This week's issue is on Colombia, specifically Medellín during June 2026. The immediate vibe when landing in the city was a mixture of culture, slight congestion, beautiful greenery, and rich ambience. Transportation to the Laureles barrio from the airport went smoothly, taking around a 30-minute rideshare.

Arrival was after sunset, so the following day was spent obtaining a country SIM card, picking up cash, and familiarizing oneself with the surrounding areas from where I was staying. Work with clients was also able to continue after the initial evening arrival day.

The days that followed after settling in began with morning street runs and café visits. Runs in the early mornings are pleasant within the Laureles area, as cafés and cars are plentiful as you make your way through. There are solid park options throughout each subdivision of barrios, with the pace tending to pick up as you approach the Conquistadores barrio.

Midday food options were also explored throughout Laureles. Overcast skies were present on most days throughout the first week, with a couple rain showers each day. The positioning of the city prevented any heavy rainfall, allowing you to comfortably walk outside even while it was raining. Food delivery was shockingly cheaper than Buenos Aires and offered a variety of tasteful and flavor-filled foods.

The weekend was filled with friends from back home coincidentally visiting Medellín as well. The El Poblado area of town was mostly experienced during time with them. No mishappening occurred during this first week in Colombia, and the week resulted in being an eventful and successful one at that.

Medellín, Colombia is one of the most popular tourist destinations and digital nomad locations for travelers drawn to Latin America. As of June 2026, the city continues ranking among the top destinations for remote workers, sitting directly behind Buenos Aires. Medellín is well known for its affordability compared to many North American cities, while also offering strong infrastructure for professionals who are not location dependent. It is notoriously known for its year-round spring weather, earning the nickname "The City of Eternal Spring." You'll be pleasantly surprised with no true cold front periods, no matter the month you choose to stay.

For month-to-month tenants and nomads, modern studio units generally range between $600 and $1,000 USD per month if you concentrate your search within the Laureles area. Laureles provides a more residential and middle-class atmosphere, while El Poblado is more nightlife and tourist focused. For most long-term expats and nomads, Laureles offers the more grounded experience while also being noticeably more affordable. Before booking, read through reviews and verify the property includes reliable Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Another recommendation for extended stays is to visit a Claro telecommunications store. A local SIM card helps avoid excessive international data charges and provides you with a Colombian phone number for around $12 USD over a 30-day period. If you're inserting the SIM card into an existing phone, remember to register your device's IMEI before leaving the store to avoid future service interruptions.

If you're needing cash during your stay, Western Union pickup is a convenient and safe option. I prefer it over using ATMs because there is no need to insert a debit card into a machine. Pickup locations inside supermarkets, such as Éxito, also provide an added sense of security.

For transportation and food delivery, DiDi proved reliable throughout the week. While DiDi and Uber technically are not permitted under Colombia's transportation regulations, both continue operating throughout the city. Drivers may ask you to sit in the front passenger seat, and enabling notifications when using DiDi Food helps ensure smooth deliveries.

Before You Arrive

First Week

Getting Around

As of July 2026, Colombia continues offering one of Latin America's more attractive Digital Nomad Visa programs for remote workers employed by foreign companies, freelancers, and qualifying digital entrepreneurs. The visa may be granted for up to two years and is intended for individuals earning income exclusively from outside Colombia.

Applicants should generally expect to provide proof of remote employment or business ownership, evidence of sufficient monthly income, valid health insurance covering their stay, and a passport issued by an eligible country. Applications are submitted online through Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Current requirements and eligibility should always be verified before applying, as immigration policies may change.

Typical Requirements

Global Country Reforms & Updates

Thailand continues promoting its Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, freelancers, and long-term visitors. Applicants should review current financial documentation and eligibility requirements before applying, as authorities continue refining administrative procedures.

Source: Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Costa Rica continues positioning its Digital Nomad Program as a preferred pathway for remote workers seeking extended stays. Applicants should ensure they continue meeting the program's income and health insurance requirements throughout their stay.

Source: Costa Rican immigration guidance.

Uruguay continues attracting long-term remote professionals through its straightforward residency pathways and stable business environment. Foreign nationals planning extended stays are encouraged to review current residency documentation requirements before beginning the application process.

Source: Uruguayan government immigration guidance.

One of the biggest advantages of remote work is flexibility, but without a structured workflow that flexibility can quickly become a disadvantage. Planning out your weekdays, or whichever days you're expected to be available for clients, creates a stronger foundation for staying productive while traveling. Having a general outline for the day also makes it easier to balance client work with exploring the city you're living in rather than feeling tied to your workstation from morning until night.

If your role allows flexibility around midday, consider allocating an hour or so toward running errands, transitioning over to another project or client, or simply stepping away from your workstation. This time is often used to try a new food spot or get some fresh air before returning to work. For those who prefer working from the comfort of their own room, that same hour can feel like a reset before diving back into focused work. Sometimes the most productive part of the day comes immediately after taking a short break away from your computer.

For café workers, knowing which locations and times work best should also be determined beforehand. It may take a couple visits to figure this out, but finding cafés with reliable internet, comfortable seating, and a quieter atmosphere can improve your workflow drastically. Once those locations become part of your routine, less energy is spent deciding where to work and more time can be dedicated toward meaningful tasks.

Another habit developed this week was completing data refreshes and writing project updates the night prior, sometimes even after midnight when nobody else was online. Those quieter hours created fewer distractions and made it easier to organize thoughts before the following workday. Project updates could be drafted, reviewed, and left ready to send the next morning with little effort.

Starting the day with those routine items already completed shifted more attention toward client work, problem solving, and conversations rather than administrative maintenance. Small workflow improvements like these may only save a few minutes each day, but over weeks and months they compound into a more organized and sustainable way of working while living abroad.

Continue this week's journey through a daytime POV walk of Laureles, capturing the neighborhood's everyday atmosphere, cafés, and streets. The link is below.

A curated collection of partner newsletters and publications for readers interested in travel, remote work, global mobility, and location-independent living. The link is below.

Medellín is only getting started. More firsthand observations, practical relocation insights, and reflections on building a location-independent life continue in next week's issue.

Until next dispatch,
Structured Nomad