Cartagena—what a fabulous metropolis! I traveled right here for 3 months, and on this Cartagena digital nomad information, you’ll discover out if it’s the appropriate base for you.
📬 Hola Trisha! I’ve been following you ever because you began backpacking South America in 2013. I actually love your tales and it made me determine that I need to be a Cartagena digital nomad. I used to be truly taking a look at Mexico as I do know you might be there in the mean time however I can’t assist to consider the Caribbean. I discover Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum tremendous costly! Are you able to please give me suggestions, recommendation, and an general outlook on how life as a Cartagena digital nomad is? I actually respect all of your articles and I want you all the very best on this life! Hopefully, I can be a part of the digital nomad life-style quickly!
– Michael Driscoll, Spokane, WA
Hello Michael!
Congratulations on making the transfer to change into a digital nomad! And Cartagena is an effective alternative! You might be proper, the Caribbean facet of Mexico is de facto costly so Cartagena is an effective alternative!
I stayed in Cartagena for 3 months (twice) and on this publish, I’ll share with you some insights on what’s it prefer to be a Cartagena digital nomad.
If there’s something that wasn’t answered on this publish, please be at liberty to e-mail me or ship me a message on Instagram. I’ll undoubtedly replace this publish for you.
Good luck and I want you all the very best!!!
Xx,
Trisha
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🇨🇴 Fast Information: Cartagena Digital Nomad Information
💃 Cartagena digital nomad private expertise
I didn’t plan to remain longer in Cartagena, however once I realized how comfy I used to be as a digital nomad, I made a decision to. The primary purpose I stayed lengthy was that I used to be taking salsa courses.
Initially, I used to be simply doing the tip-based salsa courses in Cartagena however I made a decision to up my salsa recreation by hiring an expert. It was solely $25 USD per class! Plus, Colombia is the very best place in Latin America to be taught salsa. They understand how to do that!
After all, I thought of the Web when it got here to being a Cartagena digital nomad. At first, I used to be staying at Selina Cartagena, which has the status of getting the very best Wi-Fi connection (and finest co-working area) in Latin America, however I wanted to pay additional for the quicker Web connection.
Their Web (with out the co-working subscription) is already respectable however I nonetheless wished an important area to work in. After some time, I couldn’t keep in a hostel anymore, and renting an condo in Cartagena will save me extra money, particularly when I’m staying long-term.
I didn’t know in regards to the Web velocity in Cartagena till I met an area who had an Airbnb and a restaurant. The condo was a part of the cafe. The velocity in the home is simply okay however then they’d fiber optic 100 MBPS within the cafe!
Additionally they let me work within the cafe even when it’s already closed. It was a win-win deal! The one drawback with that is that the home was actually small even for one individual.
Total, I by no means had any difficulties as a digital nomad in Cartagena Colombia. It’s one among my favourite areas in Colombia because it’s really easy to go to the Colombian coast like Santa Marta.
⛔ Is Cartagena secure for digital nomads?
As I lived in Colombia, I by no means actually needed to be vigilant about dwelling in Cartagena. First, nothing dangerous occurred to me right here plus my appears may go for being Colombian.
I additionally converse Spanish fluently, which is all the time one of many key components that I really feel assured in touring alone as a digital nomad, particularly in international locations like Colombia with dangerous press for security.
Since Cartagena is get together central and has a vibrant nightlife, have enjoyable, get drunk, and exit, however be aware of your phrases and actions as a foreigner. Bear in mind, this isn’t your nation so be very attentive about your conduct with out compromising your actual persona.
Don’t go along with folks you don’t know each women and men. I say this rather a lot, however I all the time exit with strangers in Cartagena.
However this, my buddies, is a ability. You could belief your intestine as an alternative of being paranoid and pondering that one thing dangerous will occur to you. Unhealthy issues occur in all places, not simply in Colombia.
