Texas Bred
American looking for information about Colombia
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Lives in Houston
Registration: 09 January 2015
Driving in Colombia by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Colombia? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
I always ask my wife after a ride on the moto if she was scared? Most of the time she says no. It's true, that most Colombian's are rude when it comes to driving. When at a intersection, a Colombian will not slow down to allow ... Read More
Traffic in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Colombia, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people to ...
laceja, agree with you to let your wife drive. I will not drive in Colombia, but I will drive my little moped here in Rionegro. But it's mainly used to take my wife to and from work, because I refuse to pay 15.000 COP for her to park at the ... Read More
Expats in Rionegro by Texas Bred
Just wondering if expats in the Rionegro area would like to meet up for a dinner? December 9th at Jalapeno's restaurant.
Okay guys, sorry for changing the date, but the original date was a conflict with other expats. Hopefully, November 11th at 5:30 pm will work for other's to meet at Jalapeno's in Mall llanogtande It's just down the road from Carulla ... Read More
Expats in Rionegro
Just wondering if expats in the Rionegro area would like to meet up for a dinner? December 9th at Jalapeno's restaurant. Read More
Marriage advice by Kully
Hi all, I wonder if anyone can give me some helpful advice. I am from London, UK and my girlfriend is Colombian and we are planning on getting married in Bogota in the new year. What is the correct way of going about this including documents ...
And get a prenuptial signed before you get married. While some Colombian women are honest and sincere. There are others that will drive you into the poor house. Read More
Marriage advice by Kully
Hi all, I wonder if anyone can give me some helpful advice. I am from London, UK and my girlfriend is Colombian and we are planning on getting married in Bogota in the new year. What is the correct way of going about this including documents ...
My advice is "Don't do It!" Even though, I didn't follow my own advice. Getting married in Colombia is a horrific experience. So much paperwork is required, and then if you talk to one official, they will say you still need ... Read More
Cost of living in Colombia - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Colombia, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices ...
CCC have to state that my wife is a supervising nurse, and has worked in several of the hospitals in Medellin. I too, thought that a bigger city meant better health services. I would've thought that Bogota would offer the best in services? But ... Read More
Cost of living in Colombia - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Colombia, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices ...
Floridaray, have to agree to leave politics out of the conversation. Know of one Gringo here in Rionegro that we finally had to part ways with because that was all he could talk about. Rionegro is a great place to live and the people seem ... Read More
Gringolombia by cccmedia
At its site, www.aguiladescalza.com.co (Barefoot Eagle), and in street posters in Medellín, the producers Águila Descalza have announced the world premier this weekend in Medellín of [b]Gringolombia[/b]. For the promotion of this ...
Thanks, you just saved me time and money by not attending. Read More
Real estate market in Colombia by unleashedsoul99
Hello I am planning to move to Colombia and maybe later buy a flat/house/land there. I know that the Colombian economy is doing good and the prices of real estate have been going up a lot in the last 5 or 10 years or something and that Colombia ...
I don't think that the Colombian economy is going great. The government has been lowering interest rates on mortgage rates to try and stimulate the enconomy. Also the banks have been lowering interest rates on CDT's. I have observed ... Read More
Where to exchange US and Canadian Dollars? by Sehaz
Please message me directly if you are looking to exchange US and Canadian Dollars into Colombian pesos at a good rate. Cheers, Sat
Credit unions such as mine allows up $400.00 per day. Other options is to go to the mall such as in Medellin. Usually the exchange rate is 100,000 to 200,000 pesos below the exchange rate. Read More
Where to exchange US and Canadian Dollars? by Sehaz
Please message me directly if you are looking to exchange US and Canadian Dollars into Colombian pesos at a good rate. Cheers, Sat
OsageArcher, i agree that I would not use and individual to exchange money. It sounds a little bit leary to me. Use an ATM whenever you can to obtain the current exchange rate. I have a Creit Union back in the states and I have been able to use ... Read More
usa citizen marrying colombian woman to live with in USA by gucciJayda
hey guys i am a new member here. my name is Anthony and I am an american citizen. i have travelled to Cartagena Colombia 3 times in 2006, 2013 and just recently got back this year. i have recently met the love of my life in Colombia so special to me ...
