Stephane
@SteveRusso
French expat in Colombia
Forum posts
534
Contacts
63
About me
French
Lives in Bogota
Speaks French, English, Spanish
Registration: 21 March 2011
The jobs that are the most in-demand for expats in Belize by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding the job market for expats in Belize. This information will be incredibly helpful to anyone considering moving there, so we're very grateful for your contribution. What are the types of ...
Hi! Would you know about any local staffing agencies? I could not find any information online. Is there any structured employment market in Belize? Read More
verify US academic diplomas to get a job
Actually, some jobs (especially in the public sector, or education), require foreign diplomas to be "convalidated" (they're calling it convalidaci贸n) . You may check the whole convalidaci贸n process ... Read More
Post Office charges on items shipped to Colombia by Texas Bred
Just wondering if it's possible to challenge the amount set by the Colombian Post Office? I shipped some personal items from the U.S. to Medellin. I thought the amount charged for me to pay once it arrived is somewhat extreme. What I am ...
To answer the OP, the taxes are not set by the Post Office, but by Colombian Customs. The taxes are often based on Customs officer own evaluation. It can be negociated if you can prove the value of the taxed items are lower than their evaluation. A ... 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 ...
Getting a landline in Colombia is not an easy process for expats because it requires to have a C茅dula de extranjeria, a bank account, and a credit record. It is also useless in my opinion. Regarding cell phone, pretty easy. There are 4 major ... Read More
How To Open Bank Account in Colombia by ChrisGC
Hi everyone, Maybe this has already been asked. I want to open a bank account in colombia. Right now I know that in order to open a bank account I need a document called a "cedula" or "cedula de extranjero". Maybe there are ...
Hi Chris That's a lot of questions! :) First of, let's start with the Cedula de Extranjeria. It is basically the Colombian Green Card. You can get it with a resident visa (you may request a spouse visa after you get married). With the ... Read More
Popular neighborhoods for Expats to live by dc_vida
Our family is considering a move from Cali to Bogota. If you love your neighborhood in Bogota, and it is family friendly, can you tell me about it? (Name, location, etc) If you know the average rental price range this would also be very helpful ...
Chapinero Alto can be an option because it is quite green, but hilly. There are gorgeous appartments with great views here. Chico and Chico Norte (around calle 85) is a great neighborhood. Rather upper class, close to the business district, and full ... Read More
Colombian cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Colombia? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Colombia and why not your best ...
Colombian cuisine is starch, starch, and more starch. Basic ingredients: Potatoes, rice, red beans. Meat will be either (overcooked) beef, pork, or chicken. Sides: plantain, arepa (maize made flatbread), avocado. Some dishes include sausages and ... Read More
US Embassy No Cell-phone Rule- Help
I don't know about this rule, but if you have to leave your phone at home, don't forget you'll always find a guy who sells phone calls by minutes at every street corner. Just write down the most important numbers on a piece of paper, and ... Read More
work from home by lilimna
Hi guys, how are you? I am from Philippines. Do you know a company where I can work from home? I am in Colombia for almost 5 months and just moved to Facatativa 2 weeks ago. I prefer working online. Do you know anything? I have experience in ...
Hola violamarieb I have a friend who worked in call centers here in Bogota, and it seems they are in constant search for English speakers. if you can speak decent Spanish (you'll have to communicate with your field supervisor in Spanish), you ... Read More
Music in Colombia by Kenjee
Hi, Music is said to be a universal language. Indeed it helps to discover and better understand the culture of a country. What are the most popular music genres in Colombia? How about traditional music and instruments? Who are the local ...
Yes, OsageArcher, you're spot on. I focused on Colombian music and artists, but in everyday life, music from all over Latin America and the Carribean can be heard. Big "music nations" would include Argentina (loooooots of Rock bands ... Read More
Colombia visa
Hi On this link below you can check your visa application, provided your travel agent communicated the visa application number to ... 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?
@Zinzielee You'll need around 1.5 million pesos (net wage) to live a simple but still enjoyable life. 2.5 million will bring more comfort. You may have a look at this thread: /forum/viewtopic.php?id=478603 @Moonraven Thank ... 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?
You are absolutely right, Colombia is slowly recovering from very dark years. The country is now much much safer than what the media still convey about Colombia. I'd say that the level of safety in Colombia is comparable with most of the ... Read More
Business
Hi Rasheed You should not disclose your budget. This is the best way to attract thieves. The amount of money needed depends of course of the kind of business you want to open. Don't forget you'll need to live meanwhile your business is ... 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?
