@Marquezdl
American expat in Colombia
Forum
50 posts
Contacts
6
About me
American, In a relationship
Lives in Manizales, Caldas
Speaks English=OK Spanish=Basic conversational
Registration: 29 December 2016
Activity
Car rentals by crespobrenda
Does anyone have any information about car rentals in Colombia? My husband and I are flying into Medelly next week and we’re thinking about renting a car however online it doesn’t tell me whether I can get insurance coverage but it says ...
I have rented here in Colombia from Localiza numerous times. As a visitor you will need to have your passport, your credit card, and your US drivers license.There is insurance available and I HIGHLY recommend you take the full coverage insurance. ... Read More
Funds transfer from US financial institution to Colombian bank
I am preparing to go car shopping and I am planning to pay cash for a new vehicle. My problem is that I know nothing of the ins and outs of transferring $30-40K from the US to Colombia.any advice from the finanacial wizards here?I would prefer to ... Read More
Manizales or Medellin by Digitarius
I am considering spending a year or two in one of these cities and yes I have been to both two years ago. I spent 4 months in Columbia. Any tips or suggestions and or links would be appreciated as to where to live and so on from anyone living in ...
I lived in Manizales in 2019-2021 then moved to Medellin.I am originally from Seattle, and although I loved many things about Manizales, the climate seemed just a bit too grey, wet, and cool to me. Its often 10-15 degrees cooler in Manizales ... Read More
call the US from Colombia by cathyfholt
I am trying to find out how to call a US 1-800 number from Colombia. I have Claro phone service. I saw online many conflicting things. One place said the exit code for Claro was 00444. Then I saw the exit code for Colombia was 90. Another said it ...
Another option is a dual esim phone. one esim from the US and one from Moviestar. I havent checked recently, but as of a couple years ago moviestar was the only cellular provider in Colombia that offered esims. Read More
Staging, in Colombia, for a 2024 cycle tour around South America by jimhouk
Okay, this is my 2nd attempt (with proper spelling).I am planning on traveling to Colombia and to spend some time there, and in Ecuador, as I prepare for a cycle tour throughout South America, that would begin around this time in 2024. I plan on ...
Regarding where to stay in Colombia, it will make a big difference where you want to stay.if you want to be in a big urban metro area: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Cartagena, Santa Marta, or Baranquilla, rents will be higher.my suggestion would be to ... Read More
How do I get mail from the US? by khobbs40
I was just filling out my foreign medical program paperwork for the VA and they ask for a mailing address which makes me wonder about the mail system in Colombia and how I will get my mail reliably from the United States. Things like social security ...
I have a virtual mailbox service based in seattle. When I receive mail I am notified by email and SMS that I have new mail. I can log into my virtual mailbox and view the unopened envelope first. If its junk or something I know is unimportant I ... Read More
Colombia Visa Hell, 2023 by Mr. Barley
Alejandra, associate of star visa facilitator James L., has a pair of new blog posts, including one offering tips for visa applications in 2023.Here is an excerpt:Some persons are having to pursue visas for up to 6 months. We have seen many people ...
I am curious about Alejandra’s blog.can someone post the URL? Read More
Need some major dental work by antoniodistefano9
Looking for a reputed dentist in Bogota that speaks reasonable English or even Italian. Any recommendations?
Also, in the vein of this thread, can anyone recommend a good Periodontist in Medellin? I need the ongoing services of a periodontist.thanks! Read More
Background Check for M Retirement Visa by karencds
Have had my M visa for almost a year now, so it’s time to apply for a renewal. This time I need the criminal background check. Over 25 years ago I had two or three misdemeanors, not involving violence or dishonesty. Will this be a problem?
I have been told (by someone who should know) that if I have been a resident of Colombia for at least 2 years, the background check can be done here in Colombia where I reside Read More
Expat social groups in Medellin
During the time I lived in Manizales, I was part of a group that met for coffee and BS a couple times a week. The group was a mix of Colombians and Americans. I really enjoyed it. The excuse for meeting was for the native Spanish speakers to ... Read More
Living in Monteria?
I am hoping to move from Medellin to somewhere on the Caribbean coast. Not Santa Marta, Cartagena, or Barranquilla.I am thinking more along the lines of somewhere between Covenas and Playa San Juan. Anyone have any experience living in that area? 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 don’t have hard numbers, but based on my monthly outlay, the cost of living in Medellin has risen about 10-12% over the past year. Mostly due to higher prices for food, restaurants, cabs, uber, utilities. Read More
Clarifying Tax on U.S. Expats in Colombia by voyager39
I've read through some summaries of the taxation of U.S. expats in CO and am still unclear on some points. I'm hoping to clear up a couple of items here. There is apparently a determination of a presumptive minimum income of 3% of all ...
So much Chicken Little "The sky is falling" mentality amongst gringos. I live each day as my last, travel, swim in the Caribbean waters off the Colombian coast, sail between the islands, hike the beautiful national parks in Colombia, camp in a tent ... Read More
Medellin or Cuenca by PattiH
Is there anyone on this board who has lived both Medellin Colombia and Cuenca Equador? I'm researching for relocation. I'm down to Medellin and Cuenca. Other than weather, and "feel" of the two cities they seem fairly comparable. This has been (and ...
I spent a few months in cuenca years ago and reallyenjoyed the climate and the city.However its simply in a different category than Medellin.Medellin is a true world class city (over 4 million population) and you can find almost anything you might ... Read More
Covid entry certificate to enter Colombia by afortunado
I am going to Colombia from uk in 2 weeks time. What is the latest documentation that I need to enter
Depending on which airline you are using, they may well inform you of all requirements weeks in advance of your flight. I have flown both United and American to Colombia in 2021 and both airlines were very clear about requirements to fly to colombia Read More