South American Voyager
American expat in Colombia
Forum posts
148
About me
American
Registration: 11 January 2022
A right wing candidate was elected president: Now what? by mtbe
To start a new thread on Mr Opara's question from another thread: Now what?Personally...too early to tell. Many were worried about Petro (including myself), but much of it was overblown. Many of the concerns of el Tigre, I think, are overblown as ...
@OsageArcher Nothing wrong with being strong...like Uribe, law and order, fiscal responsibility and free trade, freedom.of the press But Trump? Its the stupid , hipocritical and incompetent and stubnorn part.of Trump.and his yahoo followers that ... Read More
About ready to start the Retirement Visa process by LuckySpyGuy
I've lived in Medellin for eight years and am looking at the process for getting a retirement visa. I'm expecting to get that process started in March since everything expires in June. I'm looking for recommendations from people who have already ...
Bob, what type of visa has allowed you to be in Medellin for 8 years? Perhaps your just visiting a few months here and there?After exploring Colombia since my first visit/extended stay to Bogota in 1990 I arrived in Medellin in December 2010 so 16 ... Read More
The US Dollar Vs. The Colombian Peso ............. Who's Up? Who's Down? by cccmedia
Weekly close a record.For the first time ever, the exchange closed forthe week with the U.S. Dollar above 5000 Pesos.The closing value for the week endedNovember 4, 2022, is 5092 Pesos to the Dollar.Source... xe.com USD-COP charting
Yes talking about remittances, did I not read somewhere in the past few weeks that for the past handful of months the remittances are something like one billion from abroad back to Colombia, if so wow! Read More
Apostille of S.S document by Digitarius
Anyone have any tips on how to get a social security proof document apostille from Colombia? I want to try it on my own, Third party charges are becoming more and more outrageous. Let me know please. Also I notice some 3rd parties only do ...
As a follow up to my recommendation that I posted in the above post 3 months back, I did in fact use Apostille.pro again and same price of $149.00 plus $25.00 for a digital copy (which the Colombia immigration accepts) and this time even though I ... Read More
The US Dollar Vs. The Colombian Peso ............. Who's Up? Who's Down? by cccmedia
Weekly close a record.For the first time ever, the exchange closed forthe week with the U.S. Dollar above 5000 Pesos.The closing value for the week endedNovember 4, 2022, is 5092 Pesos to the Dollar.Source... xe.com USD-COP charting
ok troll, whatever lolThis true expat first arrived to Bogota in November of 1990, so 36 years exploring everywhere in Colombia and with the past 16 years living in/outside of Medellin.So since 1990 I have seen/experienced/lived about 9 different ... Read More
I am looking for a Job in the IT industry in Medellin Colombia by clauskoenig
I am an experienced Data and cloud Architect and Engineer. I am looking for work in Medellin. I have 26+ experience in my field. Everything related to data and information is my business.I worked with fortune 500 companies in diverse sectors from ...
The big question is does Claus have a work permit? If not perhaps a DN is the only option. Read More
Safe deposit box or other secure storage for valuables? by Marquezdl
Is it possible for temporary residents of Medellin to rent a safe deposit box or other secure starage medium for personal valuables and/or cash?
Nahh the banks here just don't have safe deposit boxes for rent inside banks, never been a thing here as the culture/mindset is that not one out of a hundred of my Colombian friends have zero trust in banks.There I said it.Now when I moved into my ... Read More
Apostille of S.S document by Digitarius
Anyone have any tips on how to get a social security proof document apostille from Colombia? I want to try it on my own, Third party charges are becoming more and more outrageous. Let me know please. Also I notice some 3rd parties only do ...
Certainly - Apostille.pro was recommended to me by my attorney in Medellin whom I trust, and so after my standard due diligence with this company I pulled the trigger and paid $149.00 plus $25.00 for a scanned copy which is admissible by Colombia ... Read More
Apostille of S.S document by Digitarius
Anyone have any tips on how to get a social security proof document apostille from Colombia? I want to try it on my own, Third party charges are becoming more and more outrageous. Let me know please. Also I notice some 3rd parties only do ...
I recall a few years back when I renewed my M visa I used a 3rd party service located as I recall in Virginia??? or nearby, cost was about $160.00 USD and took a few days.I have decided to apply now for my Residency as I meet all the requirements ... Read More
Moving to Cali in July 2026 by ACOD2026
Hi everyone,I'm moving to Cali in July of this year, only staying around 6/8 months—family of 6. Looking for advice on housing: furnished rental or unfurnished? I'm so confused as we have to think about the kids' school as well. Any advice ...
Why Cali? Work/business/vacation/etc.? Are you open to consider other cities in Colombia?What kind of visa are you considering? Have you considered in the tax implications with staying over 183 days in Colombia?How is your Spanish? How is your ... Read More
Finding an apartment for length of 1-6 months by cab989898
Message: i am interested in determining if Medellin is the place i may want to lretire and possibly buy a property. But i need to first determine if i like living in medellin ,and learning the city and dermining where i want to live. I am looking ...
OsageArcher in the above is spot on.I am going on 16 years in/outside of Medellin and this is after exploring everywhere in Colombia since my first extended 5 month work assignment to Bogota in November of 1990 and just some advice:Staying at an ... Read More
Bank recommendations for opening an account in Colombia? by stealtannest3t
What banks do you recommend in Colombia? After 3+ years here I decided to take the plunge and open an account but have run into a few roadblocks. I have just used ATM's and stood in line in the past to pay bills that are only a few hundred USD a ...
