Quick snapshot: Turbo is a small city in Antioquia department, located on the Caribbean coast. The city serves as an important port, with commerce and services as main economic activities. The city has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round. The city center is compact and walkable, with basic amenities. This is a very local experience with minimal tourist infrastructure. Base yourself in the center for convenience. Stay alert in less populated areas, use official transport, and don't drink tap water.
Personality: If Turbo were a person it would be a hardworking port worker who knows all the regional routes and stops for the best local food.
🔝 Top 6 Things to Do
1. Explore the city center
Compact commercial area with local shops, restaurants and markets, best explored on foot.
Why 80/20: Core city experience and local culture.
2. See the port
The city serves as an important port on the Caribbean coast, offering port views and some activities.
Why 80/20: Industrial significance and coastal location.
3. Visit local markets
Traditional markets with local produce, typical food and everyday goods.
Why 80/20: Authentic local experience away from tourist areas.
4. Try local food in restaurants
Local restaurants serving typical Colombian food, especially almuerzo corriente.
Why 80/20: Local food culture and affordable meals.
5. Experience local daily life
Working-class port city offering an authentic, non-touristy Colombian experience.
Why 80/20: Genuine local culture without tourist infrastructure.
6. Access to Caribbean coast
The city is located on the Caribbean coast, offering access to beaches and coastal activities.
Why 80/20: Coastal location and beach access.
🔎 Unusual facts
Turbo is located in Antioquia department in northwestern Colombia, on the Caribbean coast.
The city serves as an important port on the Caribbean coast, with port activities as a main economic activity.
Turbo has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round, typical of the Caribbean coast region.
The city's economy is primarily based on port activities, commerce, and services.
Turbo offers access to the Caribbean coast, making it attractive for those interested in coastal areas and port activities.
🕐 Local Time
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👥 Population
50,508
💶 Currency
COP
🗣️ Language
Spanish
English (very limited, mainly in business contexts)
💧 Tap Water
Tap water in Turbo is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water.
Even if treated, the water quality varies and many locals avoid drinking it directly.
💸 Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard), and appreciated in other service contexts.
💳 Cards
Cards accepted in larger stores and restaurants; cash is preferred in markets, local shops and taxis.
🔌 Plugs
Type A, B
110V
🧻 Toilet Paper
Do not flush toilet paper in most places. Use the bin provided in bathrooms.
🛡️ Safety
Requires street smarts and awareness, especially at night.
📋 Basics
🛬 Arrival
Airport
No direct airport (N/A)
Turbo does not have its own airport. Most visitors arrive by bus from Medellín, Cartagena, or other regional cities.
Intercity bus
• ≈ COP 30,000–80,000 depending on origin (€7–18)
Most common way to reach Turbo from nearby cities.
Buses connect Turbo to Medellín (about 6–7 hours), Cartagena, and other regional centers. Terminal is in the city center.
Taxi from bus terminal
• 5 min
• ≈ COP 5,000–10,000 (€1.10–2.30)
Short ride from terminal to city center hotels.
Use official taxis from the terminal or ride-hailing apps if available.
SIM & Internet
Mobile coverage is available in Turbo. Prepaid SIMs can be purchased at local stores.
Esim
International eSIMs work but may be expensive. Local prepaid SIMs are usually better value.
Physical
Get a prepaid SIM from Claro, Movistar or Tigo at local stores. Bring ID to register.
Money
ATMs are available in the city center and near banks.
Use bank ATMs inside banks when possible for security. Decline dynamic currency conversion. Watch for card skimming.
First night tip: Take a taxi directly to your accommodation from the bus terminal. Avoid walking with luggage, especially after dark. Get your bearings the next morning in daylight.
💰 Costs
Turbo is affordable, with lower costs than major Colombian cities, though amenities are more limited.
A visitor can get by on COP 50,000–90,000/day (€11–20) excluding accommodation. Digital nomads often live comfortably on COP 1,500,000–2,500,000/month (€340–560) including rent.
Coffee (tinto)
≈ COP 1,500–3,000 (€0.35–0.70)
Cheap local coffee in small cups.
Beer (local)
≈ COP 3,500–7,000 (€0.80–1.60)
In local bars and restaurants.
Lunch (almuerzo corriente)
≈ COP 8,000–15,000 (€1.80–3.40)
Set lunch with soup, main course, drink and sometimes dessert.
Mid-range dinner
≈ COP 25,000–50,000 per person (€6–11)
Without fancy wine. Limited restaurant options compared to larger cities.
Taxi within city
≈ COP 8,000–15,000 (€1.80–3.40)
Depends on distance. Ride-hailing apps may have limited availability.
