Marquezdl
American expat in Colombia
Forum posts
58
Contacts
6
About me
American, In a relationship
Lives in Manizales, Caldas
Speaks English=OK聽 聽 Spanish=Basic conversational
Registration: 29 December 2016
Safe deposit box or other secure storage for valuables?
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? Read More
Apartment rental in Manizales by charlie1745
Hi all, I am a retiree from Scotland who is looking for an apartment to rent in Manizales, probably around one to one and a half million pesos per month. Of all the parts of the world I have spent time in, Latin America and Colombia in particular ...
La Francia is a beautiful, safe, and quiet barrio. If I move back to Manizales, it would be my first choice for a place to live! Read More
Why all the negativity about Colombia?
One thing that strikes me over and over when I come to this forum is how often folks post really negative comments about Colombia:聽 the culture, the climate, the government, the difficulty of doing anything legal, the weather, the drivers, the ... 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 ...
my first apartment in Manizales a few years back asked for the same stuff to protect them鈥�.soooo, I offered them 6 months rent up front plus the usual damage deposit. they like that idea! Read More
Manizales and surrounding area by Digitarius
Anyone have any info on Manizales such as areas to rent an apartment and schools for a toddler? Any and all information would be appreciated. I am seriously considering moving like in the next month or 2. And yes I have been there and I have ...
I lived there for a few years and there are a lot of very nice neighborhoods in Manizales depending on what you are looking for.the area around Parque del Bosque is very nice and its quiet for the most part. the park has swimming facilities and ... 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 鈥� her family 鈥� just terrifies me!
If you're asking on an internet forum, then you probably shouldn't get married. - @mtbehahahah! C'mon, man... be nice 馃槄 At least offer some nugget of wisdom to the guy... "Be a bro and SAVE a bro". - @ChineduOpara That is about as good a ... Read More
Moka pot in Medellin? by Brian Stockwood
Any idea where to find a 3 cup Bialetti moka pot for sale in Medellin?聽 Even a non Bialetti will work (if it's reliable)Thanks!
moka pots are pretty common in Colombia, and many of the better coffee shops also carry moka pots.any of the major malls, Tesoro, Santa Fe, Arkadia, Majorca, etc. Read More
Cheapest cities in Colombia by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Budget is an important consideration when moving to Colombia. Ideally, expats would settle down in a city in Colombia where the cost of living is low but where they could also enjoy a decent quality of life. Would you be able to ...
I have lived in Chinchina and Manizales in Caldas, which is in the heart of the coffee triangle. I am currently living in Medellin.I preferred Manizales in most respects, but Medellin has a lot going for it.Both Medellin and Manizales have outdoor ... 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鈥檙e thinking about renting a car however online it doesn鈥檛 tell me whether I can get insurance coverage but it says ...
I have rented here in Colombia from Localiza numerous times. As a visitor you will need to have your passport, your credit card, and your US drivers license.There is insurance available and I HIGHLY recommend you take the full coverage insurance. ... Read More
Funds transfer from US financial institution to Colombian bank
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 ... Read More
Manizales or Medellin by Digitarius
I am considering spending a year or two in one of these cities and yes I have been to both two years ago. I spent 4 months in Columbia. Any tips or suggestions and or links would be appreciated as to where to live and so on from anyone living in ...
I lived in Manizales in 2019-2021 then moved to Medellin.I am originally from Seattle, and although I loved many things about Manizales, the climate seemed just a bit too grey, wet, and cool to me.聽 Its often 10-15 degrees cooler in Manizales ... Read More
call the US from Colombia by cathyfholt
I am trying to find out how to call a US 1-800 number from Colombia. I have Claro phone service. I saw online many conflicting things. One place said the exit code for Claro was 00444. Then I saw the exit code for Colombia was 90. Another said it ...
Another option is a dual esim phone. one esim from the US and one from Moviestar. I havent checked recently, but as of a couple years ago moviestar was the only cellular provider in Colombia that offered esims. Read More
Staging, in Colombia, for a 2024 cycle tour around South America by jimhouk
Okay, this is my 2nd attempt (with proper spelling).I am planning on traveling to Colombia and to spend some time there, and in Ecuador, as I prepare for a cycle tour throughout South America, that would begin around this time in 2024. I plan on ...
Regarding where to stay in Colombia, it will make a big difference where you want to stay.if you want to be in a big urban metro area: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Cartagena, Santa Marta, or Baranquilla, rents will be higher.my suggestion would be to ... Read More
How do I get mail from the US? by khobbs40
I was just filling out my foreign medical program paperwork for the VA and they ask for a mailing address which makes me wonder about the mail system in Colombia and how I will get my mail reliably from the United States. Things like social security ...
