Moving from Scotland to Medellín may sound like an unlikely life change, but for Steve, visits, a relationship with a Colombian woman, and a career break eventually led him to make Colombia home. From discovering Medellín’s culture and landscapes to navigating language, safety, and daily life, his story offers a personal view of living in Medellín. Here’s Steve to tell it in his own words.
If someone had told me 10 years ago that I’d end up living in Medellín, I would have laughed. I’ve always thought of myself as a fairly adventurous person. And even from a very young age had that burning curiosity to get out and explore the world. But, to be honest, back then Colombia wasn’t even on my radar.
Like most people, I knew very little about the country other than the widespread stereotypical labels – drugs, kidnappings and violence. Who would want to go to a place like that, right?
And while it now rather embarrasses me to think about what a narrow and uneducated view I had of Colombia back then, why would I have thought anything different? That was the worldwide portrayal of Colombia at the time.
So, what changed and how did I end up living in Medellín, Colombia? Here’s my story.
Why Did Steve Move to Medellín?
Of course, it all started with a Colombiana!
Back in 2009, shortly after finishing university, I left my hometown of Glasgow in Scotland and headed south to kick-start my professional career in London, UK (Technology / Project Management).
At around the same time, my now Colombian wife, Marcela, who had just completed her degree at Universidad Nacional in Medellín and had also come to London in order to study English.
It was in the good old days before Tinder and the like, and therefore we met the old-fashioned British way – on the dance floor of a rather awful London nightclub!
Despite coming from two countries which, in all seriousness, couldn’t be more DIFFERENT, we quickly found that we had a ridiculous amount in common and hit it off instantly. The rest, as they say, is history.
From that point to now, living in Medellín has been a bit of a gradual journey which goes something like this.
2010 – 2016: Yearly Vacations
In the early days, my trips to Colombia were typically short 2-3-week vacations where we would come to visit Marcela’s family.
Normally these were once per year and typically around Christmas time. We would usually split our time between Medellín and the small neighbouring pueblo of San Vicente Ferrer (where Marcela’s parents are from).
But we would normally also try to add on a trip somewhere further afield. So, I could get to experience more of Colombia.
During these trips, we visited many different parts of Colombia, including Rio Claro Nature Reserve, Coveñas, Bogotá, Cartagena and Parque Tayrona.
2016 / 2017: Career Break / Spanish Immersion / Volunteering in Colombia
In 2016, I hit a bit of a wall in my professional career in London.
I imagine a bit like many other foreigners who find themselves living in places like Medellín. I had reached my early 30s and suddenly realized that even though I had a well-paid job, good career prospects, and a comfortable lifestyle, I was severely lacking in purpose. Yet I knew this wasn’t how I wanted to live the rest of my life.
So, I therefore decided to quit my job and take some time to reflect upon what to do next.
At around the same time, Marcela had been offered an amazing new position at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington D.C.. So, we both decided to pack our bags, leave London and try something different.
But while Marcela headed for D.C., I took the trip significantly further south to her home in Medellín, which seemed like a much more inspiring place to ‘find myself’. (And when I say ‘her home’ I mean this in the most literal sense as I actually went to live with her parents for five months!)
It was during this period that I really got to know Medellín. I spent my days studying Spanish (which wasn’t great before that point), volunteering at a local kids’ foundation called Poder Joven, and making the preparations for our upcoming wedding in Medellín.
2017: Wedding in Medellín
In March 2017 Marcela and I were married in El Retiro, a beautiful little town further up the mountain just outside of Medellín.
It was an amazing occasion for so many reasons – not least the sometimes-hilarious fusion of Scottish and Colombian cultures.
But one of the best things for us was to be able to bring all of our family and friends from all over the world and to share with them that same beautiful, colorful, and vibrant Colombia that I had been raving about for years.
After our wedding, we both headed back to Washington D.C. to start married life together. But it wouldn’t be long before I’d be returning to Colombia!
2017: Launching our Travel Business in Colombia
Having now spent a considerable period away from my corporate career, and with that much-needed time for reflection, it has given me the confidence and perspective needed to exit that path completely and instead follow something I was truly passionate about.
