Dreaming about visiting or living in Medellín or somewhere in Colombia but want to know what life is like? Well, I’ve been here for one week in my three-month stint of living in Medellín and I’m here to share my experience with you.

Living in Medellín | Colombia

Why Live In Medellín?

Why have I chosen to spend several months living like a local in Colombia? Well, let me ask why are you or others choosing to come to Colombia or South America?  Colombia is a beautiful gem in this world which is slightly still tainted from its dark past decades ago. Unfortunately, that tag is still embedded in some memories from foreigners around the world. So most will opt for Europe or North America for the usual travel destinations. There is nothing wrong with that, heck, I’ve visited both those areas numerous times over the years. But if I were to ask my friends and family who would visit Colombia completely on their own; the number would be low (or maybe even zero).

The thing that many people don’t know is just how friendly, cultural, advanced and picturesque Colombia is. If you ask any local or person who has visited the country, you’ll rarely find them saying ‘don’t come to Colombia’. In fact, they will tell you ‘you must visit Colombia’.

I came to Colombia for the first time in March 2017 and fell in love. I only spent a couple of weeks here and I knew right away I wanted to return someday. Visiting Bogota, Medellín and Cartagena was incredible but Medellín stuck with me the most. Maybe it was because I only got to spend a few days in Medellín. However, I knew that I felt so happy in this location, the people were amazing and it just looked beautiful.

They or Alicia Keys refers to New York City as the concrete jungle, but I think they have it mixed up with the real one. Medellín to me is the concrete jungle. You just have to look at the photos to see how it’s in the middle of a valley, with luscious forests spread over many mountains with the city expanding inside the valley, from the bottom of the mountains all the way up and over the other side of them.

Welcome to Colombia | Bienvenido a Colombia

I had been looking forward to being back in Colombia when I decided in April 2018 that’s where I wanted to be for a while. However, when I checked into my 2 flight journey from LAX to Medellín I panicked. I had just spent the week in one of my favourite places in the world. The magical Hawaiian Islands on my favourite one, Maui. I was sad to leave but knew I would regret not taking my flight to Colombia.

Yes, I contemplated not leaving the States and staying put and going to the beach nearly every day. I also panicked when I had the realty flash of checking in for my flight at LAX and the counter (ground) staff barely spoke English. It was an instant reminder I was heading to a country where English (Ingles) is not commonly spoken.  Luckily I do know basic Spanish to get by.

My unexpected last minute reservations disappeared as soon as I landed in Bogota. I was excited to be back in one of the best countries I’ve ever visited. No, I haven’t visited a lot, but out of 37, this is top 3.  The flight to Medellín is about an hour and I couldn’t wait to get off the plane. (Or have a shower, as I was in transit for 24 hours.)

Living in Medellín is something that feels surreal because not everyone (around me) does it. It’s not common for Australian’s to live in Medellín/Colombia for a few months. It’s becoming more common to travel around Colombia or South America but even that’s not the everyday travel destination.

Where I am staying in Medellín

When I decided that I wanted to live in Medellín for a while I had to decide on a location. My initial plan was to stay somewhere in El Poblado. Why? Because that’s where a lot of foreigners stay. It’s like the European hub of all the tourists.

Then I started doing research about El Poblado. I realised that staying where most of the tourists were, wasn’t where I wanted to be. It also is expensive in El Poblado due to this. The food is more expensive, there are accommodation and vendors everywhere. When I visited Medellín in March 2017 I stayed in this area at Black Sheep Medellin and I highly recommend this hostel. It has a high rating as being one of the best, if not the best hostel in the city.

But I wanted to live like and be a local while I’m living in Medellín. So El Poblado was taken off the list of locations.

My research led me to the neighbourhood of Laureles. It is not a cheap area in Medellín but it’s cheap coming from Australia. I chose a fabulous Airbnb apartment only a couple of blocks from a metro station. The area is considered safe, which was a priority on my list, and my family’s wishes.

Safety in Medellín

Here’s something to put your worries to rest when it comes to safety. Before expats move to Medellin their number one concern is safety. After expats have been living in Medellín, their number one concern is traffic.

I would be lying if I said I’ve never felt nervous before or when coming to Colombia. But when you arrive in Medellín/Colombia and start to relax and take it all in, your fears go away. It’s just like visiting any other city or country; be careful and use common sense.

They have a saying in Colombia “no dar papaya” which translates to don’t give papaya. The meaning behind this saying is; don’t give the opportunity for someone/others to take something from you. Don’t flash your jewellery, expensive cameras, smartphones, handbags etc in public or the wrong areas. If you aren’t sure of which areas are fine or risky, just forego all those. I don’t wear my rings, gold bangle, gold necklace as they are valuable. Don’t get me wrong they aren’t thousands of dollars, but I do not want to put myself at risk and have it taken.

If you aren’t aware of your surroundings, ask the locals or the staff at your accommodation. When you step outside your living quarters, blend in and don’t give papaya!

Week One Living in Medellin Done and Dusted

So I settled into my 7th floor apartment in Laureles and got used to my surroundings. I’ve taken four Spanish language classes and already see improvement. Exploring the different neighbourhoods including San Javier, Jardin Botanico, La Candelaria, El Poblado and once again, did the number 1 must do; the Real City Walking Tour.

My grocery bill of spreads, spices, sauces, fruit, vegetables, rice, potatoes has been incredibly cheap. I’ve scoped out a few great restaurants, cafes, vendors and stores from El Centro, El Poblado to Estadio and Laureles.

Living in Medellin has kicked off with a fabulous, safe, cultural, active experience. I’m sure the next few months are going to go really quick but I will be keeping notes and tabs on my outings and adventures.

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