15 Pros & Cons Of Living In Medellín As A Digital Nomad

[@TheEddieToro]

Nice pros and cons on Medellin Isabelle. I'm Colombian American from South Carolina. been here in Antioquia for a total of 26 years. I live in the countryside nowadays. Never living in the US or anywhere again. Done it in Mexico, India and Nepal.

[@isabellerdgz]

The countryside's beautiful, glad you found your spot :)

[@jhoangarcia6158]

You nailed it very well. Another thing to say is that, even being a foreigner or a Colombian from another side of the country to really befriend a Paisa is very difficult; I mean, they will always treat you good and they would be friendlier than in other places of Colombia but at the end it is very difficult if you are from another region.

[@inlyalvarez1667]

Why is that? I am moving there in a few months and I am worried I won’t have any friends

[@jhoangarcia6158]

@inlyalvarez1667 You don't have to worry about that but because of the socioeconomic situation and our history is really harsh. Nevertheless come here to our country and visit us and get your opinion. Thanks for visiting us but I wouldn't recommend you my own land, it is difficult but thanks for coming here either way.

[@theultimaterelaxationqueen]

Great vid! Stayed in Cali for 3 months last year and loved it.

[@isabellerdgz]

Awesome! Will have to spend some time in Cali next time I’m in colombia

[@sylvieanddanny]

Thank you for this 🥰 We will be coming in two months, super excited!!

[@isabellerdgz]

Hope you have a great time!

[@SenorJuan2023]

@@isabellerdgz How did you learn Spanish?

[@isabellerdgz]

@@SenorJuan2023 my mom’s Venezuelan so she spoke to me in Spanish. I was born in Canada so I learned English at school.

[@linnyearl9944]

Fantastic content! 👏🏽

[@isabellerdgz]

Thank you :)

[@joecartagena1525]

You hit every single point. I travel to Colombia several times a year and see the plane loads of men many of which look like little kids in a toy store. Colombians are very sweet and kind people happy and respectful but like any other city in the world bad exist and that is where your city smarts have to come in. Have fun, enjoy the culture but most importantly is be safe.

[@chuey1313]

❤Excellent work. Peace❤

[@brucemcmillan1149]

thanks, useful tips and good common sense advice.

[@isabellerdgz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stayambitious]

Thanks for the informative video! How did you go about finding the shared interest groups?

[@isabellerdgz]

Thanks for watching :) There are all these whatsapp groups for Medellin which made it easy - mdecommunity.com/communities/

[@DBM1234-d1f]

WELCOME TO MEDELLIN In February 2024, the EVM AWARDS chose Medellin as the best destination in the country. 🎉On March 17, TIME magazine included Medellin among the 50 best destinations in the world in 2023. And in January THE NEW YORK TIMES also included Medellin among the 50 best destinations in the world in 2023. In addition, TIMEOUT declared the LURELES neighborhood in Medellín the coolest in the world in 2023. NOMADLIST also listed Medellin as the second preferred Latin American destination for digital nomads in 2023. ❤ Medellin is the #1 city in quality of life in Colombia, it has already surpassed Cartagena in international tourists, also Medellin is an intelligent tourist destination and is a special district of science, technology and innovation.

[@miltonmartinez2738]

I have to say. This is a great video, you are telling the truth!!!

[@isabellerdgz]

Thank you Milton!

[@zoecheng2756]

Great video, thanks

[@isabellerdgz]

Thanks for watching Zoe :)

[@SGTRAVELS973]

What do you do for work?

[@isabellerdgz]

Account Management (SaaS)

[@vigalantyleyba]

3:40 Honey…… I don’t wear fake Jews or fake designer Watches

[@alfonsoparrado3112]

Hi, are there gluten free products like pizzas or bread at supermarkets? Or can you even find gluten free products in mcdonalds there? And what other area were you living at? It seems the only safe areas if you're a white 6'4 guy like me that will stand out no matter what I'm doing, are el poblado and laureles. Is there another safe area?

[@isabellerdgz]

Hi, you won’t find gluten free products everywhere but your best bet would be Carulla. I have no idea about McDonald’s but why go to McDonald’s when you’re in colombia haha. A lot of Colombian food is gluten free anyway since it’s corn-based. I lived in Floresta. It’s safer for me because I speak Spanish but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to someone who doesn’t. I wouldn’t call el poblado a “safe area” if anything that’s where I’m most on guard. Thieves know the foreigners are in el poblado so that’s where they go. They have no reason to think I have anything worth stealing when I’m in the more middle class neighbourhoods. But again, if you don’t speak Spanish, you don’t have options.

