Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Colombia Expat Forum

Need Info: Move From Arizona to Cartagena, Colombia

New Topic Newest First
veryburntoutinaz
  11/14/2007 14:25 EST

I want to talk to someone that is now living in Cartagena, Colombia. I need info: on what I need to do to be legal in Cartagena, I need a visa for more than the 30 to 60 days? I am moving as soon as my house here sells! I want to just retire in the Cartagena area! I want to bring my small dog with, my household items, and I did get some info: from a moving company that states I CAN bring one (sporting) weapon with per family! I have a older 12 Ga shotgun, I think I can bring it if that is what they mean! ??? But I need to start getting my Ducks in a row! How and or where do I need to start getting all this stuff together? I am going to see my vet here to make sure my dogs shots and any special shots he needs for Colombia are up to date, and also for myself! PLEASE E mail me back at my hot mail E. It is veryburntoutinaz. I so need some GOOD and correct info: I need places, people to talk to. I do have the name of a guy over in Medellin that can get me a student visa and it is good for a year, maybe 2, BUT I have to give him my passport and he does everything through people he knows in Bogota. Cost is like 400 dollars! is there a way I can submit all this paperwork now or soon and not not to get leached on by someone, or is it better to go through someone that does this all the time and just pay the fees? Please someone that has done it all let me know! Also I am looking to rent, for now, a nicer home near Cartagena. I need a 3 bedroom and as I am a mechcanic and like to work on cars, motorcycles, airplanes, I really would like a house with a garage to have a area to work! And I am hoping to find this VERY NEAR to Cartagena for at or under 500 dollars a month! Is this impossible? Or can it be done with the right people. I am very handy with fixing things and IF I can find a home that needs a LITTLE work I can do that in exchange for some rent reduction! All I ask is the owner pay for the materials and I will do the work! Please someone get back to me asap! Thanks Dave in Az

Roadcourse
  11/15/2007 11:16 EST

Dear vboinaz: I have been living in Bogota for 2 1/2 years now and am very familiar and have great friends from and in Cartagena. I could fill you up with info, but it would be better to talk via telephone or my fingers will fall off typing. Reach me at [email protected] with your tel # and a few alternate times to call,maybe over the week-end and I will call you at one of the times you suggest. I have an overseas phone service on my computer so cost will not be an object. Barry

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

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.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

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.

RosaLeszek
  12/28/2008 13:50 EST

Hi!
My wife - Colombian and I like to move to Bogota in July 2009. We check some info. You can get visa permanent from any Colombian consulat. No problem. Do not!!!!!!!!!! send original passaport to anybody in Colombia!!!!!! No mater what thay promissed to you!!!!!!
You can take all you personal staff like furniture atc you pay 10% duty You can bring 1 brand new car with 1000 km or less. but duty is 75%
About rent in Cartagena. Unless you like to live in bad area expect to pay more then $500 for rent apartment. House cost a lot more. But hey you may get lucky!!!! Bogota is much better for renting. Any questions you have about law ask colombian cosulat.

scottnflorida
  5/4/2009 12:23 EST

I can help you and answer many questions... please contact me. Thanks, Scott

JP55301
  6/22/2009 02:02 EST

Veryburnt
I guess you like to get burned often. DO NOT SEND YOUR PASSPORT TO ANYONE!!!!!! And least of all pay any fees.
If you plan to retire in Colombia you need a residents visa not a 30 to 60 day visa. Most countries have a retiree program where they give you certain tax advantages and allow you to bring your belongings free of tax. But I have never heard of any country that allows you to bring guns least of all Colombia. I suggest you get rid of the gun.
To get on the retiree program and get the visa required you will need to submit various documents and have a guaranteed income. The amount of the income varies by countries. For example in Panama is $1000 a month used to be $500. You will need a police report, verification of the income and a few other docs like passport and birth certificate. But don't go by this, Check with the proper authorities to get the exact requirements. This is just a general comment of other retirees I know that have retired in various countries. Take this visa requirements serious because you could end up arrested. Don't play around with student visa if you are retiring and are going to work. You will need to get a work permit also and i don't know how this will be viewed since you are retiring.

Your best bet is to make an appointment with the Colombian consulate nearest to your home and get the information required and you can start the process right there. Stop asking these questions in the forum because you may get in trouble by following well intended advice but not correct because the requirements change daily.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET BURNT AGAIN.
Go to the consulate and only do what they indicate in writing NOT what anyone else tells you! Also the consulate will give you legally processed docs as well as stamping or approving any docs required.
Good luck!

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Living in Colombia GuideLiving in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in ColombiaHealthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in ColombiaCost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to ColombiaMoving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in ColombiaReal Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros Cons of Living in ColombiaPros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in ColombiaRetiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal