Living in Santa Marta, Colombia. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Planning to work remotely from Santa Marta, Colombia? This in-depth guide covers neighborhoods, coworking spaces, cost of living, and local culture, with monthly cost of living around $986 and average internet speeds of 125 Mbps. Everything you need to know about living and working in Santa Marta as a digital nomad.
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Santa Marta, Colombia, my home for several months. This vibrant coastal city has a unique charm that draws remote workers in with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm Caribbean climate. Santa Marta digital nomads love the city’s laid-back vibe, which makes it easy to balance work and play. From hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to lounging on the beach, there’s no shortage of adventure and relaxation in this stunning city. With a growing expat community and a relatively low cost of living, Santa Marta is an attractive destination for remote workers looking to experience the best of Colombia.
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Santa Marta, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are a few of my favorites:
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character, so it’s worth exploring each one to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
The cost of living in Santa Marta is relatively low compared to other major cities in Colombia. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for digital nomads:
Overall, the cost of living in Santa Marta is around 30-50% lower than in major cities like Medellín or Bogotá, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget.
Santa Marta has a relatively fast internet speed, with an average download speed of 48 Mbps. There are several coworking spaces and cafes with good internet throughout the city. Some popular options include:
These spaces are great for meeting other digital nomads, attending events and workshops, and getting work done in a productive environment.
The digital nomad community in Santa Marta is growing rapidly, with many remote workers and entrepreneurs calling the city home. There are several Facebook groups and meetups for digital nomads, including:
These communities are a great way to meet like-minded individuals, make friends, and get involved in the local expat scene.
Santa Marta has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. The city is known for its vibrant festivals, including the Festival de la Cumbia, which takes place in July. Digital nomads can experience the local culture by attending these festivals, trying traditional foods like patacones and empanadas, and visiting local markets like Mercado de Bazurto.
The dating scene in Santa Marta is also lively, with many opportunities to meet locals and other expats. The city has a relatively conservative atmosphere, but there are still many bars, clubs, and social gatherings where digital nomads can meet new people.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Colombia. The M-5 visa is the most common type of visa for remote workers, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. You can apply for a visa extension or a M-10 visa, which allows you to stay for up to 3 years, but this requires more paperwork and documentation.
It’s worth noting that Colombia is considering introducing a digital nomad visa, which would provide a more streamlined process for remote workers. However, this is still in the planning stages, and it’s best to check with the Colombian embassy or consulate for the latest information.
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living in Santa Marta:
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COLOMBIA