Is not the photo option working.................... Read More
Bank recommendations for opening an account in Colombia? by stealtannest3t
What banks do you recommend in Colombia? After 3+ years here I decided to take the plunge and open an account but have run into a few roadblocks. I have just used ATM's and stood in line in the past to pay bills that are only a few hundred USD a ...
I've been with Bancolombia for a dozen years with multiple account (i.e credit cards, LOC, R.E. mortgage, debit cards, Nequi, etc.) and would do it all over again. Just saw this DAVI ad while walking in the Medellin metro this past weekend. Read More
Question about the Tourist Permit Shuffle by ChineduOpara
My Colombia Digital Nomad visa expired towards the end of September, so I stepped out of the country (1 day before it expired) and came back 2 weeks later (Oct. 9th) as a tourist. My tourist stamp says 90 days.So, I have 2 options.Option 1: The ...
TDS is a mental illness, you need to get checked out. Read More
Requirement to have Un Tomador y Un Coduedor to Rent an Apartment by NicolasVasquez
Hello, I found a cute apartment that I love by searching Finca Raiz and then connecting with the real estate agency that listed it. I went to view the apartment today with my friend who is a local Colombian citizen and a business owner. I am being ...
Well just know that the hassle of getting your rental deposit back is not limited to us gringo expats, as I have extensive first hand experience over the past 15 years of Colombian friends that experience the same. Read More
Entry stamp 90-day extension - online? by ChipW
I'm sure I filled in an online form some years ago to receive a 90-extension for my entry stamp, but now I'm not seeing any such thing. Does it still exist?
Why 26 views and no reply's you ask, probably because this is an EXPAT forum and NOT a tourist visitor help center. Us EXPATS have visas/cedulas and some deep roots in Colombia and as such 90 day tourist questions/concerns are not as much as a blimp ... Read More
I left the USA by bus in 2016. No passport, No cell phone. Only $450. by victorwitness1221
I arrived in Colombia in March of 2017.I left the USA after becoming homeless. Having lost my job, my car. Divorced, 6 kids...In 1999 I read a book called America the Great. Mystery Babylon.I had been searching the scriptures for information on the ...
@nico peligro exactly! This just can't be a legit post.The statement "After arriving in Bogota, I looked on my phone for a messianic church. There was two listed. One in Bogota and the other was in Fusagasugá", anyone else remember Jim ... Read More
I left the USA by bus in 2016. No passport, No cell phone. Only $450. by victorwitness1221
I arrived in Colombia in March of 2017.I left the USA after becoming homeless. Having lost my job, my car. Divorced, 6 kids...In 1999 I read a book called America the Great. Mystery Babylon.I had been searching the scriptures for information on the ...
Admin, is not the photo posting working?Maybe the third time is a charm, hehehehe, lets see:https://ibb.co/nNcyBk4c Read More
I left the USA by bus in 2016. No passport, No cell phone. Only $450. by victorwitness1221
I arrived in Colombia in March of 2017.I left the USA after becoming homeless. Having lost my job, my car. Divorced, 6 kids...In 1999 I read a book called America the Great. Mystery Babylon.I had been searching the scriptures for information on the ...
Trying to post this pic......... Read More
I left the USA by bus in 2016. No passport, No cell phone. Only $450. by victorwitness1221
I arrived in Colombia in March of 2017.I left the USA after becoming homeless. Having lost my job, my car. Divorced, 6 kids...In 1999 I read a book called America the Great. Mystery Babylon.I had been searching the scriptures for information on the ...
Welcome to Colombia Victor, looks like you been here about 8 years, that's great as most are here and visit a week or two and wham they are never to be seen again and yet they post on IG and the like social media that they experienced in full ... Read More
Best cell phone plans for receiving 2FA in Colombia and keep US number by stealtannest3t
I have been using Google Voice for a few years now but lately it's been a bit janky getting my codes. I have a burner phone that I use with a Colombian service provider TIGO which is cheap and effective but I want to keep my US number for the phone ...
After 15 years here in Colombia with 10 of which full time and after trying every available method, some at a considerable cost (ie using my AT&T and Verizon Los Angeles California roaming feature for the initial 5 plus years) for the past 7-8 ... Read More
Moving to Medellin ASAP by Josephdstultz
Hello all,My name is Joe, and my husband and I got married in Barranquilla, where he is originally from, and we plan to move to Medellin as soon as we can get my M visa situated. We currently live in Philadelphia, but we have been wanting to move to ...
Just don't be in such as rush, just my take - I'm originally from Los Angeles, California and after traveling everywhere in Colombia (my first extended stay was in Bogota in November of 1990) I have now been in Medellin for 15 years (my arrival ... Read More
Safety from Scopolomine - bank accounts - phone apps - passwords by stealtannest3t
I don't frequent bars or use dating apps but there is still a small risk of being 'scoped' while living in Colombia. So for the group what precautions have you implemented to reduce the losses if you have the misfortune of being 'scoped'? For me I ...
