BrandonBP
American looking for information about Ecuador
Forum posts
189
Contacts
12
About me
American
Lives in Noneyaville
Registration: 06 June 2013
English speaking lawyer/accountants in Bogota by njf
Hi Can anyone recommend an English speaking lawyer/accountant in Bogota for tax advice for a retired person wanting to move to Colombia? Cheers
Alan Gongora in Medellin is a Harvard attorney that will help you. Super nice man and upstanding. Send him an email and he will fix you you. Read More
Retiree moving to Medellin in May. Any advice? by Bob Burford
I’m from Nashville, Tennessee. Retired jazz guitarist. For the past several years I had a private investigation agency specializing in murder defense, missing persons and wayward husbands. Three months ago I spent two weeks in Medellin. My ...
Bob, I like Medellin. It's a great city in the world. It's likely you can walk around the rest of your life and no one will ever hassle you. It's also likely that someone will rob you. So I like the suggestions that you go to some ... Read More
Marriage advice by Kully
Hi all, I wonder if anyone can give me some helpful advice. I am from London, UK and my girlfriend is Colombian and we are planning on getting married in Bogota in the new year. What is the correct way of going about this including documents ...
I've researched this because I am going to marry a Colombian girl. Being a foreigner trying to marry a Colombian in Colombia is a paperwork nightmare. So, what I've discovered is that going to Guatemala is easier. Like going to Vegas. You ... Read More
Cucuta by CanadaDoug
Hello fellow expats. I am a retired Canadian who has visited 5 Latin America countries in the last year. I am presently living in Medellin, Colombia and plan to move to Cucuta in March. I am an expert with computers and have discovered that Cucuta ...
Doug, Please don't do this. You sound like a nice guy. You're Canadian, so it's a 90% probability that you're the nicest guy ever. I've never been to Cucuta, but every time I ask a Colombian about it, they say it's like ... Read More
Moving to Medellin next week Health Insurance Question by sasha567
As an American, can I purchase private health insurance in Colombia ? Thanks
CCCCCmedia, are you still going to be in MDE in mid August? I'm flying in and getting on a bus to Eje Cafetero. I'll spend a night or two in MDE maybe. I'll buy you a beer somewhere if we cross cities at some point. Read More
Emeralds
There's a TV show called Mine Hunters that fly to Bogota. Season 1, Episode 1. It's a pretty good show. I think I bought it on Amazon or another streaming service. I tried calling an old family friend that owns a jewelry store to see his ... Read More
Receive money in Colombia from outside by Didetune
We have created our society and will work with foreign countries. They will pay us from Europe. How can we receive the money in Colombia? We can't use paypal in Colombia and the transfer with the swip code seems to be complicated, is there ...
Under the U.S. FATCA laws, opening a foreign bank account is very difficult. Nothing quite like your government making your life impossible, right? Home of the Free!!! I just used my ATM card. The exchange rates are decent. I found that Bancolombia ... Read More
American with visa question by heyyzuz
Hi everyone, I'm an American who got a job working for a private school by the name of SMART in Medellin. I start next month! I actually want to go to Colombia before I start though. So in that case, 8/ it possible to apply for a work visa ...
Alan Gongora of Langon Law did respond to an email I sent .. and even forwarded a gratis tax-opinion from a COL accountant .. on whether I would be tax-liable if moving to Colombia. Alan's firm obtained a TP-7 visa approval for me several days ... Read More
Teaching English in Colombia- colegio Douglas brown in Zipaquira? by Zinzielee
Can anyone give me details information on colegio Douglas brown in Zipaquira?
LOL damn, I just read your post and realized you bumped an old thread. :/ Read More
Teaching English in Colombia- colegio Douglas brown in Zipaquira? by Zinzielee
Can anyone give me details information on colegio Douglas brown in Zipaquira?
Zipa is a cool city. As far as I could see, it seems very safe. It's a clean city with nice people. You're making a good choice to move there. I liked the place and would definitely visit again. I think the posters above are right. The ... Read More
Being a chef in Bogota by Nordhazen
Hi. I'm a chef of 4 years experience currently working and improving my skills and craft. I'm trying to look for work as a chef in Bogota trying to make around 1.5 million pesos to live comfortably by my standards. I don't know what the ...
