Given the reputation of the city and Colombia in general, it is normal to wonder whether Medellin is safe for remote workers. Indeed, during the 1980s this city was extremely dangerous and the victim of widespread gang and cartel-related violence as a result of the drug-trafficking business booming in this area. Since then, Medellin has resurfaced as a new, modern and welcoming city that is committed to learning from its tragic history and improving services and standards of living for all citizens.

This commitment, on the part of government and civil society alike, has resulted in a huge number of tourists and remote workers flocking to the city and enjoying what is one of the most joyful and friendly cultures in Latin America.

While, in general, the main neighborhoods of Medellin are safe for remote workers, it is important to note that petty crime is common in the city and that violent crime is not as rare and one might hope. Petty crime in Medellin involves pick-pocketing and bag-snatching primarily around busy areas such as El Poblado and Parque San Antonio. During congested times, it is also recommended being vigilant on public transports and to never use your phone in a taxi with the windows open. Violent crime is less common but unfortunately does happen - inter-gang violence is recurring among some of the grittier neighborhoods around Medellin and violent muggings have been reported by remote workers living in even Laureles and El Poblado. Having said that, keeping safe in Medellin involves the common precautions one might take in any major city.

While the center of Medellin is safe for remote workers taking the right precautions to avoid theft, there are also a slew of common scams which take place in Laureles and El Poblado in particular. It is important for all visitors to be aware of the dangers surrounding Medellin’s booming sex industry, and for all individuals to always be on the look out for drink-spiking and cigarette-lacing across the city’s main party spots. Taking part in Medellin's drug trade is strongly discouraged and likely to land you in trouble as well as contribute to the city’s existing gang problem. It is also a good idea for all remote workers in Medellin to become acquainted with some of the ways to spot fake bills, as these can often be handed to you even by ATMs across town.

Those considering whether Medellin is safe for remote workers will also have in mind Colombia’s terrorist organizations and its susceptibility to natural disasters. Indeed, the FARC has for long terrorized the Paisa and Colombian countryside, and as recently as January 2019 a bomb was set off by another dissident group in Bogota. Having said that, terrorism-related violence is not common in Colombia’s bigger cities and it is mostly recommended that individuals are vigilant when visiting remote parts of the countryside. Furthermore, it will be important to know that seismic activity is common in Medellin and that flooding does often occur in some parts of the city during the rainy months.

Medellin is also safe for remote workers in terms of its transport options - the city offers one of Latin America’s most modern transit systems, and it feels well-maintained and with plenty of helpful staff. Having said that, users should avoid extremely busy peak hours when pick-pockets might operate. Equally, it is a good idea to always use licensed taxis or registered rideshare services (Uber or Didi) to get around the city at night. In general, driving around the city on a rental car is discouraged because of Medellin’s congestion and lackluster road-safety infrastructure.

The food and water in Medellin is safe for remote workers also and, in fact, you will definitely want to try the local Bandeja Paisa and the many locally-produced fruits and coffee blends offered in town. Furthermore, lots of women report Medellin to be generally safe for female solo travellers and recommend staying in the central neighborhoods and using the local communities to find friends to experience the city with. Equally, the city has a robust LGBTQ+ community and lots of safe bars and clubs around town.

For more information about living in Medellin as a remote worker, check out our complete Medellin guide.