📱 Saily eSIM – Stay Connected

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🏥 SafetyWing – Nomad Insurance

CRITICAL for Latin America! Covers medical emergencies, theft, evacuation. Peace of mind in Mexico City, Medellín & Buenos Aires. Designed for nomads. Pay monthly, works across all three countries. $45/month.

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Option 1: Tourist Visa – 180 Days FREE!

• Cost: FREE (just show up!)
• Duration: Up to 180 days (6 MONTHS!)
• How it works: Immigration officer stamps your passport on arrival, writes a date (usually 180 days)
• Extension: NO extension possible—must leave and re-enter
• Requirements: Valid passport, return ticket (sometimes), accommodation proof (rarely asked)

This is INSANE. No other major country gives you 6 months free. Most nomads use this—stay 6 months, leave for 1-2 weeks (Belize, Guatemala, Colombia), return for another 6 months.

Option 2: Temporary Resident Visa – 1-4 Years

• Cost: ~$200-400 (application + processing)
• Duration: 1 year initially, renewable up to 4 years total
• Requirements: Proof of income ($2,500+/month) OR savings ($43,000+)
• How it works: Apply at Mexican consulate in home country, then complete process in Mexico
• Benefits: Can legally work for Mexican companies, open bank accounts, get Mexican driver’s license
• Best for: Long-term settlers (1+ years planned)

💡 The Mexico City Visa Run Strategy:

• Stay 6 months in Mexico City (free tourist visa)
• Fly to Medellín for 1-2 months (visa reset + explore Colombia)
• Return to Mexico City for another 6 months
• Or: Quick 3-5 day trips to Belize City, Guatemala City, or San Cristóbal de las Casas (near Guatemala border)
• Total cost: $150-300 flight every 6 months (vs $2,000+ visa fees in other countries)

Reality: Many nomads stay 6 months, leave for 1-2 weeks, return. Mexico doesn’t crack down on this like other countries. I know nomads who’ve been doing this for 3+ years.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• 180 days NOT guaranteed — officer can give you 7, 30, 90, or 180 days. Be polite, dress well, have accommodation/return ticket proof ready.
• If you get less than 180: Can extend at INM (immigration office) but bureaucratic nightmare. Easier to just leave and re-enter.
• Remote work legal gray area — working for foreign clients on tourist visa technically not allowed but universally tolerated. Don’t advertise it.
• Don’t overstay! Fines start at ~$50 but can lead to deportation/ban. Mexico is chill but don’t abuse it.

Option 1: Tourist Visa – 90 Days FREE

• Cost: FREE
• Duration: 90 days (automatically stamped on arrival)
• Extension: Can extend once for 90 more days ($100) at Migración Colombia office
• Total: Up to 180 days possible (90 initial + 90 extension)
• Requirements: Valid passport, return/onward ticket (sometimes checked)

Option 2: Digital Nomad Visa (Tipo V) – 2 YEARS!

• Cost: $200-300
• Duration: 2 years (can renew for another 3 years, then apply for residency!)
• Requirements: Proof of remote work/freelancing + income $684/month (3x minimum wage)
• How to apply: Online through Cancillería website BEFORE arriving, or in Colombia
• Benefits: Legal long-term stay, open bank accounts, get Cédula de Extranjería (ID card), pathway to permanent residency
• Processing: 4-8 weeks

This is EXCELLENT. Colombia was one of the first LatAm countries to offer a true digital nomad visa. Income requirement is LOW ($684/month = easy to prove). 2-year visa = no visa runs for 2 years!

Visa Runs from Medellín:

• Panama City: $150-250 flight, 3-5 days, beach + city exploring
• Cartagena → Panama (overland): Bus + boat, 2-3 days, adventure route
• Ecuador (Quito/Guayaquil): $100-200 flight, 3-5 days, Galápagos nearby
• Peru (Lima/Cusco): $150-300 flight, week exploring Machu Picchu
• Frequency: Every 90-180 days (if not using Digital Nomad Visa)

Reality: Most nomads staying 6+ months just get the Digital Nomad Visa ($300 for 2 years = $12.50/month). Way easier than visa runs. Many are drawn to the cost of living in Chiang Mai, which is significantly lower than in many Western countries. This financial advantage allows nomads to save money while enjoying a vibrant community and rich culture. As a result, it’s become a popular destination for those looking to balance work and leisure effectively.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Check Colombia (app): MUST register within 24 hours of arrival through “Check Mig” app. Failure = fines when leaving.
• Extension = bureaucratic: Migración Colombia offices = long waits. Arrive early (7am), bring all docs.
• Yellow fever vaccine: Recommended (not required) but some border crossings ask for it.
• Don’t overstay! Fines are steep (~$100/day overstayed) and you’ll be banned from re-entering.

Option 1: Tourist Visa – 90 Days FREE

• Cost: FREE (most nationalities)
• Duration: 90 days
• Extension: Can extend once for 90 days ($50-100 at Migraciones office)
• Requirements: Valid passport, return/onward ticket
• Total: Up to 180 days (90 + 90 extension)

The “Colonia Run” – Easiest Visa Reset

• What: Ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay (1 hour)
• Cost: $80-120 round-trip ferry
• Duration: Same-day trip OR overnight in Colonia (cute colonial town)
• How it works: Leave Argentina (exit stamp), enter Uruguay, return same/next day, get fresh 90-day Argentina stamp
• Frequency: Nomads do this every 90 days to stay in Buenos Aires long-term

Reality: The “Colonia run” is a FAMOUS nomad tradition. Ferry companies (Buquebus, Colonia Express) literally market to digital nomads. Some nomads have done this 10+ times over 2-3 years. Argentina doesn’t care.

Option 2: Rentista Visa – Long-Term Residency

• Cost: ~$300-500 (legal fees)
• Duration: 1 year temporary residency, renewable for permanent after 3 years
• Requirements: Proof of passive income $2,500+/month (investments, rental income)
• Best for: Retirees, investors, passive income earners
• NOT for: Active remote workers (doesn’t fit requirements well)

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Colonia runs = tolerated but technically gray area — immigration can deny entry if suspicious (dress well, have accommodation proof)
• Argentina has NO digital nomad visa — rentista visa is closest but requires passive income
• Economic instability = visa rule changes — Argentina’s laws change frequently, stay updated
• Remote work gray area — working for foreign clients tolerated on tourist visa but not technically legal

🇲🇽 Mexico City WiFi Reality

Average Speeds: 100-200 Mbps download, 50-100 Mbps upload

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Rock solid, rarely fails

Best for work: Anywhere! WeWork, The Inventor, cafes, even Airbnbs have great WiFi

🇨🇴 Medellín WiFi Reality

Average Speeds: 50-150 Mbps download, 20-50 Mbps upload

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Generally good, occasional drops

Best for work: Coworking spaces (Selina, Atom House) or newer Airbnbs with fiber

🇦🇷 Buenos Aires WiFi Reality

Average Speeds: 50-100 Mbps download, 10-30 Mbps upload

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Inconsistent, slower than others

Best for work: Coworking spaces (Urban Station, La Maquinita) have most reliable connections

✅ SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS (Where Nomads Live):

• Roma Norte: Safest, most nomads here, walkable 24/7, restaurants/cafes everywhere, police presence
• Condesa: Safe, residential, tree-lined streets, gay-friendly, hipster vibe
• Polanco: Wealthiest area, VERY safe, luxury shopping, corporate, more expensive
• Coyoacán: Colonial charm, safe during day, residential, artsy, avoid at night
• San Rafael: Up-and-coming, safe, cheaper than Roma, fewer tourists

Reality in these neighborhoods: I walked home from bars at 1-2am regularly in Roma/Condesa. Never felt unsafe. Lots of people out, well-lit streets, police patrol. Petty theft exists (pickpockets) but violent crime rare.