As regular, I all the time base security on my private experiences, however in case you have a look at it from a foreigner’s perspective, Cartagena is a brilliant widespread trip vacation spot for People, so town won’t ever do something to interrupt tourism and even taint its status in terms of security.
I traveled to Cartagena solo rather a lot as a feminine and didn’t see any points. I’d stroll again to my lodging on my own at 3:00 AM. Cartagena is a loud metropolis and is energetic until the wee hours of the morning (particularly on weekends) so there’s all the time road exercise.
I keep away from strolling in darkish streets on my own, however that’s it. It’s a reasonably primary security precaution that you simply additionally have to follow in all places. Personally, nothing dangerous occurred to me whereas in Cartagena, and I felt actually secure! However I’m solely speaking about vacationer areas like Previous City.
There are numerous dodgy areas in Cartagena, so all the time be aware, particularly if you will lease an condo exterior of the middle.
💰 Value of dwelling in Cartagena, Colombia
The price of dwelling in Cartagena is reasonably priced regardless that it’s a touristy spot. It’s not that widespread with expats and digital nomads but, so costs are nonetheless very Colombian.
You could find furnished lodging (85 m2/900 sqft) for $600 USD that’s situated within the heart. Within the regular areas, you may get half the worth for a similar measurement and format.
I truthfully discover the utilities costly (i.e. gasoline, electrical energy, and many others). I don’t know why one time I needed to pay $75 USD however this was once I was repeatedly utilizing the air-con. Cartagena can get actually scorching however it’s worthwhile to be aware of electrical energy use.
In terms of consuming out, Cartagena is de facto low-cost, particularly if you will native eating places. These native eating places serve high quality meals so don’t fear about getting sick.
Cartagena is blessed to be subsequent to the ocean so anticipate an important number of seafood. The meals of the Colombian coast is approach totally different from the remainder of the nation. I meet lots of people who say they don’t like Colombian meals however I all the time inform them it’s as a result of they’ve solely been inland (Bogota, Medellin, and many others) so the meals is so totally different!
Road meals in Cartagena can be a should! Arepas is on the road at lower than $5 USD, they usually’re principally regionally owned, so anticipate it to be probably the greatest on the coast! The very best Cartagena road meals will be discovered on the principal plaza the place the church is.
Total, you may simply reside in Cartagena as a digital nomad for lower than $1,000 USD monthly.
Is it costly to reside in Cartagena, Colombia?
Colombia is an affordable nation however Cartagena shouldn’t be the most cost effective digital nomad base in Colombia. Cartagena is a well-known vacationer vacation spot that has a seashore so anticipate costs to be increased.
However nonetheless, if you’re incomes in USD, you may reside fairly nicely in Colombia! As “costly” is subjective and private, I’ll share my bills whereas dwelling in Cartagena as a digital nomad.
A bit one thing about me: as a digital nomad, I prioritize the next bills (in US {dollars}):
- FOOD! I like meals and I can’t be bothered to eat simply no matter. I have to eat nice meals!
- Espresso is a part of my day by day bills. I journey with a Nespresso machine (severely!) however since Colombia is a espresso nation, I didn’t deliver the machine right here.
- Wine can be my day by day jam. I all the time have a glass for dinner or brunch.
| Merchandise | Worth |
| Month-to-month lease, furnished, heart (with wifi) | $900 |
| Fundamental lunchtime menu (centro) | $13 |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown membership | $9 |
| Cappuccino in expat space of town | $3 |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $2 |
| 1 month of health club membership | $35 |
| Yoga (per class) | $8 |
| 1 bottle of excellent high quality grocery store wine | $16 |
| 12 eggs, massive | $2.65 |
| Twice every week espresso store work | $55 |
| Colombia sim card (month-to-month) | $16 |
🏡 Greatest neighborhoods in Cartagena for digital nomads
Selecting the very best neighborhood in Cartagena, Colombia, as a digital nomad is determined by balancing your work wants, life-style preferences, and funds.
