crespobrenda
American expat in Colombia
Forum posts
48
About me
American
Registration: 13 April 2024
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 ...
@nico peligro Wow Nico were you upset? But I do appreciate the information thank you. 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 ...
@OsageArcher Thank you for the information when I researched atm Colombia I got a list of atm’s. thanks again 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!
@ChineduOpara You guys are funny 😁 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!
@nico peligro 😉 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 ...
@OsageArcher Thank you so much 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 ...
@nico peligro Thank you. We are busy getting ready to move to Colombia. My other question is you mentioned repatriation/medical insurance ATM Colombia…I’ve googled and cannot find that insurance? What does ATM acronym stand for? Thanks ... Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Colombia? Is the public ...
@cccmedia If I am reading the threads correctly; I mayhave medication sent to me using DHL or US Global? 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 ...
@nico peligro No days in 2025. Thank you for the info. I went through the info on this site for 90 day extension-it was suggested completing the application on line before we come toColombia. I went on line and couldn’t find the form. Any ... 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 ...
@nico peligro Thanks for all your information. I talked to my lawyer today and she is pursuing to get tutela. I hate to ask this question because sometimes ignorance is bliss, but my lawyer told me that I can still get into Columbia for my trip in ... 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 ...
@nico peligro Thank you Nico the first one un admitted the second one was denial negate is what it was called. I used langon glad you mentioned it so I will definitely get with them and ask. I’m still coming and reapply in January however ... 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 ...
@ChineduOpara Thank you. Not giving up!! 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 ...
@stealtannest3t I submitted my visa application for M 1 pensioner. I used the same law firm. However, i was denied. I know the first thing you think is OK what is she having her background that they would disapprove her well nothing1) my criminal ... 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 ...
@expat42451 Having just experienced this issue. I have my own personal health insurance from the US, but I had to get something that covers me for repatriation in Columbia and although this thread gives a lot of information you don’t really ... 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 ...
@stealtannest3t Did you need repatriation insurance? I have medical coverage but not travel to be repatriated. Could you please give me information, thank you Brenda Read More
Mig Check trouble by evel Knievel
Why will the Mig Check site NOT e-mail me? I have filled it out and it tells me I have been successful, but I never receive an e-mail with the code proving I have completed? Any helpful tips? Thank you
@evel Knievel We print out the paperwork and it’s accepted. I’ve also taken a screenshot and saved to photos. 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 ...
@patduff Private insurance that covers us internationally 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 ...
@patduff I understand we are not poor but not rich, we have been to Colombia several times and the people make us feel welcome. We have met and made friends in Colombia we are in our 70’s (hard to imagine). 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 ...
I should have told you a bit about ourselves. We are from Florida we look forward to our move, even if our visas don’t come through we will spend six months in Colombia and possibly 6 months in Chile. We have a dog (our baby) a German ... 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 ...
Hi my husband and I are completing our papery for our visas…cannot wait!! Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@ChineduOpara Well darn we went with Langon. I missed your response. Anyway I’ll let you know how it goes. Keep up the good information you put out! Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@ccebhei We paid 1200$ US for bothof us. Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@crespobrenda I know it’s been awhile but we used Langon law, or I should say we are using Langon. They have been helpful in helping navigate what we need to do. I’m working on getting the documents together now. If you need anymore info ... 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 ...
@Colt75 I feel exactly the same. I worry for our democracy. We want to relocate to the poblado area. We sold our home in Florida and now working with a law firm to get our VISA and rent. Trump is so eratic it is scary. Read More
Car rentals
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 ... Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@crespobrenda i did Langon law i looked them up and found them if you fo through ourthread one of the posters who is very active gave a lengthy post that is very informative Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@ChineduOpara is the FBI report required for a visitors Visa? we want to stay 2 years… is it required if we stay six months and then go six months to another country I guess we just don’t know so or I should say we don’t know what ... Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@ccebhei did you receive any recommendations? im looking as well!thank you Read More
Calling 800 and other US numbers from Colombian phone by pbrenneman
Is there a special exit code I need to dial when trying to reach 800 numbers from my new Colombian phone number? I was trying to reach my credit card customer service by calling the 800 number on the back as well as the (outside the US) number and ...
Regarding the threads if you search a subject that you want to get to it brings up old emails. I know it happens to me and I apologize but it’s interesting to read back through so thank you. Read More
Living in armenia by Cibidcolombia
Hi you all Starting a new chapter in life here in colombia Been living the last 6 years in spain and before 4 years in thailand My business is moving to start up in alcala close to pereria and same distance to armenia so no matter what i ...
we will checkout that area thank you 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 ...
