In need of friends and/or connections in Bogota - hep needed

Hello
I was very happy to find this site. I am a newbie, learned much from the postings and also related much to the reponse to postings too.

I really would like to connect with some helpful Colombiano(s) that might have some answers to my questions about local in and outs. I have several questions but I would prefer to start with only a few not to overwhelm. I did have contact at one time with a person at the US Embassy in Bogota - the website has changed since and that time - now contact is problematic via email..and of course they are limited in some of their answers. Even then..many times in the past I was referred to contact a translator

Ok - Here goes
1) I need to locate Bogota addresses/phone numbers to names and telephone numbers to businesses or residence. Easy here in the States either by calling information or going online. How do I do this for Bogota? I understand a fair amount of spoken Spanish and speak very little, so this resource would need to be English speaking or through an interpreter.

2) Does anyone know of a reliable and credentialed legal service that offers services that can serve a person legal notices in Bogota?

3) Anyone know of affordable translation services if needed (English/Spanish) thanks so much

4) Visa's.... for Colombiano Nationals attempting to exit Colombia - what type of VISA's are there that would be re- newed every 3 years? Of course during this time the person can obtain a US visa such as a B2 lasting 6 months or so. Hoping someone could educate me on this area, as it really does not make sense to me (the three year one). - AND in regards to this 3 year VISA - what are the typical conditions around renewal?

Thanks so much ;)
Hope someone can help

By TrueBlond on Dec 7, 2007, 23:38 in Friendly Talkzone.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 8, 2007, 20:10: The only thing I can answer is question 4. Assuming you are talking about a Colombiano leaving Colombia to go the US - there aint' no such thing as a "3 year visa." (unless you are talking about how long until expiration) A Colombian is free to travel anytime, anywhere they want, as far as the Colombian government is concerned. The problem lies in the countries the Colombian wants to go to. Again, going on the assumption you are asking about Colombia to the US, a Colombian national will have to obtain a visa prior to leaving Colombia. Without the visa, they won't even sell him a plane ticket or let him on the plane. To get a tourist visa to the US, a Colombian has to show they have a very good job, they have savings, they own property, they have close family staying behind in Colombia, etc. And then it is still a crap shoot. Roughly 2% of applicants are approved for tourist visas in Bogota. A work visa or a student visa would be much easier to get - yet very challenging and not guaranteed by any means. A fiance or spousal visa is almost a slam dunk if the two parties meet the prerequisites. Good luck. If you don't mind sharing a little more information and details, we might be able to give you better, more specific answers. He who farts in church, sits in his own pew. 0 funny, 0 helpful.

TrueBlond says on Dec 9, 2007, 20:37: . 0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Dec 10, 2007, 21:07: I can think of one person so far, Mr. Gator he knows a lot about your inquire. The life spam of a taste bud is ten days 0 funny, 0 helpful.

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