Adriana Gutierrez
American looking for information about Colombia
Forum posts
63
About me
American
Speaks English and Spanish
Registration: 05 August 2017
Apostille of S.S document by Digitarius
Anyone have any tips on how to get a social security proof document apostille from Colombia? I want to try it on my own, Third party charges are becoming more and more outrageous. Let me know please. Also I notice some 3rd parties only do ...
@Digitarius. check with these guys in the DC area. They did my husband鈥檚 FBI report appostile for us. https://monumentvisa.com Read More
Good international English medium school by Peter Janssen
Hello everybody, my name is Peter Janssen, I am a 62 year old Dutchman, recently retired after 35 years with the United Nations, having lived and worked in some 12 countries in four continents. My wife is Colombian and we have a 16 year old ...
Check out the Vermont School Read More
Trying to get citizenship and another country by brownpoppa14
While looking around to find the right fit for me any suggestions and do they have any programs of funding to help you move from USA looking for permanent residency out of the country Brandy Nicole
@brownpoppa14 If you are a recent medical school graduate and you past comprehensive exams Spain might admit you into a residency program. This is for Colombianos, don鈥檛 know if it extends to medical school graduates from other countries. Read More
Long term care insurance
We are investigating long term care insurance with coverage in the US so as to not inconvenience family when the time comes. We are bumping into an immediate 6 month residency requirement in order to issue a policy. This is difficult sice we are ... Read More
Health insurance for 72 year by Bbaxter44
I鈥檓 married to a Colombiana and moving to the greater Medellin area. No preexisting conditions Also, will keep my Medicare and VA healthcare. Looking for a high deductible policy.If a long term health issue arises, It鈥檚 a three hour ...
@Bbaxter44 For healthcare IN USA we have high deductible supplemental policies from Mutual of Omaha for $48 a month.聽 The deductible is under $3,000, so quite manageable.That said, if you have a massive stroke, or major trauma you still have to ... 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 are seeing red flags now鈥alk away. Read More
Most common scams in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Colombia as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
@nico peligro On the subject of land purchases, beware of land that is titled 鈥淧roindiviso鈥�.聽 聽It is basically a joint title among all of the owners of a larger parcel of which the lot you鈥檙e interested in is one of ... Read More
Most common scams in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Colombia as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
I had an odd one happen related to an apartment rental with no fiador requirement.聽 The rental agent said if we paid 6 months ahead there would be no fiador requirement, she had me speak with a gringo tenant who had been happily renting from ... Read More
Pensionado visa approval for 15 months by stealtannest3t
Visa was approved one week after submission. Preparing documemts took about two months. Worked with Langon Law who were competitive with price and very responsive and knowledgeable. Used Monument Visa for apostille of SS letter and FBI background ...
@xexpat When was this? Read More
Pensionado visa approval for 15 months by stealtannest3t
Visa was approved one week after submission. Preparing documemts took about two months. Worked with Langon Law who were competitive with price and very responsive and knowledgeable. Used Monument Visa for apostille of SS letter and FBI background ...
@crespobrenda You can get in on a tourist visa for 180 days鈥�(90+ extension). Then you have to figure out how to stay more permanently. Read More
Pensionado visa approval for 15 months by stealtannest3t
Visa was approved one week after submission. Preparing documemts took about two months. Worked with Langon Law who were competitive with price and very responsive and knowledgeable. Used Monument Visa for apostille of SS letter and FBI background ...
@stealtannest3t Now comes the wait for your new cedula. Have you been able to make an appointment?Back in May there were no apppointments available for the forseeable future in Medellin. We just happened to be going to Bogota the week my ... Read More
Surprising aspects of life in major Colombian cities (testimonials) by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone, I'm a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we're currently seeking testimonials for an upcoming article. If you are (or have ever been) an expat in a major Colombian city, what aspects of life there surprised you the most? Whether ...
I was surprised at all of the alternative systems for payments to accomodate the large percentage of the population who do not have checking accounts including:Corresponsal BancarioNequiEfectyAround the first of the month there will be long lines at ... Read More
Preventive care in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in Colombia, taking care of your health would be one of your main priorities. Preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in keeping fit and healthy. We therefore would like to invite you to share your insights on ...
