I spent two years in Medellin i recently left because my visa expired the only time i got robbed was by two police officers. He told me to pay a fine directly to them of 250$ dollars i told them i only have 600,000 pesos i toke the money out of my pocket handed it to them and i turned around and ran hoping they wouldn't follow me. The truth is the only time i ever go nervous while in Medellin was when i saw cops.
I'm colombian and never understood why foreigners are so obsessed with Medellin. There are so many places in Colombia that are better, more affordable and safer. Manizales for example...
Medellin is the cleanest city and more advanced compared to all the other cities. Party is still fun albeit it was better years ago before so many tourist showed up.
100% agree. I am living in Medellin for last 3 years and prices have rised a lot. Being a Venezuelan citizen I am not the target of extortion or corruption, but I know other foreigners and even Colombians cannot say the same. Prices have increased so much that I am considering to move out. I have lived in 4 continents and I can say, Medellin weather is the best of the best. Being a Venezuelan, even with my wealthy income, this is the place where I knew the contempt.
I bought the Medellín Dream Accelerator before from AK and it was awesome. You guys are the best. I can’t wait until you get this Medellin Made Easy Course back online so I can get this one. The information you provide is invaluable
One morning, I was outside of the Estadio station {Laureles} looking for something to smoke when a little woman who looked homeless asking for change. I gave here $1000 pesos and asked her where I could buy a blunt. We walked down Carerra 70 a few blocks when I told the lady I will come back later. Shen then tried to extort me for $10000 pesos, or she would call the cops on me. I refused and continued to walk away. She then grabbed me and continued to demand money. I continued to refuse her and walk away. She became more aggressive and continued to gram my arm, so I started yelling at her "¡Deja,me! ¡Deja,me! All the people were staring at me. At Calle 43, close to my hotel, a cab driver then stopped and started yelling at the lady. So, I jumped in the cab and expected the driver to drive away, but the lady started throwing rocks at the cab. The driver then got out and chased the lady and body slammed her in the middle of 70 and then kicked her as she lie in the street. I figured that would end it, but when the driver started to return to the cab, the lady got up and started throwing rocks at the driver. She pulled a knife, but when the driver approached her, she backed off and did not try to stab the driver. Instead, she ran to the flower bed and grabbed more rocks. The crazy was good with the rocks. Finally, the driver returned to the cab and drove off as the lady pelted the cab with more rocks one last time. As the driver drove down the street, I thought the drama must be over, but it was not. The driver turned down Calle 44 when a motorcycle police pulled him over. He got out and told me I would have to get out also. The cops searched both of us for weapons around the waist. Then the driver and the police were talking fast Spanish that I could not understand. One cop asked me where I am from. The other cop gave me a fist bump. Then the cops got back on the motorcycle and drove away. Since I was so close to my hotel, I gave the driver $50000 pesos and returned to my hotel. The driver was overjoyed with the $50000 pesos, but I felt like he deserved more for his help. Later that day, I returned to the area around Estadio where the skateboarders hang out and found what I was originally looking for. I did not see the carzy lady again.
I was just talking about this with a friend of mine who has also been living in Medellin for over a decade. We both read these crazy stories on social media about people getting into these situations, and neither of us has ever had any of this crap happen to us. But you were honest, and it makes sense. You gave a street urchin some money, asked where to buy drugs, and that started the whole debacle. Most people would leave that out and just say, "Medellin is crazy." Thanks for sharing!
I agree with your guest. Nicaragua is an unspoiled gem! It has beautiful colonial towns, pristine jungles, massive lakes, beaches, culture, food... Nicaragua has much to offer except democracy.
@@manuelericmijangos499 Colombia 🇨🇴 have those pristine jungles too, the only problem nobody goes there. Colombia 🇨🇴 is the second country in the world biodiversity after Brazil 🇧🇷 remember we have the Amazon too: larges rainforest in the world 🌎
@@manuelericmijangos499 I agree but the only downside is the high crime rate, and to poor internet & health care system 🙅🏽♂️. I’m retired Ranger & my wife is from Somotillo,Nicaragua, she thought it would be great idea for our children to see her hometown. Never again, I stop us from getting robbed twice & witnessed a murder & my daughter caught diarrhea from taking a sipping us tap water. Plus the gangs come from Hondura come and reek havoc in the northern regions.
In my series i am still publishing videos about my time living there and never had any issues with the lack of democracy. the place was insanely safe which is what many people love about it besides it being crazy low cost.
Prices have soared in the last two years no doubt. Crime is back up again too. Personally I recommend Colombian countryside. Eje cafetero.. I only go to Medellin for medical/dental
Probably showing my ignorance but I don't get, how did you drive through what I thought was an undeveloped gap between Panama and Colombia to get to South America?
