Executive Nomad HQ Report
Last Updated
December 31, 2024
Next revision: Q1 2025
Cost Index
55
vs 100 US baseline
Quality Score
7.6/10
Nomad satisfaction
US Timezone
100%
EST alignment
EU Timezone
56%
CET overlap (4h)
Internet Grade
Overall Rating
Strategic Analysis | Q4 2024
Cartagena offers a unique proposition for remote executives: Caribbean coastal lifestyle with perfect US timezone alignment and Colombia's increasingly robust digital infrastructure. The UNESCO-listed walled city combines colonial grandeur with modern amenities, attracting a more refined demographic than typical beach destinations.
Infrastructure maturity has improved significantly: fiber internet now reaches the walled city, Bocagrande, and Getsemani with 50-100 Mbps reliability, boutique coworking spaces serve the professional community, and the hospitality infrastructure supports extended stays. Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2022) provides a clear 2-year pathway.
Key consideration: Cartagena operates at a premium versus interior Colombia. Costs run 40-50% higher than Medellin or Bogota. Our recommendation: consider Cartagena for client-facing roles where the prestigious setting adds value, or for 1-3 month coastal breaks between stays in more affordable Colombian cities. December-April offers optimal weather.
Cost of Living
Monthly$1,650
Avg Internet
Speed80 Mbps
Coworking
Daily$15
10+ spaces available
Visa Complexity
Digital Nomad2-year visa, income requirement $3K/month
Safety Index
202455 /100
Nomad Community
Active2.5K+
Business hours overlap (9AM-6PM local)
US West Coast
PST (UTC-8) | 3 hour difference
75%
6 hours overlap
Overlap: 9AM-3PM Cartagena = 6AM-12PM PST
US East Coast
EST (UTC-5) | Same timezone
100%
Full alignment
Complete business hours alignment
London, UK
GMT (UTC+0) | 5 hour difference
56%
4.5 hours overlap
Overlap: 9AM-1:30PM Cartagena = 2PM-6:30PM GMT
Singapore
SGT (UTC+8) | 13 hour difference
0%
No overlap
No standard business hours overlap
Mumbai, India
IST (UTC+5:30) | 10 hour 30 minute difference
0%
No standard overlap
Limited overlap with India business hours
Sydney, Australia
AEDT (UTC+11) | 16 hour difference
0%
No standard overlap
Limited overlap with Australia business hours
| Category | Rating | Assessment | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coworking Spaces Density & quality | B+ | 10+ spaces including Espacio 81, Selina, WeWork. Boutique options in walled city and Getsemani. | Growing |
| Work-Friendly Cafes WiFi & laptop policy | A | Strong cafe culture. Epoca Espresso, Cafe del Mar, and Getsemani cafes offer air-conditioned, WiFi-equipped spaces. | Strong |
| Internet Reliability Uptime & consistency | B+ | 95% uptime. Claro and Movistar primary providers. Mobile 4G excellent backup throughout tourist areas. | Stable |
| Housing Availability Rental market access | B+ | Good availability but premium pricing. Airbnb dominant, local agents for longer terms. 2-week lead time recommended. | Competitive |
For US-based remote workers utilizing Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa, proper employment structure is essential. The visa authorizes remote work but Colombian tax obligations may apply for stays exceeding 183 days.
Recommended Solution:
Engage an Employer of Record (EOR) service such as Deel or Remote.com to ensure compliant employment structure. EOR services handle international payroll complexity while you maintain your existing employment relationship.
Note: This is general guidance. Consult with a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
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