@nico peligro For seniors, Sura offers Plan Complementario 60+ which in theory gives you access without referral to orthopedics, internal medicine, urology, cardiology and dermatology.聽 That said, getting appointments in Rionegro is virtually ... Read More
Customs Challenge by GuestPoster11112
Hello All,I recently (naively) shipped a used laptop (2019 Macbook Pro) to a friend in Cali with insufficient documentation. It was an old work computer, so I didn't have an invoice or receipt to include. I simply indicated on the customs form ...
@GuestPoster11112 Smart man, welcome to Colombia. pick your battles, smile and don鈥檛 sweat the small stuff. Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@ccebhei聽 I鈥檝e used Daniel Sanchez, certified Colombian transla, very professional and easy to work with (tried messaging contact info and got error message.聽 Maybe see if you can message me and I鈥檒l reply with info) Read More
Visa application and laywers by ccebhei
Hi all, I am not 6 weeks here and I want to apply for my digital nomad visa, am I best served with doing it online myself or with a laywer? If so, can someone recommend a good one and what are their fees?
@ChineduOparaIs there a 90 day requirement for the FBI report? Read More
Taxation on Social Security? by nicoleadette
Hi everyone, I am so confused. I've tried researching this and I keep getting vague answers or wildly different conclusions, most of which don't seem to make much sense. If anyone can clarify and set me straight I will be incredibly grateful. I do ...
Not being fascetious鈥︹�漨ost of which don't seem to make much sense鈥�, welcome to Colombia.聽 聽 Don鈥檛 go there or you will drive yourself crazy.聽 Embrace BIC = Because It鈥檚 Colombia.I agree you will get ... Read More
Expats currently living in Rio Negro Colombia by glennddavis8
Hello expats! I have been living in the Laurelles area of Medellin for the past few year but I am now interested in living outside Medellin in the Rio Negro area. I will be visiting Rio Negro soon and would like to meet up with any expat currently ...
CArtagena, Medellin, zona Cafetera (Salento, Filandia, Valle de Cocora), Amazon region. Read More
Expats currently living in Rio Negro Colombia by glennddavis8
Hello expats! I have been living in the Laurelles area of Medellin for the past few year but I am now interested in living outside Medellin in the Rio Negro area. I will be visiting Rio Negro soon and would like to meet up with any expat currently ...
We just built a house in El Carmen very close to San Antonio de Pereira. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and like cooler temps I recommend it. There are also plenty of apartments/condos in Rionegro and SAP but prices ... Read More
"Repatriation only" insurance? No travel, no medical. by rf2023
Haven't been able to find such a policy anywhere.I heard that SURA sells one, but it's a rumor unless I can confirm it (with them , eventually).Just wondering if anyone has knowledge of the existence of such a policy offered by either a Colombian ...
@rf2023. https://medjetassist.com Read More
An expat social media influencer said what? by Mr. Barley
When an influencer says something interesting that needs to be documented, and possibly rebutted, this thread serves that purpose, at least for me. Of course, I only follow a handful of Youtube channels at this time, although that may need to change ...
@Mr. Barley I spent a month in Pereira and a month in Armenia. Needed fans at night in both to sleep comfortably. Read More
Healthcare in Colombia - seeing a specialist by melanieclare
Hi!I鈥檓 relocating to Bogota later in the year. I鈥檓 38 but have a couple of pre-existing medical conditions, and it seems near impossible to have these covered with private health insurance, and I have seen comments that it might even be ...
@cathyfholt pay a fixer to help you sign up. Its worth it!聽C*** should be able to help you.聽*** Read More
New Here, and I Have Questions!! by Remo Zimbaldi
Hi folks. My name is Ken. I introduced myself here several days ago, and was a little surprised to receive so many quick responses from very friendly people, welcoming me to the forum. Thank you so much for that!!If it's okay with everyone here, ...