I cannot speak from experience. But I think that going through a K1 Visa would be better in the long run. If you married her in Colombia I would think that you are obligated to the Colombian courts should you ever get divorced. Read More
How to save money in Colombia
My wife and I shop at PriceMart in Medellin once a month. Mainly stock up on meats and canned items. We stay away from Exito on imported items since they seem to be priced too high. However, we find that that the vegetables at Exito is cheaper on ... Read More
Best cities to live in Colombia by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Colombia. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
I've only lived in Medellin for three months before moving to Rionegro. But my wife who's lived in Medellin for most of her life. Stated to me that we will never live in Medellin again. It's too crowded, too much traffic and ... Read More
Moving to Medellin next week Health Insurance Question by sasha567
As an American, can I purchase private health insurance in Colombia ? Thanks
I have probably mentioned this before? But a amigo living here in Colombia has only 30% lung capacity. I know that he had this condition while in the states. He has Colombian health insurance and was recently admitted to the hospital for a staph ... Read More
Thinking about Retiring to Columbia by june0627
Hi, I am a 69 yr old widow from NJ< USA> Thinking about moving to Columbia. Ready to start exploring. Oh, I have 2 small dogs, too. Would you tell me everything about the country before I travel there. Thank you.
I would also consider Rionegro. A small town feeling with excellent doctors and a newly built hospital. Plus, when the tunnel between Medellin and Rionegro is completed in 2018. The drive will be around 35 min. between the two cities. Besides, ... Read More
Living in Cartegena and loving it?
I agree with woody932. While I enjoyed the old town part of Cartagena and viewing of the fort. The beaches were filthy and I too, tired of people seeming to always push their wares upon my wife and I. Plus, I didn't care for the taxi's ... Read More
LIVING IN rIO nEGRO by Texas Bred
Anyone have any thoughts about the living conditions in Rio Negro? Want to know if it's safe to live there and what activities for the Old Texas Boy can do in the town?
If you're going to move, do it soon. Once the tunnel is completed between Medellin and Rionegro making it about a 30 min. drive. I think that the people of Medellin will be moving out to smaller towns. Read More
Banking in Medellin by cc532
Hello, Do any expats have prior experience dealing with BancoColombia? I realize the account opening requirements would be greater for US citizens than for other nationalities, but am nevertheless curious on particulars regarding minimum deposit for ...
I do love the interest rate on CD's, but whenever i do so at the bank of Falebello, It's like having a tooth pulled. We spend about 30 minutes with the teller just to fill out the paperwork. On top of that, the teller loves to talk to the ... Read More
Banking in Medellin by cc532
Hello, Do any expats have prior experience dealing with BancoColombia? I realize the account opening requirements would be greater for US citizens than for other nationalities, but am nevertheless curious on particulars regarding minimum deposit for ...
Was told that you have to live in Colombia for four months before You can open an account. I also don't use Colombia banks and only use my ATM. Read More
Where to move
I've found Colombia to be a safe place to live but we are outside of the city. My Colombian wife wanted my transition in Colombia to be easy as possible, so she transitioned her job from Medellin to a smaller town. The people here in Colombia ... Read More
Moving to Colombia..November 2017. Many questions by Marquezdl
Hello all, I have posted a couple of times on the Medellin forum. However it is looking very much like I'll be starting my time in Colombia in Chinchina/Manizales. I plan to arrive in early November, and I have arrangements for housing ...
Just recieved a letter yesterday that was sent six months ago from the states. Told my wife that you just can't beat the postal services in Colombia. Read More
Moving to Colombia..November 2017. Many questions by Marquezdl
Hello all, I have posted a couple of times on the Medellin forum. However it is looking very much like I'll be starting my time in Colombia in Chinchina/Manizales. I plan to arrive in early November, and I have arrangements for housing ...
