Medellín Starter Pack: What You Need to Know Before Touching Down

So, you’ve decided to make the leap and head to Medellín—congrats! Get ready for some breathtaking views, amazing people, and a whole new pace of life. But before you land, there are a few things you need to know. I’m going to break it down for you, friend-to-friend, so you’re not caught off guard. Let’s get you prepped!

🚕 Airport Transportation Options in Medellín

Once you land at José María Córdova (the main airport), you’ll be about 45 minutes from Medellín proper. There are a few options for getting into the city. You’ve got:

🚕 TAXI: Easiest, and will set you back around COP 120,000 (~$30 USD). Look for the white official taxis and don’t bother haggling—prices are fixed. 

🚌 BUS: Cheaper, around COP 15,500 ($4 USD). It’ll take you to San Diego Mall, then you’ll need to Uber or take another cab from there. Not bad if you’re trying to save some pesos!

🚙 COLECTIVO: The secret option for the adventurous (and thrifty). This shared car costs about COP 20,000 ($5 USD). It’s like playing taxi roulette, but in a good way—if you’re in the mood for some spontaneous bonding with strangers in a more intimate setting than a bus!

🚗 PRIVATE CARS: If you really want to secure an extra safe option for transportation, especially if you’re arriving in the middle of the night, we have trusted drivers we can recommend to you and even help you book a private car. This way, you have access to your driver even before you arrive and they can help you out the second you exit the arrival doors. It also isn’t that much more expensive than an official taxi (~COP 125,000). Send us an email so we can connect you with one of our trusted drivers!.

📱UBER: While Uber is an option especially to pay with your credit card while you don’t have cash yet or refuse to use the airport ATM, it is important to remember that Ubers are technically illegal in Colombia. You will have a bit of a hassle trying to find your Uber because they will also refuse to pick you up right at the door. They would ask you to either meet them further down the street or probably the departure area. Either way, it can cause some issues as the locals rally against Uber drivers. It is easier to use them within the city. 

📲 SIM Cards + Phone Registration in Medellín

Yes, you can still Instagram your trip. The easiest way is to grab a SIM card at the airport or any Claro or Tigo kiosk in town. It’ll cost you around COP 10,000 ($2 USD), and you can get a decent data package for about COP 40,000 ($10 USD). Obviously, the airport might cost a bit more. 

WiFi in the airport is generally good and accessible up until the arrival doors and you shouldn’t have a problem communicating with a private driver picking you up. Once you arrive in your accommodation, find the closest mall (malls are the safest option), to find a store like Claro or Tigo to get a SIM and top up your number.

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: if you’re staying more than a month, you’ll need to register your phone with the government (not kidding). Go to any official store of your SIM provider with your physical passport and they’ll sort you out. If you don’t, they’ll cut off your service like a bad breakup.

🏡 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Medellín

Medellín has a flavor for everyone:

– El Poblado: Fancy, expat-heavy, and the go-to for first-timers and short term travelers or tourists. It’s modern, and full of cafés, bars, restaurants and parks. But… it is pricier and not very “local” feeling. If you’re into exploring restaurants and the nightlife, this place is for you!

– Laureles: Think tree-lined streets, more low-key than Poblado, and still has all the amenities. More of a local vibe and very walkable as it’s flat unlike Poblado. If you’re aiming to join less touristy events, meetups and especially immersing yourself in the local dance culture of sala and bachata, Laureles is definitely your top choice.

– Envigado: A little farther out, but super family-friendly and quiet. If you want a break from the city rush, this is a solid choice. It’s close enough to Poblado to experience the nightlife but far enough to experience a much more local neighborhood vibe.

– Centro: Super local, but it can be gritty and a bit chaotic. Maybe not for your first visit unless you’re a seasoned traveler.

– Sabaneta: This area is an up-and-coming neighborhood! It’s technically not part of Medellín and is its very own city with its own pulse. It’s worth exploring for someone who wants to have a different “Medellín” experience and stay more mid to long term since you won’t need to be in the middle of the action all the time! 

🚆 Medellín Transportation Tips

Medellín has a killer Metro system. It’s clean, efficient, and will take you to most major spots. You’ll need a Civica card to ride, which you can pick up at any Metro station. Buses are great too but can be a bit confusing at first. Uber works here, and it’s pretty affordable (just keep in mind it’s technically “illegal,” but everyone still uses it). Alternatives to Uber include Cabify, Didi and InDrive, in case it’s the rush hour and Uber rates go crazy high!