I have a virtual mailbox service based in seattle. When I receive mail I am notified by email and SMS that I have new mail. I can log into my virtual mailbox and view the unopened envelope first. If its junk or something I know is unimportant I ... Read More
Colombia Visa Hell, 2023 by Mr. Barley
Alejandra, associate of star visa facilitator James L., has a pair of new blog posts, including one offering tips for visa applications in 2023.Here is an excerpt:Some persons are having to pursue visas for up to 6 months. We have seen many people ...
I am curious about Alejandra鈥檚 blog.can someone post the URL? Read More
Need some major dental work by antoniodistefano9
Looking for a reputed dentist in Bogota that speaks reasonable English or even Italian. Any recommendations?
Also, in the vein of this thread, can anyone recommend a good Periodontist in Medellin? I need the ongoing services of a periodontist.thanks! Read More
Background Check for M Retirement Visa by karencds
Have had my M visa for almost a year now, so it鈥檚 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?
I have been told (by someone who should know) that if I have been a resident of Colombia for at least 2 years, the background check can be done here in Colombia where I reside Read More
Expat social groups in Medellin
During the time I lived in Manizales, I was part of a group that met for coffee and BS a couple times a week. The group was a mix of Colombians and Americans. I really enjoyed it. The excuse for meeting was for the native Spanish speakers to ... Read More
Living in Monteria?
I am hoping to move from Medellin to somewhere on the Caribbean coast. Not Santa Marta, Cartagena, or Barranquilla.I am thinking more along the lines of somewhere between Covenas and Playa San Juan. Anyone have any experience living in that area? Read More
The cost of Living in Colombia in 2023 by Mickael
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to ...
I don鈥檛 have hard numbers, but based on my monthly outlay, the cost of living in Medellin has risen about 10-12% over the past year. Mostly due to higher prices for food, restaurants, cabs, uber, utilities. Read More
Clarifying Tax on U.S. Expats in Colombia by voyager39
I've read through some summaries of the taxation of U.S. expats in CO and am still unclear on some points. I'm hoping to clear up a couple of items here. There is apparently a determination of a presumptive minimum income of 3% of all ...
So much Chicken Little "The sky is falling" mentality amongst gringos. I live each day as my last, travel, swim in the Caribbean waters off the Colombian coast, sail between the islands, hike the beautiful national parks in Colombia, camp in a tent ... Read More
Medellin or Cuenca by PattiH
Is there anyone on this board who has lived both Medellin Colombia and Cuenca Equador? I'm researching for relocation. I'm down to Medellin and Cuenca. Other than weather, and "feel" of the two cities they seem fairly comparable. This has been (and ...
I spent a few months in cuenca years ago and reallyenjoyed the climate and the city.However its simply in a different category than Medellin.Medellin is a true world class city (over 4 million population) and you can find almost anything you might ... Read More
Covid entry certificate to enter Colombia by afortunado
I am going to Colombia from uk in 2 weeks time. What is the latest documentation that I need to enter
Depending on which airline you are using, they may well inform you of all requirements weeks in advance of your flight. I have flown both United and American to Colombia in 2021 and both airlines were very clear about requirements to fly to colombia 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 ...
Actually Localiza 2 other rental agencies had identical stories. All 3 stated that about 2 years ago these requirements were implemented due to individuals with false documents stealing rental cars 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 ...
Are there any updates to the process of getting a Colombian DL for auto and moto? I currently have a valid Washington state DL (car & moto) and an international DL I just was refused car rental: did not realize that either a Colombian Cedula ... Read More
Thinking of Moving but to where in Colombia? :) by dgb1
Hola, I am David, I am wanting to come to visit Colombia and check out several cities to possibly live in but I have questions about everything. Passport, check Visa info, check, major cites, check. I see a lot of AirBnB but have also watched ...
The Estadio is in Medellin? Read More
Thinking of Moving but to where in Colombia? :) by dgb1
Hola, I am David, I am wanting to come to visit Colombia and check out several cities to possibly live in but I have questions about everything. Passport, check Visa info, check, major cites, check. I see a lot of AirBnB but have also watched ...
I will also add to the Medellin train..I have been coming to Colombia since 2017 and I just got my cedula this month. I am now a legal resident. I live in Manizales, a lovely city much like Medellin, only much smaller at less than 500,000 pop. I ... Read More
Moving to Cerritos, Colombia - Pereira by decadude
I met a woman from Colombia and we have fallen fast for one another. I am fortunate to work from home and also run a business that I also can run over the phone and from home. I currently reside in Texas and all of my family and friends lives in ...
