handymantulsa
American expat in Colombia
Forum posts
67
Contacts
8
About me
American
Speaks Spanish, English
Registration: 21 July 2017
Are Any Other US Expats Worried About a Debt Default? by karencds
I would imagine that the USD/COP rate would plummet. Is anyone else doing anything to prepare?
@cccmedia nice reporting. I agree. I do not believe there are many valid or good ways to protect against the world currency from being totally devalued. It would devastate the USA as well as many other countries. The US would be on a collapse ... Read More
Are Any Other US Expats Worried About a Debt Default? by karencds
I would imagine that the USD/COP rate would plummet. Is anyone else doing anything to prepare?
@karencds Glad you posted. I think it is a valid concern. Without getting political, the Usa is being leveled to fit the new financial system. I have some Colombian peso debt and USD debt in Colombia but i pay all vis USD. Its been dipping and as ... Read More
Cocaine and Violence Mark 2021 by cccmedia
Colombia is on course to having the worst statistics for violence in its history this year. Not coincidentally, Catatumbo near Venezuela -- a 'violent and lawless region' -- various rural 'departamentos' and Colombia overall have ...
Covid does seem to be the perfect cover for cutting down the Amazon and other netherious activites. Read More
Colombia Here I Come!
Congrats. I can hook you up with a teaching English job in Bogota, mostly form home but they can keep yo as busy as you want for about 30 mil per hour?? or $10. They do require a bachelors degree. They are very flexible on hours. chao and felicidades Read More
Cost of living in Providence?? by fixfireleo
I had my heart set on early retirement in Philippines. It has a lot of potential however there are some things I am not happy reading about so I want to make sure there isnt somewhere better. Providence Colombia seems like a great spot however ...
Have you experienced the Malaysia / Philippine heat? I have not seen anything like that in Colombia (ctg) so far. I think most were correct, Colombia / Ecuador would treat you well. I lived in Cali for 2.5 years. I never felt unsafe although I was ... Read More
Taxes in Colombia by Allankwnyc
Hi guys, I have been living in Barranquilla for a few months now and have been reading a few posts here about tax law in Colombia. I am a US citizen that pays taxes there. If I I reside in Colombia more than 180 days, I can be completely taxed ...
Just landed a job here in COL for two year contract. Great info....Thanks to all for the detail and input. Read More
Colombian banks make it difficult to wire money from USA by jubiliado
My Colombian wife has an account with Davivienda and when we transfer money from the USA to her account, Davividenda turns it into a major complication and bureaucratic nightmare. We have to spend hours with them justifying the transfer, the ...
Best. advice yet, but the 13,200 withdraw fee is high at atm. forget trying to please and be good citizens..it is a hoax. Go through the hoops once or twice and you are ok. Read More
Jobs in Cartagena for English speakers by GuestPoster01013
American here looking to relocate to Cartagena. Looking for a job for a native English speaker. Not too picky about the position! Thanks
check out Minga house foundation in Colombia......tell them John sent you. He is a EXPAT member. Read More
How to bring your car to Colombia by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Colombia, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age ...
That is a good question. There is supposed to be a trade agreement with no tariffs on American made Harley Davidson, technically should be tariff free as well as a couple others. Unless there is a special tariff on motorcycles and cars, it should be ... Read More
Legal services in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello, Legal services can be a headache when you don't have the relevant and necessary information, especially upon moving to a new country. Please share some tips regarding legal services in Colombia. What types of legal services might an ...
I have a good lawyer who works for a firm. He/she can offer consults but most lawyers here in Colombia work 12 hours a day, do their own discovery, investigations etc. Even in the big firms. So imagine being a lawyer here and if 1) the good ol boy ... Read More
Obtaining a Colombian Drivers licence by creech
Hello I am from Canada and am currently residing in Medellin on Spousal Visa. I am trying to obtain a Colombian drivers licence, however my Spanish is terrible and understanding not there. I do have a Valid Licence from Canada. I am understanding ...
International license in USA requirees no test, just a fee of $100. It takes about 2-3 weeks to get and most insurance companies have assistance or do it. You can also drive with a passporte (unless that has changed in the last several months), just ... Read More
Colombian visa extension rules by Roy84
I spent 90 days in colombia, left for ecuador after that period, returned to colombia and recieved another 90 days in colombia. I have spent now 30 more days in colombia out of the additional 90 I recieved. My issue now is that I want to attend a ...
Thanks for the insight. I recently read that the USA has an advisory out for its people to be very careful at the Ecuador / Colombia border and that they do not have people there to assist for anything. Is that ... Read More
Colombian visa extension rules by Roy84
I spent 90 days in colombia, left for ecuador after that period, returned to colombia and recieved another 90 days in colombia. I have spent now 30 more days in colombia out of the additional 90 I recieved. My issue now is that I want to attend a ...
