Colombia Forum

mtbe
Joined 2015
Posts: 802

1 year ago

20 years ago

1 year ago

20 year ago, when I first visited Colombia, I remember:

- Minutos: People with multiple cell phones, all chained to their waist, standing on busy corners, selling minutes for a few pesos. These were essentially the 'pay phone' of the times. Several were blind and would dial the number for you.

- cabina telefonica: I think these had other names. But a little shop would have 4-5 booths to make phone calls...usually to the US, Spain or other international destination. They would dial for you, then transfer the line to the booth you were in. There were a lot of cyber cafe's popping up too...

- Tourism: I remember tourist destinations, like Salento, Filandia, Minca and Villa de Layva, were small villages visited mostly by locals and "Lonely Planet" backpackers. Now these little villages are packed with tourist...or at least were before the pandemic.

- Fewer cars

- More dirt/gravel roads

- Higher police presence...at least visible, especially in Medellin. Several of our intracity busses would get stopped, everybody got off and a quick pat-down, then back on the bus. Haven't had that happen for at least 15 years.

What else do you remember?

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

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

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

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

Cost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving 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 Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros & 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 Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

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

Additional Information:

Visit our Colombia Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

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