@ ChineduOpara - From your lips to God's ears! Spot on.My very first visit and extended 4 month stay was to Bogota in November of 1990, those were different times for sure.Fast forward 35 years and been living the past 10 YEARS right outside ... Read More
Retiring in Colombia by coscia16
I plan on retiring from my teaching job in 3 years and relocate, along with my wife who is a Colombian with dual citizenship, to Cartago, Valle. Can anyone offer any insight as to what this entails?Thanks...I sincerely appreciate any input.James
Hi James - What it entails you ask?Well once you decide to make Colombia your home everything will fall into place (pension visa, cedula, health insurance, bank account, etc.) but first things first:How many times have you visited Colombia and which ... Read More
Colombia Tax filing deadline for 2024 taxes by stealtannest3t
Hello Forum Members!Anyone know when the deadline is for filing tax declaration here for year 2024? Hoping this is not as murky a topic as most tax issues in Colombia. Thanks!
Yes I have been filing here in Colombia for a number of years (US citizen). The last 2 digits of my NIT are 30 so my deadline date this year is Sept 2nd, I think it changes a bit every tax year, but just today sent off all my info to my attorney, ... Read More
Moka pot in Medellin? by Brian Stockwood
Any idea where to find a 3 cup Bialetti moka pot for sale in Medellin? Even a non Bialetti will work (if it's reliable)Thanks!
Another try to upload the photo........ Read More
Moka pot in Medellin? by Brian Stockwood
Any idea where to find a 3 cup Bialetti moka pot for sale in Medellin? Even a non Bialetti will work (if it's reliable)Thanks!
So yesterday I found myself across the street from Falabella located in the San Diego mall (central Medellin) and so stopped in for a look at the various coffee pots, what a good selection and saw these non Bialetti style but Italian design/built ... Read More
Debit card denial in colombian for colombian wife by larryheath950
has anyone had experience with debit or credit card denial from Bancolombia. I recenly went to apply for a credit card at bancolombia and was denied because they said i owed 299.000 to transito. then my wife went today to bancolombia and was denied ...
Good comments here on this post. I too have been a Bancolombia client for 10 plus years and my experience has been very good. Have had real estate mortgages (all paid off), numerous credit cards, lines of credit, have wired large sums through my ... Read More
Moka pot in Medellin? by Brian Stockwood
Any idea where to find a 3 cup Bialetti moka pot for sale in Medellin? Even a non Bialetti will work (if it's reliable)Thanks!
No they carry the name brand, here is a snap shot:https://www.falabella.com.co/falabella-co/search?Ntt=Bialetti+moka Read More
Road safety in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Colombia as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Colombia, whether ...
At the risk of sounding boastful my passion is doing road trips everywhere in Colombia and even down into Ecuador, always starting/ending my road trips at my home in Medellin.I do 3 or 4 of these long road trips every year and am gone from a few ... Read More
Moka pot in Medellin? by Brian Stockwood
Any idea where to find a 3 cup Bialetti moka pot for sale in Medellin? Even a non Bialetti will work (if it's reliable)Thanks!
Your welcome. Sorry can't pinpoint which cafe but have seen them occasionally....so the best advice I can give you is to head over to a mall, perhaps El Tesoro or San Diego and check out the cafes, boutique shops and your sure to find it.Hope this ... Read More
Young Colombian wife- is it worth it? by European_chap
I've noticed that women in Colombia really love "one-day dramas." So, is it really okay to marry a woman from such a distant country? Even though I like everything about her, her whole environment – her family – just terrifies me!
What do you mean by "one day dramas"? How young? Whats the age gap? How is your Spanish? How much time have you really spent with her and her family/friends in her culture/environment? Where and when/how did you meet?Simply put long distance ... Read More
Moka pot in Medellin? by Brian Stockwood
Any idea where to find a 3 cup Bialetti moka pot for sale in Medellin? Even a non Bialetti will work (if it's reliable)Thanks!
Yes head straight over to Falabella as they carry this brand. I have also seen them in various higher end boutique cafe shops not only in Medellin but Bogota and certainly the ones down in the coffee region/Armenia/etc.And if you are willing to wait ... Read More
Most common scams in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Colombia as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it’s immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
If your a local Colombian be it here in Medellin or Bogota or Cali there are scam lottery tickets for sale, we are talking big time scam where thousands of Colombians have been scammed from fake lottery's.At root is corruption, it's in the culture ... Read More
Most common scams in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Colombia as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it’s immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
Facebook Marketplace weather you are buying or selling is full of fraud and scams. If your buying or selling some scammers go to every conceivable idea how to make contact and build a story that seems legit (con job) then try to take you.Now I'm a ... Read More
El Eje Cafetero by coscia16
Hello,Do any expats live in the coffee region...specifically the Pereira/Cartago area? My wife (Colombian) and I will be relocating to Cartago.JC
@ nico peligro - "hot and ugly" for which reasons I ask to the OP in my post above three leading questions:** Does your Colombian wife have family there?** This is the Valle de Cauca region, have you visited before?** To each his own but I am curios ... Read More
El Eje Cafetero by coscia16
Hello,Do any expats live in the coffee region...specifically the Pereira/Cartago area? My wife (Colombian) and I will be relocating to Cartago.JC
Hi JC, welcome to the forum!I'm responding to your post as I don't see any response, so for what it is worth here is my experience with Cartago:Yes certainly the area has a "growing number" of expats (primarily nearby Armenia, Pereria and across ... Read More
Pensionado visa approval for 15 months by stealtannest3t
Visa was approved one week after submission. Preparing documemts took about two months. Worked with Langon Law who were competitive with price and very responsive and knowledgeable. Used Monument Visa for apostille of SS letter and FBI background ...