This is when Other Way Round was born. It’s a project I’ve created together with Marcela. And it combines our joint interests of travel, adventure, social impact, and, of course, Colombia.
During my eight or so years of visiting Colombia, I’ve always been fascinated by the rich and amiable Colombian culture. And I feel massively privileged that I’ve gotten to experience it in a seriously authentic way, which the majority of foreigners probably haven’t.
So, our mission with this travel tour company is to bring together small groups of travelers and share with them that same type of intimate and real-life experience I’ve enjoyed in Colombia over the years.
Marcela still combines this with her role at the IDB in Washington D.C. So, I currently split my time between D.C. and living in Medellín.
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What Is Medellín Like for an Expat?
When I first arrived in Medellín all those years ago, I was hooked instantly by its rather hypnotic charms. Of course, Marcela, being a fiercely proud Paisa, had done her job well in priming me on what to expect.
The brilliant Medellín weather, the beautiful landscapes, the delicious food, the lively culture, the warm and friendly people, and all of those other very amazing – and very true – things about her city.
But I must admit that even then it was still way COOLER than I ever expected.
First, it was just so different from anywhere I’d ever been before. I’d travelled a fair chunk of the world beforehand but still hadn’t really come across many places quite like Medellín.
It seemed to have completely kept hold of all its original culture and identity. And it wasn’t at all overly influenced by the outside world. Also, at the time there weren’t many other foreigners around, which kind of made it feel all the more mysterious. (So much so that it actually felt to me like I was the only foreigner in Medellín!)
I was immediately struck by just how modern the city of Medellín itself was – with its clean and efficient metro system, its innovative cable cars, its hip bars and sophisticated restaurants. All this was completely different than the image I had created in my mind.
And it was a bustling, noisy, vibrant city full of colorful characters and brimming with the type of personality that would make most other cities completely envious.
And yet it was also a city full of contrasts. Within eyesight of this same modern Medellín were mountains filled with overpopulated slums. So, it became very evident to me that in Medellín there are such extreme contrasts between rich and poor, with levels of poverty which I personally had never experienced before.
That first visit to Medellín certainly left its mark on me, and I always knew that at some point I would love to come spend a more sustained period here to really get under the skin of this fascinating city.
What Is Daily Life Like Living in Medellín?
So, what does a typical day look like for me now when living in Medellín?
It depends. At the moment we’re still in the fairly early stages of Other Way Round and so much of my time is spent out and about in different parts of Colombia sourcing unique experiences where we can take our guests.
When not doing this, most of my days tend to be computer-based, working on things like marketing, dealing with customer enquiries, etc. And a typical day looks something like below.
Also, I take weekly Spanish lessons in Laureles and the odd social event in the evenings. But in general, my life living in Medellín is very simple, super relaxed, and most of my time and effort goes into working on the business.
I stay with my in-laws in Barrio Conquistadores, which is a fairly residential part of Medellín. And so even to this day, with the ever-increasing number of foreigners arriving in Medellín, I still go most days without seeing any other foreigners.
What Does Steve Like About Living in Medellín?
So, what is it that makes living in Medellín so special anyway? I’m sure that every foreigner who decides to call Medellín home has their own personal reasons for doing so.
For me, rather than it being one single thing, it’s more a compilation of lots of little things.
In no particular order, here are six of the main reasons why I can’t get enough of living in Medellín.
The Weather
Ok, so to begin with, I’m Scottish and therefore obviously just about anywhere else in the world is an upgrade weather-wise (unless damp, rainy days are your kind of thing).
But the Medellín weather is particularly ideal. I’m sure you’ve heard of the whole ‘city of eternal spring’ thing, but for me the Colombian ‘spring’ is a bit like the best Scottish summer on record every single day.
Lots of sunshine, not too hot, not too cold, and the fact that I can leave the house wearing only jeans and a t-shirt and not worry about it for the rest of the day is pure joy!
The Landscapes
I’ll never get bored of the ridiculously beautiful setting of Medellín nestled away deep within the Andes mountains of Colombia. And there are fantastic panoramic views in the city.
