PhilCo58
English expat in Colombia
Forum posts
37
About me
English, Married
Lives in Rionegro, Antioquia
Speaks English and Spanish
Registration: 16 October 2023
Waste Management in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in Colombia, waste management can often pose challenges and requires an understanding of local standards and regulations. Understanding local practices is essential for environmental compliance and seamless integration ...
In this area recycling is a serious business, all collected by Campesinos, and woe betide anyone who touches their rubbish. They then sort it and take it to local centers, what happens with it then is anyone's guess. Read More
We are looking forward to learning more about the country by stefanvienna83
Hello,My name is Stefan, 41 years old and originally from Austria. I have been living in Mexico with my wife Claudia (30, from Slovakia) for 1.5 years with minor interruptions. We returned to Mexico after the birth of our daughter Madeline in ...
I agree with mtbe, I don't recognize any of the things you want here in Colombia, and I've been here 12 years 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 are planning to travel to colombia at the end of march. can you suggest places to totravel to and see? -@miguelcaraveo620You don't say if you are just coming for a holiday or scouting for a move. Recommendations will differ drastically ... Read More
Getting a PayPal account for a Venezuelan living in Colombia by CaliRay
Can it be done? Is anyone on this site in a similar situation and was able to open a PayPal account?
I have had a PayPal Account in Colombia since arriving 12yrs ago, they wouldn't let me just change details when I moved, I had to close my old account and open a new one. When I was first here they let me register my UK bank card, but when it came ... Read More
Visa de Residente by PhilCo58
For anyone who doesn't spend their time studying Colombian Regs. By accident I came across a post on FB today, all Foreigners with Resident Visas must renew them by 24 October 2024, even if you had years left on your Visa, in my case 2026, we rang ...
To try and clarify the situation... After receiving a message from a FB Friend here who renewed about the same time as me, who stated he did not have to renew. We contacted the Canciller铆a again today, and explained the situation, as a result ... Read More
Cost of living in Colombia in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Colombia, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in ...
It's a hard subject to outline here, because every area of the same town can have different prices, which are likewise effected by the Estrato (1-7) you live in. Read More
Visa de Residente by PhilCo58
For anyone who doesn't spend their time studying Colombian Regs. By accident I came across a post on FB today, all Foreigners with Resident Visas must renew them by 24 October 2024, even if you had years left on your Visa, in my case 2026, we rang ...
rvmax, I gave it, in the post! Read More
Visa de Residente by PhilCo58
For anyone who doesn't spend their time studying Colombian Regs. By accident I came across a post on FB today, all Foreigners with Resident Visas must renew them by 24 October 2024, even if you had years left on your Visa, in my case 2026, we rang ...
Looks like it's true, you would think they would have informed all visa holders, but they didn't. My Colombian Wife spoke with the Canciller铆a all he did was quote the Regulation, he has no idea! Read More
Visa de Residente by PhilCo58
For anyone who doesn't spend their time studying Colombian Regs. By accident I came across a post on FB today, all Foreigners with Resident Visas must renew them by 24 October 2024, even if you had years left on your Visa, in my case 2026, we rang ...
Before anyone asks... There was talk of this back at the beginning of 2022, as I had only renewed mine in 2021, my Wife contacted the Canciller铆a, who at the time said my Visa would be honored until it's expiration date, turns out, that was a ... Read More
Visa de Residente
For anyone who doesn't spend their time studying Colombian Regs. By accident I came across a post on FB today, all Foreigners with Resident Visas must renew them by 24 October 2024, even if you had years left on your Visa, in my case 2026, we rang ... Read More
COLOMBIAN SCAM GIRLS: THE BLACKLIST by JohnyLondon
I think there should be a blacklist of girls on the forum, indicating: their first name, surname (or alias), the city where they are staying, with a short description of the situation and their telephone numbers (which, if Googled, could be checked ...
I am not sure whether to find the very generalized comments about Colombian Women on here funny or offensive. Firstly what does the Estrato system have to do with the class of anyone? It's all to do with the infrastructure and Services. I have lived ... Read More
Moving to Colombia with a criminal record by tscout
I (34M, UK) recently got myself into some trouble, likely resulting in what鈥檚 known as a conditional caution here in the UK. I have previously been cautioned by the police a couple of times as a young adult some 15+ years ago. I have never ...
