Medellin, the capital of the Antioquia department in Colombia, is often considered a top destination for digital nomads. The city has a great balance between modernity and tradition, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and a rich culture. Additionally, the cost of living in Medellin is relatively low compared to other major cities worldwide, making it an attractive alternative for people looking to stretch their budgets.

One of Medellin’s biggest draws for digital nomads is the city’s growing technology scene. In recent years, Medellin has become a hub for innovation and startups, with several coworking spaces and innovation hubs popping up around the city. These spaces provide digital nomads with a supportive community and resources to help them grow their businesses.

The weather in Medellin is another big draw, with year-round spring-like temperatures. This can make it a great destination for digital nomads looking to escape the cold and gloomy weather of other parts of the world.

Overall, Medellin has become a favorite digital nomad destination because it combines affordable living costs, a growing technology scene, and great quality of life. However, it’s worth noting that Medellin, like any city, has its downsides and security concerns. While the city has significantly improved in recent years, crime is still a problem in some areas. Therefore, it is important to research and familiarize yourself with the city before arriving and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

That said, let’s explore and research further to get a better understanding of this upcoming digital nomad destination.

The Visa application

Mid-October last year, Resolution 5477 of 2022, issued by Colombia’s immigration authority, became effective. Accordingly, modifications were made to the Colombian visa regime, thereby adding new visa types to existing ones.

The digital nomad visa was among the new types added via this resolution in article 46. The visa is designed to attract highly skilled professionals in fields such as technology, design, and digital marketing, who can contribute to Colombia’s growing economy while enjoying the country’s high quality of life.

How to apply for a Colombian Digital Nomad Visa

To apply for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, you must first meet the eligibility criteria, which include the following;

• Hold a valid passport (at least six months from the date of application)
• Present substantial proof that you are a freelancer with contracts outside Colombia. Those who are employed or own businesses outside Colombia are eligible too.
• An  international health coverage to cater to cases such as accidents, maternity, illness, or death.
• A certificate of good conduct from your local police department
• A recent color passport photo, size 3x4cm, with white background. It must be clear, head-on, and without accessories.
• Documents must be in PDF format, easy to read, and in a black-and-white presentation.
• Fulfill the minimum income requirement (About $900). You must prove that you’ve earned this minimum in the last three months.
• Documents attached to an application must weigh a maximum of 5MB 

The application process

Once you get to the government website, the process is straightforward.

• First, select the language you are comfortable using, whether English or Spanish.
• After filling out the first page, flip over to the next page, where you will be required to choose the type of visa you are looking to apply for. In that case, choose the Digital Nomad Visa. 
• Once you submit your application, it may take about 30 days to hear from immigration. If your request isn’t successful, you may need to provide more documents that should be submitted in 10 days. 

The overall visa application cost 

During application, you need to pay an application fee of $52. However, once your visa application is successful, you will pay a visa fee that ranges between $170 -$230. The amount is determined by whether you are alone or with dependents.

Cost of living and cost of living arbitrage 

A London digital nomad living on £5300 per month would need about £1270(Col$7,491,864) in Medellin to maintain a similar lifestyle. These figures assume you are renting in both cities. However, if you are coming from New York on a $9100 monthly budget, you would need only $1541 (Col$ 7,472,313.9) in Medellin to keep your home lifestyle. In either case, Medellin city is cheaper, providing a good opportunity for the cost of living arbitrage.

What is the accommodation like in Medellin?

At this writing, Medellin has about 8400 nomads ( captured on Nomad List), with over thirty more individuals expected to arrive soon. You may be wondering, so where are these nomads staying?

Well, Medellin, like other cities, offers several options for digital nomad accommodation, including;

Short-term rentals

Websites like Airbnb and Booking.com offer a wide variety of apartments and houses for rent on a short-term basis. For example, an Airbnb rental unit goes for median prices of $1045 per month and $34 per night, respectively. A one-bedroom rental in the city center may cost you $918 per month. These facilities can be a good option for digital nomads who plan to stay in the city for a few weeks or months.

