An Introduction to Being a Digital Nomad in Medellin
Medellin, also known as “The City of Eternal Spring”, has become a star destination in the rise of digital nomadism over the past few years.
Nestled in the beauty of the Aburrá Valley, Medellin has attracted a thriving nomadic community through its year-around great weather, its bustling, diverse community, and world-famous festivities.
Whether you’re looking to get your first taste of South America or you’re familiar with the region and want to try something new, Medellin has plenty to offer digital nomads of all backgrounds.
Here’s a simple guide to bring a digital nomad in Medellin.
Why be a Digital Nomad in Medellin?
Medellin is just one of the many great cities in South America, but it has plenty of distinguishing features that make it a particularly attractive destination for digital nomads.
Here are some of the big reasons why it’s great to be a digital nomad in Medellin:
Affordable Cost of Living
Like many destinations in South America, Medellin has a low cost of living that makes it very affordable for many digital nomads, especially if you make your living with US or Canadian dollars, Euros, or another currency that’s strong against the Colombian peso.
Though the city’s popularity among digital nomads has made the price of accommodation rise in recent times, many travelers coming in from North America and Europe will usually find accommodation, eating out, and entertainment to be very affordable compared to their home countries.
Great Climate and Natural Beauty
Once you experience being a digital nomad in Medellin for the first time, the nickname “City of Eternal Spring” will quickly start to make sense.
The city is famous for its uniquely pleasant climate, with mild, spring-like weather throughout the entire year, allowing you to make the most out of your day with outdoor activities.
Along with the dreamy weather, Medellin’s position in the Aburrá Valley places you a short distance from some of the most stunning natural beauty spots you can find in Colombia, or for that matter the entirety of South America!
Vibrant Culture
Medellin is a markedly “lived-in” city, and its status as an international hub means that new visitors will find it easy to dive right into its thriving arts scene, its intriguing museums, and lively festivities like the annual Feria de las Flores (Festival of Flowers).
Aside from the proud local culture and customs, being a digital nomad in Medellin will put you within reach of one of the western hemisphere’s most diverse and active communities of digital nomads. This is great for solo nomads who are seeking to make personal connections and learn from like-minded individuals on their own adventures.
As a digital nomad in Medellin, you’ll feel the city’s singular culture from the moment you step off the plane, and will have no issues feeling like a part of the local scene, rather than a tourist who’s simply on the outside looking in.
How to Become a Digital Nomad in Medellin
If Medellin’s charms have you enthralled and you’re itching to plan your trip, here’s a look at some of the key things to think about as you work out how to become a digital nomad in Medellin.
Co-Working Spaces in Cafes
Finding a good place to set up your laptop and get into productive work sessions can be a challenge in some parts of the world, but this isn’t the case with Medellin!
Due to Medellin’s status as a hotspot for foreign professionals, the city is brimming with dozens of great co-working spaces and cafes that digital nomads can use as a comfortable temporary office.
Some of the best working spots in Medellin include:
Selina Medellin & Cowork: A particularly nomad-friendly space that boasts a modern, minimalist interior design and well-equipped spaces, not to mention its own on-site cafe to keep you fuelled up with delicious coffee and snacks. It also has accommodation if you like a short commute!
Quokka Coworking: Situated in the city’s central hotel district, within easy reach of some of its most popular sights, Quokka is a modern and well-equipped co-working space with some beautiful outdoor areas that will feel like working in your own little botanical garden.
Café Revolución: Situated near the campus of Medellin’s Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Café Revolución is a particularly great place for younger nomads who want to make connections with the local student culture.
The trendy, semi-outdoor space, great coffee, and a menu of delicious local food to accompany it, makes Café Revolución a great place for any coffee lover to set up shop.
Budget-friendly accommodation
For many digital nomads, the accommodation throughout Medellin will be refreshingly affordable compared to the rates they’re used to back home.
Having said that, finding particularly affordable accommodation for your trip to Medellin will maximize your budget and ensure you have the best time possible in the city.
When it comes to finding budget-friendly digital nomad accommodation, our main recommendations are:
Airbnb: A staple of most digital nomads’ traveling tools, Airbnb is popular in Medellin and enables digital nomads an easy way to filter different accommodation options and find comfortable month-to-month rentals. During the peak travel season (spring and winter) you can expect to pay between $600 and $900 for a comfortable one-bedroom apartment.
Co-living Spaces: As a thriving digital nomad hub, Medellin also has a variety of co-living spaces that can be a particularly good option if meeting fellow travelers is one of your priorities.
These facilities offer private bedrooms with communal spaces like kitchens and dining areas, which can also double as comfortable and practical workspaces for some nomads. Co-living spaces also tend to be more affordable than entirely private apartments on airbnb.
Making it in Medellin
The City of Eternal Spring has countless unique features and cultural quirks to explore as you progress with your digital nomad journey and make your way in the world. We hope this introduction to being a digital nomad in Medellin has helped you get a better feel for the city, and make the right calls for your trip.
If you’re looking for insurance for your trip to Medellin, be sure to check out some of our global insurance plans for digital nomads.