Regarding car rentals, I rent fairly frequently from Localiza (hertz affiliate) and i have been quite pleased, although the rates have jumped 50% in the past year. I always get the total coverage insurance package and I try very hard to stay mellow ... Read More
Moving to Cerritos, Colombia - Pereira by decadude
I met a woman from Colombia and we have fallen fast for one another. I am fortunate to work from home and also run a business that I also can run over the phone and from home. I currently reside in Texas and all of my family and friends lives in ...
Welcome to the forum. I hope you find that you are as taken by Colombia as you are by your Colombian girlfriend. As one who has been spending 6 months a year in Colombia since 2017, and who has just been granted his resident visa my advice to you ... Read More
Border crossing: Ipiales to Tulcan?
Does anyone know the current situation regarding crossing the border from Colombia to Ecuador at Ipiales/Tulcan with an American passport? I know that Ecuador does not require a special visa, but my question is regarding the current status of the ... Read More
Armenia, Quindio Expats Meetup? by ChipW
Any of the Armenia expats interested in meeting, maybe at Cafe Qundio at Parque Sucre?
I live in Manizales, but I would really enjoy meeting up with some other native english speakers to socialize, and mayv Be share some local living tips. I have not found many other english speaking expats in Manizales. I suspect they are here, but ... Read More
Making phone calls in Colombia by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in Colombia, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in Colombia? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank you in advance ...
Does your Tigo service work the same, with no additional charges or fees if you are in the US? Canada? Spain? UK? Read More
Making phone calls in Colombia by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in Colombia, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in Colombia? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank you in advance ...
I have to jump in here. I have spent just under 1/2 of each of the last 3 years in Colombia. Back in the US my mobile provider is T-mobile which I understand is part of the same global telecom giant as Claro. I have the international travel ... Read More
Tourist visa extension by Neusicle
Does anyone know the process for extending a tourist visa in Cartagena Colombia. After being here for almost 90 days, I'd like to stay another 90.
Just got my 90 day extension on my tourist visa from the Colombian Migracion office in Manizales today. Took about 30 minutes and cost 103,000 pesos on my visa card. At first they didnt want to help me and kept saying I should go on line. Then I ... Read More
Clarifying Tax on U.S. Expats in Colombia by voyager39
I've read through some summaries of the taxation of U.S. expats in CO and am still unclear on some points. I'm hoping to clear up a couple of items here. There is apparently a determination of a presumptive minimum income of 3% of all ...
Sounds like a great idea...some conversation and coffee! Read More
Clarifying Tax on U.S. Expats in Colombia by voyager39
I've read through some summaries of the taxation of U.S. expats in CO and am still unclear on some points. I'm hoping to clear up a couple of items here. There is apparently a determination of a presumptive minimum income of 3% of all ...
Thanks to all who have posted here, in particular OsageArcher. I am a retired American. I have spent the better part of 6 months in Colombia each of the past 3 years. I am currently staying in Manizales with my girlfriend. I am at the point of ... Read More
Expatriation to Colombia: border updates by Cheryl
Hello everyone, in Colombia as elsewhere, the current pandemic has changed our way of life but also our mobility, due to the state of borders of nearby countries or countries we wanted to visit. Today we would like to take stock of the current ...
If you comply with the above requirements, and download and use the Mobile App CoronApp to assist with contact tracing while in Colombia, then self quarantine will not be required Read More
Expatriation to Colombia: border updates by Cheryl
Hello everyone, in Colombia as elsewhere, the current pandemic has changed our way of life but also our mobility, due to the state of borders of nearby countries or countries we wanted to visit. Today we would like to take stock of the current ...
I received official notification via email from the US department of state today. First commercial flights from US to Colombia will be September 19th with regular commercial service resuming 21 September. Land and Sea borders will remain closed ... Read More
What mail forwarding shipping service from the States is good? by jaguar57
I want a mail forwarding address in the States so a private shipping company can deliver stuff to me in Cali, such as what I order on Amazon. Any suggestions as to which companies are good?
I鈥檇 like to update this thread to 2020. Is anyone using a mail forwarding service, or can anyone recommend on based on experience? Read More
Returning to Colombia in the time of Covid 19 by Marquezdl
I am currently in the US and am waiting for the airports in Colombia to reopen and commercial flights to resume from the US. The latest I have heard/read is that Colombia is scheduled to reopen the airports and resume commercial flights inbound ...
