If Someone You Love Goes Missing in Colombia: What to Do First
The quick version: Do not wait 24, 48 or 72 hours. If the person may be in danger, call Colombia’s emergency line 123 and contact the Fiscalía immediately. From a Colombian mobile, call 122. From a Colombian landline, call 01 8000 9197 48. Ask to report a missing person and, when the circumstances suggest danger […]
No Dar Papaya: Common Scams in Medellín and How to Avoid Them
The quick version: No dar papaya means not making yourself an easy target. Keep your phone out of sight on the street, use app-based transport at night, use ATMs inside banks or malls, watch your drink, and slow down when a stranger creates urgency. Most visitors have no serious problems in Medellín. The people who […]
Medellín Airport (MDE): How to Get From José María Córdova to the City
The quick answer: Medellín’s main airport is José María Córdova International Airport, usually called MDE. It is in Rionegro, not Medellín, and the drive into the city normally takes 35 to 60 minutes. The airport bus is the cheapest option, an official white taxi is the simplest, and a private transfer makes sense for families […]
Exploring Provenza in Medellin
Provenza Medellín: What to See, Where to Eat and When to Go Provenza is one of the easiest parts of Medellín to enjoy. It is compact, green and full of cafés, restaurants, small shops and nightlife. You can arrive in the afternoon, walk around without much of a plan, have dinner and stay into the […]
Is Medellin safe? An Honest Guide from Someone Who Lives Here
The short answer: Medellín is safe enough for most visitors who use normal big-city precautions. It is not a place where you need to feel nervous all day, but it is also not a city where you should walk around half-drunk with your phone in your hand at 2 a.m. The most common problem is […]
Medellín Weather and Time Zone: What to Expect Year-Round
The quick version: Medellín stays mild throughout the year. Most afternoons are warm rather than hot, evenings are comfortable, and the main change from one month to the next is rain. Colombia uses UTC-5 all year and does not change its clocks. Pack light clothes, a thin layer for the evening, sunscreen and something for […]