@ChineduOpara We were able to apply online but you could not pay with a foreign credit or debit car. Wound ip going to closest migracion office to pay and finish process. Read More
New Here, and I Have Questions!! by Remo Zimbaldi
Hi folks. My name is Ken. I introduced myself here several days ago, and was a little surprised to receive so many quick responses from very friendly people, welcoming me to the forum. Thank you so much for that!!If it's okay with everyone here, ...
@HutchX2020 you sre wrong about not being able to sign up for EPS.聽The basic EPS program is mandatory, it鈥檚 the extensive prepagado supplemental plan which is not available to >63?聽Once you鈥檝e been on EPS for 6 months you ... Read More
Residency Visa based on Marriage by Adaptivemigrant
Hi,Here are the general questions I have to apply for residency based on marriage with a Colombian woman:1) How long one should know the Colombian woman before marriage to be eligible to apply for a Colombian residency visa?2) How long one should ...
@nico peligro "I would like to find a Colombian lady and get married to and apply for a Migrant Marriage visa"If that isn鈥檛 a formula for disaster I don鈥檛 know what is! Read More
Odd contact requests by paddyroyal
Hi,For some reason, I have been getting random contact requests, always from men ,who say basically nothing about themselves and are always in another part of the world. Is this happening for anyone else?
I get them occasionally, including one this past week. 聽Most masquerade as buff, macho military types. 聽I assume they are preying on lonely women, hoping to score a Sugar Daddy situation. 聽(The most recent one I got was in response to ... Read More
The best age to move to Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everybody, No two people experience expatriation in Colombia in the same way, depending on their age and personal situation. We would like to know more about you and ask you to share with us when you decided to move to Colombia. How old ...
How old were you when you moved to Colombia? Did you go alone or with your family?聽My husband and I moved to Colombia in 2021. 聽I was 68, husband was 70. 聽Would have moved 3 years prior except had to wait for terminally ill pet to ... Read More
All about taxes for expats in Colombia by Diksha
Hi everyone, Taxation is an important subject, especially when you are an expatriate in Colombia. We would like to know what you think about the tax system in your host country. This could be helpful to other people preparing for expatriation in ...
Keep in mind that many Americans already pay income tax on at least part of their Social Security payments. I assume Colombia recognizes these payments and will not be 鈥渄ouble-taxing鈥� them? 鈥� If you: - file a federal tax ... Read More
All about taxes for expats in Colombia by Diksha
Hi everyone, Taxation is an important subject, especially when you are an expatriate in Colombia. We would like to know what you think about the tax system in your host country. This could be helpful to other people preparing for expatriation in ...
One other thing to note, Colombia tax returns are individual returns (no joint filing) so couples need to be prepared to pay double filing fees in Colombia. Read More
All about taxes for expats in Colombia by Diksha
Hi everyone, Taxation is an important subject, especially when you are an expatriate in Colombia. We would like to know what you think about the tax system in your host country. This could be helpful to other people preparing for expatriation in ...
Not necessarily, I believe if you earn income IN COLOMBIA, for example from airbnb, you have to file, regardless of days in country. 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 ...
The connection between increased cocaine production and decreased petroleum production has disturbing implications for Colombia鈥檚 economy. Read More
To Pay Tax in Colombia or Not by PhilCo58
If we are good law abiding Expats, we will do our legal bit to help Colombia, but that doesn't mean we are going to empty our pockets for them. When you decide to live in Colombia, one of your obligations is to visit DIAN and register your ...
For US citizens filing a joint return in the US and also paying taxes in Colombia, how does Colombia credit taxes paid Jointly in the US to individual Colombian tax obligations? Is there a schedule to disaggregate taxes paid down to individuals? Read More
To Pay Tax in Colombia or Not by PhilCo58
If we are good law abiding Expats, we will do our legal bit to help Colombia, but that doesn't mean we are going to empty our pockets for them. When you decide to live in Colombia, one of your obligations is to visit DIAN and register your ...
Could it be that they pay little taxes because her clients are deducting US pensions and social security, contrary to the laws cited above by Osage Archer that state that only Colombian pensions are deductible? Read More
To Pay Tax in Colombia or Not by PhilCo58
If we are good law abiding Expats, we will do our legal bit to help Colombia, but that doesn't mean we are going to empty our pockets for them. When you decide to live in Colombia, one of your obligations is to visit DIAN and register your ...