The drive in and out of the city is particularly epic (it’s even better on a bike); there are awesome views all around as you maneuver throughout the city during your daily life.
And the vivid contrast between cityscape and lush mountainous backdrop is breathtaking.
The Food
Colombian food is typically a no-frills affair, and while I know for some people it can feel a bit stodgy, I genuinely can’t get enough of it.
Tropical fruits in abundance, a ridiculous variety of fresh juices, arepas, delicious cheeses, rice, beans, sweet plantain, fresh soups, avocados galore, patacones, corn and buñuelos to name only a few of my favourites.
And if you spotted the lack of meat on that list, it’s not a reflection of the Colombian diet; rather, it’s down to me being vegetarian!
The Paisas
The locals in Medellín are absolutely fantastic. They have a reputation for being a super-friendly, welcoming, proud and hard-working people, and I can attest that based on my experience this is a label more than well deserved.
My Colombian family and friends have always gone WAY above and beyond to make sure I feel safe and welcome in their country, and in general the Paisas are a fun, lively and passionate bunch who are great fun to be around.
A big part of what I enjoy most about being in Medellín is its people.
Christmas in Medellín
One of the most unexpected things for me about Medellín is that it does Christmas better than anywhere else I’ve ever been. The Medellín Christmas lights are world-class.
The full city gets decked out in bright neon Christmas lights covering almost everything from important buildings, public squares, riverside walks, treetops, and prominent lookout points – almost no place is left untouched.
And there is an almost tangible level of excitement in the air throughout all of December as the locals gear up for the holiday season.
My favorite part, though, is that for Christmas celebrations (like most of the locals here) we get out of the city and head to the family finca where we do nothing but relax in nature, eat awesome food, and spend time with family.
The Antioquian Pueblos
Quite possibly my favorite thing about Medellín is … leaving the city!
Ok, what I mean to say by that is that to fully understand Medellín and the Paisa people, you really need to venture outside of the valley and to explore the neighboring pueblos from where many of Medellín’s inhabitants actually originated.
There are colorful and charming little towns aplenty – Guatapé, Santa Fe de Antioquia and Jardín to name a few of the most popular.
But in fact, there are so many pueblos that if you’re living in Medellín, you could easily spend each of your weekends visiting a different pueblo.
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What Are the Less Glamorous Parts of Living in Medellín?
If it’s not already clear from what I’ve said so far, I MASSIVELY love life in Medellín.
However, that doesn’t mean that living in Medellín is completely problem- or hassle-free, because it most certainly isn’t. Here are a few of the important things that have struck me.
The Language Barrier is a BIG DEAL
Sure, you can manage to fumble your way through without speaking Spanish, but – and I speak from painful experience here – it won’t be anywhere near as enjoyable.
Although things are slowly changing among the younger generation, there is still very little English spoken in Medellín, and you really need a decent grasp of Spanish to fully immerse yourself in Colombian life.
On the flip side – and I’m going to do that thing where you reframe a negative into a positive – Medellín is an awesome place to learn Spanish.
I had been taking lessons on and off for years back in the UK, with very little success, and it was only when I came to Medellín for a sustained period and truly committed to learning the language that I really started to progress.
2026 update: Since this article was written in 2018, Medellín has become considerably more accessible to English-speaking visitors and expats. English-language services, tourism resources and bilingual initiatives have expanded, making the city easier to navigate than it was a decade ago.
It’s Safer Than You Think – but You Still Need to be Careful
I often feel like the international reporting of Medellín’s impressive resurgence has flipped too much to the opposite extreme. I’ve lost count of the number of articles beginning with the headline “From World’s Most Dangerous City to … XYZ”.
And while some of these are accurate, well-written pieces like the Medellín security article on this website, many others – in my opinion – paint an overly positive picture of life in the city.
Medellín’s transformation is truly an awesome, inspiring story which should indeed be shared with the world. But visitors also need to know that Medellín is still very much a ‘work-in-progress’ and that Colombia as a whole is still a developing country, coming off the back of decades of conflict.