Co-living spaces

Co-living spaces are designed for digital nomads and travelers who value community and collaboration. These spaces typically comprise shared living areas, kitchens, workspaces, and private bedrooms. Some popular co-living spaces in Medellin include;

The international house: This is a well-established co-living facility offering 300 Mbps internet speeds, free luggage storage after checkout, and more.

Selina co-living: A leading co-living facility offering

• Room types that match your preference
• Wellness Classes
• Coworking space with a free hot desk and Wi-Fi.
• An online community comprising a global network of CoLivers & CoWorkers.

You may explore to discover more co-living spaces in Medellin on platforms like Coliving.com.

Hostels

Hostels can be a budget-friendly option for digital nomads. Many hostels in Medellin have private rooms and common spaces, such as kitchens and lounges, that are perfect for working and networking with other travelers. Prices differ depending on your preferred facility. For example,

1. Casa Kiwi hostels go for about $25 per night.
2. Co-living international house charges about $23 per night
3. The Key West hostel charges about $9 per night

Booking.com would be a great platform for finding more hostels

Hotels

Nomad List data shows that Hotels in Medellin go for a median price of $736 per month and $34 per night. Most of them feature nomad-friendly amenities like a swimming pool, gym, conference rooms, etc.

Utilities

If you rent an 85m2 apartment, water, garbage, and electricity for heating and cooling would cost you about $57. Meanwhile, one minute of a mobile phone call on a prepaid tariff may cost $ 0.035. You will also pay roughly $22 for internet at speeds of 60Mbps.

Internet 

Medellin overall internet speeds are a bit slow. Data shared by speedtest.com shows the city running at mobile download speeds of about 10.74Mbps and uploads of 9 Mbps. Fixed broad download speeds are about 94Mbps with uploads of 28 Mbps. The table below shows current speeds including the median latency 

Best coworking spaces

There are several excellent coworking spaces in Medellin. As you look around, expect to find most, if not all, of these facilities featuring a variety of workspaces, including private offices, shared desks, and meeting rooms. Others have amenities such as a rooftop terrace, restaurant, coffee shop, and swimming pool.

Specific coworking spaces in Medellin include;

• Selina Medellin
•  Co-Work LatAm La 76
• WeWork Espacios de Oficinas Amobladas & Coworking
• Co-Work Latam-POBLADO
• Quokka Coworking Startups
• Impact Hub Medellin

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies 

Colombia has seen a significant increase in the use and acceptance of cryptocurrency in recent years. The country has a large and growing community of cryptocurrency users, and businesses are beginning to accept digital currencies as a form of payment.

Are cryptocurrencies legal in Colombia?

The Colombian government has taken a relatively hands-off approach to regulation but has issued warnings about the potential risks of investing in cryptocurrency. Despite this, many Colombians have turned to digital currencies to protect their savings from inflation and currency fluctuations. According to El Nacional, a Venezuelan newspaper, there are 687 retail outlets where you can pay for goods and services in Colombia. 

So far, legislation regulating cryptocurrency has yet to be issued by the country’s congress. However, general regulations such as the Financing Law (Law 1943 of 2018) provide some tax benefits to companies whose activities create value addition through technology. Draft bills have also been brought to congress, which point to the possibility of debating to clarify the country’s position on cryptocurrencies in the near future.

Crypto taxation

According to the president of the Fundacion Colombia Bitcoin, Carlos Mesa, more clarity and direction regarding crypto taxation in Colombia is required. Meanwhile, there is a pilot project for handling digital assets as regulated by the government, and the country’s big banks are a party to it.

Blockchain startups in Medellin

Many countries are quickly embracing Blockchain after foreseeing its critical role in technology. In a bid to reap its full benefits, Medellin authorities have created an enabling environment for Blockchain startups to thrive in the city. They include;

1. ADASOFT: Specializes in Mobile App development, Software development, and much more 
2. Chimpare:  A blockchain firm harnessing the power of Blockchain to build agnostic applications such as centralized and decentralized exchange platforms 
3. Dinasty Online: Develops apps and web platforms, focusing on the end user’s experience.

Like other cities in the region, Medellin has many other Blockchain startup entities listed on platforms such as Clutch.