@South American Voyager we looking for a good lawyer in the area. My husband and I are from the United States and we would like to give visas but we understand that we have to get a lawyer. If anyone could recommend one for us will be there for the ... 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 ...
@crabpc19481 good morning you say you have another option what is that option? If you don’t mind me asking thank you very much Brenda. Read More
Dozens of tourists lost their lives this year mainly in Poblado by cccmedia
Given that 38 foreign tourists were killed or found dead inthe Paisa capital last year, 2023, things are getting worse.2024 is barely half over and already 31 foreign touristshave died in Medellin which puts Medellin on track towardover 60 dead ...
@cccmedia my husband and i are visiting Poblado in October for a month- should we be concerned? Read More
banks deposits by bobbybases
my question is , i have my retirement moneies direct deposited in my bank. what is the easist way to utilize rio negro banks with my bank or do i need to open a columbian bank account
@nico peligro i also I’m looking to open an account so I did look up the subject and there is a plethora of information and I understand why you recommend Charles Schwab seems to be the best but I’m gonna keep looking because I have ... Read More
Pensioner visa renewal by massimolanfranchi57@
I trying to renew my pensioner visa which expired ,on my background there was a felony that was expunged but with the FBI runn it show.will i have issue renewing it because that?thank you in advance
@crabpc19481 my husband has a felony from 40 yrs ago we do plan on getting legal help both in tbestates and colombia Just researching with folks on Expat! thank you 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
Is that good or bad? the ”i told you so?” Read More
Pensioner visa renewal by massimolanfranchi57@
I trying to renew my pensioner visa which expired ,on my background there was a felony that was expunged but with the FBI runn it show.will i have issue renewing it because that?thank you in advance
what was the different visa? 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 ...
Can anyone tell us which bank to use in Colombia we want to open a bank account for the purpose of using it to have in Columbia my husband wants to take sailing classes and things like that. Is that possible if if we don’t live there? ... 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 ...
@cccmedia that’s what we’re thinking of doing and then spending six months somewhere else I don’t know where that somewhere else will be, but we’ll figure it out maybe Mexico? 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 ...
@cccmedia 🤣🤣 did my husband write that because that’s us he wants to buy a sailboat and travel and me. I’m not into it. I am the I’m the chicken of the sea.! Read More
GIRLFRIEND / FIANCE/ WIFE (??) FROM COLOMBIA by JohnyLondon
A bit of advice: 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 ...
Ugh! doesnt sound promising does anyone use their heAlthcare from the states? such as medicare primary and blue cross blue shield secondsary? or is that a dream I’m having?! Read More
Background Check for M Retirement Visa by karencds
Have had my M visa for almost a year now, so it’s time to apply for a renewal. This time I need the criminal background check. Over 25 years ago I had two or three misdemeanors, not involving violence or dishonesty. Will this be a problem?
@cccmedia I totally understand the issue of scammers My husband and I are planning to be in Colombia the month of October as soon as we figure out where we will be staying. we spent time in Poblado when he was there for his dental surgery in May ... Read More
Background Check for M Retirement Visa by karencds
Have had my M visa for almost a year now, so it’s time to apply for a renewal. This time I need the criminal background check. Over 25 years ago I had two or three misdemeanors, not involving violence or dishonesty. Will this be a problem?
@cccmedia wow thank you for the great information would you be willing to meet us when we come to colombia? we stayed im Poblato when we were there in April Also my husband speaks Spanish he’s from Puerto Rico however I’ve never ... Read More
Background Check for M Retirement Visa by karencds
Have had my M visa for almost a year now, so it’s time to apply for a renewal. This time I need the criminal background check. Over 25 years ago I had two or three misdemeanors, not involving violence or dishonesty. Will this be a problem?
@cccmedia thank you so much. I have many more questions.!! Read More
Background Check for M Retirement Visa by karencds
Have had my M visa for almost a year now, so it’s time to apply for a renewal. This time I need the criminal background check. Over 25 years ago I had two or three misdemeanors, not involving violence or dishonesty. Will this be a problem?
@nico peligrothank you we have no idea where tobegin where do the majority of ecpats livr? Read More
Background Check for M Retirement Visa by karencds
Have had my M visa for almost a year now, so it’s time to apply for a renewal. This time I need the criminal background check. Over 25 years ago I had two or three misdemeanors, not involving violence or dishonesty. Will this be a problem?
@cccmedia could you recommend a reputable immigration lawyer? 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 ...
🤣 i used that with my granddaughter and had to explain what it meant! 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 ...
@nico peligro thank you! 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 ...
@nico peligro my husband has a felony on his record from years ago. Is that gonna preclude him applying for a visa to stay longer or even to stay 90days The felony is from 45 years ago so we were just wondering if that’s gonna hurt us or not ... Read More