A gringo riding a motorcycle all over Latin America.... That defines living on the edge, but he likely knows that and it's his choice. I subscribed to his channel. You again dug up an interesting character. Keep them coming!
The only thing that changed about Medellin is that way more Europeans are visiting. The city has done so many improvements in infrastructure and security so I have no idea what he’s talking about. Also, closing down the street on Sunday for recreation is relatively new.
Youre a newbie to the city. Sundays have been ciclovia day for a dozen years or more now. Medellin was safer pre-2015, cleaner, and less shady in terms of paisa attitude. Now you have to keep your chops up and head on a swivel. It's still a cool city, but far from its Prime that it was as a hidden gem
@@williamgonzalezjr30-I noticed that most south American natives are experts at hypocrisy. They are very talented in how to feign sincerity, unlike Caribbean people, you know right away and upfront if the person is quality or nothing but garbage. With them you just never really know. Regardless of their socioeconomic status, the vast majority come across as well mannered, polite and educated. Don't let yourself be vulnerable, get to know them at first, but never ever at least not in the beginning drop your guards.
Strangely i didn't find out my first few years when living there. only upon attempting to promote the municipality in 2024 did it happen - i guess it was destiny
I keep hearing more and more about foreigners getting a bad name. Is it becoming xenophobic , or is it still a place where most people don’t pre-judge you?
The anti-foreigner vibe is real in Medellín, you can feel it even when people don't verbalize it. Some say that xenophobia was always part of the Paisa culture. The first time I went in 2018 I met some friendly people, but the last time in late 2023 was horrible. It's like my mere presence was bothering them, even when I was spending money in their businesses For the record I speak fluent Spanish, I'm educated and respectful, don't consume drugs nor alcohol. But I'm a foreigner and that's enough to get hated by the Paisas
@@MedellinBuzz theres a fight going right now; politically-, socalism or capitalism/democratic.. But if U on a tight buget, or tax reasons, US is not a option. The worlds a market place - right(?), and it competes for people off Zero. And if Col. Doesnt realize that the gigs up. Tred reverse down to Zero.
American expat giving advice on a city that he cannot pronounce?!?!? He couldn't even pronounce Laureles easily and it's ok to have problems saying these names, but not when you are trying to advice people on said places!
@@EnglishwithJoe most Americans can’t even pronounce the cities in their own country. lol I thought he was pretty clear on the fact that these where his opinions. But like everything nowadays there’s someone that’s gonna get offended. 🤦
Laureles isn't a city, in case you didn't know mr. English with joe. Medellin is the main municipality in the aburra valley. Perhaps instead of making comments about others, you'd prefer moving to Medellin for 2 years and and afterwards meeting up with Andrew to give your opinions of the experience directly in an interview with him?
Thats a stupid comment. Instead of respecting a guy who by himself road cross country and not even in the USA, the guy has balls and should learn to respect that, "Average Joe"
It's a dumb thing to be annoyed at, lol. So many people mispronounce city names in the US that, as a Spanish speaker, I should have blown my head off when I lived there, but I understand that it's just a name and pronunciation.
⭐ Medellin Made Easy Tourist Guide: medellinmasterclass.com/visitorsguide
I spent two years in Medellin i recently left because my visa expired the only time i got robbed was by two police officers. He told me to pay a fine directly to them of 250$ dollars i told them i only have 600,000 pesos i toke the money out of my pocket handed it to them and i turned around and ran hoping they wouldn't follow me. The truth is the only time i ever go nervous while in Medellin was when i saw cops.
Another great video! Love getting the perspective of different types of travelers and expats.
I'm colombian and never understood why foreigners are so obsessed with Medellin. There are so many places in Colombia that are better, more affordable and safer. Manizales for example...
I'm Colombian, and I understand. I've been to many cities in Colombia, and I die of boredom in the small cities.
Medellin is the cleanest city and more advanced compared to all the other cities. Party is still fun albeit it was better years ago before so many tourist showed up.
Am here at this moment in Manizales...In the Milan area...Not alot to do here tbh,,,Really nice people though..And talk about hills...Thigh burners
medellin is definitely more expensive and more dangerous in many ways than others yea totally agree
Most people don’t know about all those less popular places that may be better
How did you get through the Darian gap?
100% agree. I am living in Medellin for last 3 years and prices have rised a lot. Being a Venezuelan citizen I am not the target of extortion or corruption, but I know other foreigners and even Colombians cannot say the same. Prices have increased so much that I am considering to move out. I have lived in 4 continents and I can say, Medellin weather is the best of the best. Being a Venezuelan, even with my wealthy income, this is the place where I knew the contempt.
