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Digital Nomad FAQ’s
Is Colombia a good country for digital nomads?
Yes, overall Colombia is a strong option for digital nomads. Major cities offer solid infrastructure, active expat communities, and dependable internet. While it’s absolutely possible to live in more countryside or remote areas, fair warning that WiFi becomes much less reliable outside of major cities.
How is the internet connectivity and speed in Colombia?
Quite fast, hardly had any issues with wifi while there & further explanation. See a breakdown of all wifi speeds here.
Is it easy to meet people and make friends in Colombia?
Plenty of digital nomad / expat hubs and younger Colombians tend to be very curious about other cultures and countries — they may be a bit more reserved compared to Latinos in some regions, but still friendly. Here’s how I made friends while in the city.
How much should I budget for a month in Colombia?
You could get by as low as $1,000 a month, though $2,500 would allow for quite comfortable living. See a breakdown of prices for common digital nomad expenses here.
Are there lots of places to work from in Colombia?
Yes, café culture in Colombia is strong, and most places offer reliable wifi. Locals often spend hours in cafés, so working for extended periods is generally accepted. More details on this below.
COLOMBIA for Digital Nomads
Colombia wasn’t a destination that was on my list. It started as a family vacation… and turned into a real turning point. What we found was so good — and so unexpected — that I began to see Colombia as an ideal base for nomad life. And to give you a sense of how it feels here: my mom loved it so much she decided to stay. Colombia is still her home today.
This country has a rare mix: cities with real energy, unreal landscapes, and a café culture where working feels natural. And if you like staying active, Colombia pulls you in even more, cycling is one of my biggest passions, and here it’s part of the lifestyle.
Now, honestly, Colombia isn’t a “perfect with zero effort” kind of place. But if you choose the right base, it’s easy to set up for a few weeks or a few months. You’ll find work-friendly cafés, colivings, and plenty of ways to meet other travelers quickly.
If Colombia is on your radar, start with these two practical guides to help you plan: Medellín and Santa Marta (two completely different vibes, both great for remote work).
This guide covers everything you need to make Colombia your next remote base — where to live, how long you can stay, what it costs, how to get around, and what the internet is really like.
Let’s dive in.
🇨🇴Colombia VisaGuide for Digital Nomads
The visa information below may not be up to date information, nor should be used as visa advice for people working while abroad. We do not claim that you can work legally with a visitor visa or any other visa in this country or any other country in the world. As always, you will need to refer to your embassy for the latest information. We at Digital Nomad Lifestyle believe in the heavenly mandate granted to each government of every modern nation, and thus the laws and regulations therein. Therefore rules outlined by the almighty state should be followed unwaveringly and without question. In Government We Trust – Digital Nomad Lifestyle
1. Tourist entry (best for short stays)
- Many nationalities receive up to 90 days on arrival, extendable up to 180 days total in the same calendar year.
- Best for: short trips (a few weeks to a few months).
2. Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V) (best for longer stays)
- Colombia has an official Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V) for remote work/telework done from Colombia for foreign companies/clients.
- Valid for up to 2 years.
- You’ll typically need: health insurance + proof of stable income (commonly referenced as 3x SMMLV).
- Restriction: you can’t do paid work for companies or individuals domiciled in Colombia (no local employment/pay).
3. Optional: Migrant Visa (Visa M) (only for specific cases)
- Visa M is a broader category for people establishing themselves in Colombia under specific grounds, with validity up to 3 years depending on the category.
- If you’re working remotely for foreign clients, Visa V is usually the cleaner fit.
For official requirements and to apply online, check 👇
🇨🇴 Cost of Living in colombia
Colombia is still one of the best-value countries in the Americas for digital nomads, you can live well without spending “big city” money (especially if you avoid the most touristy areas and choose your base wisely). Costs vary a lot by city and neighborhood, but the ranges below give a realistic Colombia-wide budget.
🇨🇴 Weather in colombia
The thing I didn’t fully expect in Colombia? The weather.
