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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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 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 😀
@@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.😭
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.
Glad I found your video. It was perfect. I am ready to leave the states and want to live permanently. Just got back to the states of a week in Guadalajara Mexico and loved it but I’m ready to go to Medellin and stay 6 months. If I want to stay and live there can I do the correct visa and residency during my 6 months?
That’s exciting! You’ll get 3 months upon arrival and you can extend an extra 3 months - I don’t remember how much this was but I remember it was inexpensive. There are a few options for residency but easiest thing would be to get a 3 year digital nomad visa - income requirement is pretty low you can Google to find the most up to date number.
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.
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?
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.
@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!
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/
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.
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.
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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?
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 :(
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?
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 :)
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?
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
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.
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.
The countryside's beautiful, glad you found your spot :)
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.
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.
Great vid! Stayed in Cali for 3 months last year and loved it.
Awesome! Will have to spend some time in Cali next time I’m in colombia
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.
thanks, useful tips and good common sense advice.
Glad it was helpful!
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)
Thank you for this 🥰 We will be coming in two months, super excited!!
Hope you have a great time!
@@isabellerdgz How did you learn Spanish?
@@SenorJuan2023 my mom’s Venezuelan so she spoke to me in Spanish. I was born in Canada so I learned English at school.
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.
Sexpats are objectively creepy
@@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 😀
@@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.😭
@@isabellerdgz You're no different from creepy sexpats.
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.
Thanks for the informative video! How did you go about finding the shared interest groups?
Thanks for watching :)
There are all these whatsapp groups for Medellin which made it easy - mdecommunity.com/communities/
Sundays walk around! Some stores are closed!
Excellent in-depth review and comparison of the cons and pros of Medellin! Very helpful for anyone wanting to visit or live there 👍👍
Great video 👍🏾
❤Excellent work. Peace❤
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.
I'm glad you had a great time :)
Fantastic content! 👏🏽
Thank you :)
Glad I found your video. It was perfect. I am ready to leave the states and want to live permanently. Just got back to the states of a week in Guadalajara Mexico and loved it but I’m ready to go to Medellin and stay 6 months. If I want to stay and live there can I do the correct visa and residency during my 6 months?
That’s exciting! You’ll get 3 months upon arrival and you can extend an extra 3 months - I don’t remember how much this was but I remember it was inexpensive.
There are a few options for residency but easiest thing would be to get a 3 year digital nomad visa - income requirement is pretty low you can Google to find the most up to date number.
@isabellerdgz thank you sooo much. I live on social security disability of $1500 a month. Would I be able to use that type of visa?
Great video, thanks
Thanks for watching Zoe :)
I have to say. This is a great video, you are telling the truth!!!
Thank you Milton!
Whats the place called? The last one you talked about!
Who wants to go to a country like that ?
I pre🎉Thailand
3:40 Honey……
I don’t wear fake Jews or fake designer Watches
What about living in itagui?
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.
You are a super presenter, wish you'd put out more content. Excellent video and thanks. :-)
Thank you Fred, more to come :)
Go to Parque Arvi!
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?
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.
@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!
Any tips/groups, etc, for meeting other women digital nomads?
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/
@@isabellerdgz Thank you! I will join (Sylvie) once I am in Medellin 🥰
Why do women go to Medellin? im curious. Do colombian men also attract them?
my mom's venezuelan so colombia feels homey to me
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 ?
Men who aren't thinking with their heads haha
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.
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.
@@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.
Weather!
You seem educated!
700 FOR APARTMENT IN MEDDIOLIN IS TO MUCH.
It was $550 last year and actually all the way up to $850 now 😳
@@isabellerdgz ARE you paying airbnb or have an apartment like the locals?
@@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.
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.
What a cry baby. Do you want it for free instead??
What I’m getting at is if I don’t go to Medellin to chase women, I’ll be okay.
pretty much haha. Still, be safe at night, alone, etc. - common sense and you'll be fine :)
Cost of living!
What do you do for work?
Account Management (SaaS)
E😢 13:55
Social groups!
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.
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!
Coffee!
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
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 :)
@@isabellerdgz filling out my passport hopefully going for a weekend this spring to see if it's for me
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?
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 :(
Im a guy, but im not creepy! But, I do like the women!
They're beautiful
Pereira!
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?
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 :)
Fried!
Promo>SM 😈
Paisa
Guatape!
beautiful!
I love your channel! But I'm planning to visit Colombia but i never been there
Thank you! Hope you have a good time when you visit :)
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?
For sure, message me on IG :) Hope you have a good time!
how was your experience?
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
Walking around alone at night wouldn't be recommended either in a lot of cities in the US. At least not for women.
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.
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.
Soccer!
Fútbol!
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.
Thank you Brian. Hope you have a good time in Medellin :)
Thank you for sharing this information