👖 How to Dress in Medellín (No Dar Papaya)

You’ll hear Colombians say “no dar papaya,” which basically means “don’t make yourself an easy target.” Leave your flashy jewelry and designer bags at home. Medellín is casual, and dressing down is key. No one’s going to judge you for wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Trust me, blending in is the smart move. 

Key things to avoid: shorts (more for the men) and flip flops. 

Best bet: Jeans and shoes (we know, sometimes it is too hot for jeans but this is for your own good!)

📱 Quick Safety Tips for Medellín

Whether you’re hiking or heading out for a night on the town, here are essential tips to stay safe:

Use a Burner Phone

Leave your main phone at home when going to crowded places or on a night out. Use a cheap burner phone that doesn’t contain sensitive information like banking apps or personal photos. This way, if it’s lost or stolen, you won’t lose anything important.

  • Pro Tip: No banking apps or important data on your burner!

Don’t Carry Too Much Cash

Only take small amounts of cash with you and avoid carrying multiple credit cards. A single, low-limit card is ideal for going out. Stick to what you can afford to lose and leave the rest at home or in a secure place.

  • Pro Tip: Use virtual wallets or secondary cards for safety.

💘 Safety Tips for Dating in Medellín

Dating in Medellín can be exciting, but it’s important to stay safe. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Meet in Public Places

Always pick a well-lit, busy spot like a cafe, restaurant, or bar for the first few dates. Avoid secluded areas or private locations.

  • Pro Tip: Stick to places with easy access to transportation, so you can leave if needed.

2. Watch Your Drinks

Never leave your drink unattended, and be cautious about accepting drinks from someone you don’t know well. Drink spiking (scopolamine, aka “burundanga”) is a risk here, so stay alert.

  • Pro Tip: Order bottled or sealed drinks when possible.

3. Don’t Share Personal Info

Avoid giving out your home address, detailed routines, or specific personal information too early. Stick to general details until you know them better.

4. Use a Burner Phone

When communicating with someone new, use a burner phone instead of your main one. This keeps your personal info and contacts secure.

  • Pro Tip: Keep your burner free from sensitive info like banking apps.

5. Tell Someone Your Plans

Share your plans with a friend or family member, including the name of the person you’re meeting and the location. Use real-time location sharing for added security.

💰 ATMs + Cash Withdrawals in Medellín

Good news—there are ATMs everywhere. Bad news—ATM fees can be steep, so look for Davivienda or Colpatria, which tend to have lower fees for international cards. Also, try not to pull out too much at once; keep cash low-key. 

PRO-TIP: avoid using ATMs at night and in isolated areas. Stay street-smart. Malls are the best places to use them.

🪪 Visa Extensions in Colombia

Planning to stay longer than 90 days? You can extend your tourist visa for another 90 days at Migración Colombia. The process is surprisingly smooth, and you can do it online. Just make sure you apply at least a week before your visa expires—don’t procrastinate on this one!

Click here for a full step-by-step process guide to get you your 90-day extension

🙈 Cultural Dos and Don’ts in Medellín

DO… Greet people with a smile, maybe even a cheek kiss if you’re feeling confident (it’s the norm). Also, get used to saying “buenos días/tardes/noches” all the time. Colombians are super friendly, and so should you be.

DON’T… Bring up Pablo Escobar. Just don’t.

⏰ Also, be mindful that Colombians take their time—don’t expect punctuality to be a thing.

💬 Common Everyday Phrases You Can Use in Medellín

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you sound like less of a tourist:

Qué más? = What’s up?
Todo bien = All good
Bacano = Cool
A la orden = You’ll hear this everywhere; it means “at your service.”
Parce = Bro/friend (you’ll hear this a lot)
Chévere = Nice!

There you have it! Your quick-and-dirty guide to getting started in Medellín. Now that you’ve got the basics, you’re ready to roll. Just remember: don’t sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the ride—Medellín’s got a way of surprising you in the best ways.

🎁 BONUS

The Ubiquitous “Pues”

If you spend any time in Medellín, you’ll quickly notice that “pues” is sprinkled into almost every conversation. It’s one of those words that doesn’t have a direct translation in English but is used all the time by locals (known as paisas).

“Pues” is super versatile and can mean anything from “well” to “then” to “because”, depending on the context. It’s one of those filler words that adds flavor to a sentence.

  • Examples:
    • “Sí, pues” = Yeah, well… (used when agreeing but adding emphasis)
    • “No sé, pues” = I don’t know, well… (used when you’re unsure or hesitant)
    • “Entonces, pues, vámonos” = So, then, let’s go (emphasizing the action)

Locals often tack “pues” onto the end of sentences just for emphasis, or to make the conversation flow more naturally. While it may seem confusing at first, you’ll get the hang of it by hearing it all the time.