My motorcycle insurance costs $400,000 COP/ yr. Paid around i think $ 100,000 COP for the license. It seemed pretty painless to acquired the license. Usually, here in Rionegro it takes up to two months to receive mail from the states. I assume ... Read More
Medication and Pharmacies by Guest3204
I take a prescription medication for a thyroid condition. I wondering if I need a prescription for these meds. The meds are common and non illicit. And if I do need a prescription, how easy is it to get or find a doctor. Also are meds far cheaper in ...
I too have thyroid problems. I was able to find a Doctor who speaks english and also monitors my blood pressure. The total three medications for blood pressure and thyroid cost me around $ 12,000 COP per month. The Doctor gives me four months of ... Read More
Dual citizenship? by CaliRay
According to what I've read online I'm eligible to become a Colombian citizen having been here for more than 8 years. My Spanish isn't great but I also understand that being over 65 passing Spanish proficiency is not required for ...
Not sure what benefits would be having a Colombia citizenship? Already i have access to good insurance, and the ability to purchase property. My tax accountant back in the states advised me not to have a bank account in Colombia. I know that i ... Read More
Best usages and practices in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Colombia means learning new ways of doing things and incorporating to your daily life unique practices. We invite you to share unique practices, tools or methods that could also make a difference in other countries. ...
Withdraw money from ATM in a populated area. I am amazed when i go to the bank with my wife that i see people flashing wads of 50 mil peso. Also, don't be in a hurry when going through a checkout line. Read More
Top Things Found at a Colombian E.R. by cccmedia
I arrived at an emergency room, or [i]sala de urgencia[/i], in Armenia, Colombia, on Monday night at about 9:40, with a below-the-knee inflammation. This was at San Juan de Dios (St. John of God) Hospital on Avenida Bolívar. Here are the Top ...
My experience here in Rionegro has been excellant. I have hypothyroid and high blood pressure. I am currently in a cardio program which i have to visit a doctor every three months. With insurance, i don't have to pay anything and my three ... Read More
Cost of living in Colombia - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Colombia, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices ...
Rionegro in the San Antonio distrito has new apartments for $1,000,000 COP which includes 24/7 security in a gated area. It's obvious that prices are going up due in part to the COP exchange rate and the government needing to collect more ... Read More
Positive & Negative side of Colombia! by walka19walka64
I will try to say both the positive and the negative. Positive: 1. people can be friendly 2. there are pretty sights 3. it is not as expensive as America 4. the weather can be better than America 5. there are fun things to do Negatives: 1. ...
While speaking Spanish is a plus, it's not a show stopper to living in Colombia. My gringo friend here in Rionegro uses his google translater on his cell phone when he goes places. I regret that I don't know Spanish well because I would ... Read More
The holiday season in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Colombia? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Colombia? How do Colombians celebrate this very special ...
This is my second Christmas in Colombia, and I admit that the Colombians love this season. I enjoy seeing the abundance of Christmas lights and people walking around dressed as Santa or elves around the square. Music and fireworks can be heard ... Read More
LIVING IN rIO nEGRO by Texas Bred
Anyone have any thoughts about the living conditions in Rio Negro? Want to know if it's safe to live there and what activities for the Old Texas Boy can do in the town?
I agree that Rionegro is a place to live. I've lived in Medellin for about six months and I told my wife that we will never live there. Too much traffic and the hot climate is more than I can stand. Plus you have La Ceja close by with the ... Read More
LIVING IN rIO nEGRO by Texas Bred
Anyone have any thoughts about the living conditions in Rio Negro? Want to know if it's safe to live there and what activities for the Old Texas Boy can do in the town?
I did move and loving the town and people Read More
Positive & Negative side of Colombia! by walka19walka64
I will try to say both the positive and the negative. Positive: 1. people can be friendly 2. there are pretty sights 3. it is not as expensive as America 4. the weather can be better than America 5. there are fun things to do Negatives: 1. ...