For the racial part of your post, you may know that Colombia has the biggest population of African descent of the whole Spanish speaking America. One thing you have to know, Colombians are very straightforward. You will be called negro more than ... Read More
Business Outfit for Woman in Medellin? by KarinaColumbia
Hello, I am wondering how to style myself when working in a Office and in Sales. Here in Germany I do not use any make up, do not care much for my nails and also do not wear jewellery. Might that seem for Columbians not appropriate or even ...
topperZZ99, she mentioned this is the way she is in Germany, and is wondering if it would work in Colombia. From experience, she is just aligned with the way most women are in Germany, including in sales. Yes she will need to adjust in Colombia, ... Read More
Schools for expat children in Bogota by expat.com
Hello to all :) We'd like you to extend any information you have on the educational system in Bogotq. But of course, we'd like you to mainly talk about international schools (primary, secondary, high school and universities) existing in Bogota for ...
Read 100% in my previous message of course. Read More
Schools for expat children in Bogota by expat.com
Hello to all :) We'd like you to extend any information you have on the educational system in Bogotq. But of course, we'd like you to mainly talk about international schools (primary, secondary, high school and universities) existing in Bogota for ...
One excellent school with 10% US curriculum is Colegio Nueva Granada. But it is also probably the costliest. Read More
Music in Colombia by Kenjee
Hi, Music is said to be a universal language. Indeed it helps to discover and better understand the culture of a country. What are the most popular music genres in Colombia? How about traditional music and instruments? Who are the local ...
Music, and dance, are part of Colombia's popular culture. When friends get together, it will always end up with some dance. It is difficult to give a general view of Colombian music in just one post. The music scene is very lively and diverse. ... 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 ...
@ChrisGC, It is not having troubles, it is about going through the verification process. @Jubilado YOU know you are an honest retired person, THEY suspect you to bring back to Colombia laundered money. There is no specific bank that would ease up ... Read More
New in Bogota with a baby by Ontravel2015
Hi! I just moved to Bogota with my husband and little baby. i am in the Chico area which is supposed to be a safe area and also popular among expats but i rarely see foreign mums in the streets and parks around. This makes me wonder if this place ...
Chico is probably the best place for apartment living in Bogota. You probably haven't seen many expat mums because there aren't so many. Bogota is not a huge expat spot. Read More
Teaching for more than 6 months of the year by KermitTheFrog
It's come to my attention that I can only stay in Colombia for six months of the year on a tourist visa. I'm guessing some schools will help with a work visa. The problem with that is, since most of the schools do not hire in advance, I have ...
Hi Any news? We're now late July. You set foot in Colombia? Having a good job? Would be happy to hear about your experience. Read More
Visiting Bogota in July
Hi I would recommend InterNations. There are local branches in Bogota and Medellin with many social events. Google it :) Read More
Living on $500/month by makskk
Hey guys! As the name says is it possible or better where exactly would be the cheapest place in Colombia to look for if your budget is 500/month. I'm 20 yo and have no problems staying in a really bad apartament-no TV, no hot water-but I do ...
Chris Do you have to pay MIO everyday to go to work? Must be around 1800 pesos, like in Bogota, right? That's at least 3600 pesos a day, 6 days a week, that's about USD 35 per month just to commute. Plus probably some menu fijo o menu ... Read More
Living on $500/month by makskk
Hey guys! As the name says is it possible or better where exactly would be the cheapest place in Colombia to look for if your budget is 500/month. I'm 20 yo and have no problems staying in a really bad apartament-no TV, no hot water-but I do ...
maskk I already replied on another forum there is a website called compartoapartamentoespecially for that (sharing appartments). For a few days, you can use the couchsurfing ... Read More
Living on $500/month by makskk
Hey guys! As the name says is it possible or better where exactly would be the cheapest place in Colombia to look for if your budget is 500/month. I'm 20 yo and have no problems staying in a really bad apartament-no TV, no hot water-but I do ...
At least in Bogota, you can rent small apartments for as low a 300,000 pesos (120 USD) per month. But would you like to live in these kind of neighborhoods? These are far away, poor, insecure areas of the city. You'd need approximately 250,000 ... Read More
Settle down in Colombia - jobsearch by loufre
Hey fellows, Let me shortly introduce myself: I am from Germany, 24 years old, last year I graduated as BA in Economics from Julius-Maximilians-University of Wuerzburg. Currently I am working as Personnel consultant (actually Headhunting) at a ...
That麓s the easiest way to get your permanent visa. In accordance to the colombian immigration law your right to stay in colombia will not be affected if for any reason you will break up your commitment with your girlfriend after a minimum of 3 ... Read More
Has anyone been to these places in Colombia?
Hi! Regarding Ca帽o Cristales (river of 5 colors), here are some information. Usually, a 3 days / 2 nights package is enough. A longer stay would mean re-doing what has been done the day before. Usually people travel to Villavicencio, and then ... Read More
Settle down in Colombia - jobsearch by loufre
Hey fellows, Let me shortly introduce myself: I am from Germany, 24 years old, last year I graduated as BA in Economics from Julius-Maximilians-University of Wuerzburg. Currently I am working as Personnel consultant (actually Headhunting) at a ...
