An Expat Talks about Moving to Cartago, Colombia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Cartago

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Wish I had brought my whole family, my old cars, and American footbal.

I should have left behind most of my furniture and stuff.

Be light, sell lots of stuff before moving. keep it simple.

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We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Go for it. Keep your money invested in the USA and take what you need monthly. Rent initially. Great buys for cash.

$2000 usa will allow you to live like a king.

Body massages $7 for an hour

Nails done over one hour $15 dollars

Papayas -- $0.40 per pound

Mangoes --$0.15 per pound

Sirloin steak -- $2 per pound

beer -- $0.50 per can

Rent - ok place $75/month

Rent - nice $150 per month

Rent -- very, very nice $250 per month

Rent -- Country club type -- swiming pool, everything, view, fantastic- $700-$800

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

Anything you want. You can start at $40K to $300k. Nice neighborhoods around $70k and very luxurious country homes with swimming pools , air, cable, 5000', barbeque areas, security, etc. They are like fancy homes in a country club.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Several American friends live in the Cartago-Cerrito-Alcala-Quindio areas. Just outside Cartago is a paradise. The Cerritos or Quindio areas i think is one of the best places in the world to have a good life. A little bit expensive but you can have great choices from $100k to $300k. Several acres, swimming pool, everything you did not have in the USA. or if you want you can buy a house in El Prado neighborhood for $70k. Fantastic.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Equivalent housing to the USA, what cost in Seattle $6 dollars, cost $1 in the area. take your pick. A $1.2 million home in Seattle costs $200,000. A $500,000 dollar home about $80,000