It's true that the quality of good food is lacking in Colombia. We tend to eat most of our metals at home since we find the quanity of food served in restaurants is small and the pricing is too high in pricing. ... Read More
How much money to live in Colombia and not have to work by chriscam19
Hi everyone. Maybe this question has already been asked. I know there are many variables in deciding on how much money to have. But my question is how much money do I need to take with me to Colombia and not have to work for the rest of my life? ...
Do like i did and find an educated Colombian woman who makes a good salary. She supports me and is happy to do so. Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Well said. I too live in Rionegro and find it a pleasant place to live Read More
Customer care in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Colombia and ...
PriceMart seems this far to be the best at the checkout counter. At least one person is packaging your purchase. Exito, is the worse at the checkout. It seems like it takes forever to purchase your items. I finally had enough and told my wife ... Read More
Medellin Colombia
Rajnish, Welcome to Colombia and the Expat. I too just moved to Colombia after retiring. The fresh vegtables and fruits are a plus. My wife and i enjoy going to La Ceja to do our shopping at the farmers market. Read More
Medellin's weather, what is it like? by GMistral
Im coming to Medellin in a few days. How is the weather there? Is it windy? Is it nice? Or is too humid?
After living in Rionegro the past year I find Medellin to be hot. Read More
Positive & Negative side of Colombia! by walka19walka64
I will try to say both the positive and the negative. Positive: 1. people can be friendly 2. there are pretty sights 3. it is not as expensive as America 4. the weather can be better than America 5. there are fun things to do Negatives: 1. ...
I agree that not knowing the spanish language is a negative. My wife is also Colombian and we get along just fine. My wife has began to notice the Gringo pricing. When she does, she finds another business for services. Read More
Rio Negro-Antioquia. Medical facilities?
A new hospital just outside Rionegro opened recently. My wife informs me that it has a good cardilogist facility. Don't know about being able to speak English for all doctors. I just recently started using the medical services for cardio in ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Colombia? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Colombia, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
I agree with most of what is written. There are no guarantees that moving to Colombia will make you happy or if you will find the love of your life. For me, I was lucky to find an educated woman. My wife prior to our marriage paid half of the ... Read More
Essentials to live in Colombia by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Colombia, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Colombia? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Great advice on PriceMart which does offer some of the best meats. But the price of ribeye steaks is more than I am willing to pay. You can find T bone steaks at the Indiana Plaza and I was fortunate to find some Louisiana Tabasco Sauce there as ... Read More
Essentials to live in Colombia by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Colombia, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Colombia? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
I agree with everybody about the linen and towels. Finding linen with a 500 or more thread count is almost impossible to find. A wide assortment of spices is hard to find. Finding good grades of meat is difficult to find. Most of what is ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Colombia? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Colombia, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
I have only been living in the country for seven months now. But already I bought a new apartment and a motorcycle. I am not fluent in Spanish but this has not limited me from going out and exploring my surroundings. The people never bother me ... Read More
Getting married in Colombia by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Colombia or who are about to get married in Colombia to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Colombia? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a ...
Getting married in Colombia is difficult. In my case it took about six weeks to get the proper paperwork. Read More
Purchase of bicycle with gas motor
Excellent!!! Thanks for your help. Now my wife wants one too. Read More
Purchase of bicycle with gas motor
I have seen on occasion bicycles with a gasoline motor attached. I thought of how cool is that to putter around the neighborhood on with my wife. Of course, this defeats the purpose of exercising when riding. Does anyone know of a local shop in ... Read More
Indian Spices by Sarvesh V
Hey all, I have recently moved to Bogota from Bangalore along with my wife... i have been shopping in Carulla and they have a limited collection of spices...Any other place where we get indian spices, atta and good quality rice(basmati and ...
Sage is one of the spices that I am having a hard time finding. I had some luck finding some spices in Exito and Price Mart Read More
Obtaining Drivers License by Texas Bred
What or how do I go about obtaining a drivers license in Colombia? I would at least, if nothing else, be able to own and ride around on a scooter. Wonder if they have the drivers test available in English?