[@alfonsoparrado3112]

@isabellerdgz hablo perfecto español, soy de españa. Lo unico que bueno se me nota el acento de fuera. El poblado no me gusta por eso precisamente, que te parece laureles? He visto pisos buenos por ahi. Lo que necesito es un sitio con calma do de pueda teabajar y gimnasios cerca para entrenar y correr. La naturaleza y los parques creo que son peligrosos todos no? O hay alguna excepcion? Y sobrs el gluten, estoy mas tranquilo ahora que se que hay muchas cosas de maiz, pero si estan procesadas pueden estar contaminadas de gluten, pero si lo cocino yo espero que este bien!

[@sonderexpeditions]

Yes. I'm Celiac and found gluten free food in stores that leaned "healthy". Street food is harder but it's changing fast so lots of options.

[@alfonsoparrado3112]

@@sonderexpeditions I've been here a month alraedy and there's plenty of stuff, not pizzas unfortunately, but Exito and Carulla both have gluten free stuff, especially arepas. Even the little grocery shop next to me has them. Restaurants are harder, Mcdonalds somehow has gluten here (but not in Spain), but I did find a cool place "something green" at unicentro. Street food would be great but I don't even dream of it!

[@ayo_k32]

You touched on some important safety points. 1) No cell phone out in public, especially iPhones 2) No gold jewelry of any sort 3) No speaking loudly in English. These are the three things that I tell people are of utmost importance when visiting. (And of course, not meeting people on Tinder or getting too drunk)

[@sylvieanddanny]

Any tips/groups, etc, for meeting other women digital nomads?

[@isabellerdgz]

There's a whatsapp group for women in Medellín. You need to submit a quick form so they can try to filter men out - mdecommunity.typeform.com/mdemujeres There are a ton of other interest-based groups as well you can join. All on this link - mdecommunity.com/communities/

[@sylvieanddanny]

@@isabellerdgz Thank you! I will join (Sylvie) once I am in Medellin 🥰

[@jeffreypullis696]

Whats the place called? The last one you talked about!

[@SBC581]

Great video. This is less fear mongering than other videos I’ve seen. I’m planning my trip and I’ve altered some plans. I was going to rent a car, like I do in the USA. I’m not going to do that. The hotels have strict restrictions on guests. If you’re sex trolling, you’re not going to stay in a safe building. I’m planning tours every day, no roaming bars. Disclaimer, I have a friend who is a local. I don’t have to find love in the streets. But in planning, I see the protections that sex tourists need to avoid. I am going to buy a burner phone and keep my iPhone 16 in the safe at the hotel.

[@JoshuaPalmerTV]

Great video 👍🏾

[@indianikolwimbush2268]

What about living in itagui?

[@isabellerdgz]

I generally prefer the north > south of the city but I only went to Itagui a few times so can't speak on it too much. Definitely a mix of nicer and seedier areas around there.

[@KazaamCreez]

There was no need to call people you've never interacted with creepy. People all over the world have different interests in things. Just because they don't do what you think is ideal for a tourist doesn't make them creepy in your book. So should we say the same thing about some Colombian women who currently reside in the United States and choose the lifestyle of prostitution? Talk about your experience as woman in Colombia instead of making judgement.

[@isabellerdgz]

Sexpats are objectively creepy

[@KazaamCreez]

@@isabellerdgz I agree. You're one of them sexpat trying to leverage your dollar and citizenship to these poor Colombians.😭 I know You couldn't get them pretty boys in the US 😀

[@KazaamCreez]

@@isabellerdgz you are no different from creepy sexpats. You went there because you were frustrated with the fact that men in the United States were pumping and dumping you. You're leveraging your dollar and your citizenship to these poor Colombians. You only deal with locals because they are unaware of your manipulative ways that Western men can't stand. Don't be mad at the western bros for not paying you attention.😭

[@KazaamCreez]

@@isabellerdgz You're no different from creepy sexpats.

[@jrr417]

As a Colombian I can say that there are a lot of weird gringos, believe me you can tell when someone comes just for sex tourism.