I bought the Medellín Dream Accelerator before from AK and it was awesome. You guys are the best. I can’t wait until you get this Medellin Made Easy Course back online so I can get this one. The information you provide is invaluable
Awesome! Thank you! I will let you know as soon as it's live.
One morning, I was outside of the Estadio station {Laureles} looking for something to smoke when a little woman who looked homeless asking for change. I gave here $1000 pesos and asked her where I could buy a blunt. We walked down Carerra 70 a few blocks when I told the lady I will come back later. Shen then tried to extort me for $10000 pesos, or she would call the cops on me. I refused and continued to walk away. She then grabbed me and continued to demand money. I continued to refuse her and walk away. She became more aggressive and continued to gram my arm, so I started yelling at her "¡Deja,me! ¡Deja,me! All the people were staring at me.
At Calle 43, close to my hotel, a cab driver then stopped and started yelling at the lady. So, I jumped in the cab and expected the driver to drive away, but the lady started throwing rocks at the cab. The driver then got out and chased the lady and body slammed her in the middle of 70 and then kicked her as she lie in the street. I figured that would end it, but when the driver started to return to the cab, the lady got up and started throwing rocks at the driver. She pulled a knife, but when the driver approached her, she backed off and did not try to stab the driver. Instead, she ran to the flower bed and grabbed more rocks. The crazy was good with the rocks.
Finally, the driver returned to the cab and drove off as the lady pelted the cab with more rocks one last time. As the driver drove down the street, I thought the drama must be over, but it was not.
The driver turned down Calle 44 when a motorcycle police pulled him over. He got out and told me I would have to get out also. The cops searched both of us for weapons around the waist. Then the driver and the police were talking fast Spanish that I could not understand. One cop asked me where I am from. The other cop gave me a fist bump. Then the cops got back on the motorcycle and drove away. Since I was so close to my hotel, I gave the driver $50000 pesos and returned to my hotel. The driver was overjoyed with the $50000 pesos, but I felt like he deserved more for his help.
Later that day, I returned to the area around Estadio where the skateboarders hang out and found what I was originally looking for. I did not see the carzy lady again.
I was just talking about this with a friend of mine who has also been living in Medellin for over a decade. We both read these crazy stories on social media about people getting into these situations, and neither of us has ever had any of this crap happen to us. But you were honest, and it makes sense. You gave a street urchin some money, asked where to buy drugs, and that started the whole debacle. Most people would leave that out and just say, "Medellin is crazy." Thanks for sharing!
Cool story Bro
Sounds like just another normal boring day in Medellín 😂
"Generic expat" This man is staying true to reality. I swear ive seen 20 guys that look exactly like him.
Great info!
I agree with your guest. Nicaragua is an unspoiled gem! It has beautiful colonial towns, pristine jungles, massive lakes, beaches, culture, food... Nicaragua has much to offer except democracy.
@@manuelericmijangos499 Colombia 🇨🇴 have those pristine jungles too, the only problem nobody goes there. Colombia 🇨🇴 is the second country in the world biodiversity after Brazil 🇧🇷 remember we have the Amazon too: larges rainforest in the world 🌎
@@manuelericmijangos499 I agree but the only downside is the high crime rate, and to poor internet & health care system 🙅🏽♂️. I’m retired Ranger & my wife is from Somotillo,Nicaragua, she thought it would be great idea for our children to see her hometown. Never again, I stop us from getting robbed twice & witnessed a murder & my daughter caught diarrhea from taking a sipping us tap water. Plus the gangs come from Hondura come and reek havoc in the northern regions.
In my series i am still publishing videos about my time living there and never had any issues with the lack of democracy. the place was insanely safe which is what many people love about it besides it being crazy low cost.
Andrew’s back! Great stuff as always. I know having a newborn is putting a few more demands on your time. :-)
@@kentcovington yeah been tough but got more interviews coming!
Prices have soared in the last two years no doubt. Crime is back up again too. Personally I recommend Colombian countryside. Eje cafetero.. I only go to Medellin for medical/dental
I just spent 2 months in Pereira and am currently in Bucaramanga for a month - colombia is huge and amazing. Totally agree - lots of options
Probably showing my ignorance but I don't get, how did you drive through what I thought was an undeveloped gap between Panama and Colombia to get to South America?
@Andrew. I think something is wrong with the Medellin Made easy link. No matter what I’ve done for the last few days, it won’t load
Hi Mike, sorry we are migrating to a bigger server. Message me at medellinbuzzandrew@gmail.com
@@MedellinBuzz it’s for my Freind Max. I will have him email you directly so he can get it for himself. Can you still do the into special for $47.00?
