Living in Cartagena, Colombia. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Discover Cartagena, Colombia, with monthly cost of living around $1,241 and average internet speeds of 125 Mbps, one of the world's emerging destinations for digital nomads. This complete guide provides insider tips, neighborhood insights, and practical information to help you make the most of your time in Cartagena.
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Cartagena, Colombia, my home for several months. This vibrant city has a way of captivating your heart with its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm Caribbean climate. Cartagena digital nomads adore this city for its unique blend of colonial charm, modern amenities, and a thriving cultural scene. With a population of over 914,000, Cartagena offers a lively atmosphere that’s hard to resist. As a remote worker, you’ll find that Cartagena has a lot to offer, from its beautiful beaches to its vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal destination for Cartagena for remote workers.
Cartagena’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of colorful streets, quaint shops, and historic landmarks like the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. The city’s proximity to the Caribbean Sea and its tropical climate make it an attractive destination for beach lovers and those seeking a warm winter escape. With a Nomad Score of 50/100 and a Safety Index of 4789/100, Cartagena is a relatively safe city, but as with any destination, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
When it comes to choosing the best neighborhoods for digital nomads in Cartagena, there are several areas that stand out for their unique character, amenities, and proximity to the city’s main attractions. Here are three neighborhoods that I highly recommend:
The cost of living in Cartagena can vary depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
Overall, the cost of living in Cartagena is relatively affordable, with a monthly budget of around COP 2,500,000 to COP 5,000,000 (approximately $625-$1,250 USD) per month covering all expenses.
Cartagena has a relatively fast internet speed of 47 Mbps, making it suitable for remote work. There are several coworking spaces and cafes that offer reliable internet and a productive work environment. Some popular options include:
Cartagena has a growing digital nomad community, with many expats and remote workers calling the city home. There are several meetups and events organized by the community, including:
Cartagena is a city that’s steeped in history and culture, with a vibrant arts scene and a rich cultural heritage. As a digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture, from attending festivals and events to taking Spanish classes and learning about the city’s history.
The food scene in Cartagena is also worth exploring, with a range of delicious seafood dishes, traditional Colombian cuisine, and modern fusion restaurants. Some popular local dishes include arroz con mariscos (seafood rice), sancocho (a hearty stew), and empanadas (meat or cheese pastries).
When it comes to dating, Cartagena is a city that’s full of life and energy, with many opportunities to meet new people and make connections. The city’s vibrant nightlife scene is also worth exploring, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
As a tourist, you can enter Colombia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country. There is no specific digital nomad visa available in Colombia, but you can apply for a M-5 visa, which is designed for foreigners who want to live and work in the country.
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Cartagena:
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