Sandra Prater
@paddyroyal
American expat in Colombia
Forum posts
44
Contacts
6
About me
American
Lives in San Rafael, Antioquia
Speaks English (native) Spanish (advanced) French (low intermediate)
Registration: 08 November 2011
Nationwide water drought 2024 by cccmedia
Colombia is afflicted with a long-lasting droughtapparently caused by the weather phenomenonknown as El Ni帽o.I've been in Bucaramanga, Santander .. and it hashardly rained at all, with no hard rains, in recent months.This is not a local ...
Yes, it's been an unusually dry several months in Salento as well, with higher than normal temperatures. Read More
Pereira or Armenia? Where to retire to! by J L Barrera10
Good morning, Y'all! I'm a U.S. citizen! Born and raised in south Texas but have lived and worked almost all of my adult life in Houston Tx. Married my Colombian sweetheart (from Cali) last year after bringing her to the U.S. in 2021. I'm now less ...
@Digitarius I like Salento because I enjoy small town life and the amenities of living in a tourist town. My arrival was "accidental;" I got here a week before the lockdown and stayed. It's very hard to find housing here. Feel free to PM me. Read More
Pereira or Armenia? Where to retire to! by J L Barrera10
Good morning, Y'all! I'm a U.S. citizen! Born and raised in south Texas but have lived and worked almost all of my adult life in Houston Tx. Married my Colombian sweetheart (from Cali) last year after bringing her to the U.S. in 2021. I'm now less ...
@Poke laxdal I would be interested in your reasons for liking Los Cerritos so much. I went once and disliked it intensely; too much traffic, too far out of the city. I paid a fortune taking cabs to visit someone there. Read More
Pereira or Armenia? Where to retire to! by J L Barrera10
Good morning, Y'all! I'm a U.S. citizen! Born and raised in south Texas but have lived and worked almost all of my adult life in Houston Tx. Married my Colombian sweetheart (from Cali) last year after bringing her to the U.S. in 2021. I'm now less ...
@Poke laxdal I would be interested in your reasons for liking Los Cerritos so much. I went once and disliked it intensely; too much traffic, too far out of the city. I paid a fortune taking cabs to visit someone there. Read More
Pereira or Armenia? Where to retire to! by J L Barrera10
Good morning, Y'all! I'm a U.S. citizen! Born and raised in south Texas but have lived and worked almost all of my adult life in Houston Tx. Married my Colombian sweetheart (from Cali) last year after bringing her to the U.S. in 2021. I'm now less ...
@maitrimeyer, Just sent you a message. Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don'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 your ...
@davidrebolloso Hi David, I live in Salento. Feel free to contact me. Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 by Rongs1
@JulienGood day, My name is Lawrence and I'm looking to first visit Colombia and the potentially make the big move. I recently retired after 35 years in education, including both teaching and school leadership. The potentials of a big change are ...
@Rongs1 How great to have made that connection! How did you and this person meet up? Read More
Pereira or Armenia? Where to retire to! by J L Barrera10
Good morning, Y'all! I'm a U.S. citizen! Born and raised in south Texas but have lived and worked almost all of my adult life in Houston Tx. Married my Colombian sweetheart (from Cali) last year after bringing her to the U.S. in 2021. I'm now less ...
@cccmedia And then there's the changing climate. Salento has been hot as heck (for us, anyway), with no rain for two weeks now. Read More
Pereira or Armenia? Where to retire to! by J L Barrera10
Good morning, Y'all! I'm a U.S. citizen! Born and raised in south Texas but have lived and worked almost all of my adult life in Houston Tx. Married my Colombian sweetheart (from Cali) last year after bringing her to the U.S. in 2021. I'm now less ...
@J L Barrera10聽Sounds good. I'm in Salento. Give me a holler if you would like to meet up. My two cents worth are that Panama and Costa RIca are overgringo-ized at this point and have been for quite a while. Read More
Pereira or Armenia? Where to retire to! by J L Barrera10
Good morning, Y'all! I'm a U.S. citizen! Born and raised in south Texas but have lived and worked almost all of my adult life in Houston Tx. Married my Colombian sweetheart (from Cali) last year after bringing her to the U.S. in 2021. I'm now less ...
@HutchX2020 I agree that prices are rising and both cities are getting more congested. Why not spend time in each city before deciding? Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don'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 your ...
@davidrebolloso Hi David, I live in Salento. Feel free to shoot me a message with questions I can help you with.Sandra 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 ...
@cccmedia There is a fair amount of buzz in some of the expat Facebook groups about expats driving up the prices and pushing out locals, especially in places like Medellin. I can't help wondering if they're looking at countries like Panama and ... 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 I'd suggest finding an agent in your area to work with. See if there any expat groups where you are. And yeah, some people are reporting that new retirement visa holders are not eligible to join an EPS. Read More
Your first days in your home in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Do you remember the first time you set foot in Colombia? One of your main concerns must have been the settling down process in your new home. Share your experience and tell us what it was like to find your new home in Colombia ...
Great question! I spent my first six months in Colombia traveling to places recommended by Colombians and expats. One place I was loathe to visit, despite many recommendations, was Salento, because I knew it was very "touristic." I finally decided ... 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, ...
@nico peligro I have lost money twice in Davivienda ATMs with my Schwab card. I get a receipt saying that money is not available, but then I discover that it's been deducted from my account. I have read on a couple of expat sites that this is not ... 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 ...
I have not had any trouble using my EPS for my pre-existing heart conditions. Specifically, I see an EPS doc every three months to get an order for my meds, which would cost about $70/month without the order (and much more in the US). As Health at ... 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 ...
@J L Barrera10 Feel free to be in touch as you explore. There are very few expats in Salento for sure. I was looking at Pereira but am happy to be in a small town. 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 ...
