Michael
@masterita
American expat in Colombia
Forum posts
60
Contacts
14
About me
American
Lives in Manizales
Speaks English, Spanglish
Registration: 02 October 2011
Planning on moving to Manizales by CynthiaER
Hi there!! My husband and I currently live in Lancaster, PA. We're planning on moving to Manizales, his hometown, within the next year and half. I'm looking forward to the move but I'm also concerned about the culture change. We will be ...
Manizales was mentioned which is in Caldas. La Florida is in Villamaria which is next to Manizales. This is the La Florida I presumed was being spoken about. Caldas as the department (state) and not the city outside of Medellin. Yes the names ... Read More
Planning on moving to Manizales by CynthiaER
Hi there!! My husband and I currently live in Lancaster, PA. We're planning on moving to Manizales, his hometown, within the next year and half. I'm looking forward to the move but I'm also concerned about the culture change. We will be ...
Point taken. She had mentioned she has been here before and her husband is Colombian so I thought it would be a safe assumption. Read More
Planning on moving to Manizales by CynthiaER
Hi there!! My husband and I currently live in Lancaster, PA. We're planning on moving to Manizales, his hometown, within the next year and half. I'm looking forward to the move but I'm also concerned about the culture change. We will be ...
Hello Cynthia. I have been living in La Florida for the past 3+ years now. Right now we have a house in Valles del la Florida and another under construction across the street. If you plan living out here you will likely want to get a car unless you ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
You seems to have some questions that are best answered by your own embassy here in Colombia and can be confirmed with the Colombian consulat. In situations like this your best off doing your own research instead of asking 3rd party information. ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Renting an apartment is difficult enough for a Colombian with a good job, let alone a foreigner. If your able to afford it, you can offer the agency a full years rent, plus security to be paid in full. The money is stored in a bank account, which ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
Those are questions to ask a lawyer. From my experience she is not obligated to put your family name or list you as the biological father. She can always claim she doesn't know who he father is. You would than have to contract a lawyer to ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
I take my German Shephered to stores with me and he wears his vest. Most people either don't understand what a service dog is or they don't understand me. I've never had any issues as of yet. But I've never really tried to take him ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Yes I moved here with my German Shephered. Dogs are very widely accepted here and are commonly seen at outdoor cafes, curbside restaurants, on the streets and at the parks. Certain breeds like rotties and pits need to wear muzzles while in public. Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
Also check very carefully with your insurance provider about their coverage and hospital. You don't want to be turned away from the hospital and sent to another 1 hour away because the hospital is "full" or the covered doctor is not in ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
The child will take the citizenship of the country they are born in automatically. You will need to apply for his U.S. Citizenship, U.S. birth certificate and Social Security card in order for him to be a U.S. citenzen. Once your child is a ... Read More
Exchanging money
A common question I get is "what is the best way to get money into Colombia?". Here is a a basic run down to help all those wanting to visit Colombia and aren't sure about bringing cash or how to get cash. In general when ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
Certainly I would be more than happy to give more information... I have sent several emails to several people asking questions, so to save some time I am just going to post my email response with the most detail of QnA: Yes, living abroad certainly ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
I would be happy to. I'll respond to your PM. Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Other than https://www.airbnb.com/s/Manizales--Colombia there isn't much that I know of for finding furnish Apts. There are some rental agencies here that can help you, but going through them will be more expensive, with an avg range between 1M ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Sorry for my late response. You would want to stay between Del Rio ~ Santander ~ Paralela. The furthest north you should look is Calle 57. The better location for just a short walk from anything you might need is Calle 63 / Carrera 21. This ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Hello Barry. It depends on how close you want to live to the town or city area. What type of neighborhood are you looking for? Quite or busy, quick walk to the city or more in the country area? Florida would be in the country area with all new ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Juan, It is interesting to hear a "reverse expat view". I believe most expats choose to live outside of the country mainly because their American dollar goes further, so they are able to live a more affluent life. I know that is one of the main ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
I have been living here for 2 years and have yet to ever see a taco or burrito stand. But along the University strip there are plenty of food carts selling chorizo, chuzos, bunuelos, along with plenty of snacks, candies and individual cigarettes ... Read More
Considering to have a baby in Colombia by cristy2408
Hello Thank you so much for updates and great info! Any new updates. My husband and I are both from US but have considered having a baby in Colombia. How long did it take to get US passport for your baby? any other advice feedback? and what hospital ...
