General Info

[Gonzo]

Lots of interesting info on living in Colombia, among other things, in the Poor But Happy website:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia

[Crash Helmet]

I hope this explains to the people who are considering the pros and cons when it comes to living life abroad, specifically in Colombia..........(Note: I truncated Straight Shooters post in the interest of forum aestheics. You can find it by scrolling down.)

That's a great write up, Straight Shooter. Thank you for taking the time to write that. I'm new here, and I have to wonder why the Colombian section doesn't have a "Living In Colombia" category like ISG does for other countries. Maybe Jackson will start one. Your post would be the perfect first entry for a catergory titled, "Living In Colombia." Thanks again, SS.

[Tom 33]

is 200,000 Colombian pesos which is worth about 80 US dollars.

[Escort King]

EDITOR'S NOTE: This report was deleted in accordance with the ISG Forum's Zero Tolerance policy regarding reports containing any personal attacks or derogatory comments directed towards another forum member.

Please be advised that Forum Members who succeed in having three or more of their reports deleted for personal attacks against other forum members will be banned under the Forum's Serial Antagonist Policy.

2 down, only 1 to go

Will somebody please report this guy's next personal attack to me via the "Report this post to a moderator" link, and be sure to note that it will be his 3rd violation.

Thanks,

Jackson

[Stullone]

Prices have been reported here. 200k for overnight is probably a generous deal, I have had some girls try to ask for more and others much less. Spanish is probably more needed in colombia and will make your trip more fun.

200k? How much is that? Sorry i live in Switzerland. What currency you mean? But no dollars right? Im Italian so it will not be a problem for me. All the Spanish people understand and talk perfectly italian.

If money isnt your concern Sao Paulo is fantastic, followed by Rio in my opinion. BBBJ is much more accected in Brazil and there are just a lot more girls in the profession so many nice clubs and different types of girls can be had. For me the 3 hour flight and cheap prices of Colombia made it appealing but from my experience the selection, reliable performance, and attitude towards sex that Brazilians have can not be beat. Best Luck

Sao Paulo I never heard that its good there. How are the prices? Is it dangerous? So how I said Sao Paulo is better than Rio right?

Kos Hunter[/QUOTE]

[Tom 33]

I have paid from 15K(US$6) to 150K for short time. In MDE the street girls are happy with 15 to 40K. In CTG it's 30 to 60K.

[Member 9578]

Hello together

I'm new in this forum.

I was in the past many times in Thailand (Phuket, Pattaya, Samui and BKK) as also in the Philippines (Manila City and Angeles City).

It looks like I get tired to fuck always Asian pussies and I need something new. So my opinion was to go to South America.

As I watched the pics from Colombia. I felt my decision it will be Colombia. The other country I liked would also be Brazil. But Colombia convince me. Amazing Womens there!

Now my questions are:

How dangerous it its in Colombia? I'm little bit affraid from that you know on hear many things. But thats why I want to ask you guys, who was already there several times and know that exactly. Maybe you can give me suggestions what to do and what not to no be in danger. Is it better to go alone or with a friend?

The other thing is: The women on the pics some ar prof. And the others? Just girls from the street? I mean just little bit talking and so on? I mean in Thailand evryone is ready to fuck with a little bit money or without. But how it is in Colombia I have no idea.

How much is the price for a night? Or short time and long time? What is usual? Just that I can compare approx. With Thailand par example. There usually I pay for LT 1000 THB and for ST 300-500 THB.

I'm happy to receive your suggestions

Best rgds and many thanks

Sorry for my english mistakes I'm from Switzerland

I have only been to Medellin two times so dont know of other areas in the country. In Medellin safety was very good. Everyone saids be careful of taxis and be aware. I think the safety issue is probably overhyped by media but keep your alertness up and remember you are in someone elses country, respect everyone. I would say taking a friend is a good idea, two are harder to get scammed.

Prices have been reported here. 200k for overnight is probably a generous deal, I have had some girls try to ask for more and others much less. Spanish is probably more needed in colombia and will make your trip more fun.

