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Medellin
I had visited CO in 2005 and 2006 so I knew something about what to expect. I lived in China from 2006 - 2008 and moved to CO in 2009. I've now lived here in Medellin for 1 year 8 months. I am retired on disability so I live on a very tight budget.
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I took a short Spanish course in 2006 but ended up living in China long enough to forget most of what I learned. So I would say that for all intent and purpose I spoke no Spanish before moving here.
Somewhat concerned although I am a bit familiar with Latin culture in a very general sense. It was a huge problem trying to adapt to Chinese culture. That was the primary reason I decided leave China and move to Colombia.
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I found it hard to get on not speaking Spanish but I am fortunate to be living with a Colombian friend who speaks English quite well. The biggest culture shock has been the question of security. I'm a photographer and I'm used to taking my cameras everywhere without putting much thought into it. In China I wandered around taking photos even in very poor areas. Here is is not wise.
My stages are a little mixed up since I get on much better now, so my frustration came before the honeymoon. I'm very adaptable so it hasn't been a big thing. I find that within a few minutes of meeting people they ask about faith. I'm atheist and everyone here is Catholic or Christian. But I get no hostility here only a bit of confusion. I find them to be very open and warm. In China it was never a subject of conversation everyone was atheist or Buddhist.
There is a lot of crime here and while I don't really fear terrorists or drug gangs, not being involved with either, street crime is a big concern. I ran a business in a bad area in CA for 30 years and am "street smart" but I am not familiar enough with the area to be comfortable traveling the city alone. I also find that people from the barrios don't understand the greater risk for foreigners. When you go into the smaller towns there is no problem.
I find people here to be very warm and inclusive, when you meet a family you always become one of them right away and they are your friends from then on.
The language is a problem but of course it become less as I learn. One must be very careful as to where you go do to the problems of crime.
Nothing really bad a few minor things. I decided that I should address my friends father as Don Perez but in my tounge tied Spanish I said Don Perro which would be "Sir Dog". Again I have a Colombian friend watching me and giving me tips.
Study the language before you come, there isn't apt to be anyone who speaks yours. While this is more true in China it is also true in CO. If you are planning to do any dating you really need local knowledge for the culture in the area.
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Guide to Living in Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, Colombia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Medellin
Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other people living in Medellin, Colombia.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Medellin.
Here are the best places to live in Medellin, Colombia, based on the recommendations of expats that already live there. There are options for a variety of budgets in this now popular destination in Colombia.
The healthcare system in Medellin, Colombia gets generally positive reviews from expats there. Find answers to questions about universal healthcare in Colombia, what it takes to get an EPS card and more.
Expats offer advice about everything you need to know before moving to Medellin: what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to find housing and more.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats and digital nomads have to say about the pros and cons of living in Medellin, Colombia.
Expats in Medellin enjoy a far lower cost of living than in major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, work is scarce and low pay unless you are transferred there by a large company, so you'll need an established income stream to make it as an expat in Medellin.
Expats share their experiences living in Medellin, Colombia and offer advice about meeting people, schools and more.
Expats in Colombia have taken full advantage of this South American nation's miraculous comeback after decades of chaos. Digital nomads have also found there way to Medellin, its second largest city, for a wide variety of reasons.
An expat discusses healthcare and health insurance in Medellin, Colombia. There are several private hospitals in Medellin. He advises expats to purchase health insurance.
An expat talks about what it's like living in Medellin, Colombia - the city of eternal spring. She talks about the popular neighborhood Carrera 70, enjoying life without a car, the 2017 changes in visa laws, hospitals, schools and much more.
A retiree in Medellin talks about loving life in Medellin - it's been a great change of pace for him and his wife. He says that while some expats live on $1,500 per month, others live in $3,000.
An expat in Medellin talks about adapting to the manana way of life, starting a real estate business in Colombia and the friendly Colombians.
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Expats, digital nomads and retirees share what it's like to live in Medellin and offer advice to newcomers.
What is it like to move to Colombia in 2022? Members offer advice for newcomers.
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
Get a Quote
Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
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Medellin, Colombia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Medellin
Colombia Forum
Meet other people living in Medellin.
Here are the best places to live in Medellin, Colombia, based on the recommendations of expats that already live there. There are options for a variety of budgets in this now popular destination in Colombia.
The healthcare system in Medellin, Colombia gets generally positive reviews from expats there. Find answers to questions about universal healthcare in Colombia, what it takes to get an EPS card and more.
Expats offer advice about everything you need to know before moving to Medellin: what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to find housing and more.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats and digital nomads have to say about the pros and cons of living in Medellin, Colombia.
Expats in Medellin enjoy a far lower cost of living than in major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, work is scarce and low pay unless you are transferred there by a large company, so you'll need an established income stream to make it as an expat in Medellin.
Expats share their experiences living in Medellin, Colombia and offer advice about meeting people, schools and more.
Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Medellin.
Expats in Colombia have taken full advantage of this South American nation's miraculous comeback after decades of chaos. Digital nomads have also found there way to Medellin, its second largest city, for a wide variety of reasons.
An expat discusses healthcare and health insurance in Medellin, Colombia. There are several private hospitals in Medellin. He advises expats to purchase health insurance.
An expat talks about what it's like living in Medellin, Colombia - the city of eternal spring. She talks about the popular neighborhood Carrera 70, enjoying life without a car, the 2017 changes in visa laws, hospitals, schools and much more.
A retiree in Medellin talks about loving life in Medellin - it's been a great change of pace for him and his wife. He says that while some expats live on $1,500 per month, others live in $3,000.
An expat in Medellin talks about adapting to the manana way of life, starting a real estate business in Colombia and the friendly Colombians.
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