So, Colombia faces many significant challenges, particularly around poverty and security. While this certainly shouldn’t deter any visitors from coming to Medellín, I do advise that they inform themselves adequately on the best practices for staying safe while in Colombia.
2026 update: Medellín’s security situation has continued to improve since this article was written. In 2026, the city recorded 189 homicides up to October 23rd, 27% fewer than during the same period in 2025. Visitors should still exercise normal precautions and stay informed about local conditions.
Traffic Can Be Horrible
There are way too many cars, taxis, and motorbikes in Medellín in what is, geographically, a relatively small city.
Moving short distances within the city can turn into a traffic nightmare at peak times, and returning back to Medellín after a weekend outside of the city can leave you stuck in traffic jams for hours.
There are plans in motion to improve this – adding metro lines, building new access roads, creating bike lanes, etc. But in the short term it’s something you need to accept as part of daily life in Medellín.
2026 update: Traffic remains an everyday consideration, but Medellín’s mobility network continues to evolve. The city has expanded active-mobility infrastructure and public transport, while measures such as Pico y Placa continue to regulate vehicle use. In 2026, the restriction applies Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pollution
While not at the same scale as many other cities around the world, Medellín does have an ongoing issue with pollution. Motor vehicles are the biggest culprits. And since Medellín is located in a valley, it makes it particularly difficult for the pollution to escape.
Pollution seems to peak around the month of March. And on occasion, driving restrictions are put in place, and outdoor activities (like sports) are cancelled.
I must admit that this hasn’t particularly impacted me while being in Medellín, but definitely something to be aware of if you suffer from respiratory conditions or are thinking of staying in Medellín long term.
Just to reiterate on the less glamorous side: these are issues I think potential visitors should definitely be aware of. But, in truth, they haven’t prevented me from having the most amazing experience living in Medellín, and in no way should they deter potential visitors from coming to visit Medellín.
2026 update: Air quality remains an important consideration, particularly during seasonal pollution episodes. In 2026, the first management period ran from February 23 to March 21, although monitoring stations remained within “Good” or “Acceptable” ranges throughout that period. Air quality conditions can vary, so residents should check current monitoring data through official channels like SIATA.
FAQs About How to Travel and Live in Colombia Safe as a Foreigner
Living in Colombia offers a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and everyday challenges. Expats can enjoy diverse landscapes, welcoming communities, delicious food, and vibrant cities, while adapting to local customs, language, and different ways of life.
Speaking Spanish is essential for making the most of everyday life in Colombia. Although English-language services are becoming more accessible in major cities, knowing Spanish makes daily interactions easier and helps expats connect with local communities.
Colombia has made significant progress in improving security, but challenges remain. Foreigners should research their destinations, stay informed about local conditions, and follow sensible safety precautions throughout their stay.
Common challenges include language barriers, traffic congestion, air pollution, and security concerns. Depending on where they live, expats may also need time to adjust to local customs, infrastructure, and cultural differences.
Medellin Guru's comprehensive Colombian culture series
In Medellin Guru, we love Colombia, and we usually write many blogs about Colombian culture, places to visit, and other tips for all expats to have a reliable guide and valuable and relevant information about Colombia. Read our blogs about Colombian Culture here:
- Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia: Top Things to Do
- Top Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- How to be an Expat in Colombia: 12 Tips to be a Successful Expat
- Top Things to Do in Cali and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- Celebrating July 20th: Colombia Independence Day
- Norte de Santander: 5 Escapes for a Weekend Adventure
- Unlock Ipiales in 24 Hours: Your Essential Adventure Blueprint!