The most popular exchanges

Unsurprisingly, Binance is Colombia’s most popular exchange. It has about 90 million users worldwide. Other reputable exchanges where you can buy, exchange, and trade crypto include Kraken, Coinbase, eToro, Bitex, CEX.10, Coinmama, Changelly, and others.

How many ATMs are there in Medellin?

According to Coin ATM Radar, the total number of Bitcoin Automated Teller Machines in and around Medellin is 4. Besides Bitcoin, you can buy and sell a few other cryptocurrencies on these machines. They include Ripple(XRP), Ethereum, Dogecoin, Monero, Dash, Litecoin, Zcash, Tether, Bitcoin Cash, and Lightning BTC. If you hold or regularly trade in the listed currencies, these ATMs will be helpful during your stay.

Digital Nomad Communities

Medellin has a growing digital nomad community. The city has become increasingly popular among remote workers and entrepreneurs due to its relatively low cost of living, warm climate, and friendly locals. Several online groups and communities, such as the Medellin Entrepreneur and Digital Nomad Meetup group, provide a platform for digital nomads to connect, network, and share resources. Additionally, coworking spaces like Selina and Impact Hub have become popular spots for digital nomads to work and collaborate.

The Expat population

Colombia is no exception to the countries that host expatriates. Getting an exact figure of the number of expats in any country is tricky because of the varying definition of an expat. Moreover, immigration departments rarely update and share this information on their websites. Nonetheless, Colombia’s figures on social media platforms such as ExPats in Colombia would be a useful pointer. Websites with expat forums like the InterNations are good pointers too.

The local nomad job opportunity

Various digital nomad job opportunities are available in Medellin. Some popular industries for digital nomads in the city include software development, graphic design, content creation, and online teaching. Additionally, many companies have remote work policies that allow employees to work from anywhere, so finding job opportunities in various industries is possible. To find job opportunities, you can search online job boards, network with other digital nomads in the city, or reach out to companies directly to inquire about remote work opportunities.

Popular recreational activities and fun spots

Medellin offers a variety of recreational activities and fun spots for visitors to enjoy. Some popular options include:

Parque Arví

Parque Arví is a nature reserve located in the Andean region of Colombia, near Medellín. It covers an area of approximately 15,000 hectares and is known for its diverse ecosystem, including cloud forests, paramo grasslands, and wetlands. 

The park is home to various plant and animal species, including the Andean Condor, Spectacled Bear, and the endangered Colombian Weasel. 

It also offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking. Additionally, the park has an ecological center that provides visitors with information about the park’s ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Pueblito Paisa

This is a theme park that recreates a traditional Antioquian village. It features replicas of colonial-style houses, cobblestone streets, and traditional crafts and foods. Visitors can also learn about the culture and history of the region through guided tours and traditional dance performances. The park is a popular tourist destination in Medellín and offers a unique way to experience the local culture

The Medellin Metro Cable

The Medellin Metro Cable is a cable car public transportation system in the Colombian city. Using this system offers a unique way to see the city and its neighborhoods. It was first opened in 2004 and has since expanded to include five lines, serving some of the city’s poorest and most remote neighborhoods. 

The system is intended to provide residents with improved access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities by connecting them to the city’s larger public transportation network. It has been widely praised for its positive impact on the community and has been used as a model for similar projects in other cities.

Plaza Botero

This is a public square named after the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The square features several large sculptures by Botero and several smaller works by other artists. The sculptures, which depict people and animals in a distinctive, exaggerated style, are popular tourist attractions and have become symbols of the city. The Plaza is also a popular spot for locals to relax, stroll, and take photos.

El Poblado 

The El Poblado neighborhood in Medellin is known for its lively nightlife, international restaurants, and high-end shopping. It is also home to many foreigners and expats and is considered one of the city’s most upscale and trendy areas. Additionally, it is one of the most secure and safe areas in Medellín. It is also a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to downtown and the city’s famous cable cars.