Public transport
≈ COP 2,000–2,500 (€0.45–0.60)
Per ride with local buses.
Room in shared flat (long-term)
≈ COP 400,000–800,000/month (€90–180)
Limited options; more common in city center.
1-bed apartment (long-term)
≈ COP 800,000–1,600,000/month (€180–360)
City center and residential areas.
🏘️ Where to Stay
Turbo is organized with a central commercial area and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Best for first visit
City center
— Central and convenient
Main commercial area with shops, restaurants, hotels and bus terminal.
Pros
- Central location with easy access to everything.
- Most amenities within walking distance.
- Bus terminal nearby for regional travel.
- Close to the port.
Cons
- Can be noisy and busy.
- Limited English speakers.
- Fewer modern amenities than larger cities.
Good for digital nomads
City center
Best option for internet access and basic amenities, though coworking spaces are limited.
Internet infrastructure is basic. Few cafés with reliable Wi-Fi. This is not a digital nomad hub; expect a more local, working-class experience.
Beach areas
Coastal areas
The city is located on the Caribbean coast, offering access to beaches and coastal activities.
Quiet areas
Residential areas outside center
Quieter neighborhoods with local shops, though amenities are more limited.
More peaceful but further from services. Better for longer stays if you want a very local experience.
🔎 Is this city for you?
Come if
- You're passing through on business or regional travel.
- You're interested in port activities, commerce, and coastal areas.
Avoid if
- You're looking for tourist amenities or digital nomad infrastructure.
- You want extensive nightlife or cultural attractions.
- You need reliable high-speed internet for remote work.
🛡️ Safety
Turbo has moderate safety concerns. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur, and violent crime exists but is less common in tourist areas. The city is primarily functional rather than tourist-oriented.
Common Issues
- Pickpocketing and phone theft, especially in crowded areas.
- Mugging in less safe neighborhoods, especially after dark.
- Scams targeting visitors (overpriced services, fake taxis).
Simple Rules
- Don't flash expensive phones or jewelry in public.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps when available.
- Keep bags in front of you and stay alert in crowded places.
- Avoid empty streets and parks after dark.
- Be cautious in less populated areas.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
General: 123 (emergency services)
National Police: 112
💻 Digital Nomad
Not a digital nomad destination. Working-class port city with limited amenities for remote workers.
🚇 Getting Around
Mix of local buses, taxis, and walking in the compact center.
- Local buses for main routes.
- Taxis are common and affordable.
- Walking is feasible in the compact center.
🎭 Culture
Working-class pace, functional and straightforward, with emphasis on port activities, commerce, and family life.
Mealtimes
🍽️ Lunch
Usually 12:00–14:00. Almuerzo corriente is the main meal of the day for many locals.
🍽️ Dinner
18:00–21:00, earlier than in larger cities.
😴 Siesta
Not common; businesses generally stay open all day.
What Tourists Get Wrong
- Expecting tourist amenities – Turbo is a working port city, not a tourist destination.
- Assuming everyone speaks English – Spanish is essential.
- Walking around with expensive phones visible – keep them hidden.
- Drinking tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Expecting nightlife – limited options compared to larger cities.
Useful Phrases
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde está el puerto?
Where is the port?
📅 When to Visit
Special Events
- June – Local festivals and cultural events.
- December – End-of-year celebrations.
👥 Meet People
Very limited language exchange opportunities. This is not an expat or tourist destination.
Nightlife Areas
- City center – limited bars and restaurants, mainly local crowd.
- Few nightlife options compared to larger cities.
❓ FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Turbo?
No, tap water in Turbo is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water. This is standard practice throughout Colombia.
Is Turbo safe for solo travellers?
Turbo requires street smarts and awareness. Petty crime can occur, and the city is primarily functional rather than tourist-oriented. Avoid walking alone at night and stay alert in crowded areas.
What is the best area to stay in Turbo?
The city center is the most convenient option, with shops, restaurants, hotels and the bus terminal nearby. The city is compact, so most amenities are within walking distance.
How do you get to Turbo?
Turbo does not have its own airport. Most visitors arrive by intercity bus from Medellín (about 6–7 hours), Cartagena, or other regional cities. The bus terminal is in the city center.
Is Turbo good for digital nomads?
No, Turbo is not recommended for digital nomads. Internet infrastructure is basic, and there are no coworking spaces. Consider larger cities like Medellín or Cartagena for better infrastructure.
Do you need to tip in Turbo?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard and often added automatically). Rounding up for taxis is appreciated.