If you have seen the video. Below is the embedded video from youtube or you can click on the link to watch the full video about Nomad Capitalist Living like a King in Medellin.
First off, I want to say that I loved the video. It’s great to see Andrew from Nomad Capitalist highlighting Medellín as a top destination for luxury living in Latin America. His content puts a well-deserved spotlight on the city, potentially attracting more high-net-worth individuals looking for a second or third home.
I’ve been living in Medellín for nine years and have always aimed to connect the right investors with opportunities here. That’s one of the reasons I founded Medellin.co, which, on a smaller scale, shares a similar mission to Nomad Capitalist — helping investors expand their wealth by considering Medellín as an option.
That said, I want to provide some key insights and clarifications regarding the video, as some points may have created misconceptions for potential investors.
Government and Law Enforcement in Medellín
Andrew mentions that the government largely leaves people alone, and while this is true in some aspects, it’s important to understand how law enforcement operates in Medellín.
Lack of Effective Policing
Technically, there is a police force which is an extension of the Colombian military in Medellin, but it functions very differently from what you might expect in developed countries like the U.S. or Europe. Law enforcement is not particularly proactive, and response times can be super slow or non-existent. If you experience a robbery or property crime, you’ll likely need to file a report with Fiscalía (the Attorney General’s Office), but don’t expect immediate action from the police.
For minor crimes such as theft, the police often don’t intervene unless pressured. This is part of why street justice is more common in Medellín than in other cities.
Examples:
- Traffic laws are frequently ignored.
- Petty crime is widespread.
- Even with clear right-of-way, I have been hit by cars multiple times while crossing the street. Calling the police for such incidents would be futile.
Story:
I watch 2 people get into a street fight over something stupid. There were a group of “police” officers there just watching the fight. Might as well hand them some soda and popcorn for the free show. right? They didn’t bother to break up the fight. So this is a perfect example of government won’t intervene with any and let the people do what they want.
The “No Dar Papaya” Culture
A key phrase in Colombia is No Dar Papaya, which means, “Don’t make yourself an easy target.” The video touches on this but doesn’t fully explain its significance.
What This Means for Expats and Investors
The reality is that displaying wealth openly — wearing luxury watches, using your phone in public, or driving high-end cars — increases the risk of becoming a target for crime. This is not victim-blaming but a cultural mindset ingrained in Colombia.
If you do get robbed, many locals may see it as partially your fault for being careless with your belongings. This is a major cultural difference from the U.S. and Europe, where crime is often viewed solely as the perpetrator’s responsibility.
Family Life in Medellín
Andrew mentions concerns about school safety in the U.S., but it’s important to highlight the cultural differences in Medellín when it comes to raising a family.
Sexualized Culture
In Colombia, sexuality is more openly present in daily life compared to many Western countries.
- Sex shops are common, even in family-friendly areas.
- Children are often exposed to sexual themes at a younger age than in the U.S.
- It is not uncommon for young teens (as early as 12) to be sexually active, whereas in developed countries, formal sex education programs typically begin in the mid-teens.
Education Options
Finding a high-quality, upper-class school for expat children can be difficult. At Medellin.co, we are currently researching the best international and bilingual schools to provide a reliable resource for families moving here.
English Proficiency in Medellín
The video gives the impression that English is widely spoken in Medellín, but this is misleading. Not many people here speak english. You may find middle – upper class speaking some english but its unlikely the day to day interactions you will find an english speaking person. The mayor is offering English classes to any service providers in the tourism industry. So maybe in a few years Medellin will have more english speaking service providers.
Reality Check:
- Most Colombians do not speak English fluently nor do they care to speak English.
- Andrew’s team likely went out of their way to find English-speaking professionals for the video, creating the illusion that English-speaking services are readily available.
- Cities like Cartagena, which rely more on tourism, have a higher concentration of English speakers compared to Medellín.
Challenges for Expats:
If you move here without speaking Spanish, you may face:
- Difficulty communicating with service providers.
- Higher prices (Gringo Tax), where locals charge foreigners significantly more than locals for goods and services.
Story:
My personal example I went up to a vendor in El Centro i heard the guy sell an avocado to a lady for 2 mil. After she made her purchase I greeded the vendor and proceed to give him 2 mil for the same avacado. He told me 5 mil. I don’t argue with people, so I just put the avocado down and walked away. Even the lady was dumbfounded.
Another story. I’m trying to remodel my apartment. I’m quoted between 300 million to 500 million to do the remodel. When I have paisa friends building whole floors, full apartment build outs for 50 – 60 million.
The Reality of Luxury Living in Medellín
While some expats live lavish lifestyles here, the video over-glamorizes Medellín in some aspects.
Common Luxuries Expats Enjoy:
- Private drivers and live-in maids (though they likely won’t speak English).
- Affordable high-end dining and entertainment.
- Beautiful penthouses and fincas (country estates) at relatively low prices.
However, exaggerated aspects of the video, such as helicopter rides to fincas, are not standard for most expats. Many investors and digital nomads live very comfortably in Medellín without needing a million-dollar budget.
Final Thoughts: Should You Invest in Medellín?
Overall, the Nomad Capitalist video does a great job of promoting Medellín and showcasing its potential for luxury living. However, it’s important to have a realistic perspective before making any investment or relocation decisions.
If you are considering Medellín as your next investment or home, feel free to contact us at Medellin.co. Unlike others, we don’t charge Masterclass or consultation fees — we simply want to provide honest insights to help you make the best decision.
Part of our services is to help those looking for Investment whether its business, property investment, or buying property to live full time in medellin we can help with that.