Colombia surely needs some good cooks. What is your specialty? The Colombians love Mexican food and Chinese. But the Mexican and Chinese restaurants are mostly garbage down there. They also like Japanese, and I found that the Japanese food/sushi was ... Read More
Mysteries of Colombia by cccmedia
When I’m in Quindío, Colombia -- I’m in my eighth week on this visit -- a favorite evening-plan for me is to get some food for my apartment at Ryori Japanese restaurant and then play blackjack across the street at the Río ...
I had to look that one up in the online Spanish-English dictionary.... caspa 1. a vulgar person -- trash, lowlife. 2. dandruff. (wordreference.com)I learned it my last trip. Caspas are nere-do-wells. They hang out in the park and wait on ... Read More
Mysteries of Colombia by cccmedia
When I’m in Quindío, Colombia -- I’m in my eighth week on this visit -- a favorite evening-plan for me is to get some food for my apartment at Ryori Japanese restaurant and then play blackjack across the street at the Río ...
Your Colombian buddies will CERTAINLY step in for you if you have trouble. I've experienced it. The good Colombians are loyal and will do anything for you. Be good to those guys because they will defend your butt when you need it. The average ... Read More
Mysteries of Colombia by cccmedia
When I’m in Quindío, Colombia -- I’m in my eighth week on this visit -- a favorite evening-plan for me is to get some food for my apartment at Ryori Japanese restaurant and then play blackjack across the street at the Río ...
I sort of liked Fred's suggestion that you slam on the brakes and let them smash into the back of you. I've been in enough situations in Colombia to realize that life is cheap there. The vast majority are beautiful people, but that small ... Read More
Mysteries of Colombia by cccmedia
When I’m in Quindío, Colombia -- I’m in my eighth week on this visit -- a favorite evening-plan for me is to get some food for my apartment at Ryori Japanese restaurant and then play blackjack across the street at the Río ...
The place certainly keeps you on your toes. I've had some really crazy things happen. Read More
Mysteries of Colombia by cccmedia
When I’m in Quindío, Colombia -- I’m in my eighth week on this visit -- a favorite evening-plan for me is to get some food for my apartment at Ryori Japanese restaurant and then play blackjack across the street at the Río ...
You must live in some part of Colombia that isn't very Colombian. I would love to even get a gotdamn menu at a restaurant occasionally. Read More
Mysteries of Colombia by cccmedia
When I’m in Quindío, Colombia -- I’m in my eighth week on this visit -- a favorite evening-plan for me is to get some food for my apartment at Ryori Japanese restaurant and then play blackjack across the street at the Río ...
I have some pretty outrageous Colombia stories. I'm sure you've read a few. But this takes the cake. Fed Ex in Colombia won't even deliver a package, but you had some Colombians track you down to deliver food? I'm going to have to ... Read More
Colombia or Ecuador? by smithcgc
Hi all, I've been researching a move to either Colombia or Ecuador. Medellin, Cali, Cuenca, Guayaquil. Thus far Ecuador seems to offer a lower COL which makes for a great incentive and other opportunities. It also seems to have more outdoor ...
lolwut? That's so great. Is it a difficult task for a foreigner to own a house? Would you have full rights to it? 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 heard this from the expats in Medellin. It's apparently a big pain to rent an apartment as a gringo in a lot of places. But my experience was different. I found a little apartment by the lake in Guatape and I just gave the lady some cash. She ... Read More
Speaking Spanish in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Colombia. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a language ...
Here's some Colombian Spanish that they will use a lot. It's not what you hear in other countries. Que Mas? - What's up? They also use "Que Tal?" a lot. Que pues? - Same as Que mas. Bien o que? - Another greeting they ... Read More
Speaking Spanish in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Colombia. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a language ...
As a guy that can rap fairly well with Mexicans and Ecuadorans and Puerto Ricans, I have to say that Colombian Spanish gives me fits. They talk very fast and they have their own words that other countries don't use. "A la orden!" ... Read More
Colombia or Ecuador? by smithcgc
Hi all, I've been researching a move to either Colombia or Ecuador. Medellin, Cali, Cuenca, Guayaquil. Thus far Ecuador seems to offer a lower COL which makes for a great incentive and other opportunities. It also seems to have more outdoor ...
