Estratos

lilrunner says on Jan 28, 2007, 15:28:

Previous string http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/10744?from=0&comments_per_page=50

Check out this older string of info. I have been wondering the same. The second page has a link to a map of estratos in Bogota.

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2007, 22:41:

Wise words Don Gringo. If the original poster really doesn't understand the estrato thing, here is my take on it. In Colombia, utilities, including water, electicity, gas, etc. are billed on a millage rate. The rate that a peron is billed for these utilities is based on their estrato, or location of their house and perceived wealth of the barrio. The estratos start at 0 I think, and top out at 6. Estratos 3 and 4 are considered middle class usually. For example, if an estrato 2 uses the exact same amount of electricity as an estrato 5, the estrato 2 bill may be 20.000 cop, but the estrato 5 might be 37.000 pesos. Same amount of electricity, different billing rates.

You will find many people in Colombia want to keep their house in a lower estrato, because obviously they want to keep their utility bills low. I have walked up to homes that had sidewalks falling apart, the street was dug up and undrivable, the house looked like shit - but, go through those front doors, and all of a sudden there is beautiful furniture, gardens, high-end appliances, etc. The reason is because the owner doesn't want to pay estrato 6 rates, but has the means to live in an estrato 6. So, he / they keep the house in the typical condition for that particular barrio on the outside, but live luxuriously once inside.

In my fiancee's case, her mother lives in an estrato 2 house. Their bills were significantly less than my bills when I lived in an estrato 4 apartment. And we even used less utilities. The reasoning is to make it easier for people with lesser means to be able to afford their electicity, and thus the richer get charged more because they can afford it. My girl's grandmother and a few other family members live in a zero. Dirt floor, no doors, tin roof, hand strung wires, pvc pipe running across the ground to suppy the water, out-house, etc. I have a feeling they don't even get utility bills. I never asked.

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tejasmarcos says on Jan 29, 2007, 00:56:

Robin Hood theory of taxation, really? the U.S. incorporates some of the same priciples with exception to the price differential in utilities. the U.S. has a better science on valuation with their property tax valuation models and public record laws.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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PaisaAmericano says on Jan 29, 2007, 08:03:

DG is Right!!! Yo!!! I currently live in a strata 6 neighborhood in Medellin. Its ok, but Id rather live where my grandfather lives, in a strata 3-4 where the women roam all day, there is music playing, Dennis the menaces running around playing soccer, empanadas being sold by the neighborhood hoe. and.....well you get my point. The meat of colombia is in the lower to mid class neighborhoods.

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 29, 2007, 10:15:

PaisaAmericano .... ditto.
PaisaAmericano .... ditto.

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kalder says on Jan 29, 2007, 10:56:

PaisaAmericano What a lovely pictue you've painted. I can almost smell the empanadas...

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Ctg Bound says on Jan 29, 2007, 12:35:

PaisaAmericano You need to move, I lived in strata 6 neighborhood in Medellin for a year, now in a strata 3 neighbourhood, for the last 3 years, much nicer feel to it, feels much more like Colombia.

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