Colombia doesn’t really do “summer vs. winter.” It’s more about altitude + region + rain, and that’s exactly why it’s so easy to love. One of my favorite parts was Medellín — the temperature stays comfortable most of the year, so you’re not dealing with extreme heat or freezing cold. It’s perfect for building a routine (and for cycling, which I’m obsessed with).
The only thing you should plan around is rain. In many regions, the rainier stretches are usually Apr–May and Oct–Nov, while Dec–Mar and Jul–Aug tend to be drier.
Here’s the quick version so you can plan your route smarter:
- Drier months (generally): Dec–Mar and Jul–Aug
- Rainier months (generally): Apr–May and Oct–Nov
- Caribbean coast (Cartagena / Santa Marta): hot + humid year-round, with a more noticeable dry stretch Dec–Apr
Quick tip: before you lock your route — especially if you’re mixing cities + coast — check the season. It’ll save you a lot of soaked days.
A few real moments, Colombia’s nature, small towns, and the kind of views you don’t forget.
🇨🇴 Best Cities in Colombia for Digital Nomads
If you want the easiest “set up and work” city in Colombia, Medellín is it. The weather is comfortable, the café/coworking scene is strong, and the nomad community is big — so it’s easy to build a routine fast.
Best areas to stay (nomad-friendly):
- El Poblado (most popular, walkable, cafés + coworking, more expensive)
- Laureles / Estadio (more local, calmer, great lifestyle, solid cafés)
- Envigado (more residential, quieter, great value, still close to everything)
Best for:
- First-time Colombia nomads
- Meeting other travelers/expats
- A balanced routine (work + fitness + weekend trips)
Santa Marta is the move if you want Caribbean life but still need to work. It’s slower than Medellín, warm year-round, and it’s a perfect base for quick escapes to Minca and Tayrona when you need a reset.
Best areas to stay (work-friendly + practical):
- El Rodadero (most convenient beach area, lots of apartments + services)
- Centro Histórico (more charm + cafés, better for walkability)
- Bello Horizonte (newer buildings, quieter, better for longer stays)
Best for:
- Beach mornings + work afternoons
- Short-to-medium stays (2–6 weeks is a sweet spot)
- Nature weekends without complicated travel
hidden gems 💎
Colombia has way more to offer than Medellín and the Caribbean coast. If you’re staying longer, or you just want a different vibe for a few weeks, these can be great alternatives depending on your lifestyle and work needs:
| City / Area | Why it’s worth considering (digital nomad vibe) |
|---|---|
| Bogotá | Big-city energy with cooler weather, strong coworking options, great food scene, and tons of culture. Best if you like an “urban routine.” |
| Eje Cafetero (Salento / Filandia) | Perfect for a slower work week surrounded by nature, coffee towns, and hikes. Best for deep focus + weekend scenery. |
| Bucaramanga | Underrated, more local, and a great base for Santander adventures (San Gil, Barichara). Solid value compared to Colombia’s bigger hubs. |
| Cartagena | Beautiful and iconic, but better for a short workation than long-term budgets. Great for a few productive days mixed with city exploring. |
| Minca / Palomino | Ideal “reset” destinations: jungle + beach vibes, wellness, and nature. Best for short stays — Wi-Fi can be hit or miss, so plan around work calls. |
A little adventure through Colombia’s small towns, the kind of places that make you fall in love with this country.
🇨🇴 Internet in colombia
Working from Colombia is pretty easy as long as you choose your base wisely. In cities like Medellín and Bogotá, Wi-Fi is everywhere — cafés, coworkings, apartments, hotels — and most of the time it’s solid enough for a full workday.
The only time I’ve had issues is when I leave the main hubs (especially smaller towns or beach areas). Wi-Fi can still be fine, but it’s more unpredictable — so I don’t like to gamble if I have calls or deadlines. My simple rule is: use Wi-Fi for daily work, but always have a backup. My go-to backup options
👉 SOLIS Hotspot (portable Wi-Fi you can rely on)
👉 Airalo eSIM (quick setup, easy for hotspotting when Wi-Fi drops)
Working from the beaches of Colombia.