Overall I found Colombia NOT at all in your face with girls looking to go with you. Medellin seemed kind of small in the sense you probably would know all the spots and the girls in a couple of weeks.

If money isnt your concern Sao Paulo is fantastic, followed by Rio in my opinion. BBBJ is much more accected in Brazil and there are just a lot more girls in the profession so many nice clubs and different types of girls can be had. For me the 3 hour flight and cheap prices of Colombia made it appealing but from my experience the selection, reliable performance, and attitude towards sex that Brazilians have can not be beat. Best Luck

Kos Hunter

[Stullone]

Nobody knows?

[Stullone]

Hello together

I'm new in this forum.

I was in the past many times in Thailand (Phuket, Pattaya, Samui and BKK) as also in the Philippines (Manila City and Angeles City).

It looks like I get tired to fuck always Asian pussies and I need something new. So my opinion was to go to South America.

As I watched the pics from Colombia. I felt my decision it will be Colombia. The other country I liked would also be Brazil. But Colombia convince me. Amazing Womens there!

Now my questions are:

How dangerous it its in Colombia? I'm little bit affraid from that you know on hear many things. But thats why I want to ask you guys, who was already there several times and know that exactly. Maybe you can give me suggestions what to do and what not to no be in danger. Is it better to go alone or with a friend?

The other thing is: The women on the pics some ar prof. And the others? Just girls from the street? I mean just little bit talking and so on? I mean in Thailand evryone is ready to fuck with a little bit money or without. But how it is in Colombia I have no idea.

How much is the price for a night? Or short time and long time? What is usual? Just that I can compare approx. With Thailand par example. There usually I pay for LT 1000 THB and for ST 300-500 THB.

I'm happy to receive your suggestions

Best rgds and many thanks

Sorry for my english mistakes I'm from Switzerland

[Escort King]

I will be there for a short time and have a girlfriend waiting for me. However, I am unsure how long she will stay and would like to know if there are any recommendations that can be made as far as contacts for latina companionship. I have read the posts here but it seems some are outdated or should not be part of the Cali forum.
I speak fluent spanish and I am in good physical condition in my mid 40's.
I understand that it gets very hot ( weather ) in Cali during the day. Is there day time action nearby that is reasonable? How easy is it to pick up someone at a bar and what should be the price for toda la noche? Please respond back to me here or PM me. thanks, I really appreciate it. If anyone there needs advise on San Jose CR drop me a pm and I can give you
info for that.

I would say look at the dating sites... know people who swear by amigas.com

[IamLookin]

I will be there for a short time and have a girlfriend waiting for me. However, I am unsure how long she will stay and would like to know if there are any recommendations that can be made as far as contacts for latina companionship. I have read the posts here but it seems some are outdated or should not be part of the Cali forum.
I speak fluent spanish and I am in good physical condition in my mid 40's.
I understand that it gets very hot ( weather ) in Cali during the day. Is there day time action nearby that is reasonable? How easy is it to pick up someone at a bar and what should be the price for toda la noche? Please respond back to me here or PM me. thanks, I really appreciate it. If anyone there needs advise on San Jose CR drop me a pm and I can give you
info for that.

[Lima Busy]

Jackson beat me to it, but this is a excellent report in a forum that has quickly become a joke!

Even though I currently live in SA, we are all comparison shopping as political change can cancel out even the best laid plans. Many of us never choose the country we live in, I find the country (Or the women of the country) actually choose us! My original plan was to look at CR, Colombia and possibly Argentina as my final resting place. This quickly changed when I met my Peruvian wife. I for one did not even have Peru on my radar. Coming from a large city (NYC) I did not realize how important it was to live in a similar sized city(Lima). I would strongly suggest that anyone contemplating a change of country take this into consideration.

You have encouraged me to write a similar report (If I may steal your format)for Lima and hopefully others will do so for their chosen cities.

Congrats on a great 1st report!