Museo de Antioquia

This is an art museum. It was founded in 1881 and houses a collection of Colombian art, focusing on the work of Medellín-born artist Fernando Botero. The museum also features works by other Colombian artists such as Pedro Nel Gómez, Débora Arango, and Rafael Uribe Uribe. It is considered one of the most significant cultural institutions in the country and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Jardín Botánico Medellín

The Jardín Botánico Medellín is also known as the Medellin Botanical Garden. It was founded in 1978 and covers an area of approximately 80 hectares. The garden features a wide variety of plants and flowers, including orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias. It also has a large collection of Colombian native plants and an area dedicated to cacti and succulents. The garden also has a lake, a butterfly house, and walking trails. It’s a popular place to visit in Medellin and is known for its beautiful and exotic plants and flowers.

Parque Explora medellín

Parque Explora is a science museum and interactive educational center in Medellín. It features exhibits on topics such as biology, physics, and technology, as well as a planetarium and an aquarium. The park also offers workshops and other educational activities for visitors of all ages. It was created to promote the development of science and technology in the region and to make these subjects more accessible to the general public.

Cerro Nutibara

This is a hilly rocky formation at the Aburrá Valley. It is among the few treasured ecosystems in Medellin and revered as one of the hills that guard the city. It is a popular tourist destination known for its panoramic views of the city. The hill is also home to the Nutibara Hotel, a cultural center, and several restaurants.

Transportation

Like any other modern city, Medellin has decent infrastructure that comprises air, railway, and road transport. José María Córdova International Airport serves the city.  It is Colombia’s second largest facility after El Dorado International Airport(Bogota) in terms of passenger service and infrastructure. It takes about 41 min (24.1 km) via Túnel de Ote to drive to the city center.  

Commuter trains

Medellin city has a comprehensive public transportation system, which includes commuter trains as one of its main components. The commuter train system is operated by the Medellin Metro and is made up of several lines:

• Line A:  Runs from North to South, covering 25.8 km (16.0 miles) and 21 stations
• Line B: Runs from the city center to the West, covering 5.5 km (3.4 miles) and seven stations

The trains frequently run, with a frequency of around every 5 minutes during peak hours, and provide a convenient and efficient way for residents and visitors to travel around the city. The Medellin metro system also includes a cable car system called Metrocable, which connects some of the city’s hillside neighborhoods to the metro network.

Metrocable services

This mode operates six lines, namely K, J, L, H, M, P

• Line K: Runs from North to Northeast, covering 2.07 km (1.29 miles). There are four stations along this line.
• Line J:  Runs from West to North, covering 2.7 km (1.7 miles); it has four stations
• Line L:  Operates between the Northeast to the far Northeast covering 4.8 km (3.0 mi). It has two stations.
•  Line H: East to far Northeast covering 1.4 km (0.87 miles). There are three stations.
• Line M: East to Northeast covering 1.05 km (0.65miles) along three stations
•  Line P: West to Northwest covering 2.7 km (1.7 miles)4 stations

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT services)

It operates three lines, namely, Line 1, Line 2, and Line O

• Line 1:  Plies the West to the Northeast route covering 12.5 km (7.8 miles) along 20 stations
• Line 2:  Runs from West to Northeast, covering 13.5 km (8.4 miles), 20 along stations 
• Line O: Serves stations, including Caribe and La Palma. It covers 9 km (5.6 miles), making 14 stops.

Tram services

Line T-A: Runs from the city center to the East, covering 4.2 km (2.6 miles) 3 stations making six stops

Taxi services 

Several taxi companies operate in Medellin, but perhaps you are wondering, “ does Uber also operate in there?’’ Yes! Uber is still operational in Colombia’s major cities, including Medellin. Other ride-hailing apps in the city include;

1. DiDi – a Chinese ride-hailing app that entered the Colombian market in 2019.
2. Cabify: –An app with Spanish origins that merged with two market leaders, EasyTappsi and EasyTaxi
3. inDriver: It was founded in Russia and is popular because it gives riders price options

Consider the table below to get taxi fare estimates

Is Medellin city safe? 

Medellin bears a scarred reputation for being a dangerous city due to its history of drug-related violence. However, in recent years, the city’s security organs have put up a spirited fight with the hope of improving the city’s safety rating. The following survey enabled by 191 participants may give you a rough idea of what Medellin’s security is like: 

Tradition and cultural norms 

Medellín is known for its rich culture and tradition. One of the most well-known traditions in the city is the annual Festival of Flowers, or Feria de las Flores, which takes place in August. During this festival, the city is decorated with flowers, parades, music, and traditional dances.