I'm not sure why this post has been revived after 2 yrs, but as a retired Brit Cop, this story doesn't ring true, one minute he's talking about Cautions, and that he's only had cautions, the next he was talking about Criminal Convictions, a totally ... Read More
Brit Expats Regain Right to Vote by PhilCo58
To all Brit Expats who lost the right to Vote, under the 15yr rule, you now have the right re-instated. It isn't automatic, so don't forget to register. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67993306
@PhilCo58To register the link is:https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Read More
Brit Expats Regain Right to Vote
To all Brit Expats who lost the right to Vote, under the 15yr rule, you now have the right re-instated. It isn't automatic, so don't forget to register. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67993306 Read More
Residences for seniors by szimmer1935
Does anyone know anything about Habitat, an organization that manages three different residences for independent senior citizens in Medellin?
I don't have personal knowledge, but they have a series of YouTube videos you can find here/https://youtube.com/@habitat-serviciosintegrale831?si=IONFLnBPN-K6XXYRThey also have their website:https://tuhabitat.co/From reading some of their ... Read More
Certificate of Deposit (CDT) -- 17 % annual return? by cccmedia
On an obscure 大咖福利影院 thread concerningpotential USA debt default, a poster suggestedinvesting in a Certificado de Dep贸sitode T茅rmino (CDT) at one of the Colombianfinancial institutions.According to a list e-published at ...
@cccmediaI have just received the payout on my CDT with Bancolombia it was invested for 15 months at 15% return. No problems with the investment or getting the money at the end of the day, it was automatically deposited into my account on the right ... Read More
Volunteering to teach English in Medellin by jamcadam
Hi,I'm staying in Medellin from Dec 18th to March 10th. I'm taking a Spanish course until Jan 24th and then hanging out until the snow melts in Canada.I'm a certified TEFL teacher. I'd love to volunteer somewhere for half a day Monday to Friday ...
You can (and dare I say, should) teach ESL anyway, British English and all. It's good for the locals to hear different flavors of the language, just like how we have to contend with various (quite distinct) flavors of Spanish even within the same ... Read More
Christmas wishlist by Lpdiver
All I want for Christmas is a marriage visa...lol. I think it will be quite delayed due to the holidays. Three weeks and it is still in the formalized mode. The first application was not granted due to current passport number did not match the ...
Much of the Canciller铆a site is down and has been for weeks, that may be the problem Read More
Volunteering to teach English in Medellin by jamcadam
Hi,I'm staying in Medellin from Dec 18th to March 10th. I'm taking a Spanish course until Jan 24th and then hanging out until the snow melts in Canada.I'm a certified TEFL teacher. I'd love to volunteer somewhere for half a day Monday to Friday ...
I obtained my TEFL a few years ago, but have never used it here, why? because I am a Brit, and English English is different to American English, it just confuses the Kids, who for obvious reasons learn the American vocabulary. Read More
Healthcare here in Colombia report by expats by GuestPoster11975
Hola,We did a blog post about our personal experience with healthcare here in Colombia after living here for over 5 years. It is very detailed and can help you when considering locating here.Cheers,John and ...
the official rate is 12% of declared income, if you wish to declare your full income that's a moral decision for you. Read More
COLOMBIAN SCAM GIRLS: THE BLACKLIST by JohnyLondon
I think there should be a blacklist of girls on the forum, indicating: their first name, surname (or alias), the city where they are staying, with a short description of the situation and their telephone numbers (which, if Googled, could be checked ...
@JohnyLondon I think you'll find that there are just as many Males coming to Colombia, looking for one thing only, and promising the earth to get it, is it any wonder they play men at their own game?Have one list, there should also be one to protect ... Read More
Your neighbours in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When you move in Colombia, relationships with your neighbours can play a vital role in your well-being and integration. Share your experiences of the interactions and routines that punctuate your daily life in Colombia: Tell us ...
I鈥檓 looking forward to meeting more and more Colombian people, and really have no interest in surrounding myself with other expats. -@JamesDMI feel the same way, if I see you in Rionegro, I'll slip down a side street! Read More
Colombian Citizenship by PhilCo58
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ...
According to Colombian law, U.S-Colombian dual nationals MUST present a Colombian passport to enter and exit Colombia. lpd -@LpdiverThat doesn't effect me, but I'll check if it applies to UK/ Colombian nationals. I wasn't going to get a ... Read More
Colombian Citizenship by PhilCo58
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ...
@LpdiverNot unless it's a Colombian law I don't know about, if you have dual Citizenship you should be able to use either, if I use my UK passport, I guess it would mean joining the longer queue! Read More
Colombian Citizenship by PhilCo58
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ...
