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Guide
Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴
#219
,
Nomad Score:
77%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Medellín is the capital of the Antioquia department in Colombia, known for its pleasant climate and vibrant culture. |
👥 Population | Approx. 2.5 million |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 40 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3,700 COP; ATMs and banks widely available. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Claro, Movistar, and Tigo with prepaid options. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda accept international cards widely. |
🛌 Accommodation | Varied options including Airbnb, local rentals, and short-term stays. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local apps like Homie cater to short-term travelers. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Ronda and Los Patios Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | El Poblado and Laureles are popular for their nightlife and amenities. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Envigado and Lleras Park are ideal for long-term stays, offering a balance of amenities and calm. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Medellín is renowned for its modern facilities and community events. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Pergamino Coffee offers a conducive atmosphere for remote work. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various tech and expat events regularly. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Medellín Expat Group on Facebook is an active community for networking. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Beat are popular choices for on-demand transportation. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Companies like RappiBike offer bike rentals for exploration. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Blanca is the nearest beach, approximately 6 hours by bus. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca is the main carrier for domestic travel. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Air Colombia offers various international flights. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways like Autopista Norte and Autopista Sur. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Medellín has a modern Metro system with connections to Bus Rapid Transit. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Civica card is used for the Metro, bus, and cable car. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to nearby cities like Bogotá, Cali, and Cartagena. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogamala and Chakra are popular spots for wellness activities. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fitness and Bodytech are well-equipped gyms. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at various local laundromats throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi dominates the food delivery market. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bandeja Paisa is a traditional dish of the region. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Verdura Cafe cater to plant-based diets. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | El Cielo offers delightful desserts in a unique setting. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central local markets like Plaza Minorista for fresh produce and local goods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include Linio and Mercadolibre for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Apps like Domicilios.com provide grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Parque Lleras is the heart of nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza 3 Cordilleras is a favorite local brewery. |
🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers a fine selection of wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer arepas and empanadas throughout the city. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Options include Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern restaurants in El Poblado. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza Botero, featuring large sculptures by Fernando Botero. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Antioquia showcases local art and culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Comuna 13 offers both history and stunning street art. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Basilica de la Candelaria is an important historical church. |
🎉 Annual Events | Festival of the Flowers (Feria de las Flores) celebrated annually in August. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | El Poblado and Laureles are vibrant cultural districts. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Metropolitano hosts various performances and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado del Río is a popular food market. |
🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live music across genres, especially salsa and vallenato. |
🎨 Street Art | Comuna 13 is famous for its vibrant street art culture. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes offered at places like the Gourmet Cooking School. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín promotes contemporary art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio de la Cultura and its architecture are notable. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Medellín has a rich history linked to coffee production. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Nutibara offers nature walks and stunning city views. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Arví is accessible via metro and features beautiful outdoor trails. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Green spaces and bike paths such as the Carrera 70 path are great for exercise. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Las Palmas provides breathtaking views of the entire city. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Parque Arví is home to diverse bird species. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cerro Quitasol offers designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services available through Servientrega and Envios Market. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops such as Móvil Reparación offer device services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers provide ping pong tables. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like EAFIT University offer Spanish language courses. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca de España is a popular place for students. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Pablo Tobón Uribe hosts various cultural events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Guild Games Store offers a great atmosphere for gamers. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Caribe provides entertainment options. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 31% for corporations |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for dividends distributed to resident foreigners |
🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates up to 39% for residents |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% for high earners |
🧾 VAT | 19% on general goods |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules apply for foreign income if controlling a Colombian entity. |
🏠 Property Tax | 1% of declared value annually. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% of sale price during property transactions. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-residents only pay 10% on Colombian-sourced income. |