Frequently Asked Questions

About Nomad Barrio

What is Nomad Barrio?
Nomad Barrio is your trusted sidekick in Medellín, helping digital nomads and expats settle in and live their best life with rentals, properties for sale, and meetups.
We specialize in helping you find furnished, medium-term rentals (1-12 months) in Medellín, bringing all the best options into one easy-to-use, English-language platform—no more endless searching on Facebook groups or agent sites! Plus, we secure your payment until after you move in, keeping you safe from rental scams.
How’s it different from Airbnb?
Nomad Barrio gathers local Medellín listings from various local sites and groups —no fiador needed—for Nomads seeking medium-term rentals (1-12 months), unlike Airbnb’s short-term, tourist stays.
Most rentals are cheaper, and we keep your payment safe by holding onto it until after you've moved in - once you know the rental is legit, we'll pay it out to the agent, protecting you from rental scams1

We charge a one-time 3.5% fee versus Airbnb’s 16.5% monthly fee. You connect directly with owners for a simpler rental process.
Why are rentals here often cheaper than Airbnb?
There are a few reasons:
  • One-time fee: Just a one-time 3.5% fee on your first payment, not like Airbnb’s monthly charges of up to 16.5%.
  • Fair local pricing: Many Airbnb listings are priced for short-term tourists, which means higher rates. We include local rental listings, so prices reflect the local rental market.
  • Direct communication: Renters connect directly with property owners or agents, cutting out middlemen that would otherwise increase costs.

Rental Scams in Medellin

How common are rental scams in Medellín?
Unfortunately, rental scams are a real issue in Medellin. Fraudsters can be highly convincing—posing as legitimate agents, using fake documents, and even showing real properties they have no right to rent. Once they collect payment, they disappear.
How does Nomad Barrio keep me safe from these scams?
We protect you by holding your payment until 2 days after the agent hands you the keys and you’ve moved in. This means your money isn’t released until after you actually receive possession of the property. During this time your funds remain safe with us. Should you have any concerns during that period, just let us know, and we’ll pause the payout while we investigate.

Rental Payments

How does the payment process work?
Once you agree on a price and move-in date with the agent, pay your first payment plus a 3.5% fee through our secure payment system. We hold your money for 2 days after you move in. If the property is legit and matches the listing, the agent gets paid on day 3. If it’s fraudulent, tell us within 2 days—we’ll stop the payment and look into it.
What payment methods can I use?
You can use any major credit or debit card—super easy and safe with us!
Is my personal and payment information safe?
Absolutely! We partner with trusted names like Stripe and Wompi to keep your details secure. We never store your info ourselves
Does Nomad Barrio handle monthly rent after the first payment?
Nope, we step in for your first payment to get you into your new place safely with a one-time 3.5% fee. We hold it for 2 days after move-in to ensure the rental’s legit—giving you peace of mind! Once you’re settled, you’ll set up monthly payments directly with the agent. This saves you from ongoing fees.

Refunds & Fees

What if the rental listing was a scam?
If the property doesn’t exist (like a fake listing), the agent disappears with your money, or you arrive and the place is very different from the ad—like missing a bedroom or a promised pool—let us know right away, within 2 days of your scheduled move-in date. We’ll pause the payment to the agent, investigate, and refund you 100% if we confirm the issue. No stress—we’ve got you covered.
What if the agent is unresponsive or doesn’t show up on move-in day?
If the agent is unresponsive or fails to show on move-in day, please contact us immediately. We will pause the payout to the agent and get in touch with you straight away. If we confirm the issue we'll give you a full refund.
Can I adjust my move-in date after I’ve already paid?
Yes. If both you and the agent agree on a new move-in date, simply go to your “My Rentals Page” and click the “Change Move-In Date” button. We will contact the agent to confirm the change and adjust the payout schedule accordingly.
What if I change my mind before moving in?
If you change your mind after paying but before moving in, you can request a refund. However, you’ll forfeit a 10% holding deposit, which compensates the agent for the inconvenience, along with the 3.5% service fee. This policy helps keep things fair, so please make sure your certain the property is right for you before making your payment.
What if I run into problems like a broken appliance or noisy neighbors?
We strongly recommend that you physically inspect the property before finalizing your booking. Our protection is only for cases where the property is fraudulently advertised. Issues like a broken appliance or noise aren’t covered by our policy and should be worked out with the agent. We strongly recommend that you have a signed rental agreement that covers such issues and visit the property before renting.
What fees do you charge?
You’ll pay a one-time 3.5% fee with your first payment, covering payment processing and any currency conversion costs we’re charged by our providers. That's it. No other sneaky fees.
After that, you pay the owner directly each month. Airbnb charges up to 16.5% every month you stay, which really adds up—our one-time fee saves you money while keeping your payment secure for 2 days.