This is a difficult question for me. I love both countries very much. If I could pick up all my shit and move to either Ecuador or Colombia, I'd be packing up my things this second. Ecuador is more expensive right now. It's odd because in ... Read More
Speak very little Spanish by Markus01
Hello! I'm visiting Medellin for a couple of weeks and speak very little Spanish. I'm traveling alone.....anything that I should definitely know to or not to do while visiting? Thanks!
I was drunk. And I meant passport and drivers license. I don't carry my credit card or ATM unless I'm going directly to the bank to get money. Read More
Speak very little Spanish by Markus01
Hello! I'm visiting Medellin for a couple of weeks and speak very little Spanish. I'm traveling alone.....anything that I should definitely know to or not to do while visiting? Thanks!
Markus, welcome to the club. Club Colombia! (That's a little joke because that's a beer. I've had more Club Colombias than you can shake a stick at). There's some really great advice above. Just watch your axx, man. You'll feel ... Read More
Considering Colombia by Uncle Baldrick
Firstly, hi to everyone on this site we are currently living in Brisbane Australia. A year ago we left Columbia and we haven't been able to get Guatape out of our minds. Although we have never been to Medellin. We're thinking about ...
Hiyas! I don't know how much you've looked into Guatape. But you're on the right track. It's truly great. I hate to come to forums and tell extranjeros how great it is because I figure I'll retire there one day and I'll find ... Read More
Expats in Cali? Looking to practice Spanish by mj22lee
Hi everyone, My name is Mike and I'm currently living in Cali , Colombia, working at a university with a professor. Are there any other expats around? I'll be in Cali until April 2017 most likely. I'm looking to practice Spanish with ...
I've heard some pretty rotten Spanish in South America. But I've also heard some rotten English in Memphis. Same thing. Read More
Expats in Cali? Looking to practice Spanish by mj22lee
Hi everyone, My name is Mike and I'm currently living in Cali , Colombia, working at a university with a professor. Are there any other expats around? I'll be in Cali until April 2017 most likely. I'm looking to practice Spanish with ...
I laughed a bit when you said native speakers use proper Spanish. Que Chimba! Read More
Your best business development ideas in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Colombia is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
Well, that makes sense for jewelry, but what if I just want some meat and all they have is 12 carts with grilled plaintains? I was always like, damnit, now I have to walk across town just to get some meat on a stick. I just thought it was odd. Read More
Your best business development ideas in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Colombia is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
I don't want to hijack the thread, but since you live in Ecuador, I wanted to ask you something that perplexed me while I was there. Maybe this is just a Banos thing, I mainly just hung out in Quito, Cuenca and Banos, so perhaps it's just a ... Read More
Your best business development ideas in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Colombia is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
I think the problem with opening a food vendor or restaurant in Colombia is making prices competitive. For example, I think if you had a burger cart where you sold 100% beef burgers for $2.00, they'd still go to the burger stand down the street ... Read More
Your best business development ideas in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Colombia is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
Oh, and it's hard to find great Mexican in Colombia, but it's possible. The trick is to find a Mexican shop with Mexicans. Not a real shocker, I know. This little hole-in-the-wall is in Parque Lleras near Eco Bar (the bar where you sit ... Read More
Your best business development ideas in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Colombia is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
They do technically have cheese, but it's all bland. I'm not sure if the more flavorful cheeses would even sell in Colombia unless you sold it in a Gringo area like Poblado. Their cheese reminds me of that rubbery cheese sold alongside a ... Read More
Your best business development ideas in Colombia by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Colombia is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
They don't have basil, cheese, Chinese food, or real steaks. I'm guessing the first person to do any of these things would be rich. Read More
Business etiquette in Colombia by Julien
Hello everybody, As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in Colombia, we warmly encourage you to share information and ...
What a ***. Julien, if I knew I would tell you, brother. Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
Yeah, well... I found out the hard way. When I showed up to my embassy with a bruised face, the case officer told me Chapinero was the worst place for robberies. And I said, "But it feels like the nice part of town. I felt like it was the ... Read More
Visiting in January by Confedunce
Buenas! I'll be visiting in January for a couple weeks. Don't know anything other than what I've read on this site (stay in Poblada; visit Guatape; mountain bike tour). I'll be alone and only have a rudimentary conversational Spanish ...