❌ DANGEROUS AREAS (NEVER GO HERE):

• Tepito: Infamous for crime, drug trade, theft. NEVER go here, even during day.
• Iztapalapa: High crime, gang activity, far from tourist areas anyway
• Centro Histórico at night: Safe during day (touristy) but sketchy after dark, homeless encampments
• Doctores: Near Roma but completely different vibe, avoid
• Cuauhtémoc (certain parts): Mixed bag, some blocks fine, others sketchy

Good news: Nomad neighborhoods are FAR from these areas. You’d have to actively try to end up in Tepito.

🔐 Safety Precautions for Mexico City:

• Uber/DiDi only at night — Street taxis = robbery risk. Uber is safe + cheap ($3-5 rides)
• Don’t flash wealth — No expensive watches, jewelry, latest iPhone out on street
• Bag awareness — Backpack in front on metro, crossbody bags better than backpacks
• Avoid empty streets at night — Stick to busy, well-lit areas. Roma/Condesa = fine, but use common sense
• Don’t resist if robbed — Wallet/phone not worth your life. Hand it over, report to police after
• Trust your gut — If area feels sketchy, leave. Your instincts are usually right
• Learn basic Spanish — “No tengo nada” (I have nothing) if approached
• Split your cash — Keep emergency cash separate from daily wallet

📊 Real Statistics vs Perception:

Perception: “Mexico City is a warzone, you’ll get kidnapped”

Reality: Roma/Condesa/Polanco have lower crime rates than many US cities. Violent crime against tourists is RARE. Petty theft (pickpocketing) is the main concern.

• Homicide rate (Roma Norte): ~8 per 100k (lower than New Orleans: 41, Baltimore: 56, St. Louis: 65)
• Tourist crime: Mostly pickpocketing, bag snatching, phone theft. Armed robbery rare in nomad areas.
• Kidnapping: Exists but targets wealthy Mexicans, not broke nomads with $200 in wallet
• Drug cartel violence: Happens in other states (Sinaloa, Guerrero), NOT in CDMX tourist areas

Bottom line: Use common sense, stay in right neighborhoods, take Ubers at night, and you’ll be fine. 5,000+ nomads live here safely.

✅ The Medellín Safety Transformation:

1990s Medellín: Pablo Escobar, cartel wars, most dangerous city on Earth (homicide rate 380 per 100k)

2026 Medellín: Transformed into safest major Colombian city (homicide rate ~23 per 100k, lower than many US cities)

What changed: Government invested HEAVILY in infrastructure (metro cable cars to poor neighborhoods), education, police presence, social programs. It worked. Medellín is now safer than Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena.

✅ SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS (Where Nomads Live):

• El Poblado (Parque Lleras area): Safest, most nomads here, police everywhere, walkable 24/7, restaurants/bars
• Laureles: Residential, safe, more local vibe, cheaper than Poblado, families
• Envigado: Suburb south of Poblado, very safe, quiet, more Colombian, cheaper
• Estadio: Near stadium, safe, up-and-coming, fewer tourists

Reality in El Poblado: Felt SAFER than Mexico City. Walked home at 2am multiple times. Police on every corner. Well-lit streets. Families with kids out at night. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare here.

❌ DANGEROUS AREAS (AVOID):

• Comuna 13: Famous for street art tours (safe during DAY with tour), but don’t go alone or at night
• Downtown (Centro): Sketchy, pickpockets, drug users, avoid at night
• Aranjuez: North area, gang activity, no reason to go here
• Moravia: Poor area, crime, avoid

Good news: Nomad neighborhoods (Poblado, Laureles) are FAR from these areas. You’d never accidentally wander into them.

