City in Antioquia, Colombia
Medellín
South America's top nomad hub: spring-like weather, fast metro, good coworking and a big social scene. Pickpocketing, dating-app drugging and sex-tourism hustle in El Poblado are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,510–2,570Comfortable, one person · $5M–8.5MDetails
- Value for money30/100Better value than 29% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJul–Aug, Dec–FebWarmest: Feb, 24°CDetails
- Air quality20 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · PollutedDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMedellín tap water from EPM is treated and safe to drink; many visitors still prefer filters in older buildings.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$36–75Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in malls, chains and most Poblado restaurants; carry cash for small shops, bakeries, taxis and street food.Details
Where to stay in Medellín
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| El Poblado (Provenza, Manila) | First-timers and nomads: cafés, coworking, nightlife; touristy and pricey |
| Laureles | Long stays: local feel, cheaper rent, restaurants, flat streets |
| Envigado | Quiet residential base with parks and a calmer pace |
| Sabaneta | Budget stays and families, near the metro's southern end |
Apps that work in Medellín
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: Uber and DiDi work in a legal grey area, so drivers may ask you to sit in front. Use the Taxis Libres app or hotel taxis if needed.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, chains and most Poblado restaurants; carry cash for small shops, bakeries, taxis and street food.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
Going to Medellín solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.