Another important tradition in Medellín is celebrating the Day of the Little Candelaria or Día de la Candelaria. This holiday is celebrated on February 2nd and is a mixture of indigenous and Catholic traditions. It is marked by parades, music, and traditional foods.

Family is also a central part of Medellin’s culture, and it is common for extended families to live close together and spend a lot of time together. Socializing and spending time with friends is also an important aspect of the culture, and it is common for people to gather in public spaces such as parks or plazas to spend time together.

Medellin is a religious place, with many people being Roman Catholic. The city has many churches, and it is common for people to attend mass on Sundays.

Overall, Medellin is a city that has a rich culture and tradition, with a focus on family, community, and celebration.

The cultural dos and don’ts

Knowing society’s culture prepares you to interact with them without making embarrassing mistakes. Here are some of the things you should do and avoid in Medellin.

• Be courteous and respectful around a friend’s parents
• Say “Buen provecho” (enjoy) to indicate it is time to start eating
• Always steer your conversations toward the positive aspects of Colombian culture and history.
• Adjust to tolerate a higher volume noise. Some Colombians have an uncanny tolerance for noisy environments.
• Show respect for the Christian Catholic traditions since they play a big role in shaping local opinions.
•  Always cover your mouth while yawning
• Close your mouth while chewing gum
•  Leave some food on the plate to indicate that you are full.
•  Refrain from speaking while pocketing.
• Avoid discussions or jokes around drug dealings or consumption. If you have to raise a question about the issue, let it be necessary, and you must approach it in a serious way that doesn’t offend the listeners. A few rogue individuals engage in the vice, making it appear a national problem. Therefore, most Colombians would be happy distancing themselves from the misleading stereotype. Moreover, some Colombians might have been affected by past gang activities.

Political and economic stability

The World Bank occasionally releases the Political Stability and Absence Terrorism/Violence index for global nations. This assesses the chances of a sovereign government being destabilized or overthrown unconstitutionally, including through armed conflict and terrorism.

It assesses Colombia on a scale of -2.5 to 2.5, with -2.5 being “weak or unstable” and 2.5 representing a politically stable government. The following is quick data for the years 2014 – 2021; 

The above indexes are an average of other indexes from the World Economic Forum, the Economist Intelligence Unit, the Political Risk Services, and several others.

Economic stability

Colombia’s economy was the 60th freest in 2022, with an economic freedom score of 65.1. According to this survey, it ranks 12th out of 32 countries in the Americas. Better still, its overall score stands above regional and world averages.

Language and language barriers 

The official language of Colombia is Spanish. However, many indigenous languages, such as Wayuu, Kuna, and Embera, are also spoken. There are also regional dialects and languages spoken by immigrant communities, including Portuguese, Italian, and English.

English proficiency

Medellin is a city with a large population and diverse demographics. However, on average, English proficiency in the city is considered intermediate. Many Colombians have a basic understanding of the language and can hold simple conversations but may need help with more complex grammar and vocabulary. It is also worth mentioning that in recent years, Colombia has invested a lot in the education of the English language, and many young people have access to education in English, contributing to the improvement of their proficiency in the language.

According to a popular English proficiency ranking website ef.com, Colombia ranks 77 out of 111, which is low. Here is how it ranks in other positions;

• EF EPI score – 477
• Global average score – 502
• Position in Latin America – 17 out of 20

These low scores notwithstanding, you can communicate with most service providers in basic English.

Healthcare provision

Colombia’s national healthcare system, Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS), provides coverage to all citizens and legal residents at a low cost. For example, the retirees’ premium is only 12% of the declared pension income. What’s more, there is no upper age limit for EPS applicants. Expats and digital nomads are all eligible for the EPS. However, one can opt out of it after proving they have an alternative cover.

It is administered by several insurance companies, including Coomeva, Comfenalco. and SURA.

The system is funded by taxes and mandatory health insurance contributions from workers. Surprisingly, this is one of the best-performing healthcare systems, with several sources placing it among the top 30 globally. 