Cristy, Getting the US Passport was easy. We just needed to fill out the paperwork and bring a notirized copy of the birth certificate (long form), some pictures along with my proof of US citizenship and the citizenship and passport was both ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Sorry for the later replay. I can't recommend any hotels directly, but here is a list of hotels in town with reviews: google.com/hotels/?gl=CO&cu_link=1#search;l=Manizales,+Colombia;q=hotels+in+manizales;d=2013-09-01;n=1;si=7a1d5cdb;av=r I would ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Eric, Short term apartment rentals can certainly be found. You can do the "gringo" month to month at a cost of about $550 USD and up or if you are lucky you can land the Colombian rate, minimum 6 months starting at about $600 Mil pesos per month ... Read More
finding a job in cali
Cali is rapidly growing and is said within the next 2 to 3 years will once again be a top city in Colombia again. I don't know what degrees you have but you will have to have them translated and certified in Spanish for them to be excepted. You ... Read More
apply for residency in colombia by raj11
i live in colombia since 3 month i try to extend my visa on residency some one suggest me to work here so i get contract paper and every thing please some one knows now what can i do for extend visa please let me know if you have any idea ...
Probably the best thing to do is head over to a local immigration office and ask them the process of extending your tourist visa. It can be a different process for each citizen type (USA, Canadian, Indian, Chinese, etc). Most times you just need ... Read More
Learning Spanish in Colombia by GaryT
Hi all, I am planning to learn Spanish in Colombia. I have checked the websites and found that the prices for the course varies. Has any one got any experiences or tips to share so I can make an informed decision to choose the best available ...
For learning you should check out schools in Manizales or ask if the teacher of the school of your choice is from this city. Spanish speakers from Mnaizales h e the least amount of accent and for me are the easiest to understand. I took classes ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Hi Laura. I would be happy to meetup with you and will see if I can wrangle up some fellow expats to meet with us. Drop me a line when you get in. Check your PM for my number. Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
:lol: This topic can be delicate... To say the least Colombian women (and most women around the world) tend to be more "receptive" to American men. It does have to do with the money, but it also has to do with North American men are more family ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
A bit about myself and Manizales: My wife is Colombian. She lived in Manizales for many years and has her family here. I have visited different areas in Colombia and found Manizales to be the most agreeable for me. I run an Internet business ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Anyone coming to Manizales is welcomed to contact me for assistance. I have reliable contacts that are completely bi-lingual that can help you take care of paperwork, immigration, bank stuff, doctors, etc. average hourly cost is 15 to 20 mil per ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Evaristo, You should double check with your local consulate and print out all government printed information. I have American friends down here who purchased a farm and they have been trying to close on the property for over 6 months. You would ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
In my 17 months living down here I have learned many things but it would take some time to write them all. Do you have specific questions maybe? Are your bing to Colombia or just traveling? Planning on renting a container to move your household ... Read More
teaching in Columbia
Paul, You will first need to obtain a work visa. You will first need a contract to obtain the work visa. You can check out different Teaching Abroad websites to help locate a school, but depending on your age / qualifications it can be very ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
I am not sure if you received my private message or not. Please check your inbox. I have friends with farms here just outside of Manizales that can help you. Either by renting you their farm, renting space on their farm or assisting with the ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
William, Sorry it took so long for me to write back. But the park is open and from what I am told you make it up, almost to the top (I think about 800' or so from the top). The hot springs are open too. There are plenty of backpackers back in ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Cable Plaza is the mall... I meant to say El Cable. There is a nice upscale mall, Juan Valdez, little shops, restaurants and bars in this area. To me it is an upscale metro area with a bohemian vibe. "Strata" the word used to rate the income ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Manizales, I am sure, has gotten larger over the years you have been absent. There are plenty of new housing going up right now, so by this time next year there should be plenty of new places available and the older apartments will drop down in ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
There are no groups that i know of and there are about 30 or so expats living here and about 50 more who are here seasonally working. I am certainly interested in starting a group. I will send you a PM. . Read More
ExPat Mail - What to do?
I am currently having all of my fail forwarded to a family member in the states, who is then sorting it and sending me digital copies of the important stuff. I know I can do a postal forwarding and pay the Post Office to have all of my forwarded ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Bruce, If you have not checked out this website it could be another good resource for you. I use google translate, add on with my browser to view this site. It is similar to CraigsList but users are all registered. You should be able to view ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Hey Bruce, We have finally secured a house to use as a school building, giving us 3 classrooms, a computer lab, reception area, a workshop and most importantly a teachers lounge. We have you on the schedule for teaching 60 hours a week for next ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Nice to meet you Leo. I'll send you a private message. Read More
am I too old for teaching English in Colombia? by steveg333
Will it be difficult for someone (American) in their 40s to find an English teaching job in Colombia? I was told that employers frown upon hiring people over 30 yrs old. I'm considering moving and don't want to be considered too old to be employed. ...
