Digital nomadism is literally the 2.0 version of remote work. That is becoming the norm, hitting the traditional corporate culture with a tornado.
With the improved version, you get to take your flexible remote work not only out of the office, but also out of your home now.
So, it is opening doors for multicultural exploration in different countries while working remotely and earning monthly paychecks.
Naturally, more employees are shifting to a world tour rather than sitting at the office desk for long hours.
They are choosing culturally rich places to explore while working simultaneously. And Colombia is currently one of the top choices of digital nomads.
With its breathtaking natural landscapes, delicious cuisines, and a variety of climates, it has found a place on the list of nomadic destinations.
Apart from the nature and culture, Colombia provides the perfect provisions for living your digital nomad lifestyle.
So, if you are planning to switch to this new life, Colombia can be a great choice. But you need to know about the safest city in Colombia to get started.
So, today, I have brought you the perfect guide to help you move to Colombia and work remotely.
From covering the benefits and safety to the best places and safety tips, I have delved into the details of every aspect of your Colombian lifestyle.
Stay tuned!
Key Takeaways
- Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena are top picks for digital nomads. This is because they are among the safest and most exciting cities to live in Colombia.
- Secondly, reliable internet is a non-negotiable for remote work. So, you can use local services for unlimited data. This can ensure you stay online without any glitches.
- You will find that Colombia makes life easy with affordable living, welcoming expat communities, and plenty of modern co-working spaces to get things done.
- Lastly, to keep your trip stress-free, focus on learning a few local safety tips and choosing the right neighborhoods, like El Poblado or Chapinero, before you land.
Why Should You Choose Colombia For Remote Work?
Colombia is getting the attention of the digital community for its beautiful landscape, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine.
So, you get to enjoy its magnificence while working remotely.
Apart from its cultural beauty, the country provides many provisions that make it an appealing destination for a nomadic lifestyle. Some of these provisions include:
1. Affordable Accommodations
Unlike the common misconception, staying in Colombia is quite affordable. It has cheap accommodations, rental places, and transportation services.
So, you can easily sustain a livelihood with your remote work paychecks. Also, the diversely prepared food is surprisingly affordable. Making the place a great option.
You can expect to spend between $1,200 and $1,600 USD per month for a high-end lifestyle in major cities.
Moreover, this includes a luxury apartment in a safe district, daily dining out, and coworking memberships
2. Fast And Reliable Internet Connection
Colombia is one of the countries with the fastest internet services. So, you will get high-speed and reliable internet to get your remote work done.
Moreover, you will find most places around the cities with a stable and reliable Wi-Fi system and a strong internet connection.
3. Expat Community
Having a community is important to thrive as a digital nomad in an unknown country. And Colombia provides you exactly that.
It has a diverse expat community with digital nomads from around the world. So, you get to engage with the community and network with them.
Major providers like Tigo, Claro, and Movistar now offer fiber-optic connections with speeds up to 300 Mbps in most urban residential buildings.
4. Co-working Spaces
Even though you are staying out of your home country, Colombia, ensures that you have the perfect work environment for your work meetings.
With its co-working spaces, you get stable internet service and a productive work environment to manage your remote work. So, working becomes fun.
Global brands like WeWork and Selina have a massive presence here, alongside local favorites like Semilla (Medellín) and Social (Bogotá)
5. Digital Nomad Visa
Finally, it offers a special digital nomad visa to foreign workers to permit them to stay and work remotely in Colombia.
This visa offers more provisions than the tourist visa and allows long-term stay.
Moreover, if you are planning to permanently stay in Colombia, a digital nomad visa can help you.
Officially known as the V-Visa (Resolution 5477), it requires proof of income of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage. The value is roughly around $950-$1,050 USD/month.
This depends on the current exchange rate. Moreover, You also need a health insurance policy with coverage in Colombia
6 Best And Safest Cities In Colombia For Digital Nomads
Although most of the cities in Colombia provide the necessary provisions for digital nomads, here is a list of some of the best and safest cities you can choose from.
1. Medellín
Topping the list is Medellín. It is by far the best and safest abode for digital nomads. With its eternal spring climate, it attracts remote workers around the globe to settle in.
Moreover, the city has high-speed internet service, affordable rentals and houses, efficient transportation, and co-working spaces.
You can always skip the hassle of slow internet by using ConnectPls. They can offer you unlimited data WiFi and high-quality eSIM solutions. This way, you can experience seamless remote work.
So, naturally, it is taking the top position in the list.