Hi Louis As a recent graduated, you may expect jobs paid between 1.5 and 2 million pesos. Maybe 2.5 if you're lucky (some engineers can be pais up to 2.5 millions). From 1.5 million and above, it is livable. Of course you won't live in an ... Read More
New to Bogata!! Where to live??? by Earzu
I'll be moving to Bogota in July due to my husbands job and would like to know where's a good place to live with 2 boys ages, 8 and 12? I hear North Bogot谩 is a good area, but where North?
There must be like 50 different embassies in Bogota :) But I guess you meant the US embassy. The US Embassy is in a neighborhood named Teusaquillo. It is halfway between the airport and the city historical center. The Colombo American School, ... Read More
New to Bogata!! Where to live??? by Earzu
I'll be moving to Bogota in July due to my husbands job and would like to know where's a good place to live with 2 boys ages, 8 and 12? I hear North Bogot谩 is a good area, but where North?
Hi Earzu Depends on your budget, on where your hubby will work, where your kids will go to school... One basic rule, don't live too far away from work, because traffic is *terrible*. It really ads to quality of life to live nearby. On this ... Read More
United States Travel Advisories by SmartOldLady
Recently a well-known International company recently recommended that retirees (and others) consider a move to Columbia, especially Medellin. I looked up the U.S. Travel Advisory for this country and found that it is, according to the State ...
About this 2012 post in lesstraveledroad, and these 10 things about Medellin ccmedia is referring to: 1. The public restrooms are clean Yes usually true. But is it Medellin specific? 2. Close the door to a car here like you would in the States, ... Read More
United States Travel Advisories by SmartOldLady
Recently a well-known International company recently recommended that retirees (and others) consider a move to Columbia, especially Medellin. I looked up the U.S. Travel Advisory for this country and found that it is, according to the State ...
Wrong. Detroit 2014 homicide rate 45.2 per 100,000 inhabitants Medellin 2014 homicide rate: 26.7 per 100,000 ... Read More
Teaching for more than 6 months of the year by KermitTheFrog
It's come to my attention that I can only stay in Colombia for six months of the year on a tourist visa. I'm guessing some schools will help with a work visa. The problem with that is, since most of the schools do not hire in advance, I have ...
Kerm, I feel sorry you didn't find value in my messages. You are absolutely correct. I am currently not living in Colombia. Even though I have to say that your message sounds, to the least, unfair, if not insulting, I will nonetheless provide ... Read More
Teaching for more than 6 months of the year by KermitTheFrog
It's come to my attention that I can only stay in Colombia for six months of the year on a tourist visa. I'm guessing some schools will help with a work visa. The problem with that is, since most of the schools do not hire in advance, I have ...
As a tourist, you can stay up to 90 days, and then request for a (payable) extension of other 90 days. You cannot stay in the country more than 180 consecutive days AND not more than 180 days within the same calendar year. For instance: You enter ... Read More
Teaching for more than 6 months of the year by KermitTheFrog
It's come to my attention that I can only stay in Colombia for six months of the year on a tourist visa. I'm guessing some schools will help with a work visa. The problem with that is, since most of the schools do not hire in advance, I have ...
Kerm What kind of contract will you have with Berlitz in Colombia? Work contract or service contract? If they sign you up with a service contract, you can still get a work visa (named TP-4) with your service contract. But beware, as service ... Read More
US expat Moving to Bogota? by wende
We are a family of 5 considering a move to Bogota. Can anyone recommend an english speaking school for our children ages 16, 12 and 8? Are there expat neighborhoods near by? Is it safe? How is the medical care? Anything else we need to ...
@JLJ417 Even though you didn't address your question to me, I'll provide my insight. I am sure JRC410 will answer too. If your Colombian wife has a regular job, or is self employed, she already has an EPS since it is mandatory for every ... 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 ...
Bram Yes not always as easy as described especially if there are kids involved or a previous marriage. If one of the tow got married (and divorced) in the past, you will have to prove in some way you got legally divorced. Usually the marriage and ... Read More
Santa Marta - Connecting my 10 year old son with friends... by EricKarpinski
Hi! We're a family from the US living in Santa Marta, Colombia for 4 months. Our son, Jack, who is very outgoing at home is having a tough time transitioning here. We'd love to find him some local friends who share his language. Do you ...
