchange
- In-person meetups:
- Vivemde.com: events aggregator
- Gringo Tuesdays: popular nomad/expat language exchange night
- DanceFree: salsa/language events, free Thursdays
- WOLA: active language meetups (get WhatsApp link)
- Parceros Community: activities, volunteering
- Coliving/cowork spaces: Many run regular social events, BBQs, rooftop parties, game nights
- Crypto, startup, wellness niches: Dedicated bars, cafés, and WhatsApp groups for everything from Bitcoin to yoga
Language#
- Spanish essential for integration & safety outside tourist bubbles.
- Basics:
- Hola = Hello
- Buenas = Hi (anytime greeting)
- Gracias = Thank you
- ¿Dónde está...? = Where is...?
- Duolingo, Google Translate, and language exchanges highly recommended
💡 Other Tips#
- Ethics: You are a guest—respect the local culture, support legacy/family businesses, learn gentrification impacts
- Don’t flaunt wealth: Modest appearance = safer experience
- Always negotiate big purchases/rent & never prepay sight-unseen
- Water: Tap water is generally safe in Medellín
- Air pollution: Sensitive? Use air quality apps and avoid heavy activity during alert days
- Gyms: Ultra Gym (El Poblado; upscale), SmartFit (citywide), Flying Tree Yoga, plenty of small local gyms
- Nightlife: Beware of petty crime and scam situations; don’t accept drinks from strangers
- Dating apps: Use in public spaces only—petty crime and robberies common if you’re not careful
- Getting packages: Mail is slow—ask coliving managers for best tips
🔥 Quick Starter Checklist#
- ✅ Book week accommodation—then explore neighborhoods in person before committing mid/long term
- ✅ Buy a SIM card or eSIM in city center (not airport!) and register with your passport
- ✅ Visit top coworking spaces in your preferred area
- ✅ Try “menu del día” lunches at local eateries
- ✅ Join a WhatsApp or language exchange meetup your first week
- ✅ Take the Metrocable for the views—and a quick nature escape
- ✅ Learn a few basic Spanish phrases for everyday tasks
- ✅ Respect the city, support local businesses, and be a good guest!
🪓 The Real Bottom Line#
- No longer “dangerous,” but it’s no expat utopia either.
- Costs are climbing fast, and safety is a concern—petty theft is rampant and security is never a non-issue.
- The nomad crowd is strong but transient, and Spanish is much less optional than newbies think.
- The climate is unbeatable, and the social life is wild, but don’t come expecting smooth bureaucracy or first-world healthcare.
- Think long-term? Carefully weigh the tradeoffs.