The “City of Eternal Spring” is the nomadic capital. Stay in El Poblado for networking or Laureles for a more “local” feel.
Don’t miss the Metrocable for stunning city views and world-class cafes like Pergamino on Via Primavera.
2. Cali
Second on the list is Cali. With its relaxing environment, it attracts you to take the load off your shoulders and indulge in a relaxed lifestyle.
For the safest experience, you can stick to the San Antonio or El Peñón districts.
It’s perfect for nomads who want to trade “corporate vibes” for dance lessons at schools like Sabor Manicero.
Also, you get to explore its rich cultural heritage and nightlife while enjoying provisions like coworking spaces, affordable living, and fast internet.
3. Cartagena
Cartagena is not for everyone. It is specifically designed for beach-loving digital nomads. With its exquisite beach views and climate, you get to enjoy a vacation without taking a break from work.
Additionally, the city offers you a growing expat community with affordable living options and stable internet connectivity. So, you can stay, enjoy, and work at the same time.
Here, the Caribbean charm meets remote work. You can stay in Getsemaní to avoid the heavy tourist crowds of the Walled City.
Pro tip: Ensure your rental specifically lists high-BTU air conditioning, as the coastal humidity is intense.
4. Bogota
Next on the list is Bogotá. If you like bustling cities rather than the serenity of nature, it is the perfect place for you. Here, you will get a dynamic cityscape with cafes and restaurants.
This is also known as the cultural heart. Here, you need to focus on Chapinero Alto or Usaquén.
It’s the “Athens of South America,” offering the best specialty coffee scene and high-speed hubs like WeWork Calle 93.
Furthermore, the city provides a stable internet connection, co-working spaces, an expat community, and proper flights. Making it a perfect hub for digital nomads.
5. Pereira
If you are someone who can’t choose between city and nature, Pereira can be the sweet spot in between. It has both the bustle of the city and the tranquility of nature.
Apart from that, it provides affordable accommodations, co-working spots, ecotourist destinations, and reliable Wi-Fi systems. So, you can work and enjoy simultaneously.
6. Barranquilla
Ending the list with the Golden Gate of Colombia, Barranquilla. It offers you a Caribbean climate with cheap rentals, fast internet, and co-working spaces to start your digital nomad life.
Furthermore, the city often bursts into festivities and carnivals. So, you can get a taste of its rich culture while working remotely.
Safety Tips For Digital Nomads Moving To Colombia
Although the cities of Colombia are beautiful, a new country comes with many unwanted risks and security issues. So, it is important to follow some safety tips.
- Choose a safe locality and neighbourhood.
- Avoid unknown transportation services to keep yourself safe.
- Try to blend in with the locals by engaging with them.
- Choose public spots with reliable internet services for working.
- Rent houses from reliable locals to avoid getting illegal places.
The Golden Rule: “No dar papaya.”
In Colombia, locals live by the phrase “No dar papaya” (Don’t give papaya). It means don’t make yourself a target. To stay safe:
- Hail Smarter: You must never wave down a yellow taxi at night. Instead, you can consider using Uber, Cabify, or InDrive.
This way, your ride is GPS-tracked, and the driver is registered.
- Connectivity is Safety: Secondly, you can pick up a Tigo or Claro SIM card at the airport. 4G data for Google Maps, and translation is your #1 safety tool.
- Neighborhood Tiering: Lastly, you must always check the “Estrato” of your rental.
You can aim for Estratos 4, 5, or 6, which are the residential tiers with the best security and infrastructure.
Pro-Nomad" Checklist
• Currency: Download XE Currency to track the COP (Peso) vs. USD exchange rate.
• Delivery: Download Rappi. It is Colombia's "everything app" for groceries, medicine, and food.
• Health: Get Sura or Seguros Bolívar travel insurance; Colombian healthcare is excellent in cities, but private insurance is a must.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Working Remotely In Colombia
After reading about all the beautiful places in Colombia, you must want to grab your bags and take the first flight there.
But before you jump into that, you need to consider a few things. These will help you choose the perfect and safe city to start your nomadic life.
Firstly, choose a place that has fast internet and co-working spaces. This will help you to work remotely without facing any connectivity issues.
Secondly, check the expat community and stay connected with them. They will help you with the rentals and local exploration.
Finally, try to learn about the ways and cultural elements of Colombian people. This will help you to blend in with the new culture and feel welcomed in a new country.
By keeping these few things in mind, you can easily start your life as a digital nomad in the safest city in Colombia.
So, what’s the wait for? Pack your bags and take your laptop to the serenity and exquisite beauty of this Latin American country!
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