General Info

[Osteoknot]

The weather alone is a huge attraction for Medellin, but my biggest concern is knowing very basic Spanish.

Very, very rare to have such a narrow, comfortable, year-round, range in temperature, which is the usual dominant weather feature wherever you are in the world. We are close enough to the equator and at elevation but not too high, which is the reason for the season.

We just finished the rainiest month of the year, April. I grew up in Tampa Bay, Florida and the total rainfall per year was roughly the same, depending on your source. One feature about the rain in Medellin I have never seen mentioned is the large amount that falls between midnight and sunrise, which I consider a plus.

As my grandma used to say, unless you're made of sugar you're not going to melt when it rains, and it will be neither freezing or sweltering here when it does.

As far as learning Spanish, there is no better proven method than "immersion" or being forced to use it because of where you are living of visiting. And stop for a moment and think about learning Spanish compared to Thai or Vietnamese or any SE Asian language, and the benefit becomes more obvious.

[Nypher]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I really appreciate your input and it's been the most interesting suggestions I've gotten so far!

I've been reading the forums as a lurker for a few months and it's been really interesting to see that all the mongers in SE Asia say South America is the new paradise. Although several of you recommended Thailand, the SE Asia mongers are leaving that scene and are adamant it has been ruined.

I'll definitely do more research on Chile and Montenegro, but I would be lying if I told you I wasn't partial to Medellin. The weather alone is a huge attraction for Medellin, but my biggest concern is knowing very basic Spanish (not enough to carry a full conversation). I'm sure I can pick it up relatively quick at my age but it's still a concern.

Thanks again!

Its amazing how many of the SEA mongers you observe saying that its ruined and Latin America is the new paradise so they will head there, but then they go to Latin America and do the same shit that ruined SEA. Its similar to the guys in Miami, NYC, and ATL saying the local girls are too entitled because others are throwing money recklessly so they travel to DR to get away from it but since the exchange rate makes their little money go a long way, now they start throwing money recklessly which in turn make the girls become too entitled. Jajaja its a vicious cycle.

I remember my first trip to SEA I was at the bar and backpackers twice my age was saying how us new travelers messed up everything by offering money needlessly for everything so in turn police were now trying to arrest foreigners to get bribes, or taxis were not turning on the meter and just say a fair that was 4 x the meter amount.

Uganda, Tanzania, or Nigeria is next to become ruined.

[MikeBen78]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I really appreciate your input and it's been the most interesting suggestions I've gotten so far!

I've been reading the forums as a lurker for a few months and it's been really interesting to see that all the mongers in SE Asia say South America is the new paradise. Although several of you recommended Thailand, the SE Asia mongers are leaving that scene and are adamant it has been ruined.

I'll definitely do more research on Chile and Montenegro, but I would be lying if I told you I wasn't partial to Medellin. The weather alone is a huge attraction for Medellin, but my biggest concern is knowing very basic Spanish (not enough to carry a full conversation). I'm sure I can pick it up relatively quick at my age but it's still a concern.

Thanks again!

[Nypher]

To the fellows who have sampled the various destinations, if you were back in your early 30's and had the chance to retire on $2500 USD passive income per month, where would you choose? More specifically, I'm having the hardest time figuring out where the attitudes of the population are fun, welcoming and friendly to be around.

My top 3 places:

3 hours direct to POP.

5 Hours direct to CTG.

20 hours with a transfer in DXB to BKK.

I'm far from 40 and if its $2500 a month it would be Pattaya Thailand, The money goes further and the girls are on their best behavior where if the gringo does not go looking for trouble to get set up and extorted he will not find it. Also once I got away from the bar girl scene and went to freelancer clubs I just had a much better experience where many girls were willing to do it for free and was not all about P4P, they just wanted a good time and some foreign chocolate jajaja.

[Huacho]

To the fellows who have sampled the various destinations, if you were back in your early 30's and had the chance to retire on $2500 USD passive income per month, where would you choose? More specifically, I'm having the hardest time figuring out where the attitudes of the population are fun, welcoming and friendly to be around.

