About KCM210

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

Canada

Some Forum Posts:

Colombia: For a 90-180 day trip what would you absolutely bring to COL:

I bought my iPhone 6 from an Apple store unlocked. I went to Telus and asked for a sim, told them i wanted this new phone active on their network instead of my iphone5 and in 2 minutes I was good to go. So not all phones sold in Canada are sold locked. It is true that phones sold by the network supplier (Bell, Telus, Rogers etc) are locked into their network. That's how they sell them as "loss leaders". The simple answer would be to purchase the phone directly from someone other than the network. When I gave the old iphone5 to the wife, she took it to Claro, asked for a sim, paid the 5000 COP (or so), and it was active on Claro in 10 minutes. They didnt ask for a receipt. I expect that I won't have an issue with the 6 either. Just an FYI.....

Colombia: Is Cali that crime ridden?:

I live in San Fernando, about 500 yds from el Estadio, and feel perfectly safe there. It can be a little rowdy during the futbol games at the stadium but I have not felt unsafe there. I have often gone for walks in the neighborhood during the later evening. Of course, there are areas where I don't go and even the taxi drivers roll up their windows and lock their doors at night. But I've had that in many places in N. America too. Great places to dance? La Topa Tolandra on Calle 5 (across from the Parque Artesana Loma de la Cruz) is an awesome place. I have been there till 2:30 or 3 and the dancing never stops. It's usually best to get there by 9 to make sure you get a table.

Colombia: Cali Expat Meet-ups??:

Hello to all of my fellow ex-pats living in the city of Cali. I am recent expat to Cali. My first visit was in October and November, and I was just in the city from the first of January until just last Friday. Unlike Medellin, which seems to have a fairly active ex-pat community with monthly meet-ups, I have yet to come across any (English-speaking) expats during my time there and certainly no "organized" monthly meetings. I am returning to the city in April on a permanent basis, I will likely be settling in San Fernando (very close to el Estadio) I explored much of the city and have found that San Fernando is a great area - relatively quiet (except when the futbol games are happening.) and safe. Does anybody know of areas in the city where ex-pats gather? I'd definitely be interested.....

Colombia: Account - Corporate Tax Returns:

I assume you mean filing Colombian corporate taxes? I am a Canadian CPA.CA, living in Cali.

Colombia: Immigration Lawyer/Visa Consultant:

I am hoping that someone who is here in Cali can give me some information. I am looking for an Immigration lawyer/Visa consultant here in Cali. I am trying to apply for a TP-10 visa but getting some conflicting information from the Cancilleria. I have a document from the Notaria here in Cali which registered my "union libre". Apparently that isn't good enough for the Cancilleria, according to individual my fiancee spoke with this morning. Getting anything which states I am "free to marry" will be difficult as my divorce in Canada is not final. If someone can provide me with the name of a good lawyer/consultant in Cali, I would really appreciate it. I know there are some firms in Medellin, but don't necessarily want to make the trip there if I don't have to.

Colombia: Condo/building disclosure:

If it is a condo, you may want to ask about a reserve fund study - if one has been done and obtain a copy. Hopefully the reserve fund for the Condo Assoc matches the requirements of the reserve fund study. If you purchase the condo, you could be on the hook for your share of expenses that you didn't expect. KCM

Colombia: Happy New Year:

Happy new year to one and all. Here in Canada on New Year's Eve (at -4C and snow) and wishing I was there. 13 more days and I'll be back but it seems like a long time since I've been gone and definitely missing the significant other. I hope everyone has a healthy, happy prosperous 2017. KCM

Colombia: Shots:

The CDC (and the Government of Canada as well) list recommended vaccinations for any (and every country) https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/ One item not on the list is Dukoral (for traveller's diarrhea) When i went in October, I had more shots than I can count. This trip (in January) I do not need any.

Colombia: Christmas in Colombia:

Unfortunately, I had to come back to Canada for the Xmas season but I would do almost anything to back in Cali for Xmas and New Years. I have seen the display of the Christmas lights in Cali for this year...Amazingly beautiful. btw...- I am not much of a scotch fan...but I would kill for a decent "ron" in colombia. I have been drinking the 15 yr old Colombian ron but it can't compare to a Jamaican or Bermudian rum. Happy holidays everyone.... KCM

Colombia: So... why did you REALLY choose Colombia?:

Some people seem to forget that the US (and Canada) (and Colombia) all tax on worldwide income, as a resident. (as do most countries) There is also a credit for the taxes paid to the "foreign" country. So if I happen to be a resident of Colombia and also am required to file a return in Canada, there isn't any double taxation. I get tax credit for taxes paid in either country on each return that I file. Maybe it is a PITA to file multiple returns, but I'll take that any day. The advantages far outweigh any disadvantage.

Date Joined:

8/23/2016

Total Posts:

22

Posts/Day:

0.10