⚠️ The Medellín-Specific Risks:

• Scopolamine (Devil’s Breath): Drug used to incapacitate victims. NEVER accept drinks from strangers, NEVER leave drinks unattended, go to bars in groups. Real risk but avoidable with awareness.
• Tinder robberies: Some people (usually women) set up dates, drug victims, rob them. Vet matches carefully, meet in public first, tell friends where you’re going.
• Motorcycle theft: Thieves on motorcycles snatch phones/bags. Don’t use phone while walking on street, keep bag across body.
• Fake taxis: Use Uber/DiDi/InDriver only. White taxis = robbery risk.

These risks sound scary but are AVOIDABLE. Thousands of nomads live here safely by following basic precautions.

🔐 Safety Precautions for Medellín:

• NEVER accept drinks from strangers — Scopolamine risk is real. Buy your own drinks, watch bartender make them.
• Stay in Poblado/Laureles — These neighborhoods are safe. Don’t venture into sketchy areas.
• Uber/DiDi only — White taxis = risk. Uber is safe, cheap ($2-4 rides)
• Don’t use phone on street — Motorcycle thieves snatch phones. Check maps in stores/cafes.
• Vet Tinder dates carefully — Meet in public first, video call before, tell friends where you’re going
• Travel insurance essential — SafetyWing covers theft, medical emergencies
• Learn basic Spanish — Helps with taxi drivers, asking for help, blending in

✅ Why Buenos Aires is Safest:

• European-style infrastructure: Well-lit streets, organized city planning, police presence
• Lower violent crime: Homicide rate ~5 per 100k (similar to London, Barcelona)
• Petty theft exists but violent crime against tourists is rare
• Gun culture less prevalent — Unlike Mexico/Colombia, fewer guns on streets
• More economically stable middle class (despite inflation) = less desperation crime
• Strong police presence in tourist/expat areas

✅ SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS (Where Nomads Live):

• Palermo (Palermo Soho/Hollywood): Safest, most nomads here, walkable 24/7, restaurants/bars everywhere
• Recoleta: Upscale, very safe, museums, cemetery, wealthier area
• Belgrano: Residential, safe, quiet, more local, fewer tourists
• Villa Crespo: Up-and-coming, safe, hipster vibe, cheaper than Palermo
• San Telmo: Safe during day (antique market), sketchy at night (homeless)

Reality in Palermo: Felt like Barcelona or Paris. Walked home at 3am after milongas (tango). Families with kids out late. Women jogging alone at night. This is the safest city of the three.

❌ AVOID (Sketchy Areas):

• La Boca (except Caminito during day): Tourist trap, pickpockets, don’t wander off main street
• Villa 31 (slum): Near Retiro bus station, high crime, no reason to go
• Constitución: Sketchy, drug users, avoid especially at night
• Retiro bus station at night: Homeless, pickpockets, take Uber if arriving late

These areas are obvious/avoidable. Nomad neighborhoods are nowhere near them.

⚠️ Buenos Aires-Specific Risks:

• Pickpockets on Subte (metro): Crowded trains = pickpocket risk. Keep bag in front, zippers closed.
• Motochorro (motorcycle theft): Thieves on motorcycles snatch phones/bags. Don’t walk with phone out.
• Taxi scams: Some taxis overcharge tourists. Use Uber/Cabify/DiDi only.
• Protests/strikes: Common due to economic issues. Avoid large crowds, check local news.
• Economic instability: Inflation, currency changes = desperate people. Stay aware.

🔐 Safety Precautions for Buenos Aires:

• Uber/Cabify only — Avoid street taxis (scams common)
• Don’t use phone on street — Motochorro risk. Check maps in cafes.
• Bag awareness on Subte — Backpack in front, zippers closed, hand on bag
• Stay in Palermo/Recoleta/Belgrano — These are safe, avoid sketchy areas
• ATM safety: Use ATMs inside banks during day, not on street at night
• Split cash: Don’t carry all cash in one place

🇲🇽 Mexico City (CST)

Example: 9am-5pm work in CDMX =

• NYC: 10am-6pm (perfect overlap!)
• LA: 7am-3pm (early but workable)
• London: 3pm-11pm (terrible)

Best for: SF/LA/Seattle teams. You start work when they do. Can attend all meetings, async work is easy.