LB

[Straight Shooter]

I hope this explains to the people who are considering the pros and cons when it comes to living life abroad, specifically in Colombia.

When I retired a few years ago I discovered that for the most part, old people in the US are forced into doing old people things, generally with other old people. I knew I wanted more than that.

I had lived for the previous 15 years on a beautifully wooded ranch in a pretty rural area near Houston in Texas, but by the time I stopped work, it was surrounded by upscale subdivisions, shopping malls and Walmart.

Prior to my retirement, I had travelled much of Europe, Central and South America, and was always evaluating potential retirement locations. When I realized that my Company was going to force me into retirement (I love them for it), I spent a great deal of time surfing the net, reading articles, and trying to determine the real cost of living in various countries. It really is impossible unless you actually go to these places, and stay for at least three weeks. I went to Panama, Chile, (I really liked Chile), Costa Rica, Mexico (the colonial towns), Guatamala (yuk!), Spain, SE Asia and Canada. My eventual selection was based on family situation and climate. I am married to a Colombian and came to know Bogota really well through Christmas and other holiday visits. Although the city has a reputation for crime, drugs and violence, I felt that it was an exaggerated perception; there are many population centres in the United States that suffer just as much from these afflictions.

Bogota, also has, for me, the nicest weather. I had always hated the heat in Texas, along with the massive electricity bills that came with air conditioning. In comparison, Bogota's climate is spring-like every day of the year. Daytime temperatures average 68F deg. (19C), and at night it drops on to about 50Fdeg (10C). Perpetual fall, perfect for me. The city is at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet and close to the equator. It sits in a large fertile valley with the Andes rising to the east. It is very green and covered with lush plants, flowers, and trees, mostly eucalyptus. The city itself has a cosmopolitan nature, equal, in my view to London, Toronto or Paris. Only a two hour drive to the west of Bogota is Medellin, known as Colombia's most beautiful city, a vibrant and modern centre again with a comfortable climate. But if you really like the heat you can take yourself on a 60 mile drive to Melgar, a small resort town where you can enjoy 100Fdeg.(35C) + heat and 100% humidity. For beach lovers, Santa Marta - a nice, and very cheap Caribbean beach resort is not far away a 5 star service for only $120 a night.

QUALITY OF LIFE:
While we may be looking for a place we can live more cheaply, most of us are not looking to reduce our creature comforts, nor the availability of the kind of things we enjoy doing. Supermarkets with products and brands we prefer. Quality health care. Theatres, movies, restaurants. For some, arts such as opera, ballet and symphony. Cable tv, broad band internet, hot water, and good water pressure. Bogota & Medellin have it all and generally at very affordable prices.

Big difference? The cultural attitude toward older people. Certainly, while there are good and bad people everywhere, those here tend to be noticeably more friendly and helpful. I believe I have made more friends here in a couple of years than I made my whole life in the US. We of the older generation are considered to be productive members of society. Parties and other social occasions include young and old and everything in between. People in Bogota tend to be well educated. In some ways, from a university stand point, it reminds me of Boston. There must be a hundred universities, some large and famous, with students from Europe and other South American countries. Although I believe the US university system to be the best in the world, I think the elementary education system in Colombia is better.

There is of course a lot of poverty here, as in many other South American countries, and indeed the rest of the world, but it seems to be more visible here. But there is also a very large middle class; the average income for professionals (engineers, accountants, lawyers, etc) is about $10,000 a year. It would appear that they live comfortably on that income, and while I am sure they have the same wants and needs as anybody, I get the impression that they live less stressful lives than their American counterparts earning five times the money.

COST OF LIVING:

Basically. some things are cheaper than the US, some more expensive.

Food and Clothing. Food and clothing cost are about the same here as they are in Houston. For myself and my wife (and the odd guest for dinner or a bar-b-q twice a month) our grocery bill is about $400 a month. But we eat only the best beef (rib eye), chicken breast, center cut pork chops, no bone, no fat, American brand cereals, etc.
Dinner Out. Much cheaper. Our favourite restaurant is La Fagrata. It is a truly five star restaurant in the International Trade Centre. A varied three course meal, with locally produced food, is about $50 for two including tip. The only thing not local is the wine! Colombian wine is probably the worst in the world, so we go for Chilean - French and Californian imports are too expensive.

