General Info

[JjBee62]

Firstly thanks to all of the people who have made contributions to this forum. Your information has been most useful.

I am used to traveling in Asia, and there always seems to be a bar where expats in the area like to hang out and a new face is made welcome. I have not seen any place like this mentioned on these forums maybe I missed the post? I tried to find Jenson's bar last night before I discovered it was closed.

In Medellin you can usually find some gringos hanging out at Patrick's. They also cluster at the Parque Lleras Juan Valdez.

[Arcangel]

but if you need to pay 2 million pesos upfront for an apartment because its owned by too small of a business to accept credit cards you're stuck bringing cash or wiring the money.

This is Colombia, small business is flexible. What I would do in this situation is tell the people that I'm happy to pay the 2 million but that I cannot get it out of the ATM all on the first day, that I'll pay half the first day and half on the second day. I'd be surprised if they were to turn around and say: get out of here, it's all or nothing.

[YippieKayay]

The ATM discussion is in full swing again on the Bogota thread, when it really belongs here.

The topic always flares up again when some newbie wants to bring cash. The only valid reason I can see to bring cash is if you have ilicit money that you cannot put into a bank account and you'd rather just spend it in Colombia. Other than that, use ATMs, it's the most cost-effective, safe and convenient method.

Yes for average amounts but if you need to pay 2 million pesos upfront for an apartment because its owned by too small of a business to accept credit cards you're stuck bringing cash or wiring the money. I'll be fucked if I'm going to wire money to Colombia. That shit probably raises enough red flags on its own. So I'll bring just enough to get 2 million pesos to the airport in Bogota and check the cambios for the best rate. There are several of them right when you exit customs and one in the baggage area.

[Arcangel]

The ATM discussion is in full swing again on the Bogota thread, when it really belongs here.

The topic always flares up again when some newbie wants to bring cash. The only valid reason I can see to bring cash is if you have ilicit money that you cannot put into a bank account and you'd rather just spend it in Colombia. Other than that, use ATMs, it's the most cost-effective, safe and convenient method.

Don't be a chump and let your bank rip you off. Shop around in your country of residence for a Visa or Mastercard (or preferably both) that does not add a fee or commision for foreign currency cash withdrawals. Read the small print.

Credit cards normally charge you a high rate of interest from the day of cash withdrawal. You can avoid this by paying money into your credit card account ahead of time, so you're not actually getting credit.

In Colombia get your cash from ATMs that don't add a fee for foreign issued cards. Most ATMs, including BanColombia and RedAVAL charge around 13 k COP.

Davivienda: free withdrawals, limit 400 k COP, repeat as necessary.

Banco Caja Social (This has never been mentioned on this forum, I believe): free withdrawals, limit 700 k COP (on my card anyway).

You can repeat withdrawals on the same day up to a limit that is set by the issuing bank, I believe. One time I got 1200 k a day out of Davivienda several days in a row, no problem.

I try and avoid using my cards other than in ATMs. The risk in a shop is that your card data gets stolen. Even if you don't get a fraudulent charge on your account, the bank may block your card and you are left without money until you get hold of your replacement card. For this reason, always have a second card as backup. Last year my main card got blocked and reissued. My bank wouldn't tell me what happened, but I suspect it may be because I used the card to buy an airticket online for someone other than me (for a girl).

Another thing to avoid is to arrive in a country like Colombia and max out your card in the first ATM. This is likely to trigger your bank's fraud algorithm and block your card. This happened to me once in Brasil.

[Balboa]

Firstly thanks to all of the people who have made contributions to this forum. Your information has been most useful.

I am used to traveling in Asia, and there always seems to be a bar where expats in the area like to hang out and a new face is made welcome. I have not seen any place like this mentioned on these forums maybe I missed the post? I tried to find Jenson's bar last night before I discovered it was closed.

Actually Jenson's didn't close, it was sold to another Gringo, and he changed the name, and the ambiance of the bar to try and attract more of the young Colombianos (as) with money to come, as a cool spot for them.

[ReefTip]

Firstly thanks to all of the people who have made contributions to this forum. Your information has been most useful.

I am used to traveling in Asia, and there always seems to be a bar where expats in the area like to hang out and a new face is made welcome. I have not seen any place like this mentioned on these forums – maybe I missed the post? I tried to find Jenson's bar last night before I discovered it was closed.