Good info, thanks for sharing.Sounds like this was your first pension visa, my assumption based on your obtaining the health insurance offered to national/foreign travelers so do you plan on getting the Colombian EPS type health insurance or playing ... Read More
Hostel for newbie in Medellin by AlaskanB
Suggestions on hostel for first week in MedellĂn? American, lived in Ec 10+ years, but new to colombia. Thanks.
I hear you as I did the same back in 2010 on my first weeks/months long visits to Medellin.Curios as to why your considering leaving Ecuador, I think I understand why but would like your take on it.BTW my passion is road trips in my car, always ... Read More
Hostel for newbie in Medellin by AlaskanB
Suggestions on hostel for first week in MedellĂn? American, lived in Ec 10+ years, but new to colombia. Thanks.
A big welcome to my adopted city of Medellin where I have called home for almost 15 years.As for recommending a hotel or hostal yes there are many, so many have opened in the past 5-7 years that you can't keep up so..............all depends what ... Read More
Retirement visa insurance international insurer recommendations by expat42451
I read Stealtannest3t's post on necessary insurance to qualify for the retirement visa here in Colombia-- I have very much the same question Stealtannest3t does.  I am in Pasto. I moved over from Ecuador some 2 weeks ago and have ...
$120. for a 1 year policy that is acceptable to Immigration and meets their requirements, jump on that.I recall 7 years ago I too when originally applying for my COL pension visa paid something like 3.000.000 pesos or roughly, at the current ... Read More
Shipping a car to Colombia by coscia16
Has anyone shipped a vehicle to Colombia? My wife (Colombian citizen) and I plan on retiring there in a couple years and I'd prefer to ship my Jeep down there instead of buying.Thanks.James
@coscia16 - there are simply no work-around's for importing a used vehicle, must be brand new then your faced with roughly 40% import taxes/tariffs if not more. The only exception is if the car is a vintage 35 plus year old classic.Yes cars keep ... Read More
Shipping a car to Colombia by coscia16
Has anyone shipped a vehicle to Colombia? My wife (Colombian citizen) and I plan on retiring there in a couple years and I'd prefer to ship my Jeep down there instead of buying.Thanks.James
Take any thoughts about importing a used car into Colombia, been there and done that, 10 years ago when I was pulling the trigger (Los Angeles, California to Medellin, COL) I would have loved to import my 3 cars, at least two of them, one was a 2014 ... Read More
Any "UUs" in medellin? by plzdnr
Hi! My partner and I are planning to move to Medellin around June. We're retired and looking forward to the adventure. We are hoping to find expats who share our more liberal views. We have been active in our local Unitarian Universalist church and ...
Frankly you will be hard pressed to find your UUA church here in Medellin if not at all an impossible task.I have traveled everywhere in Colombia for 35 years, spoken to thousands of Colombians and tourists, walked/explored every city and pueblo and ... Read More
Finding a divorce lawyer in Colombia? by CaliRay
Any recommendations? I'm not in Colombia and need an English speaking lawyer to handle this in abstencia if possible.
Yes given the correct circumstances and the OP objectives it could be the best and many times the only workable solution to "just walk away as if the marriage never happened", just depends on a variety of factors.Lets face it the marriage ceremony ... Read More
Moving to Colombia, seeking local help by Catfish27
Hola. I am a newly retired guy from America and I am considering moving to Colombia. I hope to travel down there within a month or so, but I would first like to make arrangements to meet with some local(s) while I am down there, someone who can ...
First forgive me as it's not my intent to hijack this great conversation but just had to add my perspective/experience/thoughts of life in Colombia as an expat (born and raised in Los Angeles, California) but first my hat's off to ChineduOpara on ... Read More
Visa types by Grapucine
Hey, I am glad to meet you here I will arrive in Colombia in May and I wonder what type of visa I should ask and where to ask.My naive plan was to ask a touristic visa at the entrance of the country (I suppose there is a request form to fill at the ...
@ Grapucine - Frankly speaking you would have better chances of "selling ice cubes to Eskimos in Alaska" than being a "scientific animator" in Cali! Seriously have you been to Colombia yet? Let alone Cali? Do you have any idea whatsoever about the ... Read More
Union libre by mcnraven2
whats the danger to my colombian assets and US assets if i live with a colombian for 2 years with no paperwork signed.
Probably will depend much on just how 'crazy' (eg vindictive, estrato level/social status, age, education, intelligence, children involved, family support, jealousy, addictions, etc.) of a Colombian lady friend she is. Read More
My family will be moving to Bogota in July by RyanSG
Hi all,My family will be moving to Bogota in July. My wife and I are both teachers and will be working at CNG. We are currently trying to learn all we can about Colombia, and Bogota specifically. We are looking forward to this new experience and ...
What are your concerns? Do you speak Spanish? How long is your work assignment at the school? Where is your housing? When do you plan to arrive? What are your expectations? What is your lifestyle? Likes/dislikes/pet peeves?Where are you from? Are ... Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Welcome roscoc to Medellin and I hail from Los Angeles, California (prayers to my LA family and friends experiencing the major fires in Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica) but after exploring everywhere in Colombia since 1990 have made Medellin my ... Read More
A Check on Petro's Economy Two Years In by futuroexpat
OK, we are two years in with the government of Gustavo Petro. All the "nattering nebobs of negativism" have been proven wrong. The Colombian economy is strong, one of the best in all Latin America. DANE just today released the data:Construction and ...
