An Expat Talks about Living in Medellin, Colombia
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Medellin
Describe how you "dreamed" expat life would be before you moved overseas. Please provide as much detail as possible.
We did a lot of research beforehand and had traveled on our sailboat from San Francisco down the west coast of the US, Central America, going through the Panama Canal and on to Florida over a course of 3 years. We experienced every country in Central America, by exploring in each country on the "chicken buses." This allowed us to immerse ourselves into the culture, history, and stability of the governments first hand. This gave us insight into the realization that we could retire earlier and do it by becoming expats.
Upon our return to the US, we knew we can live cheaper, and healthier in another country. So we set a plan to stock up our retirement funds and a goal of being an expat by 2015. In 2015 we moved to Panama and lived there for 3.5 years. We visited Medellin and missed a big city life so we decided to move to Colombia. We are very glad we did.
How has your expat experience met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?
As mentioned we did a lot of homework and on the ground visits. Nothing was really a big surprise to us. Getting used to a different culture and their way of doing things takes understanding and consideration. Learning the language is the most challenging aspect of becoming an expat. You can become an expat without learning the language but you miss out on the cultural experience and making friends in your new country.
Our experience has been wonderful and has exceeded our expectations.
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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.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
How has your expat experience NOT met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?
That's a very thought-provoking question. Honestly, we have not had any bad expectations since we have moved abroad. We have had to learn to be more patient and have a manana attitude. Muy Tranquillo! The only regret is we wish we could have done it sooner!
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Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
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Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Medellin
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Medellin
- Tips for Expats Driving in Medellin
- Cost of Living in Medellin
- Health Care in Medellin
- The Insider's Guide to Medellin
- Healthcare in Medellin Colombia
- Best Places to Live in Medellin, Colombia
- Cost of Living in Medellin, Colombia
- 5 Tips For Living in Medellin, Colombia
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Best Places to Live in Colombia
- Real Estate in Colombia
- 12 Important Tips about Healthcare
- What It's Like Living in Medellin
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Colombia