I've been here for 15 years. Its changed a lot. Not all for the better
A gringo riding a motorcycle all over Latin America.... That defines living on the edge, but he likely knows that and it's his choice. I subscribed to his channel. You again dug up an interesting character. Keep them coming!
Great content for expats moving to Medellin!
There's a little something for everybody
The only thing that changed about Medellin is that way more Europeans are visiting. The city has done so many improvements in infrastructure and security so I have no idea what he’s talking about. Also, closing down the street on Sunday for recreation is relatively new.
Youre a newbie to the city. Sundays have been ciclovia day for a dozen years or more now. Medellin was safer pre-2015, cleaner, and less shady in terms of paisa attitude. Now you have to keep your chops up and head on a swivel. It's still a cool city, but far from its Prime that it was as a hidden gem
Not sure what you're talking about Murk. I suppose Americans aren't coming down in mass? That's news to me
The guy is like Medellin was much better before all the tourist. Then 2 minutes later tells more people about it.
Doesn't make my guy wrong. I strongly agree with him
Andrew, 36 is not middle aged lol. Middle age starts at 50. Enjoy your remaining youth lol 😂✌🇨🇴
@@nataliagalvis13 damn I’m almost middle aged!
Average man live to the age of 74. 36 sounds about right
Medellin sounds like that old, well-known saying. It's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want live there.
I agree,those nice people that they describe they are all after ur money and they can't be trusted!!!
@@williamgonzalezjr30-I noticed that most south American natives are experts at hypocrisy. They are very talented in how to feign sincerity, unlike Caribbean people, you know right away and upfront if the person is quality or nothing but garbage. With them you just never really know. Regardless of their socioeconomic status, the vast majority come across as well mannered, polite and educated. Don't let yourself be vulnerable, get to know them at first, but never ever at least not in the beginning drop your guards.
Envigado has a very bad Rep amongst locals for mistreatment by the cops and their bureaucracy.
Strangely i didn't find out my first few years when living there. only upon attempting to promote the municipality in 2024 did it happen - i guess it was destiny
Handsome gringo. is he looking for a girlfriend? 😍😍😍
I keep hearing more and more about foreigners getting a bad name. Is it becoming xenophobic , or is it still a place where most people don’t pre-judge you?
The anti-foreigner vibe is real in Medellín, you can feel it even when people don't verbalize it.
Some say that xenophobia was always part of the Paisa culture. The first time I went in 2018 I met some friendly people, but the last time in late 2023 was horrible. It's like my mere presence was bothering them, even when I was spending money in their businesses
For the record I speak fluent Spanish, I'm educated and respectful, don't consume drugs nor alcohol. But I'm a foreigner and that's enough to get hated by the Paisas
Why go to another country and complain about everything when you can stay in yours where everything is perfect. Just saying.
The interviewed person said a lot of good things though 😁
Colombia completely currupt, its time start looking at greener pasters.
Perhaps the U.S.?
@@MedellinBuzz theres a fight going right now; politically-, socalism or capitalism/democratic..
But if U on a tight buget, or tax reasons, US is not a option. The worlds a market place - right(?), and it competes for people off Zero. And if Col. Doesnt realize that the gigs up. Tred reverse down to Zero.
@@donTeo136 sounds fun
Or time to stay in your country.
Curacao north dea jazz fest 2024 on google.
American expat giving advice on a city that he cannot pronounce?!?!? He couldn't even pronounce Laureles easily and it's ok to have problems saying these names, but not when you are trying to advice people on said places!
@@EnglishwithJoe most Americans can’t even pronounce the cities in their own country. lol I thought he was pretty clear on the fact that these where his opinions. But like everything nowadays there’s someone that’s gonna get offended. 🤦
@@EnglishwithJoe I'm colombian and this is such a poor argument lol
Laureles isn't a city, in case you didn't know mr. English with joe. Medellin is the main municipality in the aburra valley. Perhaps instead of making comments about others, you'd prefer moving to Medellin for 2 years and and afterwards meeting up with Andrew to give your opinions of the experience directly in an interview with him?
Thats a stupid comment. Instead of respecting a guy who by himself road cross country and not even in the USA, the guy has balls and should learn to respect that, "Average Joe"
that "MEDILLIN" is annoying me. It´s MEDELLIN
It's a dumb thing to be annoyed at, lol. So many people mispronounce city names in the US that, as a Spanish speaker, I should have blown my head off when I lived there, but I understand that it's just a name and pronunciation.