Question for US retirees who file taxes in Colombia - are US Social Security payments taxable as income in Colombia? (My brother鈥檚 comtador says no, I have read otherwise). Read More
To Pay Tax in Colombia or Not by PhilCo58
If we are good law abiding Expats, we will do our legal bit to help Colombia, but that doesn't mean we are going to empty our pockets for them. When you decide to live in Colombia, one of your obligations is to visit DIAN and register your ...
Just curious cccmedia, even though the contadora said you did not owe any taxes, did you still have to file a return? Read More
Vaccines required in Colombia by Diksha
Hello everybody, When living or moving abroad, and in particular in Colombia, vaccination against certain diseases is often required to enter the country or to avoid risks. We would like to ask you a few questions to help future expats ...
The last time that we visited Colombia we heard that yellow fever vaccination was required to travel to Guajira. The shots were available at the Bogota airport but we were informed that they had to be given 10 prior to travel to offer protection. ... Read More
Living in armenia by Cibidcolombia
Hi you all Starting a new chapter in life here in colombia Been living the last 6 years in spain and before 4 years in thailand My business is moving to start up in alcala close to pereria and same distance to armenia so no matter what i ...
What鈥檚 the weather like in Calarc谩? Typical highs and lows, rainfall? Read More
Newly Arriving Expats: Should They Buy a Home in Colombia? by RyanPatrick
Hi Everyone.- My husband and I are working on long-term planning to buy a home in Colombia and move there permanently over the next several years. He is from Colombia. I speak an intermediate level of Spanish. We would like to buy a home and have ...
Speaking of commitment, you need to be prepared to paycash, as loans for real estate are prohibitively expensive. If you need fianancing and you own a hom in the US, consider getting a home equity line and using those procedes to buy in Colombia. Read More
Colombia Time Sharing
I鈥檓 curious what 鈥渢ime sharing鈥� arrangements people have come up with to avoid the higher tax rate imposed on those exceding the 183 day limit in Colombia. If money was no object one could maintain homes in 2 countries, but some ... Read More
Documentation required during this emergency. by CanadaDoug
The Colombia police are required to check the entry date on your passport these emergency shut down days. If you have been in the habit of only carrying your valid visa (i.e.cedula) when going out time that won't be enough to meet your ...
I don鈥檛 know about foreign embassies but those of us who submitted our passports to the state department from March 1 on for renewals or issuance of passport cards are being told to expect months of delays. There are mechanisms for ... Read More
COVID-19 and expatriation in Colombia by Lo茂c
Hello everybody, The COVID-19 crisis inevitably impacts Colombia, between closed airports or periods of containment in some cities or even the entire country . We would like to hear from you during this unusual period, to find out what the ...
Can you tell us more about how you have organized the food distribution for the 35 families? (While my husband and I are in a holding pattern waiting to start our Colombia expat adventure I will be volunteering at the local foodbank which ... Read More
COVID-19 and expatriation in Colombia by Lo茂c
Hello everybody, The COVID-19 crisis inevitably impacts Colombia, between closed airports or periods of containment in some cities or even the entire country . We would like to hear from you during this unusual period, to find out what the ...
Paddyroyal what beautiful generosity! What town are in? Read More
6 month Condo by jeff101d
I'm mid 50's, wife is mid 40's, we're looking to retire in the next few years and considering Cartagena. Yes, we've visited and are good with the weather (heat). We've noted that we would only be allowed to stay for 6 months ...
I鈥檝e been intrigued with the same idea, maybe 6 months minus 1 day in Colombia and 6 months in Spain... would consider sharing /renting to start in a cooler climate - Pereira, Armenia, outskirts of Medellin. Read More
Visa Support and Property Lawyer
This guys name comes up frequently . Would be worth a phone call. http://langoncolombia.com/alan-gongora/ Read More
Organic products in Colombia by Bhavna
Hello everyone, As a consumer in Colombia, you may seek to maintain a healthy lifestyle by choosing mostly organic products. If you do favour such products, we would like to know more about your consumption habits. Is it easy to find organic ...