🇨🇴 top 10 coworking spaces in colombia
If you’re working remotely in Colombia, choosing the right spot makes a huge difference — not just for Wi-Fi, but for focus, comfort, and how easy your day feels.
Below are my go-to places to work from in Medellín and Santa Marta, from dedicated coworking spaces to work-friendly cafés.
Quick, nomad-friendly places to work from in Medellín and Santa Marta. Tap “Open in Google Maps” to get directions fast.
Semilla Café & Cowork
A classic combo: café downstairs, cowork upstairs. Great for full workdays and meetings.
Best for: All-day work, video calls, reliable routine.
Bloom Eco Coworking
One of the nicest-looking coworks in the city. Comfortable for long sessions and focused work.
Best for: Deep work, structured cowork days.
Kiin Living (Cowork)
A convenient “live + work” setup if you like having everything in one place.
Best for: Longer stays, simple routine, minimal commuting.
WeWork (Medellín)
The most predictable option: solid setup, quiet zones, and a familiar “office” feel.
Best for: Calls, meetings, and structured workdays.
Pergamino Café (Laureles)
A go-to work café in Laureles. Great coffee and a solid vibe for getting things done.
Best for: 2–4 hour work blocks, writing, laptop days.
Café Revolución
A well-known spot with a friendly, international feel. Good for work + meeting people.
Best for: Light calls, social workdays, casual productivity.
La Parcería
Great vibes and a comfortable setup—best for deep work without lots of video calls.
Best for: Writing, admin tasks, focused sessions.
Flamingo Coworking
A solid cowork option in Santa Marta with a social feel. Plan backups for critical meeting days.
Best for: Work blocks, community, flexible days.
Vivolo Café
Great coffee and a clean setup for a couple hours of work.
Best for: 1–3 hour sessions, emails, planning days.
Ikaro Café
Chill vibe for lighter work. Not the place to rely on for constant video calls.
Best for: Writing, admin tasks, chill productivity.
Tip: If you’re booking accommodation, ask the host for a recent speed test screenshot—especially on the coast.
When you need a productive day in Medellín, this coworking space is a great option.
🇨🇴 top 8 colivings in colombia
Nomadico Medellín
A strong coliving-style option if you want routine, community, and a remote-work-friendly setup.
Check it hereLos Patios Hostel
A classic Medellín pick for meeting people fast—good energy, social spaces, and easy community.
Check it hereThe Harbour Hotel
A comfortable base if you want quieter nights while staying close to the action.
Check it hereKiin Living
A modern coliving-style setup that’s easy for a plug-and-play remote routine.
Check it hereCasa Santafé – Hotel Coliving
A practical “work + live” stay if you want comfort and a solid location.
Check it hereViajero Santa Marta Hostel
A top Santa Marta pick with a social vibe—great near the coast and day trips.
Check it hereComunidad Calle 13 Hotel Boutique
A calmer boutique option if you want a relaxed base with a good location.
Check it hereHotel Boutique Maree
A comfortable boutique base with easy access to beaches, food, and tours.
Check it hereWant to browse more options? Check colivings on Booking
🇨🇴 starlink mini for digital nomads
On the coast, the Starlink Mini genuinely saved my work calls. Wi-Fi can be solid in Colombia’s big cities, but once you’re in smaller towns or beach areas, it gets unpredictable — and that’s a problem when you have meetings you can’t miss.
There was one day where I had a call I couldn’t reschedule and the Wi-Fi just wasn’t stable. I set up my Starlink Mini and took the call right in front of the ocean — no stress, no café hopping, no praying the connection would hold. Honestly, it felt like a huge privilege… and a reminder of why having a real backup changes everything.