[Bango Cheito]

The question about trying to retire to Colombia on $2200/ month has me thinking. I'm willing to prove it can be done. I know some of you have more than enough money to finance the attempt. I'm betting some of you have an accountant who knows how to make it completely deductible. Who wants to fund the experiment?

It comes to $26,400 for the year. Add in money to pay taxes on the $26.4 k and that brings it to about $34 k. I'll have to wait 6 or 7 months to begin, unless you want to pitch in another $8 k for my current obligations.

For my part I'll keep a complete record of every peso spent, write updates at least weekly and document all experiences. I'll also make an effort to find and review chica friendly hotels, love motels, restaurants, attractions worth visiting, casas, and various girls. As a bonus, at the end of the year I'll give you my complete chica Facebook list, which I should be able to at least double in size. That would be about 500 girls.

I'm certain some of you marketing gurus can figure out a way to turn a profit off of the experiment. I already have a few ideas.

How about it? Anyone want to give it a shot?

I'we been living in Bogota on and off since 2005 now. I've almost never spent more than 2 million a month for my own expenses. Some leaner months I got by on a million pesos or less.

The trick is to live in Estrato 3. Getting around on a bicycle or motorcycle is also a good option; it works out to even cheaper than taking the bus!

I don't even feel that I'm missing much from life up north, even when I've had to just scrape by.

[Jooks]

Jooks, keep this stuff a bit discrete, when your ready to explore Medellin send me a PM a week before you come, either myself or my Colombian buddy will show you everything you need, he is reasonable and again everything that you may need such as living, food and yes girls.

The Tall Man.

Deal! Thank you!

[The Tall Man]

I should have known, haha. There are some hot chicks on the site and wondered if some use it for hookups. Anyway, as tempting as it seems, I don't want to mix business with pleasure. One or the other is going to be lacking.

Jooks, keep this stuff a bit discrete, when your ready to explore Medellin send me a PM a week before you come, either myself or my Colombian buddy will show you everything you need, he is reasonable and again everything that you may need such as living, food and yes girls.

The Tall Man.

[Jooks]

I use the showaround app to meet chicks.

I should have known, haha. There are some hot chicks on the site and wondered if some use it for hookups. Anyway, as tempting as it seems, I don't want to mix business with pleasure. One or the other is going to be lacking.

[Mr Enternational]

I came across a site, showaround dot com. It seems mostly geared for tourists that want a guide or some other form of help. I think it may be appropriate for my purposes. Does anyone have any knowledge of them?

I use the showaround app to meet chicks.

[Jooks]

As I posted in the Medellin forum (sorry for any duplication), I am in the beginning stages of making arrangements to retire and relocate to CO. At this point, I'm leaning towards Medellin and am considering Cali. I have never been to the latter but have been to Medellin several times.

For preparation, I'the like to spend a month or so looking around for an apartment rental (and having fun! I'm at a disadvantage since my Spanish is only a little better than basic. Can someone help with a recommendation of a trustworthy and knowledgeable English-speaking person to show me around. I would require someone in Medellin and Cali. If I find something, I will make arrangements to rent and move within a few months. I know renting is a little complicated. That's another reason to have someone trustworthy help and to also avoid going to realtors and paying the extra fee.

I came across a site, showaround dot com. It seems mostly geared for tourists that want a guide or some other form of help. I think it may be appropriate for my purposes. Does anyone have any knowledge of them? Or any recommendations?

Thanks.

[JjBee62]

The question about trying to retire to Colombia on $2200/ month has me thinking. I'm willing to prove it can be done. I know some of you have more than enough money to finance the attempt. I'm betting some of you have an accountant who knows how to make it completely deductible. Who wants to fund the experiment?

It comes to $26,400 for the year. Add in money to pay taxes on the $26.4 k and that brings it to about $34 k. I'll have to wait 6 or 7 months to begin, unless you want to pitch in another $8 k for my current obligations.

For my part I'll keep a complete record of every peso spent, write updates at least weekly and document all experiences. I'll also make an effort to find and review chica friendly hotels, love motels, restaurants, attractions worth visiting, casas, and various girls. As a bonus, at the end of the year I'll give you my complete chica Facebook list, which I should be able to at least double in size. That would be about 500 girls.

I'm certain some of you marketing gurus can figure out a way to turn a profit off of the experiment. I already have a few ideas.

How about it? Anyone want to give it a shot?