Renting & Moving In

How do I search for properties on Nomad Barrio?
You can search for properties by visiting the Search Page. Use filters to narrow your options by neighborhood, price range, number of bedrooms, or amenities. The platform also includes a map-based search to help you explore listings visually.
How do I contact property owners or agents?
Each listing includes direct contact details via WhatsApp. This allows you to message the owner or agent directly to ask questions, arrange a viewing.
Can I set up alerts for new properties?
Yes! With Nomad Barrio, you can set up alerts based on your preferences—such as budget, location, or number of bedrooms. You’ll get email notifications as soon as new properties matching your criteria are added. It’s a convenient way to stay updated without constantly checking the site.
Can I reserve properties in advance/from abroad?
We advise you to physically visit the properties first. Many people arriving in Medellin rent an Airbnb for the first few weeks, before signing up to a longer term rental. This gives you the chance to check-out the different neighborhoods and figure out which one is right for you before committing to a rental property. Remember we can only give you a refund if the listing is fraudulent or falsely advertised.
What is a "fiador," and do I need one?
A fiador is a guarantor—typically a Colombian property owner—who agrees to cover your rent if you can’t pay. It’s a common requirement in Colombia, but it can be tough for expats to arrange since it usually requires local connections or property ownership. You won’t need a fiador with Nomad Barrio because all our properties are fiador-free—we only list rentals that don’t have this requirement, making renting easier and more accessible for you!
What precautions should I take when renting?
It's always smart to take precautions when renting from the local market:
  • Be cautious of unusually low prices. If something seems too good to be true, it might be.
  • Never send upfront payments. Always visit the property and meet the landlord or agent in person before making any payments.
  • Inspect the property. Arrange a visit to confirm the property matches the listing.
  • Report outdated or suspicious listings. Use the “Report Listing” button if you find a listing that’s no longer available or seems suspicious.
Where do you find all these listings?
If you’ve ever tried to find an apartment to rent in Medellín, you know how overwhelming it can be—listings are scattered across Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and rental agency websites. At Nomad Barrio, we simplify the process by reaching out to agents and property owners from these platforms and inviting them to list their rentals on our site. This way, you can find all your options in one place and spend less time searching and more time enjoying Medellín.
Should I document the property’s condition when I move in?
Yes, it’s a smart move to protect yourself! Doing a quick walk-through with the agent is a great start—point out any scratches, broken items, or stains, and agree on what’s already there. Then, snap some videos or photos of every room, zooming in on surfaces or anything that’s not perfect, and timestamp them by emailing the files to yourself or saving them with a date. This gives you solid proof of the property’s state from day one, helping avoid disputes with the agent or owner later.
What kinds of properties are listed on Nomad Barrio?
Nomad Barrio features a range of fully furnished properties, including rooms, studios, apartments, and fincas. Popular neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado are well-represented. Each listing includes photos, amenities, and detailed descriptions to help you make an informed decision.

Have a Property to Rent?

I have a rental property. Can I add it?
If you’re an owner or agent with a furnished, fiador-free property, you can list your property on the Host Page. The process is quick and and it is completely free to add an unlimited number of rentals to the platform.

Contacting Us

What if I have more questions about rental payments or anything else?
If you have further questions or need additional clarification, please use the “Support” button to contact us. We’re here to ensure you have all the information you need.
How do I contact Nomad Barrio if I have an urgent question or issue?
Just click the 'Contact Us' button below to reach us via WhatsApp. Our team is ready to help you.