tubes
English expat in Colombia
Forum posts
41
About me
English, Single
Lives in Manizales, Caldas
Speaks English German Italian Spanish
Registration: 16 March 2018
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 ...
The fact is that the Colombian housing market is not subject to the wild fluctuations that typifies the USA market. Over the years prices have risen in line with the inflation and not been affected by changes of government or international financial ... Read More
Colombian driver's license by CaliRay
I've been in Colombia for more than 11 years and during that time my U.S. driver license expired. Getting a new one there is quite a bureaucratic nightmare I'd rather avoid. Currently in Texas you must wait two months or more just for an ...
Paying to get a certificate of competence at a driving school was stopped several years ago. You are now treated as a beginner and have to show that you have done the full driving school course (in Spanish of course). The physical examination ... Read More
Colombian driver's license by CaliRay
I've been in Colombia for more than 11 years and during that time my U.S. driver license expired. Getting a new one there is quite a bureaucratic nightmare I'd rather avoid. Currently in Texas you must wait two months or more just for an ...
Here in Colombia taxis are dirt cheap and everywhere. Come out of any big store and you will find a row of taxis waiting to take you and your shopping home. Read More
Dollar Domination! USD Surpasses 4000 Colombian Pesos by cccmedia
Dollared Expats are cheering as the U.S. Dollar surpassed the 4000 Pesos mark and closed on Black Friday at 4007 Colombian Pesos (COP). Only for one brief period before, late March into April of 2020, has the Dollar shown such strength and exceeded ...
Laker4115: I was working in Venezuela just before Perez was overthrown by Chavez but it was a very different country to present day Colombia. Colombia does not have the oil reserves which kept Venezuela going for so many years and any move here to ... Read More
Colombian driver's license by CaliRay
I've been in Colombia for more than 11 years and during that time my U.S. driver license expired. Getting a new one there is quite a bureaucratic nightmare I'd rather avoid. Currently in Texas you must wait two months or more just for an ...
Getting a Colombian license changed dramatically a few years ago when they closed the loophole that allowed you to show a valid foreign license and pay for a driving school course (without attending). You now have to do the whole driving school ... Read More
Renting an Apartment in a Quiet Area for Under $200 by cccmedia
A just-posted video at YouTube's Gran Colombia channel contains an apartment tour and an interview with the unit's new tenant -- who used to live in California, USA -- who explains he pays [b]rent of only $160 US per month[/b] in the Coffee ...
I disagree with the idea that $650,000 peso is low rent. Away from the biggest cities that is a reasonable rent for a small unfurnished apartment. Security depends very much on the apartment management but most will have a secure entry and a ... Read More
Colombian driver's license by CaliRay
I've been in Colombia for more than 11 years and during that time my U.S. driver license expired. Getting a new one there is quite a bureaucratic nightmare I'd rather avoid. Currently in Texas you must wait two months or more just for an ...
If your Spanish is not very good and you have any sight, hearing or reflex difficulties you will find it all very difficult indeed. Long gone are the days that you just showed a foreign license, paid a driving school and waited. Read More
Payment methods in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once youre settled in Colombia, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment ...
Unfortunately, although several Colombian banks are owned by foreign companies, they are run wholly to Colombian banking laws and have no contacts with overseas banks. Having an account with Scotiabank outside Colombia will have no effect on your ... Read More
Freight Fowarders, International Shippers by CanadaDoug
I have not been able to find a reliable USA "virtual personal address" with a freight forwarding company to ship stuff to me here in Colombia. Does anybody have a suggestion about a company that is reliable for shipping to Colombia from ...
The total ban on cellphone imports has been in force for years and is well known. Even bringing them in as hand baggage does not ensure that they will be accepted by a network. Colombia actually encourages the import of computer components which ... Read More
The must-try activities in Colombia
You must try a game of Tejo. There is nothing like it in any other country. And washed down with a few beers and/or aguardiente. Read More
The must-try activities in Colombia
The Medellin Christmas lights were once excellent, but with all the recent roadworks along the river they have been dramatically reduced. Read More
Pensionado 3 year visa 2018 by CanadaDoug
Hey Fred.....the Pensionado Visa I have a nice local contact who is fluent in English. He did the process for me at a small reasonable fee. Together we learned a lot of things. If you actually come to Armenia he will help. If you plan to settle ...
The MRE in Bogota require a particular handling of foreign pension documents. The original English pension confirmation has to be apostilled (at Milton Keynes) and translated by an approved Colombian legal translator, whose credentials have to be ... Read More
Transfer of money by hkumar00
Do i have to pay taxes on my money in colombia
Hkumar00: The last time that I did a big transfer I simply went to the bank, showed them a few documents to explain the costs and did one big transfer from my overseas account. No problems and no surprise charges. Read More
Transfer of money by hkumar00
Do i have to pay taxes on my money in colombia
An attorney in Medellin for transfer of money ?? This is Colombia , not the USA. We don't call an attorney just to wipe our bums here. Read More
The nightlife scene in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello, Having access to a good nightlife scene can be a determining factor for many expats upon choosing their next destination. Tell us more about the nightlife in Colombia. In Colombia, what is the nighlife culture like: is it common for ...
These days, places inside the major cities close between 1 and 3 a.m. but there are always popular places (some just outside the city limits) which stay open all night long, for those that have the stamina! Read More
New Member
There are almost continuous discussions about life in Medellin on this site. Have a look at the recent chats. Read More
Obtaining a Colombian Drivers licence by creech
Hello I am from Canada and am currently residing in Medellin on Spousal Visa. I am trying to obtain a Colombian drivers licence, however my Spanish is terrible and understanding not there. I do have a Valid Licence from Canada. I am understanding ...
njf: The fact that you have held a UK license for many years means nothing at all in Colombia! You could be the worst driver in the world with hundreds of accidents! I too passed my test in the UK but have since held licenses in several countries. ... Read More
Recommendations of a hotel in Santa Marta by Aadigu
Hi - looking for recommendations of a nice beach front with large pool hotel in Santa Marta.