First, contemplate web connectivity and proximity to coworking areas or cafes conducive to productiveness. Areas like Getsemaní and the Historic Heart are vibrant with cultural experiences and networking alternatives, however will be noisy.
For a quieter, extra residential setting, Manga or San Diego are preferable, providing tranquility whereas nonetheless granting entry to town’s facilities.
Finances is one other vital issue; dwelling prices can range considerably between neighborhoods. Getsemaní gives a extra reasonably priced life-style in comparison with the upscale Historic Heart or Bocagrande.
Take into consideration what’s non-negotiable for you: Do you crave the power of busy streets and nightlife, or do you like a peaceful retreat? Lastly, immerse your self in the area people to complement your expertise—Cartagena’s allure lies not simply in its locations, however in its folks.
Balancing these concerns will information you to the neighborhood that most closely fits your nomadic life-style. Listed here are the highest 5 neighborhoods in Cartagena, Colombia which are secure for digital nomads and foreigners:
1. Getsemani
Getsemaní, as soon as a humble fishermen’s neighborhood, has reworked right into a vibrant hub of tradition and creativity, making it a key space in any Cartagena digital nomad information.
Identified for its gorgeous road artwork, full of life plazas, and colonial structure, this neighborhood is a testomony to Cartagena’s wealthy historical past and modern resurgence.
For Cartagena digital nomads, Getsemaní gives an unparalleled mixture of tradition, historical past, and nightlife. The world’s colourful streets are lined with cafes and coworking areas, fostering a dynamic setting for creativity and productiveness.
Its reasonably priced dwelling prices in comparison with different areas make it a sensible alternative for nomads trying to immerse themselves in Cartagena’s native life.
Getsemaní boasts easy accessibility to Cartagena’s historic heart, making it a handy base for exploring town’s landmarks. The neighborhood is inside strolling distance to the enduring Clock Tower Gate, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, and the Caribbean shoreline, mixing city dwelling with historic exploration.
2. El Centro (Historic Heart)
El Centro, or the Historic Heart of Cartagena, is the center and soul of town, encapsulating its colonial previous by means of well-preserved structure and cobblestone streets.
This space is central to the Cartagena digital nomad information, providing a glimpse into town’s wealthy historical past and cultural heritage.
The Historic Heart is right for nomads who respect historical past and tradition as their backdrop. With its myriad of coworking areas nestled amongst historic buildings, digital nomads discover inspiration at each nook. The neighborhood’s security and upscale facilities cater to those that prioritize comfort and high quality of life.
El Centro gives unmatched entry to Cartagena’s principal vacationer points of interest, together with the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, the Palace of the Inquisition, and numerous museums. Its central location means the whole lot is inside strolling distance, from gourmand eating places to artisan markets.
3. Bocagrande
Bocagrande is Cartagena’s fashionable face, that includes high-rise residences and inns that line its stunning seashores. This neighborhood is highlighted within the Cartagena digital nomad information for its mix of city dwelling and beachside rest, providing a up to date life-style inside the historic metropolis.
Digital nomads drawn to a extra cosmopolitan life-style will discover Bocagrande interesting. The neighborhood gives fashionable facilities, quick web, and luxurious lodging, alongside beachfront cafes and coworking areas that cater to a productive but relaxed working setting.
Located alongside the peninsula, Bocagrande is a brief drive from Cartagena’s historic heart, guaranteeing easy accessibility to town’s cultural websites whereas having fun with the tranquility and views of the Caribbean Sea.
Procuring malls, cinemas, and worldwide delicacies are available, providing a cushty expat expertise.
4. San Diego
San Diego is a quieter section of Cartagena’s Previous Metropolis, identified for its charming colonial homes and tranquil squares. It’s a pivotal space within the Cartagena digital nomad information, providing a serene but culturally wealthy setting, making it a sexy spot for these in search of a mix of productiveness and rest.