@J L Barrera10 Hi, I live in Salento and travel to Armenia for medical appointments. It's less than an hour by bus. So far, I have been able to get everything handled there except for some specialized tests, which required that I go to Pereira. 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 ...
@N.Barley Hi, I have a pensioner's visa. The first one was for a year, the second one is for three years. 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 live in a small town and am pleased with my expenses here. I rent a furnished caba帽a, which includes utilities and bottled water and the company of a lovely Colombian family on the same property, for $250US. I walk everywhere in town, and ... 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?
Thanks for all the responses!Julien, I wouldn't describe them as "weird" exactly, just men who are always in or going to a different part of the world and who make a contact request with no info about themselves.I'm just rejecting them. If anything ... Read More
Odd contact requests
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? Read More
New members of the Colombia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Colombia forum? Don'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 ...
I am returning member of the group and thought I would say hello again. I landed in Salento a week before the lockdown and stayed for 13 months before returning to the US last May. I came back to Salento a month ago, to my lovely caba帽a and ... 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 ...
Good Morning, It certainly has been an interesting time! I was lucky enough to land in a small town in the coffee region which still has no cases of covid-19, so our lives have returned to as normal as they can be, given there is no tourism, the ... 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 ...
I contacted a friend who has been here his whole life, and he worked with the owners of a local store to identify families. The store delivers the food every week, even going to a produce store to add some fresh veggies they don't sell. 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 ...
Thank you, Adriana. I'm in Salento. It feels like the least I could do given the kindness and hospitality I have experienced in Colombia. In response to the original question, I have applied for a retirement visa, although I'm sure that ... 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 ...
Hi Lo茂c, Thanks for posting such a timely question! I arrived in Colombia in October and fell in love with the people and the beauty of the country. Consequently, I decided to stay here rather than return to the US. It's a little ... Read More
Safety at night in Antigua by dcracken1
Hello, I am taking a trip this summer to Central America. My final stop is Antigua. I am planning to stay at the Aurora Hotel. I am a solo male traveler in my late 30's. I have read that Antigua is generally safe during the day but not so much ...
Phil, My understanding is that the tuk tuks don't run very late... Read More
Safety at night in Antigua by dcracken1
Hello, I am taking a trip this summer to Central America. My final stop is Antigua. I am planning to stay at the Aurora Hotel. I am a solo male traveler in my late 30's. I have read that Antigua is generally safe during the day but not so much ...
My daughter decided to walk home near the center just after dark and was robbed at knifepoint by two men. Four men saw them and decided to rape her. Luckily she got away after handing them her cell phone, which she had stuck in her bra. Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico 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 ...
Hi Sheila, You might check out HelpX. It's a good site to find housing in exchange for work. Sandra Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico 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 ...
Sorry, I realized I didn't answer your message fully. My plan once I get there is to see how the area feels. I've heard it's famous for coffee, flowers, and birds, so I plan to enjoy the flowers and birds while drinking coffee! I'd ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico 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 ...
Hi Louis, Thanks for your response. We are thinking along the same lines, it seems. If I decide to move to Mexico, and it's still an if at this point, I will travel light and only take some things that have sentimental value. And you're ... Read More
New members of the Mexico forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Mexico 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 ...
Good Morning, I'm not a new member, but it's been a long time since I've been here. After four years back in the US, I'm ready to check out Mexico as a possible place to settle. I'm interested in Coatepec, outside Xalapa, and ... Read More
San Pedro LA Laguna. ????
Hi, I have lived in San Pedro for a total of 2 1/2 years over six or seven years. Yes, it's a good place to hang out, and the people are very friendly. It's also a good cheap place to study Spanish. Feel free to ask more questions. Sandra Read More
Rental home in San Pedro
In my experience, having rented several places in San Pedro, the best way to find something is word of mouth. Go over and ask around. Good places to check are Salud Para Vida, Home Restaurant, and Idea Connection. Read More
Checking out Guatemala--thinking of around pana--live currently in US by Gig3000
Thinking about the little things here. If i didn't want to carry cash around, how would i pay for rent? Can you have a cashiers check cut at the local bank to pay the landlord? or mail it? If we rent from locals, do they go to the bank? Do they ...
There is a branch of COLUA in San Pedro, and I agree that they are wonderfully helpful. I can wire money to a bank in Pana, BAM I think, and get it transferred to them. I find that it's better to be on the ground to find rentals word of mouth. Read More
2013 Trip to Lake Atitlan by HippieMama
When I first joined this site, I was planning on visiting Guatemala for the first time in January 2013. Our plans have changed somewhat, but I am glad to say that we are still planning to go to Guatemala for the first time in 2013...just a little ...
Armand has answered the question about the time to the lake as well as the point about the difficulty of getting a camioneta. I am confused because I have never said anything about traveling between 10 and 5 nor have I said anything about being ... Read More
2013 Trip to Lake Atitlan by HippieMama
When I first joined this site, I was planning on visiting Guatemala for the first time in January 2013. Our plans have changed somewhat, but I am glad to say that we are still planning to go to Guatemala for the first time in 2013...just a little ...
As someone who has been living on and off in San Pedro for five years, I figured out I'd throw in my two quetzales worth. To clarify, the trip from the airport to the lake is not long; it's just that the last shuttles tend to leave the aiport ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Several more reasons: *Meeting interesting people from around the world *Being able to practice my Spanish and French on a daily basis *Greeting dozens of people and dogs, many by name, on my 15-minute walk into town *Traveling by tuk tuk, pickup, ... Read More
Visiting Guate
Hi, Hmmm,I sent you a message a while ago. Happy to show you around the lake area. Sandra Read More