See this link from early August for the latest published info I have found on the web: https://colombiareports.com/colombia-will-need-at-least-a-year-to-normalize-air-traffic/ Read More
Returning to Colombia in the time of Covid 19
I am currently in the US and am waiting for the airports in Colombia to reopen and commercial flights to resume from the US. The latest I have heard/read is that Colombia is scheduled to reopen the airports and resume commercial flights inbound ... Read More
moving to manizales,Colombia by Matrixxpc
Hi everyone,I'd like to know if its worth it to send a 20' container of used furniture and household goods to Manizales,Colombia.TY
Where are you sending it from? What are you sending? Most everything in Manizale is MUCH cheaper than in the US. The most notable exception is automobiles. They are definitely more expensive in Colombia. Where are you shipping from? Are you ... Read More
Pensionado visa 2020
What are the current requirements for a retired American to obtain a retiree visa in Colombia? Have there been any changes for 2020 or due to the Covid pandemic? Thanks Dave Marquez Read More
Best cities for retirement in Colombia by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into Colombia for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in ...
I have spent 4 months in Chinchina, and 4 months in Manizales, and 2 months in Riosucio. My first choice is Riosucio/Supia, followed by Manizales. Riosucio is a much smaller place, roughly 65,000 but its clean, safe, and quiet in my experience and ... Read More
Cheapest cities in Colombia by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Budget is an important consideration when moving to Colombia. Ideally, expats would settle down in a city in Colombia where the cost of living is low but where they could also enjoy a decent quality of life. Would you be able to ...
I have spent a few months living in Manizales and I love the city and climate there Read More
Lifestyle on limited budget by gsusser
Hi, long time since I posted and a lot has happened. I'm an American looking to retire in Medellin or possibly Cali, though I've never been to the latter. I only mention Cali as I believe the cost of living is less and I like warm weather. ...
I have to suggest that you at least check out Manizales. Climate and geography has some similarities to Medellin, but Manizales is much smaller, think 500,000 people, is definitely less expensive, and it is a completely different kind of city. I ... 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 ...
I had one package sent to me last Christmas..... never arrived! I sent one package home from Manizales to San Diego, weight less than 5 Kg. It was 6 weeks and several emails and phone calls before one pro working for fedex went the extra mile to ... Read More
Moving to Colombia..November 2017. Many questions by Marquezdl
Hello all, I have posted a couple of times on the Medellin forum. However it is looking very much like I'll be starting my time in Colombia in Chinchina/Manizales. I plan to arrive in early November, and I have arrangements for housing ...
Another question I have is this. I am not planning to have a residence in Washington state in the future. But I do want to maintain an "address" to recieve mail, and so that I can keep my drivers license and passport Any suggestions? PO ... Read More
Moving to Colombia..November 2017. Many questions
Hello all, I have posted a couple of times on the Medellin forum. However it is looking very much like I'll be starting my time in Colombia in Chinchina/Manizales. I plan to arrive in early November, and I have arrangements for housing ... Read More
Relocation: Tacoma to Medellin by Marquezdl
hi there all! happy new year to you all! my name is Dave and I will be retiring the end of April. I am really excited about and interested in Medellin as a new home. I have traveled extensively, and what initially attracted me to Medellin is the ...
It's liker Medellin is a lady I have been courting.... I keep casting my eyes elsewhere, but I keep coming back to Medellin. Only real drawback is the distance to the Ocean...I love the ocean. Oh, it's also a lot farther than say Zihua, or ... Read More
Relocation: Tacoma to Medellin by Marquezdl
hi there all! happy new year to you all! my name is Dave and I will be retiring the end of April. I am really excited about and interested in Medellin as a new home. I have traveled extensively, and what initially attracted me to Medellin is the ...
Unfortunately, I do NOT play expertly. I am a fan of Baroque and classical guitar, but my playing is mediocre. Not up to public performance standards. Read More
Relocation: Tacoma to Medellin by Marquezdl
hi there all! happy new year to you all! my name is Dave and I will be retiring the end of April. I am really excited about and interested in Medellin as a new home. I have traveled extensively, and what initially attracted me to Medellin is the ...
Thanks for the reply all. I have to ask this question, I have been using Numbeo to compare costs of various cities, and Medellin comes out as almost unbelievably inexpensive. Can you really rent a decent apartment in a nice neighborhood for under ... Read More
Relocation: Tacoma to Medellin
hi there all! happy new year to you all! my name is Dave and I will be retiring the end of April. I am really excited about and interested in Medellin as a new home. I have traveled extensively, and what initially attracted me to Medellin is the ... Read More