Medellín is one of the most exciting cities in South America, but it runs on its own rhythm. A little preparation goes a long way toward making your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Here’s what our team tells every guest before they arrive.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Citizens of the United States, Canada, the UK, the EU, and most other Western countries can enter Colombia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You’ll receive a stamp in your passport at immigration. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
You may be asked to show proof of onward travel (a return flight or bus ticket out of Colombia). Having this ready speeds up the immigration process.
Money
The local currency is the Colombian peso (COP). As of 2026, the exchange rate hovers around 4,000–4,200 COP to 1 USD, though this fluctuates. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops in El Poblado, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors, taxis, and tips.
ATMs are widely available. Use machines inside banks or shopping centers for safety. When the ATM asks whether to charge in pesos or your home currency, always choose pesos — the dynamic conversion rate is significantly worse.
Getting Around
Uber and InDriver are the most popular ride-hailing apps in Medellín and are the easiest way to get around as a visitor. Rides within El Poblado typically cost $1–3 USD. For longer trips across the city, expect $3–8 USD.
Medellín also has an excellent metro system that’s clean, safe, and affordable. The metro connects to metrocable lines that go up into the mountains — the ride itself is a tourist attraction with incredible views of the valley.
Avoid hailing random taxis on the street, especially at night. If you need a taxi, have your hotel or restaurant call one for you, or use an app.
Safety
Medellín has come an incredibly long way from its past reputation. El Poblado in particular is well-patrolled and feels safe for tourists. That said, common-sense precautions apply.
Don’t flash expensive jewelry, watches, or phones on the street. Use Uber instead of walking alone late at night. Keep your phone in your front pocket or bag when walking on busy streets. Avoid isolated areas after dark.
Our team is available to all Travel MiMedellin guests for real-time safety advice and neighborhood guidance throughout your stay.
Weather and What to Pack
Medellín is called the “City of Eternal Spring” for good reason. Daytime temperatures sit around 75–85°F (24–30°C) year-round. Evenings cool down to the mid-60s. You won’t need a heavy jacket, but a light layer for evenings and a rain jacket are essential.
The city gets afternoon rain showers frequently, especially from April to May and September to November. They’re usually brief but intense. Pack a compact umbrella or rain shell and plan outdoor activities for the morning.
Language
Spanish is the primary language, and outside of tourist-facing businesses in El Poblado, English is not widely spoken. Learning a few basic phrases goes a long way and locals genuinely appreciate the effort. Google Translate works well for real-time conversations.
Medellín Spanish (known as “paisa” dialect) is considered one of the clearest and easiest to understand in the Spanish-speaking world — good news if you’re practicing.
Tipping
Restaurants typically add a 10% voluntary service charge (“propina voluntaria”) to the bill. You’ll be asked “¿Desea incluir el servicio?” (Would you like to include the service charge?). It’s customary to accept it. For exceptional service, an extra tip on top is appreciated but not expected.
For apartment cleaning staff, tip 10,000–20,000 COP ($2.50–$5 USD) per visit. For tour guides, 20,000–50,000 COP is appropriate depending on the length of the tour.
Cell Phone and Internet
Buy a local SIM card at the airport or any Claro, Movistar, or Tigo store for around 30,000–50,000 COP ($7–$12 USD) with several gigabytes of data. This gives you reliable 4G coverage throughout the city and is much cheaper than international roaming.
All Travel MiMedellin apartments come with high-speed WiFi, so you’ll have connectivity at home. A local SIM is mainly useful for navigation and ride-hailing when you’re out and about.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Browse our collection of premium apartments in El Poblado at travelmimedellin.com. Our team is based right here in the neighborhood and we’re happy to help you plan every detail of your stay. Book direct for the best rates and personal concierge support