Just came across this news article, seems straightforward enough.This Thursday, just over a week before the end of 2024, the results of the last Invamer Poll poll of the year were known. The poll reveals that President Gustavo Petro's disapproval is ... Read More
A Check on Petro's Economy Two Years In by futuroexpat
OK, we are two years in with the government of Gustavo Petro. All the "nattering nebobs of negativism" have been proven wrong. The Colombian economy is strong, one of the best in all Latin America. DANE just today released the data:Construction and ...
These comments are all a bunch of noise, mine included so lets look at the respective approval ratings shall we.............PETRO sits at 26% - even my good Colombian paisa friend (a strata 2 left leaning Manrique/Medellin university educated ... Read More
A Check on Petro's Economy Two Years In by futuroexpat
OK, we are two years in with the government of Gustavo Petro. All the "nattering nebobs of negativism" have been proven wrong. The Colombian economy is strong, one of the best in all Latin America. DANE just today released the data:Construction and ...
@ ChineduOpara - You got to read the book One Hundred Years of Solitude" Gabriel GarcĂa Márquez and then watch the Netflix series just released a few days ago.As I read your posts, both these on this thread and others, where you show ... Read More
Health insurance for 72 year by Bbaxter44
I’m married to a Colombiana and moving to the greater Medellin area. No preexisting conditions Also, will keep my Medicare and VA healthcare. Looking for a high deductible policy.If a long term health issue arises, It’s a three hour ...
@Bbaxter - Can you not piggyback onto your Colombian wife's health plan? Such as the bankrupt EPS-SURA mess that it's in. It sounds like your searching for a high deductible health insurance policy only to fulfill the visa requirements, I would ... Read More
Preventive care in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in Colombia, taking care of your health would be one of your main priorities. Preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in keeping fit and healthy. We therefore would like to invite you to share your insights on ...
@ Adriana Gutierrez - I've been here (10+ years Medellin) and your comment regards EPS Sura is spot on. I'm mid sixties and with EPS Sura and have no health issues, no drugs, no diabetes/high blood pressure/etc. because I take am very active/my ... Read More
I-phone help needed in Palomino by anikkurkjian
Hello! Can anyone recommend a person who is good with iPhones in Palomino?I have the black-screen issue - absolutely nothing I have tried has worked - I have tried EVERYTHING that YouTubers recommends but with no joy :-(Thank you in advance for your ...
Feel your pain as I too have suffered the "black screen of death" on my iPhone 11 Pro when traveling but the difference is that I was in a large city (Ibague, Tolima as I recall) so had plenty of options of who could resolve and I am often on the ... Read More
American expats: thoughts about the upcoming elections? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
@Colt45 - To us expats from the US to Colombia, like myself originally from Los Angeles, California, yes the once beautiful State of California that your "pride and joy" "toes in the air Harris"destroyed (yes I know first hand her horrific history ... Read More
A Check on Petro's Economy Two Years In by futuroexpat
OK, we are two years in with the government of Gustavo Petro. All the "nattering nebobs of negativism" have been proven wrong. The Colombian economy is strong, one of the best in all Latin America. DANE just today released the data:Construction and ...
@ChineduOpara - Since you mentioned IQ I did a quick research and found these country averages for IQ of the general population, I believe this study is from 2022:Japan has the highest average IQ in the world at 106.48 (many Asian countries along ... Read More
The afterwork culture in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Living in Colombia is a unique opportunity to discover the different aspects of the local culture and way of life. Today, we would like to invite you to explore the afterwork culture in Colombia and how locals get to unwind. ...
I will get this started.I live in a small pueblo located at the north end of the Aburra valley of Medellin and love my 8 years here and it's my local Colombian friends who make this a special place for me.We have my corner tiendas literally 3 doors ... Read More
Car rentals by crespobrenda
Does anyone have any information about car rentals in Colombia? My husband and I are flying into Medelly next week and we’re thinking about renting a car however online it doesn’t tell me whether I can get insurance coverage but it says ...
Ditto the above comment to rent from Localiza as most of my visiting friends from the US have taken my suggestion and they are just about as solid of a rental company as you can get here in Colombia.Now I have my own personal car and been driving ... Read More
A Check on Petro's Economy Two Years In by futuroexpat
OK, we are two years in with the government of Gustavo Petro. All the "nattering nebobs of negativism" have been proven wrong. The Colombian economy is strong, one of the best in all Latin America. DANE just today released the data:Construction and ...
You ask how is/has Petro done? Simple answer is check his abysmal approval rating by Colombian people.Enough said! Read More
Indian relocation to colombia by GOPIRAMKUMAR AL
Hello Sir ,Good Morning . I have offer to relocate to colombia to below address .Mosquera CundinamarcaColombiaIs there easy to stay for Indians ? How much salary required per month ? How is safety .
I have never lived in Mosquera Cundinamarca but I know it well as I drive through there many times each year and have Colombian friends who live nearby.Take a look at this website as it give some cost of living guidelines for Bogota, it accurate ... Read More
Customs Challenge by GuestPoster11112
Hello All,I recently (naively) shipped a used laptop (2019 Macbook Pro) to a friend in Cali with insufficient documentation. It was an old work computer, so I didn't have an invoice or receipt to include. I simply indicated on the customs form ...