Congrats on your trip. You'll have a blast. As far as Spanish, the google translator aps are helpful, but they tend to be confusing a lot. Google often doesn't understand Colombian Spanish. You really just need a few phrases to get ... Read More
Mobile Service Provider Feedback / Calidad de Servicio Moviles
I've used Movistar, Tigo and Claro. I liked all about the same, but locals and expats swear that Claro is better. Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
Yeah, well... I found out the hard way. When I showed up to my embassy with a bruised face, the case officer told me Chapinero was the worst place for robberies. And I said, "But it feels like the nice part of town. I felt like it was the ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
Well, it's sort of like plane crashes. They don't happen all that much, but when they do, you will hear about them. That being said, I've traveled extensively through Colombia, and I've experienced bad things and I've heard bad ... Read More
City in Colombia
If you can cook decent food or make cheese, I think Colombia can find a spot for you. Because Colombians can't do either of those things. Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
And I promised quite a while back to give you guys the deets (that's what the cool kids say for 'details' these days, I think) on my two almost taxi robberies. The first issue I had was leaving a club. I had followed two German guys ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
That sort of makes it sound like you're going to be in 1980's Beirut, but that's absolutely the attitude you need to have in Bogota. The Bogotenos have that attitude, and it's for a reason. They grew up there and know what can happen. Read More
Has anyone taken the Bus from Quito to Cali? by howeld
Hi; My name is Darlene.I am a Canadian currently living in Ecuador but I am considering relocating to Colombia. I am interested in making an exploratory trip and I am considering taking the bus from Quito to Popayan my first desired stop. If any ...
Any busride of several hours will stop at a truckstop/restaurant for the driver's lunch break. It's also a good way to tell when you're about halfway there. Read More
Has anyone taken the Bus from Quito to Cali? by howeld
Hi; My name is Darlene.I am a Canadian currently living in Ecuador but I am considering relocating to Colombia. I am interested in making an exploratory trip and I am considering taking the bus from Quito to Popayan my first desired stop. If any ...
I like number 4. I'm going to remember that one. Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
It seems like a lost opportunity for Colombia. I've always felt very welcome there. And it's an opportunity for gringo retirees an entrepreneurs to come spend their pensions and investments. Instead, the government is being shortsighted and ... Read More
Has anyone taken the Bus from Quito to Cali? by howeld
Hi; My name is Darlene.I am a Canadian currently living in Ecuador but I am considering relocating to Colombia. I am interested in making an exploratory trip and I am considering taking the bus from Quito to Popayan my first desired stop. If any ...
I made that trip by bus. Crossed at Ipiales. The bus ride is VERY long. Try to get a nicer bus. We got held up when we close to the border on the Ecuador side. We stopped and waited and waited. People got of the bus and were walking around and ... Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Governments sure do tend to get greedy with money grabbing schemes. They figure if a bunch of Gringos are going to flood in, they may as well squeeze as much as they can from them. Or those Gringos can go retire in Ecuador. Read More
How much money to live in Colombia and not have to work by chriscam19
Hi everyone. Maybe this question has already been asked. I know there are many variables in deciding on how much money to have. But my question is how much money do I need to take with me to Colombia and not have to work for the rest of my life? ...
That's easier said than done. A rich Colombian chick that wants to support a gringo? May as well play the lotto. Read More
Positive & Negative side of Colombia! by walka19walka64
I will try to say both the positive and the negative. Positive: 1. people can be friendly 2. there are pretty sights 3. it is not as expensive as America 4. the weather can be better than America 5. there are fun things to do Negatives: 1. ...
It's difficult to even cook a great meal at home. They just don't carry high quality products. I have never even once seen basil, and I made it a mission to find basil just because. Even if I didn't want basil, I'd go look at the ... Read More
Any Americans Moving to Medellin? by mdreyer80
Hi everyone, My name is Mark, I'm from Pensacola Beach, Florida. I've decided to move to Medellin in about 3 months and I have a lot of questions as there isn't much info on the net for 2016. A few are, Which part of Medellin is a ...
ccccccmedia, I almost went to Armenia this last trip, but Gringos kept telling me it was boring and that the nice part of town had been razed by the earthquake. I wish I'd gone anyhow. But I went to Manizales instead. Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Amazingly, some gringo pig men just come visit Colombia because we like to drink Colombian beer, see the mountains, and go hiking. I've never once done anything to ruin your country. I've never once violated any of your laws. If anyone is ... Read More
How much money to live in Colombia and not have to work by chriscam19
Hi everyone. Maybe this question has already been asked. I know there are many variables in deciding on how much money to have. But my question is how much money do I need to take with me to Colombia and not have to work for the rest of my life? ...
