There's almost no online information in English about Colombia's buying process. For people arriving for the first time, it could be a complicated subject, because they don't know language, laws or local customs.

You might have come with the idea of international living. Why not look for opportunities in South America that can offer you low costs, quality of life, outstanding landscapes and great people all in one place?

Colombia may not be the first place you think of. Unfortunately we have a lot of problems, I have to be honest with that, but we are 40 million inhabitants that have to deal with the same problems as any other country in the world. U.S. families have their kids fighting in Iraq, we have our young soldiers fighting in the jungle; safety issues could be more prevalent in New York than Bogota or Medellin; drug consumption is higher in Europe than in Colombia; South Africa, Venezuela, Jamaica & Brazil have more gun murders than Colombia, but that is not portrayed in the media. Currently kidnappings are lower in Colombia than Haiti and Mexico, for example. I can continue with all the problems we have to deal with in this modern era, but it is better to focus on the country's assets - its civilans, constitutional tradition, a record of sound economic management and performance, and educational, cultural, and scientific progress.

So what's life in Colombia like? What are the people like? How's the food? How much does it cost? Well these are the kind of questions that can only be answered by being here. Even just for a couple of weeks. Don't let the negative publicity spoil a wonderful trip. New sensations, limitless possibilities, new and exciting beginnings may await you.

> Next Page of "Retiring in Colombia"

About the Author Mauricio Jaimes, Industrial Engineer with a MD in International business degree from Grenoble Ecole de Management in France. With 12 years experience in the real estate and construction industries, Jaimes has helped foreign people learn how to buy safe Colombian properties. He created BuyColombiaRealty.com.

Write a Comment about this Article

First Published: Jan 12, 2008