[@jeffreypullis696]

Sundays walk around! Some stores are closed!

[@videogamedeveloperplus]

Still crime rate increased in 2023 and Do you feel 100% comfortable while going outside? Can you go out of home at night as a female? please guide me I am so scared.

[@isabellerdgz]

No, I don't feel comfortable walking around alone at night as a woman but I still felt right at home and loved it. Definitely a trade-off but Ubers are cheap and make it easy to get around at night so it's not a big problem.

[@videogamedeveloperplus]

@@isabellerdgz Yes. Crime rate also shows that and you must care and you are already doing that. Although, I love to see starts at night, walk at night with great weather I like the most. Because of limitations, Sounds fair to keep yourself at home. I am thinking 2 options and I have my own Tucson SUV so I am thinking to go with it by road. Other option as you are doing. I am still analysing things, situations and environments. I hope that you will continue my support to sharing your experience through these videos.

[@QuinnPrice]

I loved Medellin. My local friends told me to take extra care when dating, know the neighborhoods, and avoid things that invite opportunist crimes. Your read is right on.

[@isabellerdgz]

I'm glad you had a great time :)

[@nepatriots77]

Why do women go to Medellin? im curious. Do colombian men also attract them?

[@isabellerdgz]

my mom's venezuelan so colombia feels homey to me

[@Alex-xl3wh]

7:02 le faltó q le echaran lecherita

[@isabellerdgz]

no me gusta :///

[@Alex-xl3wh]

@isabellerdgz ah no mor, pero si no le gusta la lecheríta como le va a gustar la comida paisa, aquí q la echamos en todo jajajsjs

[@JhormanDuc]

oh wow I didn't know your mom was venezuelan ! cool I was born there

[@karlyrodriguez7835]

Excellent in-depth review and comparison of the cons and pros of Medellin! Very helpful for anyone wanting to visit or live there 👍👍

[@kevinexperiences]

I’m also from Toronto and will be heading to Medellin at the end of March. Would be great to connect and get some more advice, is IG the best place to reach you?

[@isabellerdgz]

For sure, message me on IG :) Hope you have a good time!

[@doctorflynn5124]

how was your experience?

[@jr7739]

hi nice video n thanks for the info. how can a tourist be safe if he decides to go clubbing at calle 70 n he's out till 2/3 am? what is safest way to get back to his hotel or airbnb?

[@isabellerdgz]

La 70 itself will be very busy but you don't want to be walking around surrounding streets alone because they'll be quite lonely. Uber is reliable in Medellín. Hope you have a good time :)

[@fredsands9220]

You are a super presenter, wish you'd put out more content. Excellent video and thanks. :-)

[@isabellerdgz]

Thank you Fred, more to come :)

[@MrJoseTiger]

700 FOR APARTMENT IN MEDDIOLIN IS TO MUCH.

[@isabellerdgz]

It was $550 last year and actually all the way up to $850 now 😳

[@MrJoseTiger]

@@isabellerdgz ARE you paying airbnb or have an apartment like the locals?

[@isabellerdgz]

@@MrJoseTiger I used airbnb - it was great because it covered utilities and everything. It's definitely cheaper off of airbnb but for me, it's worth paying the premium for the protection from the platform.

[@Sk-qp7ql]

You can't even spell "Medellín" correctly and are saying $700 is too much. That's literally old news; the prices have gone up a long time ago.

[@miltonmartinez2738]

What a cry baby. Do you want it for free instead??

[@jeffreypullis696]

You seem educated!

[@jeffreypullis696]

Go to Parque Arvi!

[@Wazlonestar]

Who wants to go to a country like that ? I pre🎉Thailand

[@jeffreypullis696]

Social groups!

[@jeffreypullis696]

Coffee!

[@jeffreypullis696]

Weather!

[@jeffreypullis696]

Guatape!

[@isabellerdgz]

beautiful!

[@jeffreypullis696]

Cost of living!

[@samlyons3552]

most Latin American counties I have been to are littered with single mothers. ( never been to Colombia ). What man wants to fish from these ponds ?

[@isabellerdgz]

Men who aren't thinking with their heads haha

[@jeffreypullis696]

Fried!

