The Expat Life in Medellin, Colombia

You know how the old saying in show business goes: Everybody loves a good comeback.

After decades upon decades of what seemed to be ceaseless chaos, Columbia has proudly risen from the ashes of the troubled times. And now, it gleams like a shining example of breaking the vicious cycles of social and political upheaval.

Consequently, Colombia’s sprawling metropolises like Bogota and Medellin have become inviting beacons for globe-trotting digital nomads, calling to all the free-spirited individuals eager to lift the anchor and float away, towards a horizon full of promise.

In 2019, Medellin represents one of the captivating ports of call for expats that want to settle, at least for a little while. If the expat life in Medellin sounds enticing to you, here’s everything you need to know.

Some basics about the city of Medellin

Medellin is the second-largest city in fascinating Colombia, right behind the country’s capital, Bogota. It boasts a population of circa 2.5 million in the urban, and 3.7 million in the metro area (which includes no other cities).

The cityscape is comfortably nestled amidst the mountain ranges of Andes, at an altitude of 4.905 feet, in the region which remains known as the Aburrá Valley. This is the natural basin of the eponymous Medellin River, and it has been named after the Aburreans—the native residents of the region that lived there before the Spanish colonists settled in the 16th century.

Broadly speaking, the city lies smack in the middle of the distinct north-western region of Colombia which is renowned for its spectacular, gargantuan mountain ranges of the Andes. The coast of the Pacific is roughly 200 kilometers to the west, and the Caribbean Sea is about 260-290 kilometers to the north by northwest.

What broad information should every expat know?

Naturally, the official language in Colombia is Spanish, and not everyone will necessarily be proficient at using English. It certainly pays off to take time and learn the language to the best of your abilities. It shouldn’t be particularly hard to learn Spanish fairly quickly, especially when you consider that it’s one of those ubiquitous Romance languages with a reasonably simple grammar and familiar sentence structure.

Although the city lies on high altitude, it has a mild, even climate, so pleasant that it has been dubbed the ‘City of Eternal Spring.’ The temperature fluctuates steadily around 80°F.

The price range of utilities is quite broad and varied, depending on which part of the city and apartment building you end up in. It ranges from US$300 to US$3,000 per month.

As for the local food: it’s to die for, and you can easily have a fulfilling lunch for less than US$3. However, if you’re in the mood to splurge, you can have a delicious meal in one of the numerous restaurants for, let’s say, US$15 to US$20.

The city is well-connected by a network of metro trains. It is a seamless and elegant way to travel smoothly around the town for less than a dollar. Taxis are surprisingly budget-friendly, and taking a ride around the city should not be a noticeable hit on the wallet. In other words, it’s easy to get by if you don’t own a car.

Privately owned stores are everywhere, but if you’re looking for a reliable chain—something like Colombia’s Walmart—‘Exito!’ is an answer to your supermarket needs.

Why do expats prefer Medellin?

From these broad strokes, you can probably conclude on your own why this is such a popular destination among digital nomads. Quite simply, Medellin is a picturesque city with extremely convenient features, such as its cheap and efficient transportation network. These practical factors, coupled with a laidback atmosphere and a lively cultural scene, make it an ideal place for settling as an expat.

The currency exchange is very favorable if you’re paid in US$, and the medical insurance will barely graze your wallet. All in all, medical care in the metro area of this city, and all major Colombian cities for that matter, are easily world-class.

Above all, many expats tend to gravitate towards places that have fantastic food, and Medellin certainly satisfies in that department, while still retaining its signature affordability. Also, since so many expats have already flocked to the Aburrá Valley, there is already established infrastructure in terms of coworking spaces, reliable Wi-fi hotspots, and not to mention the brimming social network of people from every corner of the globe.

Health and safety for expats

As an expat, you can purchase a solid plan for less than US$50 a month. Every experienced digital nomad or a Colombian medical professional will recommend this.

The wider city area of Medellin has seven or eight major hospitals, so you’ll never be more than 15 minutes away from medical care. There are at least three major hospitals that are renowned for their stellar reliability in the case of emergency and world-class care.

Conclusion

For expats that want to move to Medellin, it’s worth noting that culture shock remains minimal. This is your regular worldly metropolis with a familiar and logical layout, and if you have learned even a little bit of Spanish, there is hardly an obstacle in your way.

When it comes to crime and safety, you will be in less danger here than in, for example, Chicago, London, or Beijing. Of course, you should learn about the neighborhoods known for more frequent robbery occurrences (and other crimes) and make a point of avoiding them.

All in all, Medellin is a picture-perfect city for expats that want to slow down a bit, savor a good life, and peacefully work their online job.