Hello,

I’m european living in Colombia 4 years.
Cartagena is OK for 1 week. Then go to Medellín to work. Decent place, best security in Colombia compared to Bogotá and other major cities.

Best luck,

Alejandro.-

For internet, I would recommend getting a Claro sim card and a Tigo 4g sim card. Tigo I think works better. Internet can sometimes be unreliable, it’s a hit or miss for nomads and cartagena is comparatively not as good as other colombian cities. However, it’s fun to see the different places there. I recommend it for a week or two trip (if you’re in colombia for 2-3 months). Medellin is the best choice here (IMO).

Also, is you’re calling US and have an important call, you can buy Claro intl’ calling packages by

I can not recommend Cartagena for digital nomadism.

Have been there two times, 4 weeks each - for visiting friends. But for work it sucks. You can only stay in the touristic area for work. It is the only place that I know with decent cafes for working.

As far as I know they have no real co working spaces in the whole city.

I do not agree with any of the negative comments about Cartagena. Its normal south american coast city. Been there with my wife many times and literally going again in 2 weeks. I am not a hostel type travel so I cannot talk on that. But she goes out every day by her self. Does her thing and never an issues. Getsemani is gritty area but fine. Bazurto the market is a bit shifty. Would not go if you were not a local. Cartagena is pretty much one of safest area in Colombia cuz its where tourism happens. If you look at crime stats its has lowest crime rate in 3 decades. Now saying that if you hang out in places people party (hostels) you might see some weird stuff. Drugs , dunkeness and pickpockets. My wife literally is over my shoulder yelling at some of the negativity of other comments. Oh and we been traveling for 9 years. So we do know a few places

I spent a week there on holiday in 2013 and can second what @GiovanniRio wrote. As long as you stay in the busy areas full of tourists Cartagena is safe and a wonderful town to enjoy. Especially the old town is a real traveller’s treat. Having said that I am not sure how good wifi is when it comes to up/downloading large files or how often it goes out. I only used the wifi in my hotel to WhatsApp and that worked fine but clearly is not enough of a measure of a good connection that you would need to work.

Hey - thanks for your answer and for sharing your experiences. I wouldn’t be alone but with two (male) friends, so I reckon I would be okay then. But still - good to know what I have to be aware of if I go there.

Hi Jacky,

I’ll tell you what I wish somebody had told me: Colombia has a horrific amount of harassment and violence still and as a woman traveling alone here I’ve felt uncomfortable from day one. I don’t scare easily and have traveled solo for many years, but I strongly suggest women travelers think twice about Colombia. I’ve personally witnessed violence and been not only catcalled, but approached, had my way blocked, and been literally screamed at by men here. And, even scarier, there’s a massive apathy about violence and harassment here. I literally heard a woman being beaten in my hostel and the locals just kept saying that it happens all the time here and they refused to do a damn thing. Since telling my own story, I’ve heard a lot of other horror stories from women that range from frustrating street harassment to being groped by strangers to being sprayed by a hose when they refused to acknowledge cat-callers.

Anyway, I know this isn’t what you’re looking for, but I wish someone would have told me, so I’m telling you. If you do go, be on your guard at all times. And honestly, I would pick Mexico (which has some really wonderful places) or somewhere else instead.

"Colombia: All international operations are suspended until 31 August. Meanwhile, domestic services might open in the next few weeks" simpleflying.com/when-latin-america-open-to-air-travel/

I spent three weeks in Bogotá this last April walking through the city and I didn’t suffer any kind of robbery, nor I met someone who suffered one. This said, there are some places where you need to be cautious at night (La Candelaria). Keep your belongings in sight at all times and don´t move in empty areas. Talk with the local people, they will advise you wisely. The best place to stay is Chapinero Alto.

Not sure what you want to hear. The data on the internet almost unanimously agrees Bogota is unsafe for travel.

• Pickpocketing is rampant https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/bogota/safety
• You can’t walk outside at night
• Robberies occur regularly

Why not go to Medellin instead?

@julien1 You need a PIP it mean admission and permanence permit Colombia Migration will seal your passport date of admission and authorized days of stay that will be for 90 days extendable, until completing 180 calendar days in total 6 months.

I’ve used NODO (nodo.space), it suited my needs just fine. Internet was fast enough for video calls without fail, and the people were very friendly.

I realize this is way after the question was asked, but in case anyone is searching for coworking spaces now…

I’ve tried Epicenter and it’s fine, but felt a little too sterile for my liking.

Have just discovered a newish one that I love, http://www.siembracoworking.com/, which is on Calle 10 in Poblado, so it couldn’t be more central (depends where you live though, of course…)

Anyway, super friendly staff, free coffee and they put on lots of cool events like language exchanges, pub quizzes etc. Very reasonably priced as well.

I just got to Medellin, and I’ve been going to Epicentro this week. I really like it. I’ve used several coworking spaces in the U.S., and it’s pretty comparable. You get a hot desk that you can safely leave your things at all day. The people there are friendly too (although I didn’t speak to others much as my Spanish is limited).

From what I can tell 9010 doesn’t exist (or at least their website is not live anymore).

I’m moving out of Poblado this weekend and over to Laureles, where there aren’t as many coworking spaces. Will be checking out this place: http://www.ondasmedellin.com/coworking/

You need to find a place close to where you are living. My place has decent internet and there is a outdoor cafe and museum 3 blocks away that I have been hanging out in. Planning on trying here this week http://coworking.laneros.com/

A friend of mine writes for Medellin Living and he reviewed this place: http://www.medellinliving.com/9010-coworking-space/. I worked from home while I was in Medellin, so haven’t personally experienced it. Good luck!

Atom house is another. I worked out of my company office when I lived in Medellin so I was only there for a meetup, but people seem to like it. It will not compare to what you experienced in Bali.