Why it matters:
- Keeps your video calls stable when local Wi-Fi fails
- Saves you from last-minute Wi-Fi stress (especially on the coast)
- Lets you work from more places without gambling on internet
Here’s the video of my real setup and how it worked on the coast:
👉Check Starlink Mini availability
🇨🇴 Transport Within colombia
Getting around Colombia is simple once you know the main options: flights for distance, buses for budget, and apps (or a bike) for day-to-day city life. These are practical, real-world cost ranges in USD.
Domestic Flights
Best choice if you’re jumping between regions (Andes → Caribbean → Coffee Zone).
- Typical cost: $35–$120 one-way (cheaper if you book early + travel light)
- Typical time: 1–1.5 hours between major cities
Long-Distance Buses
Great for budget routes, but plan extra time (and don’t assume Wi-Fi).
- Typical cost: $18–$45 (short/medium routes) • $30–$70 (long routes)
- Tip: bring a hoodie for AC + download entertainment
Public Transport (Cities)
Perfect for everyday getting around in Medellín/Bogotá.
- Typical cost: $0.80–$1.10 per ride
- Monthly pass (if available): usually under $15–$25 depending on the city/system
Tip: use it for commuting, then grab a ride app at night if needed.
Ride Apps + Taxis
Easiest option when you’re tired, it’s raining, or you’re carrying your laptop.
- Typical cost: $2–$7 for short rides • $7–$15 for longer cross-city rides
- Tip: prices jump in rush hour — leave a little buffer if you have a call
Coast + Small-Town Transport
Outside big cities you’ll see more informal options. Always confirm price first.
- Moto-taxi: $1–$4
- Colectivo (shared van): $1–$6
- Boat (some routes): $5–$20 depending on distance
Bike (My Personal Favorite)
Personally, I prefer a bike. It’s often faster than a car in traffic, it’s cheaper, and it turns commuting into a workout. The only hard part? The climbs — Colombia will test your legs.
- Typical cost: $0 (if you have your own) • $2–$10/day (rentals vary by city)
- Tip: choose routes with bike lanes when possible, and plan climbs into your timing
Prices are rough ranges in USD and depend on city, season, and timing. If you’re on a tight work schedule, flights + ride apps are the least stressful combo.
🇨🇴 Speaking & Communicating
Spanish is the main language in Colombia, and outside the most touristy areas you’ll get a much smoother experience if you can use a few basics. The good news: Colombians are usually patient and supportive when you try—even if your Spanish is rough.
One thing I noticed fast is how much tone and friendliness matter here. A simple “buenas” when you walk into a café, or “gracias” with a smile, goes a long way. And if you hear people saying “¿Qué más?” it’s basically “What’s up?”—not a deep question you need to overthink.
Quick phrases to save you daily
These are the Colombian Spanish basics (plus a few local slang words) you’ll hear constantly.
| Spanish | English | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buenas | Hi / hello (any time) | ¿Qué más? | What’s up? |
| Todo bien | All good | Qué chévere | Cool / nice |
| Parce / Parcero | Buddy / mate | Bacano | Cool / awesome |
| Por favor | Please | Gracias | Thank you |
| Perdón / Disculpa | Excuse me / sorry | Vaina | Thing / stuff (context) |
| ¿Tienes Wi-Fi? | Do you have Wi-Fi? | ¿Cuál es la clave? | What’s the password? |
| ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | Can I pay by card? | La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| ¿Dónde queda el baño? | Where’s the bathroom? | Hola | Hello |
| Pola | Beer (casual) | Guaro | Aguardiente (local liquor) |
| Tinto | Black coffee (small) | Parche | Hangout / plan / crew |
If you’re planning to stay a while, even learning these basics will make Colombia feel more welcoming—and day-to-day life way easier.
🇨🇴 Staying Active in colombia as a Digital Nomad
Colombia makes it really easy to stay active — partly because the weather helps, and partly because the lifestyle naturally pulls you outside. Medellín is the perfect example: you can move your body without dealing with extreme heat or freezing mornings.