[@crvd1918]

I agree with most of what you've said. However, I've discovered several hamburger joints with excellent burgers and outstanding Mexican cuisine; I even visited a place with a Mexican chef. There's a variety of international restaurants boasting 5-star chefs. The sushi, though, definitely doesn't measure up. Also, regarding your point about the sexpats/creeps, you don't think hookers are objectively creepy, or does this only apply to men?

[@isabellerdgz]

You can definitely find some gems with a little bit of time :) I didn't really find them creepy since they didn't approach me as a woman. Felt sorry for them more than anything - looks like a lot of minors in difficult situations :(

[@juanmateo8379]

E😢 13:55

[@ElishaLoweRN]

#1 has always turned me off to traveling there - the men it attracts. I see videos where men talk about meeting "feminine women" and I skip now. I may visit though in 2025. Thank you.

[@jeffreypullis696]

Pereira!

[@jeffreypullis696]

Im a guy, but im not creepy! But, I do like the women!

[@isabellerdgz]

They're beautiful

[@jeffreypullis696]

Paisa

[@rogerpumalexander]

What I’m getting at is if I don’t go to Medellin to chase women, I’ll be okay.

[@isabellerdgz]

pretty much haha. Still, be safe at night, alone, etc. - common sense and you'll be fine :)

[@marlowbosville4454]

Promo>SM 😈

[@sgladden39]

No one asks for it.

[@mrbeeko7372]

I love your channel! But I'm planning to visit Colombia but i never been there

[@isabellerdgz]

Thank you! Hope you have a good time when you visit :)

[@jeffreypullis696]

Soccer!

[@isabellerdgz]

Fútbol!

[@FilipinoGordito]

I’m about to go to Medellín in a few months, and while I think I would easily blend with the locals as I’m not white, I still would like to take precautions. Medellín seems to have the vibe of Manila where I lived most of my life, so I think I have an idea of how it is over there, but it’s still a good idea to be careful. I speak very little Spanish, so I think me not being able to communicate using the language would give me away.

[@isabellerdgz]

A lot of locals are white so it doesn't really come down to race. They'll still be able to tell you're not from there. If you grew up and lived in Manila though, I'm sure you're street smart and know what it means to be careful out there. Take the same precautions and I hope you have a good time in Medellín!

[@RexRecon]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@zhaoxiaomin8387]

You come off as judgemental, let me correct you. Not all guys are the same like not all women are the same. Its normally creepy OLD guys you notice.

[@isabellerdgz]

Of course not all guys are the same but I did notice a higher level of creepy nomads in Medellín compared to other cities and they weren't old.

[@porquee]

I wanna go to bucaramanga cause it seems to have the most plants and parks, also don't wanna be viewed as a creepy guy living in medallin

[@isabellerdgz]

I've been to another part of Santander but not Bucaramanga yet. I've heard it's called the city of parks so that sounds right. Let me know how you like it! Might check it out next time I'm in Colombia :)

[@porquee]

@@isabellerdgz filling out my passport hopefully going for a weekend this spring to see if it's for me

[@briandempsey3157]

You are very sweet, intelligent & well spoken. Thanks for your perspective. I'm looking to go soon for the 1st time. Sorry for the idiot guys that can't control themselves & are incapable of behaving like gentlemen.

[@isabellerdgz]

Thank you Brian. Hope you have a good time in Medellin :)

[@moricantos]

its really fascinating watching all these videos about safety in Colombia and other developing countries where Western people who would never, ever imply someone was "asking for it" do exactly that, saying simply being out of the house at a certain time of day or with a phone thats not old is foolish and the real reason they got into trouble. Its like the rules only apply outside of America/the west

[@isabellerdgz]

Walking around alone at night wouldn't be recommended either in a lot of cities in the US. At least not for women.

[@SBC581]

The city has some safeguards to protect the tourists. Even with prostitution, it is safer at specific clubs. But those are more expensive. The nice hotels require ID and limit access, numbers of guests. If you’re looking for street prostitution, you have to avoid the places that require ID and don’t allow large parties. If you visit, you’ll understand after you read the house rules. lol, yes you will read the house rules before looking at the pictures.

[@ILIASELOTMANI-l6h]

speak slow next time

[@isabellerdgz]

put me on .75x :)

[@andresarbelaez7676]

Ole, siempre con la misma joda sinó les gusta NO VENGAN