- Pasto: Discover the wonders of the Surprise City
- Top Popular Colombian Drinks to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Villa de Leyva: A Colonial Gem in the Colombian Andes
- Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia
- Popular Colombian Desserts You Must Try While in Colombia
- Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia a Fruit Lovers Paradise
- Popular Colombian Soups to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Día de las Velitas: Day of Candles Tradition in Colombia on December 7
- Things in Colombia That May Be Strange for Foreigners
- Things Colombians Do That Foreigners May Find Weird
- Popayán: A Well-Preserved Colonial Gem in Colombia Worth Visiting
- Tejo: A Colombian Game That Rewards You for Explosions
- Feria de las Flores: History of the Flower Festival in Medellín Colombia
- Nevado del Cocuy: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
- Beyond Medellín: 7 Magical Best Towns to Spend Christmas in Colombia
- Día de las Velitas: Day of Candles Tradition in Colombia on December 7
- Novena de Aguinaldos: A Guide to Participating in 9-Day Ritual
- Paisa Dictionary: Medellín Slang Vocabulary for Expats and Travelers
- Florecer: Orquideas, Naturaleza y Tradiciones
- 15 Places to Visit in Cartagena: Prepared to be Amazed by the Final Destination
- Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Colombia: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do
- Recommended Tourist Itinerary for a Day in Medellín
Other things to see and do in Colombia
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
The Bottom Line: From Scotland to Living in Medellín
Thanks to my Colombian wife who I met in London, I discovered Medellín several years ago. We now have a business in Medellín, and I really enjoy living in Medellín.
The bottom line is that Medellín has some amazing weather, beautiful landscapes, good food, a lively culture, and warm and friendly people. These and many other benefits to me greatly outweigh the downsides in the city.
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14 thoughts on “Expat Story: From Scotland to Living in Medellín: Steve’s Story”
Steve,
Amazing story, I visited Medellin for thanksgiving with my Colombian girl friend who still lives in Bogota, I live in Atlanta (kinda long distance relationship). I absolutely love the weather, food, paisas , cost of living ,nature, mountains, landscapes. I always dreamed of living in a mountainous landscape. I love this city. Now my million dollar question is , I’m an IT manager, i have a remote work option coming up in 2019. I like to relocate to Medellin, Where do i start.
Could you share some information on where to start as an expat looking to move to Medellin. Thanks Joe
Hi there are you still in Medellin I’m back living in Cali full time now Robert from inverness I would so much to meet fellow Scottish poeple here in colombia
Amazing story! From London to Colombia wow. A big change for you, but I am glad you and your wife are happy and have found common ground, that is very important in a relationship. Thanks for sharing your experience and those pictures are awesome. Take care Steven!
I enjoyed reading your article Steve. I am a big fun of Scotland, with a special love for Glasgow. All beautiful things you say about Colombians, are very close to what I have to say about Scottish. If it wasn’t for the weather (which my husband hates),I think I’d be living there 🙂
Thanks Mafe, I appreciate your kind words about the article and my country! Maybe you’ll convince your husband one day 🙂
Hi Steve , my name is Robert I’m living in Cali have been here for many years.really enjoyed your story.Im in Scotland at the moment I come from Inverness . We have been enjoying a lovely summer here with temperatures in the high 20s …would love to meet you.
Hi Robert, always great to hear from a fellow Scotsman, especially one sharing an affection for Colombia 🙂 I’ll be sure to reach out when I make it to Cali. Do you spend most of your time there?
Hi Steve, this is a great story and LOL about the weather in Scotland. Thanks for posting this and hope your travel business does well.
Thanks for the feedback Mary, nice to hear you enjoyed it. And thanks for the support with the business – fingers crossed!
Steve,
Great article. Interesting story overall. Having visited Scotland, I too laughed at the weather comment and it’s real true. Very pleased that you and the wife are doing well in Medellin, we have found it to be exactly as you describe. The Paisas ARE a great bunch of folks, and we have had many a great experience interacting with them. Our Spanish is passable, but the rest is made up for with the friendly enthusiasm from the locals. We are always made to feel part of the scene and everyone enjoys our efforts to speak. So many interesting things to see and do there that we keep coming back and eventually will spend the bulk of our time in MDE. Stay well.
Anthony
Hi Anthony, thanks for the well wishes and glad to hear you enjoy Medellin as much as I do!
I almost fell out of my chair laughing when Steve described the weather here as every single day being like the best weather on record in Scotland.
I found this story to be well worth the read. When I reached the part about the weather I almost fell out of my chair laughing.
“a bit like the best Scottish summer on record every single day”
Good one.
Thanks Geoffrey, glad you liked it! And it’s funny because it’s true…we Scots love a moan about the weather ?