Title: Digital Nomad Diaries: Living and Working Remotely in Colombia
Hola amigos! I’m Noah Smith, living a life many dream of, but few dare to pursue. Yes, I’m a digital nomad, and this time my laptop and I find ourselves in the vibrant country of Colombia. I’m here to share my experiences and provide a few tips to fellow wanderers considering this South American gem as their next remote work destination.
First things first, let’s talk about the cost of living. Colombia is an affordable paradise for digital nomads. A decent one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood in cities like Medellin or Bogota will set you back around $500 to $800 a month. The food is cheap and delicious, with a meal at a decent restaurant costing around $5-$10. Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive, and you can expect to spend around $40 monthly. All in all, you can comfortably live here for about $1200 -1500 per month.
Now, let’s get down to business – literally. As a digital nomad, coworking spaces are as important as a good café con leche in the morning. Colombia has embraced the digital nomad trend, and you’ll find numerous coworking spaces in major cities. My personal favorite is Selina in Medellin, a vibrant, community-centric space with a mix of locals and expats. It’s more than just a workspace; it’s a place to network, learn, and grow. Monthly memberships range from $100 – $200.
Colombia’s internet quality is surprisingly good. In the cities, Wi-Fi is reliable and fast enough for video-calling, streaming, and other heavy data activities. In more remote areas, the internet can be slower, but still workable. I recommend always having a local SIM card as a backup. Claro and Tigo are popular network providers, and a monthly package with sufficient data costs around $10.
The visa situation in Colombia is relatively straightforward. As a U.S. citizen, you can stay in Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa. This can be extended for another 90 days, giving you a total of 180 days per calendar year. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a migrant visa, which requires a bit more paperwork and evidence of financial stability.
Living in Colombia has been nothing short of incredible. The people are warm and welcoming, and the sense of community here is something I haven’t experienced in many other places. The country’s natural beauty is breathtaking, from the verdant coffee plantations to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast. Learning Spanish has been a rewarding challenge, and it’s certainly helped me connect with locals and understand the culture more deeply.
That said, as with any destination, it’s not without its challenges. Safety can be a concern, especially in certain areas of major cities. It’s essential to research and choose your neighborhood carefully, avoid flaunting expensive gadgets in public, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Here are a few tips for fellow digital nomads considering Colombia:
1. Learn some Spanish: While you’ll find English speakers in the cities, knowing some Spanish will make your life much easier and enrich your experience.
2. Use local transportation: Taxis and Ubers are cheap, but the metro in Medellin is efficient and a great way to get around and see the city.
3. Be patient: The pace of life is a bit slower here than in some countries. Embrace it, and remember that “mañana” doesn’t always literally mean tomorrow!
4. Explore: Colombia is a diverse country with so much to see. Don’t limit yourself to the cities – visit the coffee region, the Amazon, the Caribbean coast, and the picturesque small towns.
5. Be respectful: Colombians are proud of their country and culture. Respect local customs and traditions, and you’ll be warmly received.
Being a digital nomad in Colombia has been a truly enriching experience. The combination of affordable living, excellent coworking facilities, reliable internet, and a welcoming community makes it a perfect place for remote work. So, pack your bags, fellow nomads, and see you in Colombia!