Here's my latest experience. I came into Colombia jan 13. In April I found it cheaper to pay the 96000 pesos thather than leave and return. I received a receipt after I payed at Occidente bank and sent a code to immigration and they sent me an ... Read More
Contemplating a job offer in Cartago / Pereira...housing?
great info and exactly what i was looking for. Read More
Contemplating a job offer in Cartago / Pereira...housing?
Hello all. I have received an offer of employment in the Cartago area. It is very close to Pereira. I was thinking, maybe live between the two or maybein Cartago and relax in Pereira?? Anyone have any experience in Cartago o Pereira and know of any ... Read More
combined shipping costs into Colombia anyone?
Just thought maybe someone was contemplating sending a container here to Colombia. I have a bicycle, musical instruments and other goodies i would like to import from my personal collection. Anyone have any input? cars? Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) 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 ...
Helloy All, John from USA living in Cali but moving to Cartagena this summer. HAve tons of questions like do most of you live outside of Bocagrande / Manga tourist area and commute to the beach or did you choose to invest in waterfront living? If ... 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 ...
thanks Phil, but you did miss it. I referred to s single part of a post.Thanks for the free policing. 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 ...
Greap post with lots of advice. I am planning on the big M and have been divorced, but consider myself single. I was thinking about getting the co-habitate visa on line which looks very easy now....just need form from Notary and she applies online ... 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 ...
wealth and income are two different things. You dont declare wealth on taxes but alot can be inferred such as income from investments, depreciation, gross and net numbers ete. There was a tv ruckus about a South African or European who married his ... Read More
Anyone needing contract / legal / real estate / paperwork services??
I have an attorney who is awesome. She has very broad background legal here in Cali Colombia. Prices are much less than USA and she / they are highly accredited. I am promoting them because it was so hard to get information and I think people will ... Read More
The jobs that are the most in-demand for expats in Colombia by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding the job market for expats in Colombia. This information will be incredibly helpful to anyone considering moving there, so we're very grateful for your contribution. What are the types of ...
Hello. I received mine from enjoytefl.com. They are out of England and it was great. 120 hr with bonus 60 hour courses plus extra 30 hour online courses. Cost was under $100 if I remember right. I teach online and love it. I would like to meet ... Read More
Getting married in Colombia by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Colombia or who are about to get married in Colombia to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Colombia? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a ...
also, if you make a baby for papers, you are legally obligated to pay for his care including food, school, transports and college up to the age of 25 years old and it doesnt matter if he goes to Harvard or junior college, you havou get the bill. ... Read More
Getting married in Colombia by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Colombia or who are about to get married in Colombia to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Colombia? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a ...
check out this site. putin in google translate and it comesout perfect. http://www.semana.com/vida-moderna/articulo/los-mitos-del-divorcio/27865-3 it talks about 12 myths of colombian marraige, conyuge and divorce Read More
Exit tax by afortunado
Last year after a visit to Colombia (85 days) I was told I needed to pay about $COP 300,000 as some kind of exit tax in Medellin. I've never paid any kind of exit tax before and I told them so, but they insisted I pay. I was flying back to my ...
Interesting, I usually get refunds on taxes paid when i leave Cali for USA which is normally 85 mil pesos. Is it possible you were only given a 60 day visa stay rather than the optional 90 day visa stay? I always automatically received the 90 days ... Read More
Need help getting a visa to work in Colombia by ekezz
Does anyone have any tips or insight on how I might go about getting a visa which would allow me to have a business in Colombia? Thank you in advance for your help. Also, we are looking for freelance employees who are good with Adobe Illustrator. ...
huge help. Thank you very much. Read More
笔谤别蝉别苍迟补肠颈贸苍
thanks for the correction. haha. Solo un ano y tengo mas que dos anos. I have been here for about 2 years. Read More
笔谤别蝉别苍迟补肠颈贸苍
Hola. Mucho gusto. john viviendo en Cali. Tengo dos anos mas o menos. Mucho gusto a conocerte. Read More
Shared property colombia by EliseVleeming
Hello, we are a dutch familie and planning to buy property in colombia as a second home. We are looking for families to share the property cause we could be in colombia for the maximun of two months a year.
I agree with you. But these arrangements can be complex or very simple based upon amount of fear of the unknown that is brought into arrangements such as these. Often we can worry ourselves out of something that may never ever come to pass. I like ... Read More
Shared property colombia by EliseVleeming
Hello, we are a dutch familie and planning to buy property in colombia as a second home. We are looking for families to share the property cause we could be in colombia for the maximun of two months a year.