A lot of people with knowledge of computers do quite well in Colombia. I meet lots of people travelling that spend a couple of hours a day online and then just eff off the rest of the day doing fun stuff. I wish I'd studied programming or ... Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Peter, I envy you getting to live in Villa de Leyva. I spent 10 days there this year and should have stayed longer. I was very happy in that great town. I hiked out to the ostrich farm and the fossil museum. I stayed at a great hostel which is new ... Read More
How much money to live in Colombia and not have to work by chriscam19
Hi everyone. Maybe this question has already been asked. I know there are many variables in deciding on how much money to have. But my question is how much money do I need to take with me to Colombia and not have to work for the rest of my life? ...
I'm your age and would split rent with you if I could come just stay down there. But I have to come back to the US and save money, so I can spend my vacations in S. America. I don't know the answer to your question, but it seems that 100k ... Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Frank is working undercover. Secret agent man! Secret AGENT man! Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Well, that's a pretty dour assessment of the country, and I disagree. Many Colombians have problems getting by on minimum wage, sure. But they seem to make the best of it as far as being happy. And as I said in an earlier post, that's a ... Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Well the last question was one based on stereotypes. "Are the locals in Colombia happy? How can you tell? Please share your experiences." So, I shared MY experiences. I stereotyped Colombians in general, Bogotenos, and people from ... Read More
Top Things Found at a Colombian E.R. by cccmedia
I arrived at an emergency room, or [i]sala de urgencia[/i], in Armenia, Colombia, on Monday night at about 9:40, with a below-the-knee inflammation. This was at San Juan de Dios (St. John of God) Hospital on Avenida Bolívar. Here are the Top ...
If I had been conscious, I perhaps would have had a much better attitude when I arrived at the ER. Maybe then they would have given me an IV or some treatment. If I had had any money or credit cards after being robbed, I also could have paid, which ... Read More
Any Americans Moving to Medellin? by mdreyer80
Hi everyone, My name is Mark, I'm from Pensacola Beach, Florida. I've decided to move to Medellin in about 3 months and I have a lot of questions as there isn't much info on the net for 2016. A few are, Which part of Medellin is a ...
Can't go wrong with the coffee region. I didn't feel super safe or welcome in Pereira, but some others that live there swear by it. But I really love Manizales, Salento, and Filandia. There's also a little spot I stayed in for a month ... Read More
Top Things Found at a Colombian E.R. by cccmedia
I arrived at an emergency room, or [i]sala de urgencia[/i], in Armenia, Colombia, on Monday night at about 9:40, with a below-the-knee inflammation. This was at San Juan de Dios (St. John of God) Hospital on Avenida Bolívar. Here are the Top ...
My experience with a Colombian ER was much different. I was drugged and robbed in Chapinero, Bogota. For those that know the story already, bear with me. I woke up in an ER in Chapinero the morning after taking an ambulance ride as I was reportedly ... Read More
Is there alot of buzz about the Zika Virus? by dinodna
Hi again! For those of you already in Colombia, are people making a big deal about the Zika Virus? I am a female who is thinking about starting a family in the next couple of years and am planning on, coincidentally, moving to Colombia by then. In ...
Monsanto makes Roundup and crafted that nifty Agent Orange that turned out so well for everyone that got sprayed with it, so I don't doubt it. Read More
Are you happy in Colombia? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Colombia? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
I've seen those surveys before and Colombia was towards to top of the list of Happiest People. And I would agree. When you walk around Colombia, you see lots of happy folks. They hold hand with their wives and kids and smile and eat icecream ... Read More
Any Americans Moving to Medellin? by mdreyer80
Hi everyone, My name is Mark, I'm from Pensacola Beach, Florida. I've decided to move to Medellin in about 3 months and I have a lot of questions as there isn't much info on the net for 2016. A few are, Which part of Medellin is a ...
Birdman, I know I sound ominous all the time. And I don't mean to. However, it's very easy to see so many great people in Colombia and hang out with so many that are just genuinely happy to see visitors enjoying their beautiful country. But ... Read More
How much does it cost to buy an apartment in Medellin or Envigado by chriscam19
Hi. I am wondering how much it would cost for a nice 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom apartment in Medellin? I dont need an exact amount just like a ballpark figure? I want to purchase an apartment in a secure area. I was just wondering how much one would ...