Fast food restaurants (McDonalds) etc are about the same price here, maybe a little more expensive - hamburger, fries and a coke will set you back about $3.00. Local fast food restaurants, generally one in every block, serving rice and beans, or soup, or grilled chicken or beef, will only cost about $2.00.

Housing. For some strange reason there seems to be much more value for the rental dollar than the purchase dollar. I would not recommend any expatriot purchase a home anywhere until they have lived there at least a year. Cost, here in Bogota, is around $35 to $45 a square foot for good quality new construction; luxury construction is going to be more. You can rent a luxury apartment in the best neighborhoods for between $1,000 and $1,500 a month. In less exclusive areas rent is around $450 a month for a 2 bedroom, 2 ½ bath, modern apartment.

Transportation. Taxis are cheap, and there are thousands of them on the street all the time. You can rent them for $12,000 pesos an hour (about $5.00) or you can go from point to point anywhere in the city for $1.50 to $2.50. The rule of thumb is don't flag a taxi down in the street-there have been reported muggings so it is safest to book a taxi by phone from a reputable company or take one from the shopping malls where they have taxi stands and known drivers.

Buses go everywhere, they cost about 40 cents, but I have never learned the system or how to use them.

Car rental is not advisable. It is very expensive here, and you are liable for 20% of the car's value if stolen, or damaged, which is a real possibility. And driving is difficult especially if you don't know your way around. Find a driver you like and rent a taxi for the day - it will cost you about $35. Gasoline is about $2.50 a gallon.
New cars here generally are about 30% more expensive than in the US. That is basically the amount of import duty imposed by the government. But General Motors assembles some of their cars here in Colombia, and on those you can get more value for the dollar.

Furniture and Appliances. You can get custom made real wood furniture for about a third of the cost of fabricated real wood furniture in the US. There must be a thousand small furniture makers here in Bogota alone. The trick is to shop around and find the right one -basically the old adage applies – you get what you pay for!
Electrical appliances are readily available, more or less equal models that you find in the US - they cost about 20% more. Except that plasma tv's, plasma computer monitors, and computers are two to three times as much. If you can buy those in the US and bring them on the plane with you it is worth the extra baggage charge. - Article Continued Below -


Health Care. Bogota has plenty of highly skilled doctors in every specialty and hospitals of equal or better quality than the US. Many of the doctors have studied and done residency in both Europe and the US. In the hospitals there is a much greater ratio of nurses to patients and they are much more pleasant and attentive. Big plus - the cost is a fraction of the price of the same treatment in the states.

Examples of medical cost without insurance:
MRI of the head, neck and complete spinal cord in Houston $6,000: in Bogota $500. Dental root canal and crown in Houston $900: in Bogota $250.
Health Insurance. Here there are two kinds of health insurance: a national health insurance which is about $40 a month for myself and my wife, which you must purchase before you can buy private health insurance. There are several major companies that provide private coverage and each have affiliations with various hospitals and doctors, much like HMO's in the US. I have coverage with Colsantas which provides for the very best doctors and hospitals. For myself and my wife this runs a little less that $200 a month. It provides 100% coverage and very little hassle. When you have to go to the hospital you just hand them your ID card and they take you to your room. No hours in admissions, no stack of consent forms to sign.

Household Help. Maid $12 a day. Gardner $10. Skilled handyman does anything, electric, plumbing, etc. $25 a day plus materials.

Utilities. There are different levels of pricing. Each neighborhood is given a number from 1-6, they are called âœextractos You are probably not going to live in anything less than a 4. But for example if you live in a level 4 and use 500 kwh of electricity a month you bill is going to be about $50 a month, in a level 6 about $65 a month. Natural gas is very, very cheap. So if you can heat your hot water, and cook with natural gas you are way ahead of the game. We take lots of hot showers and have a large jucuzzi that probable take 70 gallons of hot water that we use once or twice a week, and we cook with natural gas. We live in a level 6 and our gas bill is about $25 a month. Electricity is approximately 9 cents a kwh. Our bill averages about $60 a month for a 2000 sq ft apt.