Yes, lets keep in contact, for sure. If I recall, about a month or so back there was an expat hydroponic farmer on one of the Facebook expat groups, looking for land near Medellin. At first I thought it might be you, but don鈥檛 think he was ... Read More
Organic products in Colombia by Bhavna
Hello everyone, As a consumer in Colombia, you may seek to maintain a healthy lifestyle by choosing mostly organic products. If you do favour such products, we would like to know more about your consumption habits. Is it easy to find organic ...
Former hydroponic farmer here, heading to Colombia, hopefully in January. Please keep us posted on your venture! Read More
Best season to move to Colombia by Priscilla
Hello, Many expats choose to move to Colombia at a specific time of the year, and we invite you to share some tips about the best seasons to move to the country. What is the best season/time of the year to move to Colombia, and why? How do ...
Avoid summer for the following reasons: 1. Air fares skyrocket 2. If you are relocating a pet that must travel in cargo, most airlines do not allow them when temperatures in the airports are 85掳 or higher Also, if you have received an ... Read More
Cali Meetup by CaliRay
A number of people have indicated an interest in setting up a meetup. To get an idea of who is interested and if you are, please respond with a reply to this thread. With a diverse group, working out a convenient time and location will take some ...
I recomend Empandas at the Hotel Obelisco next to the Rio Cali. Wish I was in Cali to join you: https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g297475-d629547-i49752485-Hotel_Obelisco_Cali-Cali_Valle_del_Cauca_Department.html 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 ...
Why would a property owner want to rent without a deposit? Read More
Schooling for expat children in Cali
Colegio Bolivar is an excellent bilingual school. It has been in operation for more than 50 years. Read More
EXPAT by WoodwardBrooks
My wife is from Cali, which where we are going to move to. I do not see much of EXPAT community in Cali, as opposed to say Medellin. Is there one in Cali?
I get an email about it , the next one is Saturday Sept 30 from 9-3. I'm pretty sure it is at the school in Pance. For information contact cchavez@colegiobolivar.edu.co You can also look up the youtube Colegio Bolivar Farmers Market Read More
rentals
So a fiador is essentially a co-signer, correct? Does it need to be someone local to the city you are leasing in, or can it be somebody from another part of Colombia? Read More
Cali Meetup by CaliRay
A number of people have indicated an interest in setting up a meetup. To get an idea of who is interested and if you are, please respond with a reply to this thread. With a diverse group, working out a convenient time and location will take some ...
Ray, I was in Cali last year for a school reunion and several groups got together in front of the Hotel Obelisco which has tables along the Rio Cali and is famous for the best empanadas and luladas in town! A fun spot for a casual group ... Read More
EXPAT by WoodwardBrooks
My wife is from Cali, which where we are going to move to. I do not see much of EXPAT community in Cali, as opposed to say Medellin. Is there one in Cali?
I grew up in Cali in the 50 and 60's when there was a booming Expat Community. The center of expat life revolved around the bilingual Colegio Bolivar, started by executives of US firms like Colgate, Gillette, etc... Bolivar is still in ... Read More
Intrigued by the Estrato system
When I left Colombia in my late teens in 1970 there was no such thing as an "Estrato", but see that this zoning/caste system was imposed by law in the 90s as a mechanism for residents of designated "higher class" neighborhoods ... Read More
Making plans by Duffield
I have recently decided to expat out of the country and Medellin has been calling for some reason. I will have a budget of 1600 USD monthly. I have contacted an agent and he said for a good place it will cost me in the 750$ range. I would like to ...
I noticed that the Locanto listings for temporary furnished rentals reference a C贸digo, which I assume is similar to a US zip code? Can somebody tell me the "good" codigos to focus on in and around Medellin for a short-term (1-2 ... 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 ...
Hola! I was born in Cali to a Gringa mother and Colombian father. Have lived in the US since my late teens. Now 40++ years later, my husband and I and our dog are considering retiring to Medellin (yes, we love Cali, but the climate in Medellin ... Read More