Not looking for another Passport, in fact decided I won't apply for one even if Nationality is granted. But youre right two extremes, applying was made before this Government took Office. Bailing will be a last resort, depending on how things go, ... Read More
Colombian Citizenship by PhilCo58
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ...
Not sure that I will still be here when they finally make a decision one way or the other. On FB Expat page someone said it took 3 1/2 yrs before the Canciller铆a approved his nationality, and another 6 months to get an appointment with the ... Read More
Shipping tools to Colombia by Rainsfordwaters
I'm a Luthier. Is a hobby, I'm retired. I use only hand tools, they fit in a footlocker. When loaded it's heavy, ~ 125 lbs. Any advice/recommendation on shipping to Colombia?I've been reading up as much as I can online and I know it sounds expensive ...
@RainsfordwatersMy Hobby is woodwork, at the time (12yrs ago) I was living in Spain, and the quote to send my workshop by boat was more that they were worth, I just had to bite the bullet, sell the lot, and start over, I still haven't replaced all ... Read More
Ex-pats/Friends by alex9094
Hi everyone I visit medellin often but never could find a place where I can meet up with folks from the US. Any spots I can go to or groups that I can join to get with my US compatriots. I realize I should be careful who I ask but thought I can ...
I dont understand why people move from their home聽 country just to be with heir own kind This applies to immigrantsas well as expats I try to avoid Canadians and Americans , but have several Colombian friends -@nico peligroI agree ... Read More
Certificate of Deposit (CDT) -- 17 % annual return? by cccmedia
On an obscure 大咖福利影院 thread concerningpotential USA debt default, a poster suggestedinvesting in a Certificado de Dep贸sitode T茅rmino (CDT) at one of the Colombianfinancial institutions.According to a list e-published at ...
I took out a CDT last year with Bancolombia for$40m COP, it's due in December for $45m, I'm not greedy, I'm happy enough with that! Read More
Your neighbours in Colombia by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When you move in Colombia, relationships with your neighbours can play a vital role in your well-being and integration. Share your experiences of the interactions and routines that punctuate your daily life in Colombia: Tell us ...
No disrespect to other Expats, but I moved here to live amongst Colombians, and have only had them as Neighbours since I arrived 12 years ago, good and bad, I wouldn't have it any other way, it was the same when I lived in Spain. It has been for me ... Read More
Colombian Citizenship by PhilCo58
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ...
@Tail Gunner Because you have to keep renewing the Visa at an increasing cost, anyway it might become a mute point, with the current crop of changes, I might be bailing! Read More
Bancolombia - contacting a live person by jmg988
I'm living in the US but have a savings acct in Bancolombia but lost the code to my card. Without that card code I cannot talk to anyone from the bank when I call and I cannot get into my account online. Has anyone experienced this problem?
You can certainly get through to Customer Services / Call Center without your code/pin (you are lucky only having to remember 3 numbers, mines 4) however you won't get beyond that without your Pin, the Assessor will put you through automated ... Read More
Colombian Citizenship by PhilCo58
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ...
@nico peligroIf you have decided you want Colombia to be your home, why continue paying for, and having the headache of applying for Visas? If I get my Citizenship, I don't think I will be opting for the passport. Read More
Colombian Citizenship by PhilCo58
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ...
@twinwolfI stand corrected, you are right, it is 60 as my Wife says, I have selective hearing, I thought she said 70.Better news for those younger applicants, it doesn't effect me as I am covered under the 1993 law, albeit after 6 months I am ... Read More
Colombian Citizenship
Anyone considering applying for Citizenship should be aware that the requirements changed in September. Previously the requirements were dictated under : Ley 43 de 1993Now details are dictated under:Ley 2332 de 2023 ... Read More
Which Colombian city is best to find GF? by nicks5353
Hi i am new to this forum I am looking for a Colombian Girlfriend which would be the best city to search, Is there also a Hookup culture there? Some people say there is others say there is not
I know I'm new here, and don't want to start of by upsetting anyone, but reading some of the comments, whether you like it or not, some of the comments are racist by their very tone. I am white, and have been married to a black Colombiana for 12yrs, ... 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 ...
@JulienHi I'm Phil, 65yrs a retired UK Cop, I moved to Colombia in 2012 from Spain where I had been living since retirement in 2006, I am happily married to a Colombiana. I currently live in El Oriente, outside Rionegro, Antioquia. I am currently on ... Read More