San Diego stands out for nomads searching for a peaceable retreat inside the metropolis’s historic heart. Its relaxed ambiance, mixed with proximity to coworking areas and cafes, gives an ideal steadiness for individuals who want each focus and inspiration. The neighborhood’s neighborhood vibe additionally facilitates networking and social interactions amongst nomads and locals.
Regardless of its tranquility, San Diego is simply steps away from main historic points of interest, together with the Plaza San Diego and the Santa Clara Lodge, identified for its luxurious structure.
This neighborhood ensures easy accessibility to the remainder of the Historic Heart, with all its museums, galleries, and cultural occasions, providing the very best of each worlds: quiet residential life and proximity to Cartagena’s vibrant coronary heart.
5. Manga
Manga is a residential neighborhood identified for its lush tree-lined streets, grand outdated properties, and tranquil marina. It’s an important inclusion within the Cartagena digital nomad information for these in search of a extra laid-back life-style away from the vacationer crowds.
Manga combines the allure of historic structure with the serenity of suburban life.
Manga is ideal for digital nomads in search of a quiet, genuine dwelling setting. The world’s residential nature ensures a peaceable working ambiance, whereas its native cafes and proximity to town heart supply comfort with out the hustle and bustle.
Reasonably priced housing in comparison with Cartagena’s extra tourist-centric neighborhoods makes Manga a sexy possibility for longer-term stays.
Whereas Manga is extra faraway from town’s main vacationer points of interest, it stays conveniently related to the Historic Heart and Getsemaní. A brief drive or bike experience can deliver residents into the center of Cartagena, permitting for simple exploration of its cultural landmarks, eating, and leisure choices whereas offering a quiet retreat on the finish of the day.
🤝 Connecting with digital nomads in Cartagena
As somebody who travels solo on a regular basis, the social scene of a sure place I select to base myself in is vital. And imagine me, there are lots of locations on this planet the place you don’t get an opportunity to community!
Fortunately, Cartagena has a really vibrant nightlife though the folks you all the time come throughout are simply passing by. I, nevertheless, didn’t have a tough time having long-term buddies right here due to my language expertise.
Colombians are super-friendly and you can see many people who find themselves additionally into the digital nomad life-style particularly in co-working areas.
There aren’t loads of digital nomad communities in Cartagena because it’s extra of a trip vacation spot however in case you reside there, it is rather simple to attach with expats by means of Fb teams.
There are numerous different teams in Cartagena however the majority are in Spanish so I’m solely recommending teams that publish in English and have English-speaking members.
There are literally solely two which show that Cartagena isn’t a well-known vacation spot for digital nomads and expats but. The 2 teams to affix are Expats in Cartagena and Expats in Colombia.
You can even meet folks by means of Couchsurfing. They used to do meet-ups each week. You may obtain Couchsurfing hangouts however it solely works on cell.
This app permits you to see which vacationers and digital nomads are in your space. Occasions like working dates or touring collectively are all the time up to date on the app in real-time!
Digital nomad teams in Cartagena, Colombia
📶 Web velocity in Cartagena, Colombia
Web velocity in Cartagena Colombia is tremendous respectable. Do not forget that this isn’t a small city on the coast of Colombia but in addition a giant metropolis with nice infrastructure.
Cartagena is the gateway of South America from Central America. They’ve a port right here and you’ll truly journey to Cartagena from Panama by sea/boat.
Fiber optic is quite common in Colombia and I used to be actually shocked that it was. 100 MBPS is a superb velocity however most landlords of residences particularly on Airbnb don’t actually see the significance of the digital nomad life-style but.
Earlier than reserving your lodging, it’s worthwhile to ask the proprietor to ship you a screenshot of the velocity. They’ll additionally converse English however in case you need assistance with translations, contact me and I can provide you some suggestions!