Hello. Where do you anticipate living? I am in Cali and my lease expires in April 1. I like Cali and other areas and would be interested in some arrangement in various cities. I am of Dutch descent and have never talked to another . So ... 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 ...
Don't knock the divorce. In Colombia it would be higher if they married but the majority do not. You do not need to marry to get a Visa, only live together and go to a notary and you get the Visa. They also have a concubine law where if you are ... 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 ...
I would talk to an ex-paramilitary of cop in the area. A retired or older one would obviously have more info and probably desire to share. Might learn alot in a quick one or two day stay at the local pub, but beware for real. I would be really ... 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 ...
I would also like to add there is a level of caution for "Americans" needed when close to the Venezuela area. There is disdain for Americans by the venezulean citizens and government. I teach english and have many students and hear alot of ... 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 ...
I live in Cali. I like it. I have a friend / gal form Pasto. She lived there her whole life. It is beautiful as is all of Western Colombia. I (gringo) am told that it is not safe for me at night like most Colombian areas. I was offered employment in ... Read More
Property prices in Cali by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Finding affordable housing in Cali is number one priority for newcomers. Tell us more about the estate market in your district/city/region. What are the most desired places to live? What are the most affordable ones? What is ...
Sorry for late response. Cali prices as of 2017 / december are on the rise. Sales are good. I feel / see more openings in "locales" not local/ but prices in Cali are remaining high. Areas in South are most expensive along with some areas ... Read More
Live as a tourist in Colombia all year around by unleashedsoul99
Hello, I am a belgian with belgian passport who lives in barcelona. I am considering to move to colombia and apply for a residency in panama nextdoor. I am allowed to be in colombia 6 months/year... and will live elsewhere the other time of the ...
I am doing this but i did not plan to. I have to leave for 25 days so i will likely head back to USA and come back the 1st week or so or whenever I am ready. What would be cool would be an out of Colombia place for expats to crash at when they need ... Read More
Tourist visa exit ticket by Aussiechick87
Hey , I am moving to Colombia in January, I am going to be entering on a tourist visa while I sort out my job and get a working visa. Do I need to show proof of an onward journey when entering on a tourist visa? What is the cheapest ticket to buy ...
I have flown in 5 times and only ad return tix times. It has been easier to fly out when i need to to MIA and then figure things out. Pricing may be an issue depending wher you came from. Read More
Getting access to PayPal money in Colombia - in cash by Kiwiprofesor
Hey, Guys, get ready, this is complicated. I'm a kiwi from NZ, living in Colombia. I've recently started earning dollars abroad and getting paid into my Paypal account. I'm finding it impossible to access this money as cash, however, ...
Thanks. I have done this before and was wonderin why nobody ever brought it up. Just link debit card to Paypal and any atm will work as long as you tell bank you are out of country. Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourself here 聳 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don聮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 ...
ok you win. listen to him. Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourself here 聳 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don聮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 ...
Welcome. It is hotter than Heck on the coast especially Cartagena. Very nice but very very hot. Maybe not like Tulsa, ok or Dallas or Pheonix but hot. OK you got that. Colombia is not Peru in my opinion. This is still the wild west and i think you ... Read More
Bucaramanga... A little help for newbies!!! by KennyDeb
Hello Buca, My wife and I are moving to Bucaramanga late winter. We are fully retired, love new experiences and not afraid of challenges. We have a few questions and would like a little help. We are coming from Atlanta, GA USA. We have our dog and ...
My experience is it can be warm but not like Atlanta, but generally favorable and cooler than 90% of Colombia. Rains about 1/3 to 1/2 the year, has favorable rates on apartments....i use finca raiz or www.fincaraiz.com. Seems like good place to be ... Read More
Housing in Santa Marta by Majito
Hi, I am a Canadian and I lived in Cuba 6 months a year for four years. I am thinking of going to Colombia this year. In your opinion is it possible to find a nice accommodation in Santa Marta or the surrounding area for a budget of about $ 400 US ...
www.fincaraiz.com for rentals Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourself here 聳 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don聮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 ...
Hello, John B back in Colombia from the USA. Have spent 9 months of the last 24 here and dont have plans on returning any time soon except to fulfill any visa requirements. I live in Cali for now and will be here for a little while. You have to love ... Read More
Colombia's most expensive cities by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the most expensive cities to live in Colombia? What are the costs of things such as rent, utilities, weekly groceries, dining out, etc.? What is the lifestyle like in these cities, for expats and locals? What are ...
Very interesting list cccmedia. I would not have thought that it would look anything like this. My thoughts might have been Cartagena which currently has a shortage of finished construction projects. Then Medellin, Bogota (mainly due to the large ... Read More
My Road-Trip in Colombia - Organisational part by B猫r420
Hol脿! Bonjour! Hi everyone! First of all, I'm gonna write this in English, don't hesitate to ask me for translation rather in French or Spanish. There you go, my name is Anthony I've been born and raised in France next to Geneva, ...