If you are looking for a good beach front I would suggest that you look a couple of kilometers south to Rodadero. Santa Marta itself is residential and not a holiday resort. Read More
Legal services in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello, Legal services can be a headache when you don't have the relevant and necessary information, especially upon moving to a new country. Please share some tips regarding legal services in Colombia. What types of legal services might an ...
As usual in Colombia, word of mouth is the way to get things done. If the Spanish language is not adequate then the problems are very serious! Read More
Obtaining a Colombian Drivers licence by creech
Hello I am from Canada and am currently residing in Medellin on Spousal Visa. I am trying to obtain a Colombian drivers licence, however my Spanish is terrible and understanding not there. I do have a Valid Licence from Canada. I am understanding ...
Nothing much has changed. Most driving schools will pretend to give you the classes that you need for a suitable fee. You are going to need to speak some Spanish or take a translator with you. The ability test is quite complex and takes several ... Read More
Do I REALLY need to buy a return ticket? by AguilaCondor
Hola ! Just came back from the travel agency, where I was told that it was mandatory for me to have a return ticket (to Mexico) even though I am permanently moving to Colombia next month. The plan was to buy a one way, use the tourist visa for 3 ...
CanadaDoug: a pensioner visa has never depended on your age. You have to prove that you have a pension income of at least 3 times the minimum Colombian monthly salary. Read More
Contemplating a job offer in Cartago / Pereira...housing?
I think that you would soon find the daily commute from Pereira to Cartago a costly waste of time. If you don't find enough things to do in Cartago, you will find night taxis back from Pereira quite costly. You are talking around 30 kilometers ... Read More
Rental flats in Santa Marta
Most Colombian property rentals are done by house-to-house searching and talking to the locals. Choose the area that you like then ask the doorkeepers what they know on offer. You will likely be asked for a guarantee person but may be able to ... Read More
English (and French) speaker, prospects in Colombia? by MiskatonicPhD
I'm visiting in a few months, but people keep telling me I'll love it and want to stay. My Spanish is currently poor, though of course improving it then immersing myself is a priority. What I'd like to know is, how might my marketable ...
"bring, quality linen, extension cords, a house phone" I cant think what barrio you are buried in but these are all items which are easily available anywhere in Colombia at low cost. By the way, the rating system is called Estrato and it ... Read More
Looking for 6 month rental from Nov1 to Apr 30
Small private hotels cost very little in Colombia and can be a good source of information during exploratory trips. Read More
How to bring your car to Colombia by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Colombia, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age ...
Giordano.Medellin: you will probably be the first person to every try this! There are obviously no car transporters in the area so you will have to find a container and ship it in advance. It will be no use to you if it arrives months ... Read More
How to discover the cultural scene in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello, Moving to a new place and learning about the culture goes beyond adapting to customs and traditions. The art scene (music, art, literature, and cinematography) is also a big part of discovering a new country. What are the best ways to ...
Has nobody ever read a book by Gabriel García Márquez? Colombia has always had first rate authors. Read More
Do I REALLY need to buy a return ticket? by AguilaCondor
Hola ! Just came back from the travel agency, where I was told that it was mandatory for me to have a return ticket (to Mexico) even though I am permanently moving to Colombia next month. The plan was to buy a one way, use the tourist visa for 3 ...
Cellphone imports have been banned for nearly 2 years and if you do come in with a model which is not on sale in Colombia you will not be able to register or enable it. Read More
Thinking of moving to Manizales from Columbus, Ohio by RebeccaZ
Hi everyone, For a few years I have been thinking about making a big change and living abroad. After much consideration I have narrowed in on Manizales, Colombia and was wondering if anyone could give me some more information. How long have you ...
I rented a very comfortable furnished apartment in estrato 5 in Manizales just a few years ago for $550,000 all inclusive. The owner was very happy as I left it after 2 years just as I had found it, whereas it costs him to clear up after local ... Read More
Thinking of moving to Manizales from Columbus, Ohio by RebeccaZ
Hi everyone, For a few years I have been thinking about making a big change and living abroad. After much consideration I have narrowed in on Manizales, Colombia and was wondering if anyone could give me some more information. How long have you ...
You are highly unlikely to rent an apartment on the basis of a tourist visa. Almost all activities in Colombia revolve around your cedula. A tourist visa can only last 180 days and most renters are looking for annual contracts. Read More
Taxation in Colombia by m07801
Hello All, Im considering to retire in Medellin next year. I visited the city this past February and enjoyed the city. i was very impressed. Im 61 years old from the USA. I would be living on my pension from my job, ...
Every accountant has a different view and interpretation of things. As a resident, you have to declare all your worldly incomes. I am not aware of any reductions for costs and expenses here. Read More
Anyone around Manizales? by Sin Fin
Greetings folks. Are any of you currently living in Manizales or very nearby. If yes please contact me on my personal line. Thank You................. Sin Fin!
You should expect to pay at least $600,000 per month for a decent furnished apartastudio. Remember that very few get advertised, you need to get out there and talk to the doorkeepers and watchmen. Then there is the old question of references and ... Read More
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 ...
There is nothing special about the highway from Medellin to Pereira, apart from some ongoing road improvements. It is typical of most Colombian roads with short flat sections followed by twisty mountain passes. One obviously has to take ones time as ... Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to Colombia by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to Colombia (cultural adaptation, ...
What on earth has any of this to do with stress when moving to Colombia? Read More