You want to get a Colombian sim card in case you plan to be a Cartagena digital nomad. I all the time use Claro as a result of all South American international locations have them so I’ve tried their companies in many alternative international locations.
Additionally they have reasonably priced Worldwide name packages particularly if it’s worthwhile to name the US. Nevertheless, Web-wise, Tigo 4G sim card labored nicely higher for me in Cartagena.
I by no means used this sim card earlier than however once I in contrast it to Claro (hotspot), it labored quicker. Claro has higher protection in the entire nation although. I had each sim playing cards simply in case (other than my moveable wifi system).
☕ Cartagena cafes with sturdy wifi
Cafes and low outlets in Cartagena are identified for his or her allure and vibrancy, reflecting town’s wealthy tradition and historical past. Many supply a singular mix of native and worldwide flavors, with picturesque settings that vary from quaint colonial buildings to breezy, beachfront spots.
The ambiance in these cafés is often heat and welcoming, making them excellent locations to loosen up and benefit from the native scene.
Town’s café scene caters nicely to these searching for cozy spots with sturdy Wi-Fi and good espresso. Whereas some cafés are extra conventional, a rising quantity cater particularly to digital nomads, providing comfy seating, energy retailers, and a quiet ambiance for productiveness.
Listed here are the very best espresso outlets in Cartagena with nice meals, energy retailers, and a conducive working setting for distant staff and nomads:
👩💻 Co-working areas in Cartagena
There aren’t many co-working areas in Cartagena, so if you’re a type of digital nomads who likes to go to co-working areas, this can be a draw back.
I stayed in Selina and availed their day by day co-working area which it’s a must to pay individually and isn’t included within the nightly keep. This provides you entry to the upper velocity Web of Selina however in case you’re not paying for the co-working, the Web velocity is fairly gradual.
Selina is all the time crowded by backpackers greater than digital nomads. Listed here are the highest (and possibly the one) co-working in Cartagena, Colombia:
🤹 Execs and cons of dwelling in Cartagena as a digital nomad
Whereas I beloved making Cartagena my digital nomad base, there are additionally some professionals and cons of dwelling in Cartagena which will help you determine if this can be a good base for you:
Execs
- Cultural Richness: Cartagena’s vibrant tradition, historic structure, and festivals present an enriching setting. Town’s full of life music, dance, and artwork scenes supply limitless inspiration and leisure.
- Tropical Local weather: Get pleasure from year-round heat climate, excellent for individuals who love sunshine and out of doors actions. The seashores and the Caribbean Sea supply a picturesque setting for each work and leisure.
- Reasonably priced Value of Dwelling: In comparison with North American and European cities, Cartagena gives a extra reasonably priced life-style, together with housing, meals, and leisure, making it simpler to take care of a very good way of life.
- Pleasant Locals: Colombians are identified for his or her heat and hospitality. The prospect to combine into native communities can improve your expertise and assist with studying Spanish.
- Numerous Neighborhoods: From the historic allure of the Previous Metropolis to the trendy facilities of Bocagrande, Cartagena gives quite a lot of neighborhoods to swimsuit totally different preferences and wishes.
Cons
- Humidity and Warmth: The tropical local weather may have downsides, with excessive humidity and temperatures that some could discover uncomfortable, particularly through the summer season months.
- Language Barrier: Whereas Spanish is crucial for day by day interactions, not realizing the language is usually a vital barrier in absolutely experiencing town and coping with administrative duties.
- Web Reliability: Though bettering, web connectivity will be inconsistent in some areas, posing challenges for digital nomads who rely closely on secure and quick web.
- Security Considerations: Whereas Cartagena is usually secure, particularly in vacationer areas, like several main metropolis, it has neighborhoods with increased crime charges. It’s vital to remain knowledgeable and cautious.
- Vacationer Crowds: In style vacationer locations inside the metropolis can get crowded, particularly in excessive season, which could detract from the attraction for these in search of a extra genuine or tranquil expertise.