Medellin city, particularly, has some of the best medical services in Latin America. The city is also a renowned destination for transplant surgery and cosmetic surgery.

The best hospitals for expats and digital nomads

One major concern for expats and digital nomads is having access to quality healthcare. This means knowing reputable hospitals with standard health services. As of 2016, Colombia had 1124 hospitals and clinics. Here are some of the hospitals to consider in Medellin.

Clinica Soma

• Address: Calle 51 Nr 45-93 Medellin Colombia
• Tel: + 57 4 251 0555

Clínica Medellín Sede el Poblado

• Address: Carrera 7 N. 39-290, Medellin Colombia
• Tel: + 57 4 311 2800
• Fax: + 57 4 312 4930

Clinica Las Americas Diagonal

• Address: 75 B-2 A-80, Medellin Colombia
• Tel: + 57 4 342 1010
• Fax: + 57 4 341 2946

The following statistics also paint a better picture of Medellin’s healthcare quality.

Vaccinations 

It is recommended to check with the Colombian Government’s Ministry of Health website or with a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date information on vaccination requirements for traveling to Colombia. However, it is generally recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations, like

• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Shingles
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• COVID-19
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Malaria
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Electronic standards

The standard voltage in Colombia is 110-120V and 60Hz, the same as in the United States. It is important to note that some electronic gadgets may require a different voltage, so it helps to check the product specifications before using them in Colombia. Additionally, it may be necessary to use a voltage converter or transformer to ensure that the device is compatible with the local power supply.

Telephone and internet plans 

In Colombia, several major providers offer mobile phone and internet plans. They include Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. These plans typically include data, minutes, and text messages. Prices vary depending on the amount of data and minutes included in the plan and the provider. Some providers also offer unlimited data plans.

Additionally, it is also common to find prepaid and postpaid plans. Prepaid plans are paid as you go, and postpaid plans are paid monthly. Most providers also offer bundle plans (TV, internet, phone)

Data, minutes, and texts keep changing as service providers compete. Here is a sample of Claro’s past data plan; 

Payment services infrastructure

Colombia has a well-developed payment services infrastructure, with various options for making and accepting payments. These include traditional methods such as cash and checks and electronic options like credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Additionally, the government of Colombia has implemented several initiatives to promote the use of digital payments, such as the “Cashless Colombia” program, which aims to increase the use of electronic payments in the country.

Currencies and exchange rates

The Colombian currency is the Colombian peso (COP). It is divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes come in denominations of 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 pesos, and coins are denominated in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos. The peso is symbolized by “$” or “COL$” to differentiate it from other currencies, also denominated as “peso.”

As of Jan 15th, 1 Colombian peso is equivalent to USD 0.00021

Climate and seasons

Medellín has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to March and a rainy season from April to November. The temperature in the city is relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of around 83°F (28.5°C) and an average low of around 63°F (17°C). Medellin is located in the Andean region of Colombia, which means that it is surrounded by mountains, which can affect the weather in the city. The temperature may be a bit cooler in the surrounding mountainous areas.

Favorite foods

Medellin has a diverse culinary scene influenced by the local indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures. Some popular dishes from Medellin include:

• Bandeja paisa: a hearty platter of rice, beans, avocado, plantain, chorizo, pork belly, and a fried egg, often served with arepa (a type of corn cake).
• Ajiaco: a traditional soup made with potatoes, corn, and chicken.
• Empanadas: fried or baked turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Lechona: a dish made with a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices.
• Tamales: steamed corn dough filled with meat or vegetables.

Other popular street food includes churros, grilled meats, and fresh fruit juices. Medellin is also known for its coffee and chocolate.

Common Concerns 

Digital nomads sharing their experiences on Nomad List observed and noted the following concerns

•  Low English proficiency index
• Low quality of education
• Traffic congestion
• Air pollution

Other concerns include slow internet, dangerous roads(some) and annoying bureaucracy. Some also believe that the city is relatively unsafe for women These concerns notwithstanding, Medellin is a nice city to vacation in as a digital nomad. You have to run through the list of its advantages (which are more than concerns) to see the bright side of things.