Like the above comment "Live and Learn". From the years of 2010 through about 2017 I have sent probably a hundred and twenty medium size boxes from Los Angeles, California to a few different addresses in and around Medellin, mainly clothing but also ... 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?
Hey y'all, first know that I love the life that I have created after settling here in Colombia (I live in a smallish pueblo 15+ years at the north end of the Aburra/Medellin valley) after 30 years (first extended stay was in Bogota in November of ... Read More
Palomino life by LuciaCortes91
Hello! I recently traveled to Palomino and fell in love. I am considering moving there, however, I would like to know if anybody knows of good long term rental properties. Since it´s a small town, I am finding it quite difficult to find any ...
@ Verso, for what it's worth and this coming from a California surfer guy (Huntington Beach, CA) who loves the beach/ocean/long distance open ocean swimming but living in Medellin 10+ years I spend much time all along the 1,200 mile northern ... Read More
Moving to Colombia with a criminal record by tscout
I (34M, UK) recently got myself into some trouble, likely resulting in what’s known as a conditional caution here in the UK. I have previously been cautioned by the police a couple of times as a young adult some 15+ years ago. I have never ...
Agree with nico peligro on his two mentioned lawyers for Medellin as Chris Moeller was recommended to me back in 2017 for my apartment purchase which he was a god send with helping me navigate through it all AND Chris is "the attorney" that I ... Read More
Moving to Colombia with a criminal record by tscout
I (34M, UK) recently got myself into some trouble, likely resulting in what’s known as a conditional caution here in the UK. I have previously been cautioned by the police a couple of times as a young adult some 15+ years ago. I have never ...
For what it's worth, now I'm living in Medellin (far outside the city) on the northern end of the valley which I love, and opened my Bancolombia account long before I had my cedula (with passport) but so true that when my cedula was obtained I had ... Read More
Enjoying the 2024 Olympics Games in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, On the occasion of the 2024 Olympic Games, we invite you to share useful advice and tips to follow this global sports event while living in Colombia. How to watch the Olympic Games live from Colombia? If live streaming is ...
Just my take on how Colombians view the Olympics, this is my opine based on living in Medellin for 15 years and traveling the all of Colombia since 1990 so have had many Olympic games come and go and frankly this current one is no different than ... Read More
Nationwide water drought 2024 by cccmedia
Colombia is afflicted with a long-lasting droughtapparently caused by the weather phenomenonknown as El Niño.I've been in Bucaramanga, Santander .. and it hashardly rained at all, with no hard rains, in recent months.This is not a local ...
@ChineduOpara - So right now it's 7:30 AM on the 4th of July, a bit cloudy/overcast skies here in Medellin but last night. exactly what I mentioned in my yesterdays post, well we had a torrential downpour that lasted about 2 to 3 hours.And no the ... Read More
Nationwide water drought 2024 by cccmedia
Colombia is afflicted with a long-lasting droughtapparently caused by the weather phenomenonknown as El Niño.I've been in Bucaramanga, Santander .. and it hashardly rained at all, with no hard rains, in recent months.This is not a local ...
@ChineduOpara - Here in Medellin we are, like the classic 1952 movie with Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly .......... SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!The mountains and hillsides are completely saturated, the Medellin rio and all of it's tributaries are often swollen ... Read More
Colombian "Family" by Jack.Sparrow5
I have a question about explaining to me what the concept of family in Colombia is all about? For God's sake, wherever a man approaches women, they immediately bring with them a multitude of families! Do Colombian women not know how to be intimate? ...
ChineduOpara took the words out of my mouth, could not be more precise and accurate especially his first response, word for word spot on.Know that I love my life here in Colombia and would not have it any other way.I have a handful of authentic ... Read More
My friend is Dating a Colombian girl by Terryascencio
Hi I have a friend he's currently dating a Colombian girl not sure where they met ( most likely online) my friend It's not the greatest looking guy and the typical girls he has dating in the past they haven't been the best looking girls or neither ...
Poor guy. it's a scam.I have 34 years of travel in Colombia (initial 4 month stay in Bogota 1990) and now have almost 15 years in Medellin, full time, still constantly exploring every region, making friends and have had a few very serious gf over ... Read More
Futbol schedule for early July 2024 by clinton nicholson
Be in Bogota the first 2 weeks in July '24. Never been to a professional soccer game and would like to attend one.No luck trying to find the schedules for Millionaires/Santa Fe teams. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks EK
@ clinton, The world calls it football, not soccer, and even more so here in Colombia. Yes do what you need to to watch a live football game in Bogota as my fondest memories of my first visits/extended stays to Bogota in December of 1990 was ... Read More
The US Dollar Vs. The Colombian Peso ............. Who's Up? Who's Down? by cccmedia
Weekly close a record.For the first time ever, the exchange closed forthe week with the U.S. Dollar above 5000 Pesos.The closing value for the week endedNovember 4, 2022, is 5092 Pesos to the Dollar.Source... xe.com USD-COP charting
@mtbe So true. Not only do I read the local/regional and national news I speak daily with my Colombian friends, a few of which even supported Petro............they now agree "I told you so". 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 ...