Depends who will give you residency. Montenegro is pretty flexible and has some good looking women. Kotor or Budva, perhaps. Chile will let you in. Valparaíso or Viña del Mar.

[Mr Enternational]

To the fellows who have sampled the various destinations, if you were back in your early 30's and had the chance to retire on $2500 USD passive income per month, where would you choose?

Pattaya, Thailand for me.

[Chicago85]

The amount of income needed depends on your lifestyle and how much of that is taxed. As a general rule of thumb, I'd say your money goes 2.5 to 3 x as far in Colombia as the USA So $2500/ mth is similar to $80,000 to $90,000 lifestyle in the USA.

$2500 should be fine if you live a basic lifestyle with no car (expensive in Colombia), nice 2 bedroom in safe area, eat out regularly, and a couple dates a week. If you're not fluent in Spanish and haven't been to Colombia frequently I would suggest Medellin to start and look at Laureles and maybe Poblado (after you figure out your budget). It's getting more expensive, but the Paisa attitude is pretty chill and there are enough gringos around that you could find a social group.

Check out Medellin Guru for more info. I personally think I'd be bored to death if I retired that early, but to each their own!

To the fellows who have sampled the various destinations, if you were back in your early 30's and had the chance to retire on $2500 USD passive income per month, where would you choose? More specifically, I'm having the hardest time figuring out where the attitudes of the population are fun, welcoming and friendly to be around.

[MikeBen78]

To the fellows who have sampled the various destinations, if you were back in your early 30's and had the chance to retire on $2500 USD passive income per month, where would you choose? More specifically, I'm having the hardest time figuring out where the attitudes of the population are fun, welcoming and friendly to be around.

[MarquisdeSade1]

I am a legit nooby, hence the name haha. First time leaving the states. I think it's good if things take a bit longer and aren't too rushed. Gives me plenty of time to make sure I'm properly prepared.

Book a flight to San Diego.

Cross into Tijuana and stay at Cascadas.

And get your feet wet.

Captain Solo can show you around he's a great monger there.

Not many know more about Tijuana than him.

I've been going there a long time but I think he lives an hour north and has been going every weekend for 35 yrs!

You won't regret it!

[Nypher]

Pretty sure that's not true.

It's true based on how OP asked the question as OP did not say when they were fully vaccinated, or if they are in the process of being vaccinated.

It's tricky to answer a vague question without knowing OP vax status which is why I provided the link to the embassy site so they can see if they needed a COVID test or not based on their vax status.

At JjBee62 broke down the information on the embassy site in detail when a COVID test is needed to enter Colombia which is listed on the embassy site listed under Entry and Exit Requirements at the second bullet point.

But all this won't really matter on Sunday as articles started vaccinates are no longer required to enter Colombia. So if OP is set to travel after May 1st, then they are all clear as no vax card or test is required. I would still bring the card though but that's just me as it's better to have the card and get through than not have it and be denied.

[JjBee62]

Pretty sure that's not true.

I'm 100% positive you're correct.

[LatinaLover#1]

Pretty sure that's not true.

I just showed my vaccine card to enter Colombia in February. That seems to be old info. As far as I know entry into Colombia they only accept a vaccine card now. It's still true to enter the USA you will need a negative Antigen test with 1 day prior to entry.

[Balboa]

To answer you question, Yes a negative COVID test is required for entry.

Visit Colombias official Embassy site and read what the COVID entry requirements are as no one knows your vaccine status. https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

Pretty sure that's not true.

[Nypher]

Thanks. Does Colombia require a negative covid 19 test for entry?

To answer you question, Yes a negative COVID test is required for entry.

Visit Colombias official Embassy site and read what the COVID entry requirements are as no one knows your vaccine status. https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

[JjBee62]

Thanks. Does Colombia require a negative covid 19 test for entry?

If you have had only 1 shot of a 2 shot vaccine, or if it's been less than 14 days since your second shot a negative PCR test is required. However, the vaccination requirement is rumored to be ending May 1.