Packing for Eternal Spring
Medellín's 72°F year-round climate simplifies packing enormously. No winter coats, no heavy boots, no seasonal wardrobe changes. But there are a few Medellín-specific considerations — especially rain gear and altitude-appropriate layers — that catch newcomers off guard.
Tech & Work Essentials
- Laptop (your livelihood — consider a backup plan)
- Laptop charger + one spare cable
- Phone + charger (US plugs work — Colombia uses 110V Type A/B)
- Noise-canceling headphones (essential for café working)
- Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh)
- Universal adapter (not strictly needed from US, but useful for other plug types)
- Ethernet adapter (for backup internet via cable)
- Webcam if your laptop's is poor (video calls are your office)
- Portable WiFi hotspot or tethering-ready SIM plan
- USB drive or portable SSD for backups
Clothing — The Eternal Spring Wardrobe
- 5–7 t-shirts / casual tops (light layers)
- 2–3 long-sleeve shirts (evenings can be cool at 72°F)
- 1 light rain jacket or packable waterproof (non-negotiable — afternoon rain is frequent)
- 2–3 pairs of pants/jeans (no heavy denim needed)
- 2–3 pairs of shorts
- 1 hoodie or light sweater (for cooler evenings and AC'd venues)
- Comfortable walking shoes (Laureles is flat; Poblado is hilly)
- Flip-flops/sandals (for apartment and casual outings)
- Workout clothes (gym culture is big here)
- 1 going-out outfit (Medellín nightlife has dress codes at some venues)
- Swimsuit (for pool apartments, day trips to Guatapé, Santa Fe de Antioquia)
- Underwear for 10 days (laundry is cheap — COP 7,000–9,000/kg)
Documents (Digital + Physical)
- Passport (6+ months validity, 1–2 blank pages)
- Passport photocopy (carry this daily; leave original at home)
- Travel insurance proof (printed or saved offline)
- Flight itinerary / proof of onward travel
- Bank statements (if planning to apply for DN visa)
- Digital copies of all documents in cloud storage
- Emergency contact info written down (not just in phone)
- 2 passport photos (3×4cm, white background — for visa/cédula applications)
Health & Personal
- Prescription medications (3+ months supply with original packaging)
- Sunscreen SPF 50 (altitude = stronger UV despite cool temp)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes exist, especially in lower-altitude day trip areas)
- Basic first aid kit
- Any specialty toiletries (available locally but brands may differ)
What NOT to Bring
- Winter clothing — You will never need it. 72°F year-round.
- Multiple bags — One carry-on + one personal item is enough. Buy locally if needed.
- Expensive jewelry or watches — Draws attention. Leave it at home.
- Voltage converters (from US) — Not needed. Colombia uses 110V.
- Too many shoes — Walking shoes + sandals + gym shoes. Done.
- Bulky towels or linens — Furnished apartments include these.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many experienced nomads do Medellín in a carry-on. The warm climate means minimal clothing, and Colombia uses the same plugs/voltage as the US. Buy anything else locally — it's cheap.
Not from the US or Canada. Colombia uses 110V, Type A/B plugs — identical. From Europe, UK, or Australia, you'll need a plug adapter and potentially a voltage converter for high-wattage devices.
No. Furnished apartments in Medellín include bedding, towels, and kitchen basics. Save the suitcase space.
Yes, but imported brands are expensive. Bring a good SPF 50 from home. The altitude (1,495m) means stronger UV than you'd expect at 72°F. Many nomads are surprised by how quickly they burn.
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