Hi Beckhamm I have a 14 years old daughter, and I lived for about one year in Bogota. But at that time, my daughter was not with me. Still, I was living in couple with a Colombian woman with a 11 years old girl at that time. We had a middle class ... Read More
Santa Marta - Connecting my 10 year old son with friends... by EricKarpinski
Hi! We're a family from the US living in Santa Marta, Colombia for 4 months. Our son, Jack, who is very outgoing at home is having a tough time transitioning here. We'd love to find him some local friends who share his language. Do you ...
On thing that (sadly) surprised me in Colombia, is to discover that there is a LOT of bullying between kids. I don't know if it's the case for yours. 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?
Yes 4-72 have a very bad reputation. I personally can't complain much. Out of like 20 packages, all arrived in Colombia. On another forum, people mentioned buscalibre.com Never used it. http://www.gringos.com/forum/f77/luggage-question-20029/ 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 don't know how good (!) the service is, but 4-72 (the Colombian Post) offers such a service: https://www.casillerovirtual4-72.com.co Read More
US expat Moving to Bogota? by wende
We are a family of 5 considering a move to Bogota. Can anyone recommend an english speaking school for our children ages 16, 12 and 8? Are there expat neighborhoods near by? Is it safe? How is the medical care? Anything else we need to ...
Yes this comment is valid for people having a good medical coverage (Medicina prepagada, they call it). If you are a poor Colombian with only the standard social security (EPS), and even worse with the subsidized EPS, hospitals will send you back ... Read More
Life in Colombia by ma.bragion
Hello guys, I'd like to know how is life in Colombia, like the minimum wages and if as a teacher with TESOL certification, I can be able to pay all my bills (supermarket, electricity, water, etc) and by the end of the month I have some money ...
Oppps yes I made a typo regarding the minimum wage. My bad. Read More
Do I have to pay some stay-tax on aeroport when come? by Guest5923
I am in columbia on merriage visa over 1 year. My visa is on 3 years. I have to come back in my country in Europe. Do I have to pay some stay-tax on aeroport when come. I am retired If anyone know, please help
You have other taxes, but they are already included in the airline ticket price. So yes, at the airport, you'll only have to pay the exit tax. Read More
Do I have to pay some stay-tax on aeroport when come? by Guest5923
I am in columbia on merriage visa over 1 year. My visa is on 3 years. I have to come back in my country in Europe. Do I have to pay some stay-tax on aeroport when come. I am retired If anyone know, please help
In Colombia, since you are a foreign resident, you'll have to pay the 'timbre de salida', or exit tax. 35 US dollars from what I know. You have to pay before registering your luggage. Read More
Life in Colombia by ma.bragion
Hello guys, I'd like to know how is life in Colombia, like the minimum wages and if as a teacher with TESOL certification, I can be able to pay all my bills (supermarket, electricity, water, etc) and by the end of the month I have some money ...
Hi Minimum salary: 248.000 pesos. Around 100 USD. Monthly. Native English teacher with teaching experience and TESOL, probably around 2.5 million pesos. 1000 dollars. Yes you can pay your bills with that, but won't be la vida loca. It will be a ... Read More
see if moving out of the U.S. is even an option for me by John Smithx
Hello all. I am just trying to see if moving out of the U.S. is even an option for me. I have no degree or a trade. I currently work as a dealer in a casino. What type of job could I train for that is global that also earns a decent wage ? (not ...
Colombia is definitely not an egalitarian country. As most of Latin America, wealth is very very badly distributed. It is even the foundation issue that led to the birth of a the infamous 60 years old guerilla: the FARC. The most egalitarian ... Read More
I want to marry my colombian girlfriend by sanjayakist
HALO everybody I want to know about the marriage laws and documentsof Colombia . As I am a Indian and I am bachelor and I want to marry my girlfriend who is a colombian citizen so I want to know what documents will be require and how it could be ...
Remember that since you are hodling Indian citizenship, you are required to get a tourist visa to Colombia. Cost is approx 300 USD, and requires to provide some proof of income: Showing bank extracts of the last 3 months showing an average amount of ... Read More
need a job by shafeek maiah
Definitely new to this and why iam here because two years back I met a girl from colombia in we chat, and we realise that we are soulmate ,we need a lot money for the same or if i got a job there its really helpful anybody help us
Shafeek, the trip itself costs like USD 1,800 round trip. You'll need a visa for Colombia, and a transit visa from the country(ies) your trip will stopover to. The most "direct"' route being through Germany with Lufthansa ... Read More
The WanderingSalsero is now in Barranquilla by wanderingsalsero
Introducing myself... I just moved from Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, to Barranquilla. Single, work online as a writer but I'm hoping to get a teaching job here too... if possible. I already have some private tutoring students set up through a lady I ...
Yes, Colombian diet is starch, starch, and more starch. And overcooked meat. Being in Barranquilla, you have access to seafood though. As for salsa clubs. Well, you have to keep in mind that salsa is part of Colombian culture, but is not exactly ... Read More