🇨🇴 Medellín (EST)

Example: 9am-5pm work in Medellín =

• NYC: 9am-5pm (IDENTICAL!)
• LA: 6am-2pm (early but doable)
• London: 2pm-10pm (bad)

Best for: NYC/Boston/Miami/DC teams. You’re in THE SAME time zone. No math required. This is INCREDIBLE for US East Coast workers.

🇦🇷 Buenos Aires (ART)

Example: 9am-5pm work in BA =

• NYC: 8am-4pm (you start before them)
• LA: 5am-1pm (very early)
• London: 1pm-9pm (decent!)

Best for: East Coast teams (1 hour ahead = minor issue). Actually GOOD for Europe (only 3-4 hours behind London vs 5-8 in US).

✅ What’s Great:

• BEST tacos on Earth — $1 street tacos = life-changing. Al pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, birria.
• Regional Mexican cuisine — Oaxacan mole, Yucatan cochinita pibil, Veracruz seafood. Every Mexican state represented.
• Markets everywhere — Mercado Roma, Mercado San Juan, Mercado Coyoacán = fresh everything cheap
• Mezcal/tequila culture — 500+ mezcal bars, tastings $5-10, world-class spirits
• High-end dining — Pujol, Quintonil, Contramar = world-renowned (Michelin-level without stars)
• International variety — Japanese, Italian, Middle Eastern all excellent (Japanese is shockingly good)
• Coffee scene — Specialty coffee explosion, excellent third-wave cafes

⚠️ Minor Issues:

• Can be spicy (but you can ask “sin picante”)
• Street food hygiene varies (but locals eat it daily, you adjust)
• High-end dining expensive ($100+ per person)

✅ What’s Great:

• Bandeja paisa — Epic plate: beans, rice, pork belly, chorizo, avocado, arepa, fried egg, plantain. $5-8.
• INCREDIBLE fruit — Mango, papaya, guava, lulo, maracuyá, guanábana. Cheap, fresh, everywhere.
• Colombian coffee — Some of world’s best coffee grown here. $1-2 cups, amazing quality.
• Arepas everywhere — Corn cakes stuffed with cheese/meat. $2-3, delicious, filling.
• Almuerzo del día — Lunch special ($2.50-4): soup, main, juice, rice. Incredible value.
• Growing food scene — Carmen, El Cielo = high-end Colombian cuisine. International options expanding.
• Juice stands everywhere — Fresh juices $1-2, smoothies $2-3, healthy + delicious

❌ What’s Not Great:

• Colombian food gets repetitive — Beans, rice, plantain, arepa repeat daily. Good but not diverse.
• Less international variety — Mexican, Italian, Asian = hit or miss quality
• Not as sophisticated as CDMX — Good food but simpler, less fine dining

✅ What’s Great:

• BEST STEAK IN THE WORLD — Grass-fed Argentine beef = tender, flavorful, massive portions. $8-15 for amazing steak dinner.
• Asado (BBQ) culture — Every Sunday, social gathering around grill. Get invited = instant friend group.
• Wine ridiculously cheap — $3-8 bottles of Malbec = better than $40 bottles in US. Wine with every meal.
• Italian influence huge — Pizza, pasta = excellent. Milanesas (breaded steak), fugazza. BA = Italian-Argentine fusion.
• Café culture — European-style cafes everywhere. Medialunas (croissants), cortado, sit for hours. Like Paris but cheaper.
• Empanadas — $0.50-1 each, dozens of varieties, every corner. Perfect cheap meal.
• Helado (ice cream) — Italian-style gelato everywhere, $2-3, incredible quality

⚠️ Things to Know:

• Dinner late — Restaurants open 8-9pm, locals eat 10pm-midnight. Adjust or starve.
• Less healthy options — Meat, bread, wine, cheese = amazing but not balanced. Veggies harder to find.
• Less spicy — If you love spice, BA food = bland. But quality > spice.