For what it is worth I have an extensive (34 years and over 200,000 km) driving experience in Colombia and Ecuador, on long road trips in my car (my KIA), this is my passion.....always starting/ending at my home in Medellin, many times just solo but ... Read More
Nationwide water drought 2024 by cccmedia
Colombia is afflicted with a long-lasting droughtapparently caused by the weather phenomenonknown as El Niño.I've been in Bucaramanga, Santander .. and it hashardly rained at all, with no hard rains, in recent months.This is not a local ...
Boy lots of talk about this subject, let me just say as for water use "If It's Brown Flush It Down but If It's Yellow Let It Mellow".....hehehehehe...................I remembered that line from growing up in California and in the 70's and 80's we ... Read More
Nationwide water drought 2024 by cccmedia
Colombia is afflicted with a long-lasting droughtapparently caused by the weather phenomenonknown as El Niño.I've been in Bucaramanga, Santander .. and it hashardly rained at all, with no hard rains, in recent months.This is not a local ...
Lets all do the Happy Dance as the it has been raining here in Colombia and especially so where I live in my pueblo outside of Medellin for 2 plus weeks now, blessed rain!Last night I was awoken by how I can only describe as a torrential downpour ... Read More
Taxation on Social Security? by nicoleadette
Hi everyone, I am so confused. I've tried researching this and I keep getting vague answers or wildly different conclusions, most of which don't seem to make much sense. If anyone can clarify and set me straight I will be incredibly grateful. I do ...
Your confused, welcome to the party. There are simply so many opinions on this subject even with the so called Colombian tax accounting experts that after almost 10 years living here I still don't fully understand the requirements, and BTW I am just ... Read More
I'm the neighbor of an expat who just died here in Medellin by chiguy66
So I've been here in Medellin 10 years now; 5 months ago I moved to a new apartment in Floresta. I ended up smack next door to an American, for the first time in all my time in Colombia. He was 75 years old, but good lord, was he having fun with the ...
Boy some gringos really have taken on the Paisa drama personality, like a Colombian Novela on tv, hehehehe..............for gods sake a cell phone lifted in a Medellin hospital.....head down to the Opera in centro Medellin and you can recover ... Read More
Checking Possibilities for moving to Colombia by GuestPoster92
Hello and good time.I'm an Iranian citizen, currently residing in Italy with a student visa but planning to migrate to Colombia within the next few months. I wish I can obtain citizenship and Colombia passport afterwards. I intend to establish or ...
@nico peligro, I think Top 5 as it has so many moving parts to it that are out there. Just saying. Read More
Cost of living in Colombia in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Colombia, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in ...
A member mentioned about the Colombian President Petro and what he is/wants to do with the health system (SURA) and coincidentally yesterday I am riding my bike in centro Medellin and passing through barrio San Diego, on the large road San Juan/near ... Read More
Potrerito area by georgesbigg
Does anyone have any knowledge of the area just south of Potrerito, it's about 15 minutes south of Jamundi, they have some nice homes in the area.
@ ChineduOpara - Certainly, look in the El Colombiano daily news paper, the big article was I think this past Friday and it showcased how Medellin is now ranked at #19 for homicides and Cali #1, it also has the breakdown of the various parts of the ... Read More
Checking Possibilities by GuestPoster92
Hello and good time.I'm an Iranian citizen, currently residing in Italy with a student visa but planning to migrate to Colombia within the next few months. I wish I can obtain citizenship and Colombia passport afterwards. I intend to establish or ...
Your idea has so many layers and complexity that you will need far more time, expense and connections along with a thorough understanding of the Colombian culture and not to be overshadowed by a high level of Spanish language that it's daunting.What ... Read More
Potrerito area by georgesbigg
Does anyone have any knowledge of the area just south of Potrerito, it's about 15 minutes south of Jamundi, they have some nice homes in the area.
BTW, truth be told and Cali takes the top Number 1 spot for the highest homicide rate in Colombia.I have driven through this area a number of times in the past 6 years while on my road trips throughout Colombia, was last there in July 2023 after ... Read More
Cost of living in Colombia in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Colombia, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in ...
Talking about health cost, I am much younger than perhaps most here yet no spring chicken, hehehe but living in Medellin almost 10 years and I have EPS SURA with a monthly cost of 380,000 pesos, use it almost never but needed to maintain required ... Read More
Default on a loan by linwoodmcneill
Hey guys , I have a question. I was engaged to a Colombian lady. She came her on a marriage visa . During this time I loaned her money to save her mother who recently died's home that had a lien on it. I new the mom and family and agreed to loan ...
Your in the US I assume? I also assume that your ex-gf/fiancee is a Rola? What is the general amount of the "loan"?Basically your SOL. Virtually impossible to retrieve any money. You will only spend more plata on an attorney so cut your losses and ... Read More
Cost of living in Colombia in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Colombia, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in ...
My experience/costs - briefly about me: retired male, solo, lived almost 10 years in Medellin (visiting Colombia since 1990 so 34 years of exploring just about every city/pueblo/town/coastal spots both the Pacific and Caribbean islands), purchased ... Read More
GIRLFRIEND / FIANCE/ WIFE (??) FROM COLOMBIA by JohnyLondon
A bit of advice:Â Colombians are great women. Healthy, seemingly happy, dancing, oh - you would like to forget about God's world.You will be surrounded by laughter and dancing in the fumes of wine and beer, if you buy aguardiente - they will ...