Water is relatively expensive here. The water bill includes garbage and is billed for a 2 month period. Our bill for water and garbage averages about $30 a month, but we use a lot of water.

Cable TV. There are primarily two providers here Direct TV, TV Cable Net. The latter is much better. The have a new and modern fiber optics deliver system and are ½ the price of Direct TV. Also if you have Cable Net installed they can provide excellent broad band internet service. Their price for cable tv is about $24 a month and the have a better channel selection than Direct tv. And you can have as many tv's on the system as you want for the same price. For $20 more a month you can get broad band internet service. Direct tv is about $50 a month, and then if you want DSL you are going to have to buy it from the phone company ETB for another $40 a month.

Telephone. Telephones can be expensive. You can get a plan for unlimited usage for local calls for about $25 a month. But the problem here in Colombia is that every, man woman and teen, has a mobile phone and the calling party pays for the call. So if you call someone on their mobile from your phone it may cost you as much as 20 cents a minute. It seems like nearly everyone we call is on a mobile, so our phone bill averages about $100 a month.

Long Distance to the US - through the local phone company, it is about 50 cents a minute, but if you have broad band internet, there a couple of companies that provide voice over service that works very well and is about 5 cents a minute.

Mobile Phone - Mobile calls average about 20 cents a minute. I have a monthly contract plan that gave me a free phone, and I get 100 minutes for about $20 a month, additional minutes are about 21 cents. My usage averages about $40 a month.

My general sense is that you can live a fairly elegant life style, with very little stress, for about $2,500 a month, (excluding travel and vacations). Without a car, you can probably live comfortably for a third less. If you have a reasonable retirement income you can literally live the life of Riley. Can you say that about living in the US?

MONGERING:
I think that has been covered very well here on the forum with the lists that have been submitted.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread.

[Regulr Travlr]

I just posted a report/update on San Andres in that thread. My bottom line was that if you were really into scuba diving and would like to monger a little on the side then go it alone. It can be fun. But bringing a poor Colombiana there is the way to go. This is totally different than they are used to in Colombia. It is totally different than the beaches in Panama.

Johnny Cay was great. We tied it in with a trip to a little sandbar they call Aquarium. This was a waste of time. Next trip I would find a boat that would take me directly there for a full day. Drinking beer and eating fresh fish right next to a beautiful beach. Great.

That pic you have is definitely at Johnny Cay. One of the little stands that the natives have. I do not they think anyone actually lives there. They come over in the morning and work for the day. I am sure that girl was brought over with someone.

I will try to sort out some travel pics the next few days.

[Travel Addict]

ISLA SAN ANDRES
The photo posted by Cubanito is Johnny Cay Park, a small isle about a mile across, which is a few miles off of Isla San Andres. There is a small restaurant and bar, and lots of "private" white san beach there. Photo attached. You can hire a motorboat to take you there from the main beach on Isla San Andres, it takes about 10 minutes. and it really looks like something out of The Blue Lagoon. Nobody will care if you and your sweetheart do a nooner on the beach. What you will NOT find in Isla San Andres are hot girls, unless you bring them with you. The majority of the population of Isla San Andres is black Jamaican looking, descendants of slaves I guess, not to be racist, but the types of girls you seen in Medellin, Cali, etc. are not to be found in Isla San Andres unless you BRING them there. The Latin Colombian girls who vacation there usually come with their families and are from the wealthy classes, not much interested in YOU. There are a few discos, and a heck of a lot of shops, as this is apparently a duty free zone. Would be a fun, funky place to take a date, with the emphasis on FUNKY. The atmosphere is less Latino and more llaid-back Caribbean/Jamaican with lots of ganja, reggae music and stray dogs on the beach.