The Complete Guide to Being a Digital Nomad in Medellín, Colombia (2024)
1. Why Medellín?
Medellín, often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its perfect weather year-round, has become one of the top digital nomad destinations in Latin America. Nestled in a valley surrounded by lush mountains, Medellín offers a unique blend of urban living, rich culture, and natural beauty. The city’s transformation from a troubled past to a thriving metropolis has made it a shining example of urban revitalization.
The city is known for its affordable cost of living, reliable infrastructure, and strong nomad community. English is spoken in many coworking spaces, cafes, and among expats, but learning a bit of Spanish goes a long way. With its friendly locals, diverse cultural scene, and fantastic public transportation, Medellín provides everything a digital nomad needs to work efficiently while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle.
2. Visa Options for Digital Nomads
Colombia offers several visa options for digital nomads, making it relatively easy to live and work remotely in Medellín:
- Colombian Tourist Visa (PIP-5): If you plan to stay for less than 180 days, the PIP-5 tourist visa is a simple option. Upon entering Colombia, most nationalities receive a 90-day tourist visa, which can be extended for another 90 days.
- M Visa for Remote Workers (New): Colombia recently introduced a new digital nomad visa (M Visa), designed specifically for remote workers and freelancers. To qualify, applicants need to prove a minimum income of $684 USD/month and provide documentation such as proof of employment or freelance contracts. This visa allows for stays of up to two years.
- Colombian Retirement Visa: Though not specific to digital nomads, the retirement visa offers long-term residency for individuals with sufficient retirement income. It’s another option for those who may be semi-retired and looking to stay in Medellín longer.
For up-to-date visa information and to apply, visit the Colombian Immigration Portal.
3. Local Sentiment Towards Digital Nomads
Medellín has become increasingly popular with digital nomads and expats over the past decade. Locals, known as paisas, are generally welcoming, proud of their city’s transformation, and eager to share their culture. The influx of foreigners has also contributed to the local economy, boosting sectors like real estate, coworking spaces, and tourism.
However, as more nomads settle in the city, some locals have raised concerns about the rising cost of living, particularly rent prices in popular neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles. As a responsible digital nomad, it’s important to engage with the community positively, respect local customs, and contribute to Medellín’s continued growth in a sustainable way.
4. Best Locations for Digital Nomads
Medellín offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, whether you prefer the bustling city life or a quieter environment:
- El Poblado: The most popular area for expats and digital nomads, El Poblado is known for its upscale restaurants, bars, and coworking spaces. However, this popularity comes with higher rent prices, ranging from COP 2.5 million – COP 5 million/month (€560-€1,120 or $620-$1,240 USD). It’s a lively neighborhood with excellent amenities but can be more touristy.
- Laureles: A quieter and more local-feeling alternative to El Poblado, Laureles offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of parks, cafes, and restaurants. Rents are more affordable, averaging between COP 1.5 million – COP 3 million/month (€335-€670 or $370-$740 USD).
- Envigado: Located just outside the main city area, Envigado offers a more suburban feel, with larger apartments and a quieter atmosphere. Rents here range from COP 1.3 million – COP 2.5 million/month (€290-€560 or $320-$620 USD), making it an ideal location for those seeking a balance between city life and nature.
5. Internet and Coworking Spaces
Medellín boasts excellent internet connectivity, with fiber-optic internet available in most parts of the city. Speeds typically range from 50-200 Mbps, ensuring remote workers have the reliable connectivity they need.
The city also has a growing number of coworking spaces, catering to digital nomads from all over the world. Some of the best options include:
- Selina Cowork (El Poblado): Selina offers a trendy, community-oriented coworking space with fast internet, events, and flexible membership options. Prices start at COP 380,000/month (€85 or $95 USD).
- Tinkko Coworking (Multiple Locations): Tinkko has several locations throughout Medellín, including El Poblado and Laureles, offering bright and spacious work environments. Memberships start at COP 350,000/month (€78 or $87 USD).
- La Casa Redonda (Laureles): Known for its creative community and artistic vibe, La Casa Redonda is a great option for freelancers and remote workers looking for a quieter coworking experience. Memberships start at COP 300,000/month (€67 or $75 USD).
6. Cost of Living
Medellín offers an affordable lifestyle compared to many other digital nomad hotspots. Here’s a typical breakdown of monthly expenses for a nomad:
- Rent: COP 1.3 million – COP 5 million/month, depending on the neighborhood (€290-€1,120 or $320-$1,240 USD).
- Groceries: Around COP 500,000 – COP 900,000/month (€110-€200 or $125-$225 USD).
- Eating out: A meal at a local restaurant can cost between COP 12,000 – COP 30,000 (€2.70-€6.70 or $3-$7 USD). Dining at Western-style restaurants will cost more, averaging COP 40,000 – COP 80,000 (€9-€18 or $10-$20 USD).
- Coworking spaces: Monthly memberships range from COP 300,000 – COP 400,000 (€67-€90 or $75-$100 USD).
- Transportation: Medellín has an efficient and affordable metro system, with monthly metro passes costing around COP 85,000 (€19 or $22 USD).
7. Healthcare and Safety
Colombia offers affordable and high-quality healthcare. For expats and digital nomads, it’s recommended to have international health insurance, though Colombia’s private healthcare system is accessible and highly rated. Health insurance typically costs between COP 200,000 – COP 500,000/month (€45-€110 or $50-$125 USD) depending on the level of coverage.
Medellín has made significant strides in improving safety, and many areas of the city, particularly El Poblado and Laureles, are safe for tourists and expats. However, like any major city, it’s important to remain cautious and avoid less secure neighborhoods, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and use ride-sharing apps like Uber for safe transportation.
8. Currency and Exchange Rate
The local currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). As of October 2024, the exchange rates are approximately:
- €1 = COP 4,400
- $1 = COP 4,000
Here’s a comparison of local costs:
- Rent in El Poblado: COP 3 million/month = €682 or $750 USD
- Coworking space at Selina: COP 380,000/month = €86 or $95 USD
- Groceries: COP 700,000/month = €159 or $175 USD
9. How Zazoo Helps Digital Nomads in Medellín
For digital nomads living across borders, Zazoo offers a solution that makes managing finances simple and efficient. With Zazoo’s multi-currency accounts, you can hold and exchange Colombian Pesos, US Dollars, Euros, and other currencies seamlessly. This allows you to manage your income, pay rent, or send money back home without the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations or costly transfer fees. With Zazoo, you can focus on your work and lifestyle in Medellín, knowing your finances are handled.
Want to be the first to know when we go live? Pre-register now to get early access to Zazoo’s digital banking solutions and stay updated on our official launch. Manage your finances effortlessly, wherever you are!