Colombia makes it easy to stay active — here are the most practical options for digital nomads, with simple cost ranges in USD.
| Option | Why it works for nomads | Approx. cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cycling | Fast, affordable, and a real part of the culture. Great for commuting and weekend climbs (the hills are no joke). | $0–$10/day |
| Hikes + Nature Escapes | Perfect for reset days and weekends (parks, viewpoints, trails near major hubs). | $0–$25 |
| Gyms / CrossFit / Group Fitness | Best for a consistent routine (AC, showers, equipment, classes). Easy to drop-in or do a monthly pass. | $25–$80/mo |
| Yoga + Wellness Classes | Great for mobility and recovery between travel days. Common in Medellín and coastal areas. | $6–$15/class |
| Beach Workouts | The easiest option on the coast: long walks, swims, sunset runs—no planning needed. | $0 |
Costs vary by city and season. If you want the easiest routine: pick one daily habit (gym, bike, or walks) and one weekend adventure (hike or beach day).
🇨🇴 Finding Community / Making Friends
Making friends in Colombia is honestly easier than people expect — especially if you base yourself in Medellín or Santa Marta. The key is to put yourself in places where community happens naturally (coworks, colivings, group activities), instead of waiting for it to “just happen.”
Here are the best, most realistic ways to build a social circle fast:
1) Coworking Spaces (instant routine + familiar faces)
Coworks are one of the easiest ways to meet people because you’ll see the same faces every day. Many coworks also host community events like coffee meetups, workshops, or social nights.
If you’re serious about making friends, pick one cowork and go consistently for a week.
2) Colivings (the fastest way to find your people)
If you want community on “easy mode,” colivings are the move. You’re living with people who also work remotely, so it becomes social without trying too hard — shared kitchens, group plans, and built-in connections.
3) Language Exchanges (Spanglish nights)
In Colombia, language exchanges are huge — and they’re not just for “learning Spanish.” They’re one of the best places to meet locals and travelers in the same room, without it feeling forced.
Search “language exchange Medellín” or “intercambio de idiomas” on Google/Meetup and you’ll find weekly options.
4) WhatsApp + Facebook Groups (for plans, events, and real-time updates)
This is where a lot of community lives in Colombia. Most events and casual plans move through WhatsApp, and Facebook groups are still one of the best places to find:
- Medellin Expats
- Medellin Living Events & Discussion
- Digital Nomads Colombia
- Language Exchange in Medellin
5) Fitness Communities (my favorite: cycling)
If you want friendships that feel real fast, join an activity group. Colombia is a super active country — cycling groups, gyms, yoga, hiking meetups… it’s easy to find people who want to move.
Personally, cycling has been one of the best ways to meet people here — it’s social, consistent, and it instantly gives you weekend plans.
Quick tip: The fastest path to community is simple: pick one cowork + one recurring activity (language exchange or fitness group). Do that for 7–10 days and Colombia stops feeling like a “new place” and starts feeling like a base.
Closing Thoughts
Colombia wasn’t a country I planned for. It started as a family trip… and somehow turned into a place that felt like a reset. Between the café culture, the energy of the cities, the mountains that pull you outside, and the people who make simple days feel warm — it’s the kind of place that can quietly become a base.
And honestly, seeing my mom fall in love with Colombia enough to stay here long-term says everything I need to say.
Colombia isn’t perfect. It takes awareness. It takes choosing your neighborhood wisely. It takes learning how things work.
But if you’re a digital nomad looking for a place that feels alive — where you can build routine, find community, work from cafés, and still escape to nature on the weekends…
Come to Colombia.
Let it change your pace. Let it surprise you.
Quick links I use while traveling in Colombia (internet, stays, tours, and remote-work gear):
About Me
The Creator Of Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Hi! My name is Loren Ross, after establishing my own business while traveling the world I decided to create this blog for existing and aspiring digital nomads.
See My Full Journey To Being A Digital Nomad Here
Anything you want that you’re not seeing? Please reach out to me on one of the social media channels below, I’d love to see if I can help out. Check out my digital marketing business.
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