Canadian has left 13 comments

Canadian comments on UNIONTELECARD.COM USA LONG DISTANCE TO COLOMBIA

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Canadian comments on Banking advice?

Transfering Funds I opened up two accounts with Banistmo and Banco Granahorrar. All you need is first to get a RUT (tax id number) from the DIAN which you will only need your passport.

These two banks will require passport, RUT, Two references of friends or family here in Colombia and proof of residence address such as a utility bill or rent contract.

My assumption is that if you do not have a residence yet due to the fact you will be buying, I am sure the bank will come up with a solution such as a copy of the sale agreement with the buyer or a letter from the real estate agent.

Transfers to the bank is easy takes about 2-3 days.

Canadian comments on Drivers License

If you think Colombians are bad drivers then don't ever go to Peru they change lanes in split seconds and never ever look, signal, or anything.

My problem with Colombian drivers is really when I'm on foot. Colombians really feel that pedestrians have no right to cross the road and honk at you while your crossing like you shouldn't be crossing the street where they wish to make a right hand turn.

I usually just stop in the middle of the street for about 5 seconds and look at them hoping they get the idea we both have a right to use a public street.

Canadian comments on BANK ACOUNT IN COLOMBIA

My opinion again First off anyone can get a RUT at the DIAN without a Cedula. I got one for myself, and then another one for my Girl Friend a month latter neither of us has yet received our Cedula. I also just formed a corporation and did the RUT for the corporation.

Before anyone passes on advise as gospel know what your talking about please.!

Second if you need or don't need a bank account in Colombia then decide for yourself. I know BanColombia will cash up to $1,000.00 US a day in Travelers Cheques, and most ATM's will gladly take your International cards.

As far as risk, life always has a risk. I dont keep any more than $10,000.00 in my Colombian bank account. I feel that that is enough to hold if I need a sum of cash in an emergency, yet not enough to make me a mark for getting kidnaped. I also hold some funds in cash in a safe third place I can get to in a hurry.

The only draw back to the ATM Machines in Colombia is you will go bankrupt using them. $5.00 US for each withdrawl and the highest they dispense is $400,000.00 COP. (About $170.00 USD) If you need to get out $500.00 to $1,000.00 you will find yourself having to make 11 withdrawls (cost $55.00, and 20 minutes to do it) and unless you go at 7AM you will have 10 people standing in line behind you the moment you stick your card in the machine for the first time!

Canadian comments on Moving to Colombia

Why I came I had been visiting Colombia since the early 90's and never once had a bad experiance. I always felt at home here so when I had the opportunity to relocate here I jumped at the chance.

Quality of life is fantastic, I brought my Daughter and Girl Friend here from Asia and I would not have done that if I did not have a high degree of confidence in Colombia!

Remember it's Medellin and not Montreal or Manhattan. You will notice differences, and most of these are either good ones or are the kinds you can adjust to. I don't like having to show ID when using my credit card on a $10.00 purchase but then again I just remind myself that it's not that big a deal, and having a friendly cashier and staff help me load my groceries into my car is worth it!

Canadian comments on

Travel Warning I think the Colombian Government should warn against travel to Miami, Detroit, and Los Angeles.

Bogota and most of Colombia are far safer than most US Cities!

Also lets compare Colombia to Jamaica or Trinidad which now has far more kidnap for ransom per capita than Colombia.

Is there a US Warning on Venezuela or Brazil?

Warnings are like all other statistics they must be given with clarity and not altered or edited to suit a agenda.

Hey, and here's a thought for all to discuss, If the problem is cocaine and traficers then decriminalise drugs and the profits for the cartels drop. Kinda makes you wonder why the U.S. Government won't decriminalise drugs and prefers to keep supply low and prices high, while the CIA has four private companies that own and opperate plain wrapper aircrafts flying all over the world. The things that make you say hummmm!

Canadian comments on

My two cents worth A couple comments on GIB's posting. I will be the first one to state that the Colombian Government (like all Government's) could and should do more for the poor.

However let's not kid ourselves, the FARC is just like most governments (or opposition groups) in the world and frankly they don't give a S--T about the average Joe or Jose. If the FARC did come into power the situation of the poor would hardly change, and could even be worse.

What is needed is a middle of the road programme to help poor people to rise up economically. Go Chavez, or Peron style and your country will be bankrupt fast while you drive out the people with money and education. Go Regan/Bush style and people will die of hunger, or a revolution will happen.