I completely agree. The guerillas ride down the mountains at nite and go looking and the police dont really start trouble with them as they have their hands full. You might make it back but i wouldnt bet on it and if you did you would be broke. ... Read More
Colombia Edges OUt Venez as South Americas Most Violent Country by dumluk
Surprized me but here it is: https://colombiareports.com/colombia-beats-venezuela-south-americas-violent-country-report/
Thanks for the link and the info. I have always understood that Cali, where I live, has been called the 4th most dangerous city in the world. HArd to believe but that was the stat last year. Always good to have good links, thanks. Read More
Getting access to PayPal money in Colombia - in cash by Kiwiprofesor
Hey, Guys, get ready, this is complicated. I'm a kiwi from NZ, living in Colombia. I've recently started earning dollars abroad and getting paid into my Paypal account. I'm finding it impossible to access this money as cash, however, ...
I use Western union and can send money from my debit or credit card to western union for a fee. I dont know if paypal is on the online account page or not but check it out if you want. Read More
Worried about the tax system by atreyes5
Hi to everyone! My husband and I run a successful advertising agency, serving to local and international clients based in Puerto Rico. Due to the critical political climate in the US (PR is a dollar based colony of the US), it's mounting debt ...
I would check out some other routes. Check out Ecuador, because if you are a Equadorian passport holder, like 6 months en colombia and 6 months in nearby Ecuador, you automatically qualify for a Colombian visa due to their "like mindedness ... Read More
is the cost of living really cheaper than europe/north america ? by unleashedsoul
by example, i read on a website that the cost of living in Pereira, Colombia is 40% that of Barcelona,Spain. but my girlfriend's mother who is in pereira right now is complaining about the price of the imported products. by example, a nivea ...
Food here is equal in price to EEUU except little shops where you can buy Colombian fare at 2-3 dollars a shot. Otherwise, most prices are equal. Some exceptions are restuarants where you can get a nice meal like Crepes y Waffles. I ususlly eat on ... Read More
Tourist rights in Colombia by unleashedsoul99
Hello, (warning: very long sentence LOL) If you like Colombia and you want to live a few months in Colombia every year, but less than six month because you dont want to be considered a resident and pay tax there or having to deal with the colombian ...
Only if Santos lives in Tequendama, Cali Colombia. Yes it seems when they need more money they raise the levels one more degree, maybe the word is stratus? cant remember but yes the higher the level, they more you pay for everything. There seems 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 ...
My Blu worked great for 3 years, smartphone and all. Dual sims and 80 bucks at Walmart, but Best buy has the same and same price. They are very durable. I wuld still be using it if i hadnt been robbed last month in Cali. Anyways, 80 bucks for 3 ... Read More
Moving stuff from Europe to Colombia by MatthiasD
Hi everyone! I live in Cali and need to organize a moving with stuff from Switzerland to Colombia and I have no idea how to do that.. Does someone have any idea of how I should proceed? Any information that you could share would be helpful ...
Anyone ever brought cars to Colombia from USA or from Colombia to USA? Lik to bring a Willy to USA and my Dodge diesel here fro USA or other car. Anyone ship or import here? Read More
Need help getting a visa to work in Colombia by ekezz
Does anyone have any tips or insight on how I might go about getting a visa which would allow me to have a business in Colombia? Thank you in advance for your help. Also, we are looking for freelance employees who are good with Adobe Illustrator. ...
any new inputs, i would like the same. I have a GF but not ready to marry quite yet. Dont want to leave and i have seen many jobs i could have with american companies but they seem to have Colombian HR offices who tell me I need cedula or work visa ... Read More
Tourist rights in Colombia by unleashedsoul99
Hello, (warning: very long sentence LOL) If you like Colombia and you want to live a few months in Colombia every year, but less than six month because you dont want to be considered a resident and pay tax there or having to deal with the colombian ...
I agree do not buy here n first months anyways. Neighborhoods can be decieving and as investments go real estate at least in Cali does not have the returns you would expect and I believe it is capped at 1% per month based on value of property or ... 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 ...
Id keep the i phone at home and buy a BLU with multiple sim cards for cheap. Likely not able to use your USA cell except to receive calls. Buy a Colombian SIM with a monthly plan, likely 10$ or so. Bring a back up phone, again a BLU. Write down all ... Read More
Does anyone here live in Cali? by willern
Hi, I just joined the community. I notice that the majority of expats in Colombia live in Medellin or Bogota. Does anyone here live in Cali? If so, introduce yourself! :D I'm Steph, from Ireland, currently living in Cali, Colombia with my ...
Hello, I am in Cali from USA. Central part of city. Read More