anclaisa has left 9 comments

anclaisa comments on Whats the spanish word for neonatology

the translation is neonatologia o neonatologo. and premature babies=neonatos

anclaisa comments on What is the difference between Alejandra and Alejandro?

difference in names Yes Alejandra is female and Alejandro is a guy. Each one has a different type of music. Personally Alejandro Sanz has a better beat, rythm an lyrics compared to Alejandra Guzman (Mexican)

anclaisa comments on Does anybody have pictures of Buenaventura, Colombia

pictures Please let me know what type of pictures and how many you need. I might be able to help you.

anclaisa comments on exchange rate

exchange rate You have to know what's happening in the country in order to know what the tendency is. Bavaria (largest beer producer in Colombia and much of latinamerica), was recently purchased by SABMiller. It is expected that the money it was sold for, will enter the country by october. This being said, there will be abundant US dollars and therefore the price will tend to go down. Until then, it will remain steady as it has been since the start of the year. Now keep in mind that the official rate (Tasa Representativa del Mercado - TRM) is just used for official import/export activities, including wir transfers. If you are travelling into or out of Colombia, you can get better deals at hotels (front desk) or exchange houses (casas de cambio). And the difference may be up to 100 pesos per dollar, so it all depends on what you will be doing...

anclaisa comments on Colombia safety guide

Travelling by land Pan-American Hwy B:
I've lived most of my life in Colombia and believe that the plan you have of freighting your car from Panama (Colon City) to Cartagena is the best. However, check other ports of arrival in Colombia such as Barranquilla or Santa Marta (each 1 hr away from Cartagena) since they have competitive rates. Personally I would enter through Santa Marts (first Colombian city) and then go to Cartagena (must see city) and then head south to continue your trip through the PanAm Hwy. The colombian ministry of transportation conduct a series of caravans during long holiday weekends. These are called "Vive Colombia viaja por ella" routes and you can access an updated highway report at their website http://www.mintransporte.gov.co/seguridad_vial/.
As a pointer, it's easier to wake-up really early and start your journey at five in the morning and stay off the highways after dawn. This being said, at a good 70-80 miles per hour, you can make it from Santa Marta to Bogota during daylight (I did it in December). If you want to go slowly, there are a couple of small cities you can stay at and prices would not be more than US$50 per night for the two of you. So let me know if this info was useful.Good trip! I know you will enjoy it.

anclaisa comments on Living in Colombia

For Cynthiaschaub Hello Cynthia. I just relocated to the US and found your message,. Like everything and everywhere, business is good as long as you target the right market and are located in the best place with reference to this target group. I just got of the phone with a cousin who is selling her Spa, very high-end and good clientelle, because she will be relocating to the US by the end of the year as well (her husband will be transferred here by then). If you are still interested, email me at anclaisa at ixp.net and I can put you in touch.

anclaisa comments on Living in Colombia

retireing in Cali Charlie, when is your trip for? I just came to the US after 25 in Colombia and can share with you some information. I just need to know if you still require it. Email me at anclaisa at ixp.net if you believe I can assist you.

anclaisa comments on Living in Colombia

Internet serviced Harry, if you are still wondering, yes you can get broadband in Colombia and the prices are very competitive. Depending on which city you are located, the company/operator will differ. If in Bogota, I recommend CABLENET (www.cable.net.co)which is the broadband business of TVCABLE, the largest cable operator. Subscribing to the two services (TVCABLE and CABLENET) will get you the best deal, vs. getting each on your own (i.e. DirecTv and CABLENET).
Let me know if this was useful.

anclaisa comments on Living in Colombia

Money issues The problem is the process that undergoes clearing a check. It is a timely process, because they (Banks) do all type of security check on both the issuer or the cashee of the check. It can easily take 2-3 weeks, so I would encourage an electronic transfer. However, when this is done, the account holder to which you have sent the money to, will have to go into the nearest branch of his bank and "claim" (in spanish it's called Monetizar) that this money iss intended for him and fill out a form in which he states the origin of the money. A more lengthy process will take place if the money transferred exceeds 10K. So if you need to send in more than 10K, send two or more wire transfers, splitting the amount sent. This will guarantee that the money will "clear" faster. All these are measures by financial and police authorities to prevent drug money just pouring into the country. So be patient.