Colombia really needs (in my opinon) a Mandela who could unite the country, forgive the past sins, and start Colombia on a path to prosperity for all!

Canadian comments on BANK ACOUNT IN COLOMBIA

NOT AS HARD AS SOME SAY. I opened up two accounts with Banitmo and Banco Granahorrar, they are more flexible than the others.

First go with your Passport to the office of DIAN in the north of Bogota (not in the centre as that is for businesses) and register for a RUT (Tax ID No.) TIP: pay $2,000 to the girl accross the street to do the form on computer and you get a priority number and your in and out within 3 minutes. Say your into exporting leather or something.

Second you will need an address with either a Rental contract or some other proof of you living at that address, Telephone bill etc.

Third you will need two locals to say your a good guy, the banks will call them.

With Passport, RUT, Proof of Address, and 2 references you should be fine. Call a few of the branches of these banks and explain your situation and you should have no problem. If you still have trouble e mail me and I will give you a contact.

Banking in Colombia is a pain in the ass, and I only just now got a Chequing account open after being here 5 months, having a respectable balance in my Savings Account. I litterely had to call Banistmos head office in Panama to get the headquarters to facilitate the opening of my chequing account.

The president of Banistmo Colombia called me himself and explained a lot of this is do to strict banking regulations by the banco central, but on the flip side as he pointed out Colombia has never lost a bank unlike other South American Couuntries!

Good Luck

Canadian comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

My Two Cents Most Colombianas are very sincere and want a good man in thier life. I am quite sure right now she loves you and you are an important part of her life. Sounds like she dosent have much, and for that reason will appreciate what she has and that's YOU. She probably really needs that money, and she also probably really respects you for it.

Sounds to me like you've done a bit of checking, and all has come back positive so now relax about it and let things take it's course!

Hope you two have many years of happiness ahead. Bien Suerte.

Canadian comments on Chicas Aguilas

CHICAS AGUILAS About 1 month ago I was in Uni Centro there was about 10-12 of these girls, not one of them under 5"10' and all of them HOT HOT HOT!

But come on please dont show anymore of these pictures before you know it word will be out on how great Colombianas are, both inside and out and we will have more men down here competing for these beauties.

SHHHH!

Canadian comments on Best Restaurant In Colombia

All you can eat Buffet I have not eatten here but I did notice near my home on Av 19 near 127 a Bufet called "Grants" It's marque seems to be kind of a $50.00 USD Bill to help you look out for it.

If your looking for that type here it is, let the rest of us know how it is.

Canadian comments on Suggestions for layover in Bogota

Layover I now live in BOG but I have been coming here for a number of years. One time my Brother in Law and I had a Eight Hour layover on a flight from Sao Paulo to Caracas and wanted to go to Salitre Plaza to kill some time, stretch our legs, and get some food.

We simply asked immigration if we could leave, they stamped our boarding cards (Note: get your transit boarding cards before aproaching immigration) and NOT OUR PASSPORTS.

When we came back to the airport we simply went to the immigration queue and presented the boarding pass with the stamp and informed the official what we had done. By getting your boarding card before leaving the transit zone you avoid paying the airport taxes.

Colombians are very accomodating people and I remember well that we paid for Taxis, Food and a few things we bought all in US Dollars as we forgot to change any $$ before leaving the airport.

Also left luggage facilities are near the domestic area of the airport so you can leave your luggage. Taxis are on a coupon basis so you inform the ticket window of your destination, she hands you the coupon with the price. You pay only that price (tips however are appreciated) and you would have to be real wet behind the ears to pay any more.

I now live in Colombia, I brought my wife and daughter and can tell you that Colombia is one of the safest countries in the world. YES THE WORLD!

DETROIT, RIO, CARACAS, NAIROBI, SAO PAULO, LIMA, MEXICO, MIAMI, NEW YORK, PORT OF SPAIN, KINGSTON, MANILA, PAUPA NEW GUINIA, GEORGETOWN,
I could go on and on, BOGOTA is Far Safer than any of the above cities!

Do not let media and government prejudice against this lovely country ever stop you from coming here and seeing for yourself how great a country this is.

One last thing, I use a simple rule ANYWHERE I travel.
Take out on the street with you only what you can afford to loose!

Canadian comments on What is life in Colombia like?

Transfering Funds As far as transfers go just Western Union And Money Gram.

Why not call your bank tell them to send your card to your US Address and then Fed Ex it to you here in Colombia?