If your wife is from Colombia, perhaps let her negotiate a much better price than what you'll get being a "rich" foreigner. The Gringo Tax is alive and well in Colombia. But then again, I went apartment shopping with a Colombian girl ... Read More
Any Americans Moving to Medellin? by mdreyer80
Hi everyone, My name is Mark, I'm from Pensacola Beach, Florida. I've decided to move to Medellin in about 3 months and I have a lot of questions as there isn't much info on the net for 2016. A few are, Which part of Medellin is a ...
It certainly plays a part if you're a big, tough looking dude. Robbers tend to look for easy targets. Who wants to fight a huge guy for his wallet? But robbers don't play fair. They will outnumber you or have a weapon. And DO NOT fight a ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
I was in college in the 90's and I took a class on international terrorism as a law class credit. My professor always warned us, "Bogota, Colombia is the most dangerous place in the world for an American." So I'm walking around ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
Yeah, I knew what you meant. But I travel to meet people. And if I'm so scared as to not talk to anyone, then that defeats the purpose of my travels. And the difficult thing is... when you first meet Colombians, you WILL feel like, "Man, ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
If I didn't befriend strangers, I'd never have any friends. :) Read More
My baby was born IN colombia
Fernando, are you going to take care of that baby? Because I've found in life that no one loves a child as much as his mother. Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Colombia can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Colombia? What are the ...
I can't wrap my head around the vote. And I understand it's a different country. But in the US the president has the power to make treaties with foreign governments under our Constitution. If nothing else, the president of Colombia can just ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Colombia can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Colombia? What are the ...
Well, coming from the USA, I guess I shouldn't throw stones at anyone's education system. We're not the most educated people on the planet. But yeah, when I see school kids in Colombia walking around BEFORE LUNCH and that's all the ... Read More
Thinking of moving to Cartegena by jms1
My husband and I (a gay couple) are thinking of taking early retirement and moving to Cartegena (we are also considering Panama). We are visiting Cartegena in December (Panama in February). We would love to hear about the pluses and minuses of ...
Well, I hate to crap on a spot I've never visited. But yeah, I've heard all that. And Colombia is such a beautiful spot. The mountains are GORGEOUS. The weather in the Colombian mountains is like October in the States. Some people like hot ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Colombia can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Colombia? What are the ...
And that's unfortunate. It's something I didn't know before visiting the expat sites. I have a long time before I get Social Security, but I don't want anyone taking a third of it. It's already a tax. I don't think I should ... Read More
Thinking of moving to Cartegena by jms1
My husband and I (a gay couple) are thinking of taking early retirement and moving to Cartegena (we are also considering Panama). We are visiting Cartegena in December (Panama in February). We would love to hear about the pluses and minuses of ...
Well, it's hot there. :) Every time someone asked me to come visit Cartegena, I was like, "Yeah! That sounds fun!" But then every time, I've been like, "But it's gonna be hot." So I never went. Maybe I'll get ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
The rules above that CCC give are golden and I almost always follow them. But I had just checked into a new hostel and there were other bags in my room. So I knew someone else was staying in my room, I hadn't met them, and there were no places ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
I was at a hostel in Chapinero. If you're unfamiliar, Chapinero is a very nice area of Bogota full of great shops and restaurants. It's very clean and feels very safe. But that's how they get you. When I went for my replacement passport ... Read More
Trip to Colombia - Safe to travel in Bogota? by Shiue
I'm planning to have a trip in Bogota Colombia as backpackers is it safe to travel in Bogota?
I had some very serious problems in Bogota this last trip. Within a two week span, I was robbed once and woke up in the hospital, and two more times taxis almost got me but I figured out what was happening and I got out of it. Three times in two ... Read More
Any Americans Moving to Medellin? by mdreyer80
Hi everyone, My name is Mark, I'm from Pensacola Beach, Florida. I've decided to move to Medellin in about 3 months and I have a lot of questions as there isn't much info on the net for 2016. A few are, Which part of Medellin is a ...
