About seoulguy

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Colombia: Retirement in Colombia: the decision-making process:

I was gratified at the amazing response of nice expats to my previous posts. Many factors are decisive in making a move. I meet the requirements for the cedula, and I'm glad that expats are eligible for state-sponsored healthcare. Here, I am using the very current ACA fight to determine the fate of Medicare. Briefly, if the Republican Congress can pass what they have offered and sign it into law, knocking off countless from access to healthcare, it will be a signal that killing off Medicare is next. Quality of life is also a concern. I like the coast, but Colombia's north coast looks like sprawl. Anyway to the point, I'd like to hear from those of you who took an organized, step-by-step approach to finally deciding to make your move. What were those steps? What were the decisive factors, and are you satisfied with your decision. If so, why; if not, why? Thanks.

Colombia: Laguna de Guatape:

Is anyone living well in the titled area without needing to travel to Medellin for basic necessities, including basic healthcare?

Colombia: Seniors on EPS:

Would like to hear from 60+ seniors on EPS only since the age differential would disqualify for SURA + EPS. I assume that basic services do not include surgery, hospitalization, major or long-term treatment. Am I right or wrong. Another way to answer this is to compare with Medicare Part B (premium) or Part A (no premium). The point may be very moot by next June if Medicare is killed off. DM

Colombia: Seniors on EPS:

Would like to hear from 60+ seniors on EPS only since the age differential would disqualify for SURA + EPS. I assume that basic services do not include surgery, hospitalization, major or long-term treatment. Am I right or wrong. Another way to answer this is to compare with Medicare Part B (premium) or Part A (no premium). The point may be very moot by next June if Medicare is killed off. DM

Colombia: Criminal background check for T7, yes or no?:

I have check and rechecked the following site for specificity on this issue: cancilleria.gov.co, and found no mention of this requirements for pensioners applying for the 1-year T-7. Then I found the following at a site called justlanded.com, and it reads as follows: "A criminal record report from the police from your last country of residence, unless you are 65 years of age or older. You can obtain this from your local police station, and it must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator." It is noted that Eucador now requires both local CIS and FBI. State CIS would be relatively easy and quick, but FBI check takes months, and if an issue arises, many more months to resolve it. Therefore, it would be helpful if those of you over 65 and recently granted a cedula did in fact submit one or both forms of background check. And if you applied in country, how did you manage to obtain the required check in the required time as mandated for granting the cedula? Thanks.

Colombia: Internet-based business:

I assume an Internet-based business would not be in breach of CO law in that it has nothing to do with taking work away from CO citizens or the economy. That assumed, I'd like to know from those of you who do operate from the Internet, how you get paid. I have large quarterly billings paid by check. Of course, that would be out. Otherwise, I rely on PayPal and have for over 13 years with not one problem. I need the income as part of my retirement finance structure. So, it's not something to just casually drop.

Colombia: Seniors, are you paying attention to U.S. politics?:

I ask the question because come January two entitlements that affect 65+ individuals stateside and abroad are Medicare and Social Security. Are you aware that one party is in control and that party has wanted to kill Medicare and cut SS forever. Now, they can do it, and, no, they don't need permission for the minority party. Just wonder if anyone out there is keeping tabs and worrying, as I am. DM

Colombia: Best North Coast Retirement Spots:

Can any expat now living on the Caribbean or Pacific side coast recommend a nice town for 70+ retiree that is 1) as crime-free as relatively possible and 2) LGBT-friendly? Thanks

Colombia: Trump & Colombia:

I'm just reading your post and some replies. Colombia was on my list for a possible retirement spot, but only in a half serious way, that is, until the so-called election. I know Indiana, was born there, and I know the Pence mindset. The WH, together with the Republicans will wage war to kill Medicare and maybe cut SS. This has turned my half-serious to full-serious. I have lived and worked in places like PR and Mexico. I speak, read and write Spanish. I qualify for I think it's T4 residency, but I'm a little concerned about currently revised US DOS warnings, i.e., bombings and new crime wave in Colombia, especially San Andres. Any comments?

Colombia: Giving up Citizenship?:

I noticed your note was dtd 11/8. Well, you know what happened. Giving up US citizenship may be a bold step since politics in any country, including CO, are always volatile. I should think residency visa should be enough. I'm a senior, and knowing what I know today, most forecasters are saying Medicare will die, some of it along with the ACA repeal, and maybe all of it thereafter. SS may be privatized as well. Just wondering how expats depending on SS as a visa qualification will fare under those circumstances. DM

Date Joined:

5/1/2015

Total Posts:

24

Posts/Day:

0.03