rob_d, Having a TEFL is always a bonus and will help you earn some more money, but it seems only necessary to have your TEFL when going for a job in a private college or university that are highly rated. These schools usually wont interview you ... Read More
hello guys
There is usually a monthly expat meetup at the Sky Bar at Parque Lleras. Sky Bar (2nd floor - located half a block from Parque Lleras, right opposite Mykonos) Carrera 38 #8 - 13 You would want to check out internations.org for more info on this ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
Just a quick update. Martin was born a healthy 6 lbs 2 ounces and with more hair on his head than me. We chose Hospital de Caldas, in Manizales, which I think is a nice and decently equipped hospital for this sized city. It was also out of our ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia by masterita
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ...
Thank you all for the great replies and sorry for my delayed reply. I've been busy with work and had some computer problems. All the paperwork seems pretty straight forward and I am sure the process should be fairly painless. Accept for the ... Read More
Having a baby in Colombia
Hello fellow Expats! I am a US Citizen and my wife is Colombian. We are expecting our first child together in July. I have already reviewed all of the US Embassy info and paperwork required and it all seems very easy and straight forward. ... Read More
Public transportation in Cali by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Cali ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
Bus would be the most common form of transportation. Here in Manizales, Cali the larger buses cost 1.4 mil and the smaller shuttle bus cost 1.5 mil. This is the safest means of travel but their are the rare late night bus hold ups along the less ... Read More
Greetings
Sure if there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. Read More
Golf in Colombia by knucklehead
Hi, I know there are golf courses in Colombia - I have seen websites that promote golf courses in various places, but for the life of me I can not get any response from these clubs as to the policies and costs to join and play - or if potential ...
Sorry if this is a double post, but I am not sure if the first one posted or not... I talked with my student and he informed me that the club is closed to non-members. So you would have to purchase a membership or be a guest of a member to play ... Read More
Greetings
Trade as far as what? Are you looking to bring some items to sell and make some extra cash or barter? Most items in Bogota, from my experience, that are in demand is technology and name brand clothing. I have friends in the states which will buy ... Read More
Greetings
Anil, Bogota is a nice city to visit. Have you been in contact with any expats living there? Have your received or have need of any advice? Michael Read More
am I too old for teaching English in Colombia? by steveg333
Will it be difficult for someone (American) in their 40s to find an English teaching job in Colombia? I was told that employers frown upon hiring people over 30 yrs old. I'm considering moving and don't want to be considered too old to be employed. ...
Well it has been a week and I have found all the schools want me to work there and I have received a few very good offers. Considering I have no professional teaching experience, this is great for me. I now teach part time at 2 different schools. ... Read More
Money exchange and banking by Carl Salvo
I am planning to move to Medellin or LaVega soon. I want to be able to start a bank account there. Can I open one in the US now(such as Citibank) and send money to be deposited into the same Citibank account in Medellin? Should I wait until I get ...
I moved to Manizales in November. I have experience with international banking and I am slowly learning about business and banking in Colombia. Medellin_bound is correct about needing a proper visa and id to open an account. And it can be a ... Read More
Golf in Colombia by knucklehead
Hi, I know there are golf courses in Colombia - I have seen websites that promote golf courses in various places, but for the life of me I can not get any response from these clubs as to the policies and costs to join and play - or if potential ...
One of my English students plays golf every Saturday at a club in Manizales. He comes into class on Thursday night, so I'll try and get some info about the club and report back to you. Cheers, Michael Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
With a teaching degree you will likely have offers from schools in a few days of submitting your resume. If you want I can introduce you to other teachers and administrators at some of the better schools down here. I have an online business, so ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York by masterita
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ...
Hi Bruce, So far my time in Manizales has been very relaxing and enjoyable. There hasn't been much need for adjustment, other then just getting used to some new cultures and traditions. I have traveled through central Colombia and must say, ... Read More
am I too old for teaching English in Colombia? by steveg333
Will it be difficult for someone (American) in their 40s to find an English teaching job in Colombia? I was told that employers frown upon hiring people over 30 yrs old. I'm considering moving and don't want to be considered too old to be employed. ...
I have been living in Manizales for about 3 months now, I have no professional teaching experience and I am approaching my mid 30's. I interviewed at 1 private school 3 days ago and will interview at another this week. There is a very high demand ... Read More
Moving to Manizales from New York
My wife is from Colombia and we decided to move to Manizales. I have spent a few months in South America and about 2 weeks in Manizales. However we did allot of traveling, tourist stuff and visiting with her family so I didn't get a really good ... Read More