I thought the ATM's gave me a decent rate. And you may have to shop around for an ATM that will work with your foreign card. Bancolombia usually worked with my cards. And like someone said, don't bring a bunch of foreign money to exchange. ... Read More
A month in the coffee region - where to stay? by SunsetSteve
Although I am familiar with Panama I have never been to Colombia, and I plan to spend a month in the coffee area this coming winter - with a view to retiring in Columbia. I like what CI read about Pereira but I am open minded, and actually might ...
Well Steve, since you said Guatape appealed to you. I wanna talk about it. I had such a great time in this little town. 4000 people, but it seems even smaller than that just walking around town. Very nice REAL Colombians that will invite you to do ... Read More
English to Spanish
Send me a PM. I'll have some conversations with you. I'm not a native speaker, so I can't promise you I'll always be grammatically correct. But I had four years of H.S. and university Spanish, several months of intensive Spanish ... Read More
A month in the coffee region - where to stay? by SunsetSteve
Although I am familiar with Panama I have never been to Colombia, and I plan to spend a month in the coffee area this coming winter - with a view to retiring in Columbia. I like what CI read about Pereira but I am open minded, and actually might ...
I don't know if links will post here, but this is a good video of Salento. And you can't even tell much from a video. When you're riding in the back of that Willies Jeep, it's the most serene, incredibly beautiful ride of your life. ... Read More
A month in the coffee region - where to stay? by SunsetSteve
Although I am familiar with Panama I have never been to Colombia, and I plan to spend a month in the coffee area this coming winter - with a view to retiring in Columbia. I like what CI read about Pereira but I am open minded, and actually might ...
- Salento - Rionegro - Darien - Guatape - Jardin? - Villa de Leyva - San Gil (too hot?) ==================== If you go to Colombia and don't go see Salento or Guatape or Villa de Leyva or San Gil, I will personally come down there and beat your ... Read More
Any Americans Moving to Medellin? by mdreyer80
Hi everyone, My name is Mark, I'm from Pensacola Beach, Florida. I've decided to move to Medellin in about 3 months and I have a lot of questions as there isn't much info on the net for 2016. A few are, Which part of Medellin is a ...
Whatever you've seen advertised online is way too much. And it of course matters what neighborhood. I continually hear that Laureles is a nice neighborhood with good rent prices. Envigado is a nice, cozy place, too, with nice people. But ... Read More
Customer care in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Colombia and ...
When I go out to eat in Colombia I always order at least three beers. And I say I want them all at once. The waitress/waiter will give me and odd look, and what I don't say is, "I know I'm not going to see you again for at least 30 ... Read More
Customer care in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Colombia and ...
The Colombian shopkeeps aren't great at math. If I the total is 11,500 pesos and I give them 15,000 pesos, they have to pull out the calculator to tally my change. There's a reason Colombia doesn't have a space program. Read More
American with visa question by heyyzuz
Hi everyone, I'm an American who got a job working for a private school by the name of SMART in Medellin. I start next month! I actually want to go to Colombia before I start though. So in that case, 8/ it possible to apply for a work visa ...
An attorney in Medellin told me that it's VERY easy to get a business visa in Colombia to do whatever you wish with your visit. Write an email to Alan Gongora in Medellin. He's very nice and likely won't charge you anything (in my ... Read More
Is there alot of buzz about the Zika Virus? by dinodna
Hi again! For those of you already in Colombia, are people making a big deal about the Zika Virus? I am a female who is thinking about starting a family in the next couple of years and am planning on, coincidentally, moving to Colombia by then. In ...
There have been over 70,000 cases of Zika in Colombia. I was just there and they talk about Zika. But they're not running scared like Brazil. Out of those 70,000 cases of Zika, Colombia has not had one confirmed case of microencephaly of a ... Read More
Positive & Negative side of Colombia! by walka19walka64
I will try to say both the positive and the negative. Positive: 1. people can be friendly 2. there are pretty sights 3. it is not as expensive as America 4. the weather can be better than America 5. there are fun things to do Negatives: 1. ...
If you enjoy cheese, then you're going to have a hard time in Colombia. Actually, if you enjoy food, then Colombia ain't your spot. But I still love the place. Read More
Customer care in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Colombia and ...
