Medellín: A Prime Destination for Digital Nomads

Colombia has moved mountains to shake off its narco reputation, and Medellín is at the forefront of this national reinvention, picking up a string of awards for its innovative civic projects and commitment to sustainable urban development.

Colombia’s second city is also blessed with a temperate climate and a valley location that prevents the city from becoming too large and unmanageable. But what makes it such an appealing destination for remote workers and digital nomads?

Editor’s note: during COVID-19, there are restrictions on travel. Check the latest guidance before departure, and always follow local health advice.

Why Choose Medellín for Remote Work?

Medellín’s growing population of digital nomads are lured south from North America by the city’s low cost of living, good weather, and solid infrastructure for remote working — from widespread wi-fi access to a burgeoning coffee-shop culture. Moreover, Medellín has a strong support network for newcomers, with various digital nomad groups organizing social events. As a result, it has quickly become one of the top destinations for nomads in the Americas. On top of this, visitors can enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, hospitable locals, and delicious food and nightlife. Being in a similar time zone to the United States is also beneficial, particularly for nomads with clients in the U.S. However, to fully enjoy living in Medellín, proficiency in Spanish is essential, as it will facilitate networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs.

Top Co-Working Spaces

For accommodation, co-working space, food, and everything else you need under one roof, Selina is an excellent starting point, conveniently located in El Poblado. Another space with strong community engagement is Siembra Coworking/Ofizen in El Poblado, which hosts quizzes, workshops, networking nights, and free beer Fridays. Digital nomads focused on business highly rate Tinkko, situated on the 15th floor of a high-rise in the business district; it is an ideal place for work with a view, offering proper meeting rooms for startups that aspire to grow.

Internet Connectivity

The average download speed via wi-fi in Medellín is around 10 Mbps. While this may be slower than in some other nomad hubs, faster connections are readily accessible. Additionally, Colombia has been expanding its 4G coverage for several years, providing decent access in urban centers.

Living Arrangements

Most digital nomads prefer to stay in shared rooms or rented apartments, which often necessitate residing in the suburbs rather than the bustling city center. You can find lower prices by opting for quieter neighborhoods like Ciudad del Rio, Estadio, Floresta, and Laureles, rather than the tourist-heavy El Poblado. Those fluent in Spanish can utilize Comparto Apto to connect with local landlords offering rooms and apartments for rent. For meals, street vendors serve up traditional dishes such as bandeja paisa (a meat, beans, rice, and side dish), arepas (stuffed cornflour cakes), and empanadas (Colombian pastries). Local taxis, city buses, and the Metro are convenient transportation options for getting around.

Networking Opportunities

Several local Facebook groups for digital nomads are valuable for networking purposes. Consider joining groups such as Digital Nomads Medellín, Medellín Entrepreneurs Society, and Medellín Digital Nomads.

Leisure Activities Beyond Work

In your leisure time, consider the following activities:

• Ride the cable car to Parque Arvi, featuring pre-Hispanic ruins and a wealth of wildlife; the walking trails provide a peaceful escape from city life.
• Climb Piedra El Peñol, a granite massif near Guatapé; the journey involves 600 steps, culminating in stunning views of deep blue artificial lakes.
• Savor exceptional coffee; Colombia’s UNESCO-listed coffee region is located a few hours south of Medellín. Manizales serves as a gateway to historic coffee estates, plantation tours, and birdwatching in Rió Blanco Reserva Natural.

Pros and Cons of Living in Medellín

As with any travel experience, there are advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a succinct breakdown:

Medellín is great for:

• Year-round pleasant weather
• Affordable living costs
• Shared time zone with the U.S.
• Friendly locals
• Inexpensive public transport

Medellín is not so great for:

• Traffic congestion
• Environmental pollution
• Visa extension challenges
• Non-Spanish speakers
• Petty crime

Practical Information

Climate: Medellín enjoys a warm but moderate climate year-round, with more rainfall from April to May and September to November. Most expats live comfortably without air conditioning or heating.

Transportation: José María Córdova International Airport serves Medellín. Buses are available for travel throughout Colombia and to neighboring countries.

Living Costs: Expect to spend from US$1100 per month.

LGBT-friendly: Yes.

Pre-Departure Reading

• iBestTravel’s

• 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez

• Delirio by Laura Restrepo

• The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vásquez

This extract is from the Digital Nomad Handbook, .