How is it to live in Barranquilla?

Pappassito says on May 23, 2008, 05:23:

HUMID.. I have visited an ex-pat friend of mine there a couple of times. Don`t rent anything without AC,or you will be miserable.

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robi666 says on May 23, 2008, 06:49:

From Bucaramanga to Barranquilla... an hell of a change!
Climate, hot and humid
People, they are not known for their efficiency
Tidiness, dirty and dusty
Services, ...well...

Barranquilla is the best town for partying.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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jaramillo says on May 23, 2008, 07:09:

I really like a suburb of Barranquilla. It's called Santa Marta. No offense to anyone, but I don't think I could get paid enough to live in Bquilla.

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adrienne79 says on May 23, 2008, 07:20:

Thanks. So anyone actually live there? It is one thing to travel to a city but it is another to live there.

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hongo_joe says on May 23, 2008, 07:38:

Hi adrienne79 - I live in Barranquilla. If you have any specific questions I would be happy to try to answer them. As for teaching jobs, I don't know.

I think it is an OK place to live. As others have said, it is hot - but much of the time there is a cool breeze from the sea. I very rarely use air conditioning (but I like heat). It is definitely not as well organized and as clean as Bucaramanga, but there are some nice neighbourhoods.

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bradenmiami says on May 23, 2008, 08:37:

I lived there part-time with my ex-wife, and lived in Barrio Boston. I telecommuted and physically worked in the US, so never had to deal with getting a job there, so I can't help with that. But...if you're looking for a great place to party, with (in my opinion) the hottest and most fun women in the country, then you should be in 'Quilla.

Don't forget your AC units though!

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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curramberochris says on May 23, 2008, 09:22:

I made the move from Bucaramanga to Barranquilla about 4 years ago. I live here now with my wife.
It took me about 4 months to get used to living in quilla after moving from Santander. It is like a different country! The weather, the people, the spanish, the attitudes. All very different....but not necessarily worse.

I tell most people, Barranquilla is not for everyone, you have to be a cerain type of person to live here. I have seen a lot of people come here and then leave as they didn't enjoy it (most women).
Personally I love the city, it ain't pretty but for the same you can have a higher standard of living here than the other big cities........

You want to work in schools or Universities?

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bickerss says on May 23, 2008, 09:30:

agree with the above it isnt a pretty city but I really like it - really friendly people and a great vibe. As robbie said - best place to party as well.

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adrienne79 says on May 23, 2008, 10:42:

Thaks guys, curramberochiris your information has been the most valuable since you know exctly what the move would be like. Currently I am working in a school but for some time I have given University teaching a thought since i know it pays better. I guess if we make this move I will be up for either...I just know I will be bored staying at home without working.

I am from Texas so I am very familiar with not living in pretty cities...hahaha! I like to think I am adaptable too. Well, I will let you know what we decide and if anyone has input, I would love to hear it.

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saintanna says on May 23, 2008, 11:54:

Hi Adrienne, I'm moving to Bucaramanga in August from the UK to live with my boyfriend in Pan de Azucar area. I know it's cheeky, but I'm looking for a teaching job. Is there a vacancy at the school that you teach at now? If so, I would be really grateful if you could let me have their contact details. What's the salary? I nearly moved to Bucaramanga four years ago, and was offered a job at UNAB and they were going to pay me approx. 13,000 COP an hour. Is it any better now? Any advise would be greatly received. Thanks.

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adrienne79 says on May 23, 2008, 14:33:

13,000 a hour is about the best you will see in Bucaranmanga unless you are doing private stuff on your own. There are no vacancies at my school currently but will let you know if I leave and find out they will be looking.

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bradenmiami says on May 23, 2008, 18:24:

"13,000 a hour" - OUCH!

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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adrienne79 says on May 24, 2008, 08:06:

""13,000 a hour" - OUCH!"

You would be suprised how far that much goes in a city like Bucaramanga. It is more than enough to live a comfortable life and enjoy many things in life.

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curramberochris says on May 24, 2008, 08:27:

I lived quite well in Bucaramanga and I didn´t earn very much at all. Wasn't there for the money but it can be done if you don't go crqzy. Barranquilla is more expensive, but there is also more demand for English Teachers

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rjstuff says on May 24, 2008, 09:30:

My wife is from Barranquilla and still loves it - but agrees that its too hot and too humid. It seems that its about 90 degrees F every day of the year. You must - must - must - have A/C. My wife would often flag a taxi and then not get in if the A/C wasn't working. The city is very crowded and the traffic is pretty bad (if you are going to be driving) but buses and taxis are easily available to go where you want. They have some nice malls - I like Buenavista - its cool and has a nice foodcourt there. Santa Marta is about 2 hours away (by van) and is fun to go to.
For me, Barranquilla is not livable but she loves it. We are actually going to visit Bucaramanga next year to see if we might move there (from US).

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adrienne79 says on May 29, 2008, 15:44:

Well, we decided against this idea for now. We will stay in Bucaramanga.

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vicshere says on May 29, 2008, 16:47:

adrienne when i visted Baq a couple of years ago i found it very hot and dirty
lowell lives there i think

listo

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billyb says on May 29, 2008, 18:21:

Adrienne, email Elmo to see what he thinks of 'quilla :))

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billyb says on May 29, 2008, 20:25:

"Barranquilla is full of drunkards papamilitaries"

And some pretty mean mamamilitaries also ;)

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