I'm not going to sound very diplomatic here, but when I read customer care in Colombia, I snorted beer through my nose. Asking for customer service in Colombia is like expecting an ice machine in hell. Ask some gringo expats how they feel about ... Read More
A month in the coffee region - where to stay? by SunsetSteve
Although I am familiar with Panama I have never been to Colombia, and I plan to spend a month in the coffee area this coming winter - with a view to retiring in Columbia. I like what CI read about Pereira but I am open minded, and actually might ...
I guess I got a bit of tunnel vision my last post because you said you were interested in the coffee region. But I'll tell you some other places I loved. I spent a month in Guatape. It's about 90 minutes bus ride from Medellin. I got into ... Read More
A month in the coffee region - where to stay? by SunsetSteve
Although I am familiar with Panama I have never been to Colombia, and I plan to spend a month in the coffee area this coming winter - with a view to retiring in Columbia. I like what CI read about Pereira but I am open minded, and actually might ...
I've spent some months in the coffee region. I didn't care for Pereira much. I just didn't feel very welcome. I love Salento very much. The Cocorra Valley is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and I've been to five ... Read More
Cheap hotels
There are tons of hostels in Quito for less than $10 a day. And they have some great parties and traveler girls! Read More
Ten Best Places in the World: One in Ec, Two in Panama by cccmedia
The Expat-relocation website "Viva Tropical" has put out a list of the 10 Best Places in the World to Live... Says the Viva website: "All of them are in Latin America." Here's the 10 in the order listed online, with ...
I'm a very sarcastic, dry person, but I didn't intend it in this situation. However, I see now that my tone wasn't clear. I'm a libertarian. Very much so. I believe that people should be left alone as long as their actions do not ... Read More
Metro Movements: Bus Bits & Taxi Tips by cccmedia
The Expat World is invited to provide guidance, advice and slice-of-life moments re travel around town in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil and other places*. Taxi Tip: I never enter a taxi here in Quito without first verifying that the taxista will be ...
Here's another that you'll likely never need to know (at least, I hope not), "Al suelo boca abajo!" Means: "On the ground face down!" "Volteyase y ponga las manos en la espalda." - Turn around and put your ... Read More
Stuff That Can Happen To You If You Visit the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador by cccmedia
One of the things that could happen to you at the U.S. Embassy in Quito is that you could be turned away... 1. I went there last week for a scheduled notary appointment and was told: Sorry, our computers are down, we can't accept payment for ...
I'm sure the only reason I've had girlfriend issues is because of the aggravation about the words they didn't like. Yes, that's all. I almost married this one girl that was an attorney (yeah, I'm an idiot). But she said she had ... Read More
Metro Movements: Bus Bits & Taxi Tips by cccmedia
The Expat World is invited to provide guidance, advice and slice-of-life moments re travel around town in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil and other places*. Taxi Tip: I never enter a taxi here in Quito without first verifying that the taxista will be ...
Here we go... Spanish language craziness again. :) The U.S. Border Patrol teaches, "Abra la cajuela." Not sure which is more polite. I'm just saying that I learned it differently. And as intense as the USBP tends to be, they're ... Read More
Ten Best Places in the World: One in Ec, Two in Panama by cccmedia
The Expat-relocation website "Viva Tropical" has put out a list of the 10 Best Places in the World to Live... Says the Viva website: "All of them are in Latin America." Here's the 10 in the order listed online, with ...
Now, anytime someone says they like Uruguay, it must mean they're an addict and want to smoke weed. Just like anyone that's a libertarian is merely a pot smoker. Being profreedom=drug addict. Read More
Stuff That Can Happen To You If You Visit the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador by cccmedia
One of the things that could happen to you at the U.S. Embassy in Quito is that you could be turned away... 1. I went there last week for a scheduled notary appointment and was told: Sorry, our computers are down, we can't accept payment for ...
As usual when GMC (U.S. Navy, retired) posts, I get to learn some military-speak.I always tried not to talk in military/cop terms, but sometimes you get used to it and think everyone else knows what you mean. Years ago, a work buddy and my ... Read More
Stuff That Can Happen To You If You Visit the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador by cccmedia
One of the things that could happen to you at the U.S. Embassy in Quito is that you could be turned away... 1. I went there last week for a scheduled notary appointment and was told: Sorry, our computers are down, we can't accept payment for ...
Thanks for your kind words. I know I'm not alone and that many other government people have been railroaded and have had everything taken away for being a whistleblower. There's nothing any of us can do except be bitter about it. And leave. ... Read More