adminee
From: United States
11/25/2008 12:08 EST
We're going to be putting together an article entitled, 10 Tips for Living in Colombia, and we need your help. Please post a reply to this thread with as many tips as you'd like (or as few) for expats living in Colombia. Whether you're a newcomer yourself or a seasoned expats whose lived abroad for many years, share your favorite tips for expats living in Colombia. If you want to discuss or expand upon someone elses tip, feel free! We'll use your posts to compile the articles.
Thanks, in advance, for your help!
Betsy Burlingame
ExpatExchange.com
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worldgo
11/25/2008 13:46 EST
1- Dont compare with the country you came from
2-Learn Spanish
3-Accept the locals, and dont try to change them
4-Make friends both locals and expats
5-Try and sample the countryside, the local cuisine etc
6-Bring lots of books from home
7-Stay with the aid of Internet, in touch with your friends and relatives
8-Bring with the food that you cannot live without
9-Truly learn the meaning of flexibility, not only its spelling
10-Remember the saying-Smile and the World smiles with you, Cry and you cry alone.....
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JohnnyD
11/28/2008 14:28 EST
I have lived in Bogota for 2 months now (Feb-Mar) & since Oct 21.
Tips:
1) VISA charges 1% on withdrawals at Cajeros; HSBC 3%. Don't bring too much cash: robberies are common and the exchange houses will nick you 4-6% on the transaction.
2) Some banks won't allow you to open a savings account until you become a resident (3 yrs). Exception: Davivienda
3) There are 6 economic levels for selecting places to rent. Most security at levels 4-6. Northern Bogota is a good area. Choose near common bus routes or TransMilenio.
4) Learn Spanish!
5) Best selection of fruits and veggies: Surtifruiver de la Sabana
6) Best malls: Santa Ana & Santa Fe
7) Best wine selection: Carrefour, which sells food and all household items.
8) If you are going to stay for some time and live in Colombia, apply for a Cedula. Cost is about $130 renewable annually until you become a resident. Apply at D.A.S. Available in 3-5 days.
9) All apartment rentals require a one year lease as does a typical communication contract (phone, broadband, cable TV; Telmex is good).
10) Be prepared to photocopy everything. Someone is going to need a copy of your passport or cedula or a receipt.
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adminee
From: United States
12/4/2008 15:07 EST
Great tips! Anyone else have any advice to add? If you got a call from an old friend or colleague who was moving to Colombia, what advice would you give them?
Betsy
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kevinincali
12/5/2008 12:57 EST
I don't have 10 unique tips, but here are mine. 1. Like the others, learn Spanish NOW!! 2. Find a native ASAP who can help you navigate your way around until you can go out on your own. 3. Get notorized copies of your passport and all other critical papers. Always get at least one more copy than you think you need. Lines are often long at official notary offices and the cost of copies is very little. 4. Get used to the food being different. Good pizza has proven hard to find. 5. Copy your posts before trying to send them on the internet. Your connection will fail at exactly that time. lol 6. Use a service like Yahoo IM, GoogleTalk or Skype to call your family back home. I call the U.S. on Skype for 2.1 cents/minute.
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Razial
5/11/2011 13:12 EST
Patience, patience, patience,
There is the right way the wrong way and the Colombian way.
If it takes one day in your home country to do things add at least 4 to 7 days in Colombia. Nobody is in a hurry here. If you become angry it will take longer or maybe never.
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