After 34 years visiting Colombia and now 10 years in Medellin and traveling everywhere almost non-stop in the whole of Colombia, have had dates/relationships/gf in about every region/department (eg Rolos, Paisas, Costenas, Calienas, Chocoas, hehehe, ... Read More
The US Dollar Vs. The Colombian Peso ............. Who's Up? Who's Down? by cccmedia
Weekly close a record.For the first time ever, the exchange closed forthe week with the U.S. Dollar above 5000 Pesos.The closing value for the week endedNovember 4, 2022, is 5092 Pesos to the Dollar.Source... xe.com USD-COP charting
And to think that my first visit to Colombia was a 4 month stay in Bogota in the winter of 1990 and I recall the exchange rate from USD to COP was like 600.I am happy as a clam regardless of the rate fluctuations, here 7 almost 8 years ago purchased ... Read More
Funds transfer from US financial institution to Colombian bank by Marquezdl
I am preparing to go car shopping and I am planning to pay cash for a new vehicle. My problem is that I know nothing of the ins and outs of transferring $30-40K from the US to Colombia.any advice from the finanacial wizards here?I would prefer to ...
Wow $40 grand/200,000,000 Colombian pesos buys one hell of a car.You need to meet with your Colombian bank branch manager, they are going to have 1,000 questions of what the funds are for, you will need to prove the source of the income, etc., etc. ... Read More
Resident visa expires 12/31/23 by GuestPoster18120
I have booked a flight to Panama and return in 3 days. I will start my visa process before I leave. I want to know if when I return they will let me come back in on the 90 day tourist status or if they will not let me enter. It will be a new ...
Ditto nico peligro comment in the above, I have been traveling to and everywhere in Colombia for 34 years, perhaps a hundred plus visits lasting from a few weeks to 6 months in a year since my maiden visit to Bogota in November of 1990, and now for ... Read More
The US Dollar Vs. The Colombian Peso ............. Who's Up? Who's Down? by cccmedia
Weekly close a record.For the first time ever, the exchange closed forthe week with the U.S. Dollar above 5000 Pesos.The closing value for the week endedNovember 4, 2022, is 5092 Pesos to the Dollar.Source... xe.com USD-COP charting
What a bunch of hog wash, hehehe which Colombians are you speaking to? Cut the rate from 13.25% to 13.0% and this is your proof? wowEven my once strong supporter of Petro, my best mid aged Colombian paisa friend who lives high in the Estrato 2 ... Read More
Open a Colombian Bank Account by PeteWattersChatsworth18
I travel to Colombia as a tourist 5 times a year for about 2 weeks a stay. I would like to open a Bancolumbia account and understand I need a "CĂ©dula de ExtranjerĂa." and to get that I need to get a VISA. How hard is it to get these 2 ...
Just my take as I have traveled everywhere in the all of Colombia since my first visit/extended work assignment in Bogota in the winter of 1990 and now living full time in Medellin, actually outside of Medellin, and was able to obtain a Bancolombia ... 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 ...
Investing in real estate in AED?? Is this a joke. Is this for investment purposes only or a purchase to live there, urrrrrrrThe extreme heat, brutal humidity, predominant religion with it's repressive culture, located completely in a ... Read More
Extension in colombia by yvesrenard731
Hi, we have been in colombia for more than 2 months and would like to extend our stay for another 3 months. In order to change our flights we were hoping to have an answer from migration colombia, nevertheless it looks like it would be easier in the ...
As we are at/so close to December 31 New Years the easiest would be to do a visa run to re-set your time for 2024. Before I received my visa/live full time in Colombia for the past 5 years I would reset my time by heading into Ecuador for a day or ... Read More
Colombia transfers by lunamick
This was posted on another expat board DIAN are starting a new system in the New Year whereby ATM providers are now going to have to inform them of all withdrawals using Foreign Cards, and any multiple transaction using the same cardI dont have an ...
So whats the big deal?Don't worry about the small stuff, life is short, just enjoy it as it's all over before anyone realizes it. Read More
Quality beef rib eyes by Lpdiver
Any idea how much per pound or kilo a good quality ribeye would run in Colombia? Medellin in particular.lpd
A few days back I was shopping at Jumbo San Juan (in Medellin) and what a good selection of all kinds of cuts they had. Read More
Your neighbours in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When you move in Colombia, relationships with your neighbours can play a vital role in your well-being and integration. Share your experiences of the interactions and routines that punctuate your daily life in Colombia: Tell us ...
I share the same sentiments as Phil, for the life of me I can't understand why expats leave their homeland (me is Los Angeles, California) and want to find and live where these expats live.The best thing I did, was after traveling everywhere in ... Read More
Bancolombia - contacting a live person by jmg988
I'm living in the US but have a savings acct in Bancolombia but lost the code to my card. Without that card code I cannot talk to anyone from the bank when I call and I cannot get into my account online. Has anyone experienced this problem?
We can all be thankful for the process that Bancolombia goes through with their security checks to be certain that you, the user/owner of the account, is actually you with all the BS clowns and fraud/identity theft going on in the world.I have had ... Read More
Social Security Remittance by kmarilor
Hello! My husband & I are planning to retire in Colombia, either in Manizales, Armenia, or Pereira. Therefore, what is the best way to remit Social Security from the US? Thank you very much for any advice.Maria
For what it is worth I have my SS deposited into my Charles Schwab account then use a combination of ATM withdrawals with my Charles Schwab debit card (good exchange rates and free) and also use Xoom to transfer from my Charles Schwab to my ... Read More