[JjBee62]

This post is directed to expats living in CO or knowledgeable about the subject. It has nothing to do with the theme of this board, sorry. I hesitate to get too personal, but screw it. For those that subscribe to expat boards, I've also asked the same question on another board. Please excuse the repetition.

I'm an American looking to retire in Medellin or possibly Cali or elsewhere, though my experience outside Medellin is very limited. I only mention Cali as I believe the cost of living is less than Medellin and I like warm weather. I'd like to inquire what kind of life I would have living on a small pension of about $2200 monthly. The best I can tell from my visits is that my standard of living would be much lower than it is now.

Not to get into all the gory details, I lost my business and with it, my savings. Hence, I have to rely on my pension. Although I'm a professional and have commanded a good salary, at 67 I find that jobs are much more difficult to come by. I was recently laid off and can't even get an interview. Besides, after over 50 years of working, I'm ready to leave the cold winters here in the northeast and enjoy retired life.

Is a decent apartment in a relatively safe area with enough left over for food, modest entertainment, basic medical (I'm healthy), etc possible in my circumstances? The decision I need to make is whether to struggle to look for work so I can replenish my savings somewhat or take the plunge and retire. Thanks.

I'll start with a condensed version of my story, then answer your questions and end with my advice.

I arrived in Medellin early April 2017 and didn't return to the US until the end of March 2018. I went because of an offer of employment which should have brought in 6 million COP per month after 6 months and could well have grown to over 20 million per month after 18 months. I was assured everything was setup to get me a work visa.

Nothing was set up for the visa and I wasted a trip to Bogota to find out. No effort had been made on their part to ensure they had everything necessary. The job never materialized and what little work I did, wasn't worth mentioning. After 8 months of spending my money, which was running low, I finally ended the work relationship and convinced them to pay me $2000 for the unpaid work I had done. I spent the next 4 months trying to get something going, but there wasn't enough time and money.

During the year I spent about $30,000. I paid no rent, although I paid for fiber optic internet and utilities, averaging about $200/ month. The $30 k includes about $4 k for furniture, a laptop, Spanish classes, and other durable items. Except for the last 10 weeks, I spent rather freely. I wasn't watching my spending, because I kept expecting the money to start coming in. For at least 5 months I was spending $200-$300 week just on food and drinks. I probably averaged paying for sex slightly more than 1 time per week and many of those my total expense probably averaged $100. My living arrangements meant I could rarely bring girls to the apartment. Instead, I had them pick me up in a taxi and took them to Motel Ibiza. About 100 k for the motel, 150 k for the girl and 40 k for taxis. Other times I visited the casas and spent much less.

In other words, I spent a lot more than necessary and still got by for about $2200 per month.

Can you get by on $2200/ month? It's possible.

At current rates, you'll have about 6 million COP per month. However, if the exchange rates go the wrong way, that could drop to 4 million or less. I initially, figured I could live comfortably on 4.4 million monthly. (After this a number followed by m is millions. 2 m = 2 million).

First thing is to set your budget for 4 m, instead of 6 m. It's easier to spend leftover money than to live without money when it's 5 days to payday. That means rent should be a maximum of 1. 3 m, although you should shoot for under 1 m. Utilities, cable and internet should be 300 k or less. If you cook frequently and choose wisely when you eat out, you can get by on a grocery and eating out budget of 700 k. That meets your basic needs and you still have 2 m to 4 m left for entertainment.

You will want to sign up for the health plan, but that should run around 100 k monthly. In order to maximize your budget, you need to go native. Avoid taxis. Use the buses and metro. The money saved will buy you 10 meals per week. Take advantage of the low prices on fruits and vegetables. You can eat healthy and spend very little. Except for special occasions, eat comida tipica. Why spend 30 k for a burger and fries, when 10 k gets you meat, potatoes, rice, a salad, platano and fresh fruit juice?

What about entertainment? At 50 k in the casas, you can easily afford 2 visits per week and have 1 Facebook girl over every week. That still leaves almost 1 m of your 4 m budget.

My advice is to take 1 or 2 months as a trial run. Spend a month in Medellin and a month in Cali. You'll need to find an apartment for 1 m. Keep track of all your expenses. Can you get by at a level you're comfortable with for no more than 4 m? If so you're ready to give it a try.

[LGuy1]

I may meet some friends for a few days and not sure which area I should meet them in. I believe Cartagena and Medellin are the two places.