✅ PROS:

• 180 days FREE visa (just show up!)
• BIGGEST nomad community (5,000+)
• World-class food (best tacos on Earth)
• BEST WiFi (100-200 Mbps)
• Incredible culture (museums, art, history)
• Great time zone (US friendly)
• Clearest Spanish for learning
• 100+ coworking spaces
• Perfect spring weather (Nov-Apr)
• Huge international variety

❌ CONS:

• Most expensive ($1,500/month)
• Safety concerns (need awareness)
• Air pollution (can be bad)
• Altitude adjustment (7,300 feet)
• Traffic INSANE
• Rainy season = daily afternoon storms
• Gentrification tension with locals
• Nomad saturation (Roma Norte = tourist trap)
• 6-month visa runs get expensive

✅ PROS:

• BEST WEATHER (75°F year-round!)
• BEST TIME ZONE (same as NYC/EST)
• Cheap ($1,200/month)
• Digital Nomad Visa (2 years!)
• Safest (vs reputation)
• Warm, friendly people (Paisas)
• Social, easy to meet people
• Nature nearby (coffee farms, Guatapé)
• AMAZING tropical fruit
• Long-term community (people stay)
• Improved infrastructure

❌ CONS:

• Scopolamine scam risk (avoidable)
• Tinder robbery scams (be careful)
• WiFi slower than CDMX (50-150 Mbps)
• Colombian food gets repetitive
• Gender imbalance (70% male nomads)
• Less sophisticated than CDMX/BA
• Paisa accent/slang learning curve
• Party culture (depends on perspective)

✅ PROS:

• CHEAPEST ($1,000/month)
• SAFEST of the three
• Best steak + wine on Earth
• European sophistication
• Tango culture (unique!)
• Café culture (like Paris)
• Mature demographic (30s-40s)
• Intellectual/artsy scene
• Easy Colonia runs (visa resets)
• Beautiful architecture
• Nightlife til 8am

❌ CONS:

• WiFi slowest/least reliable (50-100 Mbps)
• Smallest nomad community (1,500+)
• Hardest Spanish accent to learn
• Less English spoken
• Porteños can be cold initially
• Economic instability (inflation)
• Winter depressing (Jun-Aug)
• Summer too hot + everyone leaves
• Night owl culture (exhausting for early birds)
• No long-term digital nomad visa

Choose MEXICO CITY if:

• ✅ Want 180-day FREE visa (easiest entry)
• ✅ Food is your #1 priority (best tacos)
• ✅ Need rock-solid WiFi (video calls, dev work)
• ✅ Love museums, culture, big city energy
• ✅ Want HUGE nomad community (easy friends)
• ✅ Learning Spanish seriously (clearest accent)
• ✅ Work with US West Coast teams
• ✅ Budget $1,500/month+

Choose MEDELLÍN if:

• ✅ Perfect weather is non-negotiable (75°F daily)
• ✅ Work with US East Coast teams (same time zone!)
• ✅ Budget $1,200/month or less
• ✅ Want long-term visa (2-year DN visa)
• ✅ Social, want warm community quickly
• ✅ Safety transformation inspires you
• ✅ Love tropical fruit
• ✅ Plan to stay 6+ months

Choose BUENOS AIRES if:

• ✅ Prioritize safety above all else
• ✅ Love steak + wine (you’ll be in heaven)
• ✅ Want European vibe at LatAm prices
• ✅ 30s-40s, want mature crowd
• ✅ Introverted, okay with smaller community
• ✅ Budget under $1,000/month
• ✅ Love tango, cafe culture, nightlife
• ✅ Visit Oct-May (avoid winter/summer)