Thanks everyone for your replies. I am currently in Medellin, but will be relocating to Rionegro soon. I am hoping it will be easier to drive a motorcycle there? It seems that not a day goes by when I am riding in a taxi that I see an accident ... Read More
Medical Insurance by 1234global
Hello to all I am 67, ex college prof.I am considering retiring in Medellin. I speak Spanish well. What should I do for medical insurance at my age (67)? I am a US, Italian, Argentinean citizen...lived in all those countries Any suggestions? ...
I would be interested in knowing more on private health coverage. I just arrived in the U.S. to live here in Medellin with my Colombian wife. I am covered through her health insurance and I still have health insurance with Aetna in the U.S. But ... Read More
Health Insurance Coverage
Well I finally made it to Colombia. Decided to retire early at 54 yrs of age and live with my wife who's Colombian. The only issue that I have encountered thus far is obtaining health insurance. Seems while I was still living in the U.S. I ... Read More
Colombia Bogota - Is it safe? To do and not to do? by mikes1222
Hello there, I will be working in Bogota as a teacher and wanted advise how to not come off looking foreign? Like what to do and what not to do? Is Bogota Safe? After my contract Im also looking to travel to cali.
I just retired to Colombia last week. So far, i have walked around in Medellín without any issues. Been able to go the local market and make purchases without knowing any Spanish. The people in Colombia are friendly and willing to help. Read More
Obtaining Drivers License
What or how do I go about obtaining a drivers license in Colombia? I would at least, if nothing else, be able to own and ride around on a scooter. Wonder if they have the drivers test available in English? Read More
Post Office charges on items shipped to Colombia
Just wondering if it's possible to challenge the amount set by the Colombian Post Office? I shipped some personal items from the U.S. to Medellin. I thought the amount charged for me to pay once it arrived is somewhat extreme. What I am ... Read More
Safety in Colombia by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Colombia? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Have visited Colombia several times this year to date, get married and visit. During my visit, i have walked around the streets of Medellin alone while my wife worked. Everyone thus far seems friendly. With each visit i loved Colombia more. To ... Read More
LIVING IN rIO nEGRO by Texas Bred
Anyone have any thoughts about the living conditions in Rio Negro? Want to know if it's safe to live there and what activities for the Old Texas Boy can do in the town?
I need to immerse myself in learning spanish. Anyone have any recommendations on who teaches in Rio Negro? Read More
LIVING IN rIO nEGRO by Texas Bred
Anyone have any thoughts about the living conditions in Rio Negro? Want to know if it's safe to live there and what activities for the Old Texas Boy can do in the town?
Wanted to thank everyone for your replies. Decided to take early retirement. Hope to be living in Rio in early October. Hope to join the club to ply some tennis. My golf is something to be laughed upon but i look forward to getting out on the ... Read More
LIVING IN rIO nEGRO
Anyone have any thoughts about the living conditions in Rio Negro? Want to know if it's safe to live there and what activities for the Old Texas Boy can do in the town? Read More
I want to marry my colombian girlfriend by sanjayakist
HALO everybody I want to know about the marriage laws and documentsof Colombia . As I am a Indian and I am bachelor and I want to marry my girlfriend who is a colombian citizen so I want to know what documents will be require and how it could be ...
Having just married myself to a wonderful Colombian woman last month. Everything that I have read from others is correct. Expect for the approval process to take about 6 weeks, or at least that's how long i had to wait. Also, expect ... Read More
Looking to retire to Medellin with my Husband- About Safety there?? by BONITAOOTZ
Hi Phil, Thanks for your interest in meet-ups. I found them important when I travelled to other countries. My husband and I were all revved up about Medellin as a possible full time retirement destination or just a winter retreat....been reading a ...
I just spent 9 days with my fiancee in Medellin and I have to say that i enjoyed every minute. I am now making plans to retire there myself. Sure there are some areas of Medellin that I would not care to visit. But that is pretty much I think in ... Read More